Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.

We become calm in the measure that we understand ourselves as thought-evolved beings, for such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as we develop a right understanding and see more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect, we cease to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and remain poisd, steadfast, serene.

Calm people, having learned how to govern themselves, know how to adapt themslves to others; and they, in turn, reverence their spiritual strength and feel that they can learn from them and rely upon them. The more tranquil we beome, the greater is our success, our influence, and our power for good. Even ordinary merchants will find business prosperity increase as they develop a greater self-control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with people whose demeanor is strongly equable.

Strong, calm people are always loved and revered.They are like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land or a sheltering rock in a storm. Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines or what changes come to those possessing these blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, and calm. That exquisite poise of character, which we call serenity, is the last lesson of culture; it is the flower of life, the fruit of the soul. It is precious as wisdom. It is more to be desired than gold, more even than fine gold. How insignificant mere money seeking looks in comparison with a serene life--a life that dwells in the ocean of truth, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the eternal calm.

How many people we know who sour their lives, who ruin all that is sweet and beautiful by explosive tempers, who destroy their poise of characters and make bad blood! It is a question whether the great majorities of people do not ruin their lives and mar their happiness by lack of self-control. How few people we meet in life who are well balanced, who have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the finished character!

Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief, is blown about by anxiety and doubt. Only those whose thoughts are controlled and purified make the winds and the storms of the soul obey them.

Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this--in the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep; wake Him. Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!"