Solitude

DOING IT WITHOUT PRESSURE 127 not deceive yourselves by the thought that you can quit any time. You may feel assured that such is possible today, but there will come a time when the habit will have such a hold upon you that quitting will be next to impossible. Do not wait till the coming prohibitory law is enacted by the state. Manifest your strength of character by abstaining from all evil habits without the pressure of external force. Be master of yourself and thereby regain your self-respect. Why not, like the state is about to do, enact a prohibition law for yourself? Make it so far-reaching that it will embrace all kinds of evils, and then live up to it! Salt Lake City, Utah Solitude I sat in the twilight; the camp fire burned low; Sunset colors were leaving the sky, And the silvery moon burst from a fleecy white cloud, With one star shining brightly near by. All was peaceful and quiet; no sound could be heard, For 'twas out on a desert most lone, Save the yelp of a coyote, or, near by, The ground owl's occasional moan. No more beautiful sunset e'er gilded the sky Than was fading in darkness away, Yet it seemed the night strove in its calm majesty To outdo e'en the glory of day. What a scene to inspire, yet how lonely and still! One could but reflect on the might Of the Infinite Maker whose powerful hand Had patterned both day and the night. So I sat there and mused of the wonderful grace Which had made life so well worth the while; How e'en in a desert as lone as that was It could change the worst frown to a smile. There is nothing will bring man more near to his God Than communing with nature direct, Where his innermost soul, in the solitude left, Is given a chance to reflect! Forest Dale D. W. Smith.