n she settles on your
face or hands, she pierces the skin, extracts some blood, and at the
same time injects a little poison; this produces the feeling which
proves so annoying.

LESSON XXXIII

SELF-RELIANCE

Of all the elements of success none is more vital than
self-reliance,--a determination to be one's own helper, and not to look
to others for support. It is the secret of all individual growth and
vigor, the master-key that unlocks all difficulties in every profession
or calling. "Help yourself, and Heaven will help you," should be the
motto of every man who would make himself useful in the world. He who
begins with crutches will generally end with crutches. Help from
within always strengthens, but help from without invariably enfeebles.

It is said that a lobster, when left high and dry among the rocks, has
not instinct and energy enough to work his way back to the sea, but
waits for the sea to come to him. If it does not come, he remains
where he is and dies, although the slightest effort would enable him to
reach the waves. The world is full of human lobsters,--men stranded on
the rocks of business, who, instead of putting forth their energy, are
waiting for some grand billow of good fortune to set them afloat.

There are many young men, who, instead of carrying their own burdens,
are always dreaming of some Hercules, in the shape of a rich uncle, or
some other benevolent relative, coming to give them a "lift." In
ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, pecuniary help to a beginner is not
a blessing, but a calamity. Under the appearance of aiding, it weakens
its victims, and keeps them in perpetual slavery and degradation.

Let every young man have faith in himself, and take an earnest hold of
life, scorning all props and buttresses, all crutches and
life-preservers. Instead of wielding the rusted swords of valorous
forefathers, let him forge his own weapons; and, mindful of the
Providence over him, let him fight his own battles with his own good
lance.

SELECTION XIII

PRAYER IN BATTLE

Father, I call to Thee.
Roaring enshrouds me, the din of the battle,
Round me like lightning the leaping shots rattle.
Leader of battles, I call to Thee.
Father, Thou lead me.

Father, Thou lead me.
Lead me to victory, lead me to death;
Lord, at Thy pleasure I offer my breath.
Lord, as Thou wilt, so lead me.
God, I acknowledge Thee.

God, I acknowle