Felt much turmoil of spirit, in prospect of having all my plans for the welfare of this great region and this teeming population, knocked on the head by savages tomorrow. But I read that Jesus said: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. . . . and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18–20 KJV)! It is the word of a Gentleman, of the strictest and most sacred honor. So there’s an end of it! I will not cross furtively tonight as I intended. Should such a man as I flee? Nay, verily, I shall take observations for latitude and longitude tonight, though they may be the last. I feel quite calm now, thank God! DIARY OF DAVID LIVINGSTONE

During the terrible days of the Boxer uprising in China, as one report followed another of mission stations destroyed and missionaries massacred, Hudson Taylor sat quietly at his desk singing softly the hymn he loved so dearly: Jesus, I am resting, resting, In the joy of what Thou art.

When our confidence is in God, we may be superior to circumstances.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). However impossible it may seem to the reasoning of the earthly-minded, it is nevertheless a blessed reality to the trustful child of God that “Faith can sing through days of sorrow: ‘All, all is well!’ ”

“Though I was afraid of many things,” said John Buchan, “the thing I feared most mortally was being afraid.”

Fierce was the wild billow, Dark was the night; Oars labored heavily; Foam glimmered white. Trembled the mariners, Peril was nigh; Then said the God of Gods, “Peace! It is I.” Ridge of the mountain wave, Lower thy crest. Wail of the stormy wind, Be thou at rest. Peril there none can be; Sorrow must fly, Where saith the Light of Life, “Peace! It is I.”

Come into port greatly, or sail with God the seas! RALPH WALDO EMERSON