"I return now to the question, What is the best course for me to take in endeavoring to determine, in any doubtful case, what is my duty ? And, borne out by the laws of man's nature and the declarations of revelation, I reply in the words of the text, for they suggest the whole answer, " Be still, and know that I am God!" In many things it is proper to ask merely what is pleasant, what will gratify the taste,' what will be useful. But in deciding a question of duty, the appeal is made to what is highest and best in a man, and the answer must come thence, or it will only cheat and lead astray. The primary necessity is to separate one's self from the urgencies of the passions. We have come to a question which no crowd can settle by vote or resolution. And what is more, no other human beings, much as they may help us, can settle it for us. I would summon up the best counsellors. I would be out of the sound of human voices. Then is the time for retirement. Be still, and know only that with you is God. One hour in these summer fields alone, in the silence of nature, with a heart that looks in prayer to Him who is above the open heavens, is worth more in determining a question of duty, than ages of rhetoric and libraries of logic. An hour in this place, before the memorials of Christ, with the heart seeking God's guidance, has in it more wisdom than all the oracles philosophy ever uttered. Evil suggestions fade away from the consciousness of the Divine presence. The mind acts in an unembarrassed sphere; it is placed in a right position, and is open to the unbewildered light of truth. The intellect will seek truth most faithfully when the heart seeks God most truly. Prayer does not take the place of reasoning, but the reason finds guidance and protection in prayer. I do not say that even under these circumstances one will always judge aright; but he will judge rightly for himself. He has done the best he can, and will never repent of it. In this reverential and prayerful seeking for right, one is not likely to go astray ; and such a spirit will correct its own errors. The prompting of such an hour it is generally wise for one to follow, and no man ever yet regretted that he was governed in his acts by the spirit of such an hour. In seeking what is right, when you have used other means, have some religious retirement of mind. With a prayerful heart, be still, and alone, conscious that God is With you."
blessings
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