others--against this old interpretation there has been a most healthy modern

reaction. True humility any man who thoroughly knows himself must feel; but it

is not a humility that assumes a worm-like meekness; it is rather a strong,

vibrant prayer for greater power for service--a prayer that Uriah Heep could

never have uttered.

 

Washington Irving once introduced Charles Dickens at a dinner given in the

latter's honor. In the middle of his speech Irving hesitated, became

embarrassed, and sat down awkwardly. Turning to a friend beside him he remarked,

"There, I told you I would fail, and I did."

 

If you believe you will fail, there is no hope for you. You will.

 

Rid yourself of this I-am-a-poor-worm-in-the-dust idea. You are a god, with

infinite capabilities. "All things are ready if the mind be so." The eagle looks

the cloudless sun in the face.

 

_Assume Mastery Over Your Audience_

 

In public speech, as in electricity, there is a positive and a negative force.

Either you or your audience are going to possess the positive factor. If you

assume it you can almost invariably make it yours. If you assume the negative

you are sure to be negative. Assuming a virtue or a vice vitalizes it. Summon

all your power of self-direction, and remember that though your audience is

infinitely more important than you, the truth is more important than both of