s various modes of action.

One hair's variation in the rhythm of the universe would bring
destruction, and yet we little individual microcosms are knocking
ourselves into chronic states of chaos because we feel that we can be
gods, and direct our own lives so much better than the God who made us.
We are left in freedom to go according to His laws, or against them;
and we are generally so convinced that our own stupid, short-sighted
way is the best, that it is only because Nature tenderly holds to some
parts of us and keeps them in the rhythm, that we do not hurl ourselves
to pieces. _This law of rhythm--or of equilibrium in motion and in
rest--is the end, aim, and effect of all true physical training for the
development and guidance of the body._ Its ruling power is proved in
the very construction of the body,--the two sides; the circulation of
the blood, veins and arteries; the muscles, extensor and flexor; the
nerves, sensory and motor.

When the long rest of a body balances the long activity, in day and
night; when the shorter rests balance the shorter activity, as in the
various opportunities offered through the day for entire rest, if only
a minute at a time; when the sensory and motor nerves are clear for
impression and expression; when the muscles in parts of the body not
needed are entirely quiet, allowing those needed for a certain action
to do their perfect work; when the co-ordination of the muscles in use
is so established that the force for a movement is evenly divided; when
the flexor rests while its antagonizing muscle works, and _vice
versa,--_ when all this which is merely a _natural power for action and
rest_ is automatically established, then the body is ready to obey and
will obey the lightest touch of its owner, going in whatever direction
it may be sent, artistic, scientific, or domestic. As this exquisite
sense of ease in a natural movement grows upon us, no one can describe
the feeling of new power or of positive comfort which comes with it;
and yet it is no miracle, it is only natural. The beasts have the same
freedom; but they have not the mind to put it to higher uses, or the
sense to enjoy its exquisite power.

Often it seems that the care and trouble to get back into Nature's way
is more than compensated for in the new appreciation of her laws and
their uses. But the body, after all, is merely a servant; and, however
perfect its training may have been, if the man, the master, puts his
na