noon
`` My dear Regina , only religion brings this blessed calm ; this is indeed that promised ` Peace that passeth all understanding , ' and therefore we would all do well to heed the words of Isaiah : ` Their strength is to sit still . ' '' Looking reverently up at her pale , worn placid face , the girl thought it might have been considered a psalm of renunciation . Almost sorrowfully she answered : `` I begin to see that there is far more shadow than sunshine in this world ; the night is longer than the day . '' `` You are too young to realize such solemn things , and should endeavour to catch all the dew of life that glistens within your reach ; for the withering heat of the noon will come soon enough to even the most favoured . An erroneous impression has too long prevailed , that religious fervour , and a cheerful , hopeful , happy spirit are incompatible ; that devoutness manifests itself in a lugubrious or at least solemn visage , and that a joyous mirthful temperament is closely allied to ` the world , the flesh , and the devil . ' A more mischievous fallacy never found favour . Innocent happiness in our hearts is acceptable worship to our God , who has given us the language of joy , as He gave to birds the power of song .