Page 49 - SampleIssueMobile

SELF-RELIANCE

If we cannot at once rise to the sanctities of obedience
and faith, let us at least resist our temptations; let us
enter into the state of war, and wake Thor and Woden,
courage and constancy, in our Saxon breasts. This is to be
done in our smooth times by speaking the truth. Check
this lying hospitality and lying affection. Live no longer to
the expectation of these deceived and deceiving people
with whom we converse. Say to them, O father, O mother,
O wife, O brother, O friend, I have lived with you after
appearances hitherto. Henceforward I am the truth's. Be it
known unto you that henceforward I obey no law less than
the eternal law. I will have no covenants but proximities. I
shall endeavour to nourish my parents, to support my
family, to be the chaste husband of one wife, — but these
relations I must fill after a new and unprecedented way. I
appeal from your customs. I must be myself. I cannot
break myself any longer for you, or you. If you can love me
for what I am, we shall be the happier. If you cannot, I will
still seek to deserve that you should. I will not hide my
tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is
holy, that I will do strongly before the sun and moon
whatever inly rejoices me, and the heart appoints. If you
are noble, I will love you; if you are not, I will not hurt you
and myself by hypocritical attentions. If you are true, but
not in the same truth with me, cleave to your companions;
I will seek my own. I do this not selfishly, but humbly and
truly. It is alike your interest, and mine, and all men's,
however long we have dwelt in lies, to live in truth. Does
this sound harsh to-day? You will soon love what is
dictated by your nature as well as mine, and, if we follow
the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. — But so you
may give these friends pain. Yes, but I cannot sell my
liberty and my power, to save their sensibility. Besides, all
persons have their moments of reason, when they look out
into the region of absolute truth; then will they justify me,
and do the same thing.

The populace think that your rejection of popular
standards is a rejection of all standard, and mere

49