INDEPENDENCE.
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Properly speaking, independence is predicable
only of God. All created beings are absolutely
and entirely dependent on Him, and to some ex-


tent, are dependent also on one another True
independence, therefore, is to be carefully dis
tinguishcd from that selfconceit and reckless
hardihood, which affects to dcspise every thino
that crosses Its own caprice, and that nulIies the
established and unalterable laws of nature. In
dependence of mind, properly speaking, refers to
an intellectual state or operation, both towards
others and toward ourselves. Towards others,
1t raises the mind above the influence of contin-
gent circumstances, the tyranny of names, au-
thorIty and personal presence, and subjects
it to the law of righteousness, broadly defined
and strictly applied The limitation of law.
therefore, will always regulate and restrain a
truly independent man. Inrespect to ourselves.
it will exclude all mere personal and selfish CON
siderations. The rights of others will find their
place in company with our own, and each will
be asserted in reference to the other. This pre-
serves the golden rule--we do to others as we
would they should do to u.s.


True independence is consistent with forbear-
ance under provocation, and the exercise of love
and mercy. 1t encourages no high and extrava-
CANT Pretensions. Itmakes a good citizen under
the government of God, and a good citizen un-
der every government. In the common walks
of social life itforms the good neighbor and faith
full friend. A false spirit of, independence has
made the devil out of anangel of light Among
men, it makes the bully in one class, and among.
gentlemen, by misnomer it forms the man Of
honor The first falls under contempt merely
from inferioriy ofstation- latter acts against
his own convictions, and retains conventional
respect amid his own upbraidings and universal
condemnation. With his principles false at the
foundation, he cannot stand the test of time,
which "oyerturns the illusions of opinion,. but
establishes the decisions of nature" Ho. is: ut
terly at fault in heavens code, and dies a muir
derer.


Let not be independent of God, of law, of
Judgment, ofjustce, of right of opinion in others,
or OF self conviction within. Let me not meas
ure arms with the Almighty, nor reach forth my
puny hand to put out the sun He has set in the