especially to the virtuous and good, and the conduct by which others cause themselves to be disliked and shunned. Thus you can be a constant student, reading lessons which will afford the richest wisdom. This work of observation should, in most cases, be performed in silence. When you discover a fault in another, I would have you silently benefit yourself by reflecting upon its deleterious influences, but not needlessly trumpet it to the world. Improve your minds rather by meditating upon the imperfections of others, than by expatiating upon, and enlarging them, to the detriment of their unfortunate possessors.

CHAPTER VII.

INDEPENDENCE OF MIND.

There is no characteristic more worthy an intellectual being, than independence of mind—that principle by which opinions are formed and adhered to, from the convictions of our own senses. Some people are very fluctuating in their conclusions seemingly unable to form any settled opinion—and more willing to trust to the decision of others, than to the dictates of their own minds. This is an unfortunate failing—it renders those under its influence, liable to many evils. They have no foundation upon which to base any opinion, and no strength to maintain the teachings of their own good sense. On religious, political, and other subjects connected with their welfare, they are liable to be driven from point to point— from system to system—without testing either sufficiently to ascertain their real merits, or their defects. Every wind that blows, faces them a different way. To-day they know not what they may believe to-morrow. Ever doubting and never satis

fied, like public paupers, they depend upon others for a supply of mental food. Individuals of this character, are especially sought after by the crafty and the designing. They are material of which they can readily make any present use. Thus they are at the mercy of unprincipled plotters, "who lie in wait to deceive"—they are like children, straying amid a multitude of paths, without being able to determine which leads to the desired destination—as liable to walk in the way of error and unhappiness, as in that of truth and peace.

The young very much mistake their interest and happiness, when they permit habits of indecision and vascillation to creep upon them. By the frequent change of principles or opinions, they lose the confidence of community, and soon are looked upon, only as fit tools to be used by unprincipled demagogues. Those who shuffle about from sect to sect—from party to party—are eventually deemed worthless by all. To avoid being held in this estimation, it must be your endeavor to acquire an independence of mind, that will enable you to form fixed principles, from which trifling considerations can not move you.

It is necessary, however, that you fully understand the characteristics of a truly independent mind. In the first place, an independent mind is not rash. Many pride themselves on immediately forming their opinions on every subject to which their attention is directed, without the trouble of reflection. But this is foolish rashness, and not

independence. Those who pursue this course, rush needlessly into many unpleasant predicaments. Opinions thus formed, are far more liable to be wrong than right—and thus their authors are compelled either to support positions palpably erroneous, or retract the rash grounds they have assumed. In either case, they lose the confidence of the judicious and prudent.

Neither does the independent mind despise the opinions of others. There are some who deem it derogatory to their character to listen to, or adopt the views of others. It matters not how important is the subject, or how experienced are those who express their sentiments; if the proffered advice does not coincide with their preconceived opinions, they consider it very manly and independent to reject it. But the mind possessing true independence, will seek the advice of others will listen to whatever varying views may be expressed—and from such suggestions, adopt those opinions which appear the most reasonable.

Equally far is true independence of mind removed from obstinacy. After an opinion has once been formed and expressed perhaps publicly, some people will permit pride or obstinacy, to prevent their rejecting it, even after being fully convinced of its fallacy. And thus they will continue to hug error and support principles they know to be unsound, through fear that a renouncement of them would be attributed to weakness or

imbecility. But such a course is far from being an independent one. It discovers rather a weak and servile mind, than a free and firm one. It shows a mind filled with a slavish fear of popular opinion—a trembling apprehension lest some persons as puerile as themselves, should deride them. And from a fear of being considered weak, by the weak, they will remain under the influence of a real weakness and slavery, that the firm and upright scorn. The mind can evince as much independence in renouncing an erroneous sentiment, despite all influences of an opposing character, as in supporting a just one, against every disadvantage. But there is an important distinction between changing an opinion from firm conviction, after deep research and mature deliberation, and rashly vascillating from one view to another, at every trifling impulse, without forethought or reflection. The former is to be commended and imitated the latter to be despised and avoided.

True independence of mind consists in candidly and maturely examining every subject which engages your attention—impartially and faithfully searching its foundations, and all the evidences of its truth—and then forming such opinion in regard to its merits, as unbiassed reason shall dictate, without being influenced by any extraneous circumstances. The mind of real independence, adopts only such sentiments as it believes to be true—and only because they are true, in its estimation. And, consequently, it will adhere to