The advocates of novel opinions will always be met with more or less slander, but that is of little moment. What is gained by losing self-respect? What is lost by losing the homage of fools, or the praise of hypocrites, false to themselves as to others? Shakespeare is right:—
This above all, to thine own self be true;
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
When Aristotle was asked what a person would gain by falsehood, he replied: "Not to be credited when he tells the truth." The character of a liar is so contemptible, that even of those who have lost their honor, it might be expected that they would be restrained by pride from the violation of truth. Slander of an inferior quality, which dignified natures cannot stoop to notice, disgraces human nature more than vices. It is the red-tongued assassin of radical worth. Calm, self-respectful thoughts abide in tabernacles of their own, dwelling upon a holy hill. The pure mind can rest in green pastures, beside the still waters, in the sweet isles of refreshment, which satisfy the Mind craving a higher good.
