SELF-RELIANCE 59

to be the chaste husband of one wife,—but these re-
lations I must fill after a new and unprecedented
way. I appeal from your customs. I must be my-
self. 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 de-
serve 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 atten-
tions. 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 standards, and mere
antinomianism; and the bold sensualist will use the
name of philosophy to gild his crimes. But the
law of consciousness abides. There are two confes-
sionals, in one or the other of which we must be
shriven. You may fulfil your round of duties by