Try to be,
not to seem. Only so far as you earnestly wish to do right for
the sake of right, can you gain a principle that will sustain
you hereafter; and that is what we wish, not fair appearances
now. A career can never be happy that begins with falsehood.
Be inwardly, outwardly true; then you will never be weakened
or hardened by the consciousness of playing a part; and if,
hereafter, the unfeeling or thoughtless give you pain, or
take the dreadful risk of pushing back a soul emerging
from darkness, you will feel the strong support of a good
conscience. * * *
'And never be discouraged; never despond; never say, "It is
too late." Fear not, even if you relapse again and again. Many
of you have much to contend with. Some may be so faulty, by
temperament or habit, that they can never on this earth lead a
wholly fair and harmonious life, however much they strive.
Yet do what you can. If in one act,--for one day,--you can do
right, let that live like a point of light in your memory; for
if you have done well once you can again. If you fall, do
not lie grovelling; but rise upon your feet once more, and
struggle bravely on.
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