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of Diogenes, when he has conquered himself. The first is liberty in defiance of law; the last is liberty above the law; he asks no other favor of the conqueror of nations than that his glory should not obscure the light that shines upon his path. This is the liberty of progression. Perfect liberty we may not have, nor perfect serenity: we shall stagger—but we are staggering towards the throne. We shall not reach it: never shall we know the meaning nor the end of this eternal life; but what though we may not comprehend the universe—what boots the circumference, when each of us is the centre, and the apple of God's eye? What boots the goal? what boots the prize? To win is all: the race its own prize, for there shines on it "the star of the unconquered will." Then rise, O! soul,—up and onward forevermore!—The difficulties never will diminish: struggle now, O! gladiator of the world, and through toil and bereavement, through tribulation and anguish, you shall rise like a planet in the glory of the Lord.
Ever be mindful that God is with you. Never dream that he and you have a divided interest,—for, as much as you can conceive him, he is father, brother, friend. Think not you can oppose him, or that he can ever cease to love you. Nay, more: strike out into the world; do or die—which it makes far less difference with you than you ever have believed. Put faith in God—put faith in your destiny—assume the positive—live with force and freedom; and the more you go at the bidding of the lofty genius that prompts the royal hours of every man, the nobler and the holier will be your life.