Self-Government.
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There are two kinds of self-government, or the controlling of evil and disorderly propensities — the one springing from a regard to external considerations — such as the love of reputation, ease, or wealth; and the other from a regard to right principles. Self-government, from the first of these considerations, which is that which most prevails in common society, does not give a man any real power over himself. His inward disorders are only caged as wild beasts, not subdued and brought under the control of opposite good principles; and when these restraints cease — they show themselves again with renewed power and activity.
We see this in those who have attained an advanced age, without truly, and from an internal ground, reforming the leading impulses of their lives. How melancholy a sight it is to see an irritable, impatient, passionate old man! And to this everyone is sure to become — if life is prolonged to second childhood, who does not subdue his irritability, impatience, and passion, by struggling against them as evil tendencies of a corrupt nature — instead of merely concealing them from others in his ordinary interactions in life, when it answers his purpose to do so, that his reputation may be preserved, and his selfish ends answered.
But, alas! how few spend their lives well! how few are governed by a regard for good and true principles! how few strive for the attainment of ends not thoroughly selfish!
From what has now been advanced, the great importance of right self-government may be clearly seen. Every young man will discover in himself disorderly tendencies, and a disposition to infringe the rights and comforts of others, in seeking his own gratification. These are all evils, and must come under proper control, from right ends, or old age will find him, at last, with a host of ungovernable impulses struggling in his bosom, and overmastering him in every feeble effort he makes to subdue them.
Right ends are a regard to others' good as well as our own; and this regard may be felt and exercised as much in an effort to reform a habit of mind that acts as a hindrance to success in the world, as in the shunning of an evil that directly injures our fellow-man; for anything that interferes with our success circumscribes our means of usefulness.
We hardly deem it necessary to enter into any minute particulars as to the manner of self-government. Everyone understands enough of his own character to see its defects; and when he understands the great importance of correcting these, and controlling those propensities, habits, and inclinations, which stand in the way of his elevation, both as to things external and things that appertain to his mind, he will not be at a loss how to act. The willingness to act is the great desideratum.
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