le caste. As far, indeed, as he
extends his acquaintance among the intelligent, refined, generous, and
truly honorable, he makes a substantial improvement of his condition; but
if, as is too often the case, he is admitted by way of favor into a
circle which has few claims beyond those of greater luxury and show, and
which bestows on him a patronizing, condescending notice, in exchange for
his old, honorable influence among his original associates, he does any
thing but rise. Such is not the elevation I desire for the laborer. I
do not desire him to struggle into another rank. Let him not be a
servile copyist of other classes, but aim at something higher than has
yet been realized in any body of men. Let him not associate the idea of
dignity or honor with certain modes of living, or certain outward
connections. I would have every man stand on his own ground, and take
his place among men according to personal endowments and worth, and not
according to outward appendages; and I would have every member of the
community furnished with such means of improvement, that, if faithful to
himself, he may need no outward appendage to attract the respect of all
around him.

I have said, that the people are not to be elevated by escaping labor, or
by pressing into a different rank. Once more, I do not mean by the
elevation of the people, that they should become self-important
politicians; that, as individuals or a class, they should seize on
political power; that by uniting their votes they should triumph over the
more prosperous; or that they should succeed in bending the
administration of government to their particular interests. An
individual is not elevated by figuring in public affairs, or even by
getting into office. He needs previous elevation to save him from
disgrace in his public relations. To govern one's self, not others, is
true glory. To serve through love, not to rule, is Christian greatness.
Office is not dignity. The lowest men, because most faithless in
principle, most servile to opinion, are to be found in office. I am
sorry to say it, but the truth should be spoken, that, at the present
moment, political action in this country does little to lift up any who
are concerned in it. It stands in opposition to a high morality.
Politics, indeed, regarded as the study and pursuit of the true, enduring
good of a community, as the application of great unchangeable principles
to public affairs, is a noble sphere