Independent People by Christian Intelligencer

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 1, 1880

Independent People.

By Christian Intelligencer

I have often been sorely tried by hearing it said of some one who was always hurting others' feelings by rude and unkind speeches, "I like——, she is so independent! always says right out just what she thinks! no deceit about her!" and the speaker evidently feels that a duty has been performed by the implied reproof administered to the victims of the aforesaid plain speaking, who do not say what they think of such independence. Do these plain-spoken people and their admirers ever think what the state of society would be, if all indulged in this perfect independence of speech? Can they not be made to understand that forbearing to express one's opinion is often as commendable as it is necessary. It is not deceit which leads polite people to speak some kindly word of praise where the "independent" would express disapproval. Something worthy of praise is almost always to be found if looked for, and encouragement is often more improving than criticism; and why not bestow these freely? There are many hearts to-day growing sad and bitter for the want of them. The best independence is to become "independent" of the mischievous habit of "speaking one's mind" without consideration for the feelings of others.—Christian Intelligencer.