HAVE you enemies? Go straight on and mind them not. If they block up your path, walk around them, and do your duty regardless of spite. A man who has no enemies is seldom good for anything—he is made of that kind of material which is so easily worked that it resists nothing, while every one who thinks for himself, and speaks what he thinks, is always sure to have enemies. They are as necessary to him as fresh air; they keep him alive and active.
A celebrated character who was surrounded by enemies used to remark, "They are sparks which if you do not blow, will go out of themselves. Let this be your feeling, while endeavoring to live down the scandal of those who are bitter against you. If you stop to dispute with them, you do but as they desire, and open the way for more abuse. Let them talk—there will be a reaction if you perform your duty; and hundreds who were once alienated from you will flock to you and acknowledge their error. Follow this advice, and you will never have cause to regret it."