for civil courage.

A cheerful obedience is one of the strongest proofs of love. "Love is to
obedience like wings to the bird, or sails to the ship. It is the agency
that carries it forward to success. When love cools, obedience slackens;
and nothing is worthy of the name of love that leads to disobedience."

We remember the anecdote of a Roman commander, who forbade an engagement
with the enemy, and the first transgressor was his own son. He accepted
the challenge of the leader of the other host, slew and disrobed him,
and then in triumph carried the spoils to his father's tent. But the
Roman father refused to recognize the instinct which prompted this, as
deserving the name of love.

Many of the restraints laid upon us result from the love of those in
authority. If we were permitted to pursue our own inclinations, our
health might be destroyed, our minds run to waste, and we should be apt
to grow up slothful and selfish; a trouble to others and burdensome to
ourselves. It is far easier to obey our parents and friends when we
recall that we have experienced their goodness long enough to know that
they wish to make us happy, even when their commands seem most severe.
Let us, therefore, show our appreciation of their goodness by doing
cheerfully what they require.

The will is supported, strengthened, and perfected by obedience. There
are many who suppose that real strength of will is secured by giving it
free play. But we really weaken it in that way. Obedience to a
reasonable law is a source of moral strength and power. Obedience is not
weakness bowing to strength, but is rather submission to an authority
whose claims are already admitted. If a man is royal when he rules over