The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1866-09-13
For the Jackson Standard,
Popularity. r+ ra

We will call popularity the voice OF the people
of all kinds Of people. The popular man IL be
who harmOnizes the discOrdant elements of society
in his favor. This, you will at once perceive Is
very difficult undertaking. The popular taste Is
very much diversified. il is very difficult for one
man to please even all good men and when he
undertakes to please both all good men and all
bad men at the same time and with reference to
the same thing, the dlifcultyis increased. Hence
10 seek popularity to the full extent Of the nean.
ing of the term Is looked upon with suspicion.
But, to limited extent and with reference to
many leading questions and principles, and a gen.
eIal discharge of duty, the peOple pronounce an
honest verdict. Still there are so many difficult
ties and temptations in the way that where one
succeeds. perhaps hundred fail TO acquire hOn-
est popularity.
, Honesty, .Tuthfulness conscientousness, and
capahity are essential elements Of Just popular
ite. These characteristics meet In many persons
vet they are not popular but they have some
thing far better-true nldflsod Popularity at the
expense Of manhood is worthless-yet this il the
way in which nlrn often sell themselves. IL is
the devils way Of retailing small men.
In ordinary language we make great difference
between popularity and fame. SOme men do not
care much for enduring fame, if they may only
have present praise. Others do not care for pres
ent praise, il they can only be assured that pos
terity will preserve their memory. '
Popularity is indeed exceedingly fascinating.
Bacon said, There be none of the passions that
have been noted to iascinate but love and envy"
Poor old philosopher! the flash Of the gunpowder
that he was making in his cell might have prOph-
esied to him! Popularity is the charmer that has
dazzled many bright eye that otherwise wOuld
have seen IN the earth beauty truth and reflective
glory as EeA as MEN. 1t has debauched many a
soul that otherwise would have been sober. and
have c0ntentetlly drank from purer springs Of en-
jovment. IL has taken the blood from many a
heart that otherwise wopld have thrObbed vigof-
ously In keeping with purer affections and I'm
pulses than the fits and starts of time-serving
populace Oh tlfe suicide Of soul and Of honest,
God-likc manhood merely to live--hot in the
hearts, but-in the hurried admiration of swiftly
passing world II is worse than insanity; 1t is
folly unreieved by irresponsibilty. ~
Everybody knows that popularity Is often,
though not always purchased IN various question
able ways; yet, many help to swell the popular
verdict who would be ashamed to be the subjects
Of it themselves. I'D. ....... .,..t IN
After all, popularity is precarious blessing
Society, to-day, has lnOre aa-pOpularzed men aud
w6nen than it well knows what'tO do with The
market can not bear many at one time, Jenny
Lind lost her voice and large audlaRee lately
found tongues to hiss" her. ..... : {
Cheap articles soon wear out; while It often
requires long time and much trouble to intro
duce good article ut higher price. -.'
..... ... .siau PHIDELrA.