Nevada County picayune., 1890-05-21
RELIGIOUS COLUMN.
Edited bv GEO. 4. GARDNER.
WISDOM.

ulation and control of our faculties and capacities. Again, wisdom may be defined to be the subjection of our animal natures to the dominion of our higher natures, He who lives iu obedience to the instincts and pro- pensitles of his lower nature occupies precisely the plane of the brute ere ation, aud he may therefore expect with the brute creation to perish. In fact, the Bible clearly intimates that the wicked shall perish with the brutes; while to the righteous is promised everlasting life. Wisdom and folly are often set in contrast by Solomon in the book of Proverbs. He seems to delight in teaching moral truths by antthesis and sharp con- trast. In this way impressions are more apt to be made than by elabor- ate essays or long disquisitions. The term wisdom in the text has refer ence to what is ordinarily designated as religion or practical piety. In this sense, the fear of God is the be- ginning of wisdom; and with equal truth it may be said that the love of God is tue completion or perfection of wisdom.
 Now, among all the objects which present themselves to the human mind as worthy of aspiration and at tainment, none can compete with wisdom-it is emphatically the prin- clpal thing, superior in importance to every other. It is truly the knowl- edge and practical application of the best means to the attainment of the best ends. It follows then ineyita- bly,, that as God is the greatest being in the universe, a being endowed with infinite attributes, and sustain ing the relationship to man of crea tor, preserver, and redeemer, the knowledge of him is the best knowl edge, and the means by which that knowledge can be made available for securing and maintaining his favor are the best means. This knowledge with all the instructions necessary to it's practical application can be found only in the Bible. How important then that precious book ought to be in the estimation of every one With what earnest and anxious inquiry ought it's prescious pages to be searched, in order that we may get and retain that wisdom It is in- deed a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Well might we exclaim in the language of the poet, "wondrous book, bright candle of the Lord-star of eternity, only star which rose on time, and on it's dark and troubled pillows, as generation drifting swiftly by succeeded gener- ation, threw a ray of heavens own light, and to the hills of God, the eternal hills, pointed the sinners eye"
 Wisdom is the pridclpal thing for the following reasons: lst. Its in
 hercnt, intrinsic excellence. So at tractiye and commcndable in her features that she commands the ad- miration even of her foes. Many other things are attractive only to al- lure and deceive; but wisdom, when tried and proved, is found to be the true gold; in fact, gold is dross compared with her, and her price is far above rubioS. The next reason why wisdom is the chief good is, that length of days, or everlasting life is in her right hand Righteousness tendeth to life-he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. Who can estimate the value of ever lasting life. Even our earthly life is sweet when health and conscience are good, and friends and prosperity shower their henedictions upon us. But how infinitely superior will be the future life of the spirit in the para disc of God. Again, wisdom is the principal thIng because substantial and enduring happiness is her ever lasting posseSsions-not the frothy evancscent pleasures of tue wicked, bat the solid and lasting joys of the soul in its eternal home.
 Truly Ter ways are ways of pleas antncss, and all her paths are peace. The resources of the universe are at her command, and all things minis ter to her good. The stars in their courses are in league to promote the happiness of the good and faithful, and all nature works in harmony with their glorious destiny. If these things be so, and who can gain say their truth, well may the wise man say, "therefore get wisdom. " Tho young will find it to be their surcSt safeguard against the follies and vices of youth; the aged will de- rive support and consolation from it amid the afilictions and inlirmities of declining years and all will be sus- tained by its hopes in this world, and in the world to come reap the unspeakable joys of everlasting life. Reader, sell all you have and buy this wisdom; and when you have bought this pearl of great price, never part with it, but hold fast to it until the Master shall say, it is enough, come mp higher, and enter into the joys of thy Lord,