Nevada County picayune., 1890-04-09
RELIGIOUS COLUMN.
WORLDLY APPLAUSE

This rule does not apply to the applause of the good, for the favor of the good is an object of legitimate aspiration; but it is intended to condemn the indiscrimnate and uni- versal applause of all classes as an object of proper desire. The love of good name seems to be universal no one likes to have a bad name, and we are told by the wise man that q good name is rather to he chosen than great riches. But this desire, like all other legitimate de- sires and affections, needs to be brought under regulation, and sub ordnated to the sanctifying intuen- ces of higher law. The office of true religion is not to destroy the natural appctites and passions, but to place them under the restraining and purifying influences of the Cos pei, and thus to bring them into har- mony with the law of God. The de- sire for money or property Is law ful desire when properly regulated and when it does not conflict with the law of love, or with the duties we owe to our neighbors. As the great aim of the Gospel is love to God and to our fellow-man, any un- due indulgence of any appetite or passion which involves a violation of this fundamental principle, inevita- bly leads to seltishness, disorder and strife
 All unregeneratc or wicked men are in rebellion against God and enemies of his cause. He, therefore, who by his compromising course succeeds not only in gaining the es- tcem of the good but also the friend- ship of the world, forfeits the favor of God, and subjects himself to the terrible denHnciation contained in the text against all such time-servcrs. 1 The rule may seem strange and un- reasonable on superficial view, but upon thorough investigation it will ! be found to be in accordance with the principles of just and enlight- ened administration. The prophet who calls good evil, and evil good, or who daubs with untempcred mortar, or breaches smooth things to the people, in order that he may be pop ular, or that he may get fat salary, deserves the contempt of God and all good men. That there are some of this kind in the Church of Christ is painfully apparent to every atten- tive and dispassionate student of the times. They are venal, mercenary hirelings, who are more anxious for the fleece than the good of the flock Such ministers are re- proach to the cause of Christianity, and barrier to it's progress in the world
 But how are we to ascertain the true character of these impostOrs, these wolves in shcep's clothing how apply test that will disclose thcIr true character, and thus pro- tcct the church from their corrupting influences? As a general rule, our Savior in another place has laid down the test ny which they may be known -"by their fruits shall ye know them" But universal popularity with all classes is undoubtedly an other but perhaps more difficult test by which the real character of all mere pretcndcrs may be discovered. Judged by this standard, many both among the ministry and laity would be placed under the anathema of our l Lord and Master. If the private member or the minister of the Cos pei compromises away the principles of our holy religion for gain of fame, ] he must suffer the sad consequences of such a course. In the nature of | things it is utterly impossible to se- cure the friendship of all without a greater or less sacrifice of principle; but at the same time it must be con lcsscd that the popular man, when viewed from human standpoint is man of many attractive qualities, and if he were judged by appear ances no verdict of condemnation could be passed upon him. But when his conduct and methods are subjected to the searching scrutiny of that law which penetrates all dis guiSes, and uncovers the true char actcr, it will be seen at once that he is wanting in the essential elements 1 of pure and undehled religion.
 After all, the honor or applause of men is ephemeral and deceptive the honor which cometh from above is alone enduring and imperishable.