Worldly Praise and Honor by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 3, 1866

Worldly Praise and Honor.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

FROM the smallest to the greatest, men of the world are seeking after these. They will put forth every effort and spare no labor to gain it. They will disregard the claims of God upon them, if to obey him, will cause them to lose the praise of men; "because they love the praise of men more than the praise of God." But what is the praise and honor of men worth when attained? I witnessed a circumstance a short time since which forcibly impressed my mind with the hollowness of the praise and flattery which persons bestow one upon another.

A number of ladies came together for a social party. The lady of the house had a melodeon and could play some. Others of the company also made some pretensions that way, but nothing to boast of. At length a lady came in who was quite noted for her skill, or at least pretended abilities, in music. Soon she was called upon by the company to give them some music. As is usual on such occasions, she plead great ignorance on the subject, and great inability to play any thing worth listening to. But no excuses would do; they all "knew that she was a splendid player and singer." At the first piece the whole company were

greatly pleased. "It was admirably played, and her voice was so sweet, so melodious!" The next piece was better still,—"splendid, charming." A third piece was "heavenly, transporting!" All were profuse in their praises of the player. At length the scene closed and the lady departed, no doubt highly pleased with herself and the praise which she had received. But hardly had the door closed after her when one said to another, "Well, what did you think of her music?" (Thus implying that no confidence could be placed in what was said in the lady's presence.) "I thought it was very poor, very ordinary." "So did I," added another. "She did not speak her words plain," said one. "Yes, and her time is very poor," replied another. One thought that she could play about as well herself; another thought that she was very proud and self-conceited, &c.

Thus they went on to criticise and condemn what they all praised so highly but a moment before! This simply illustrates the hollowness and deception of men's praises. Yet men prefer this to the praise of God! Wisdom shows a better path; but few are walking in it.

D. M. CANRIGHT.