Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885, May 01, 1877, Page 126, Image 6
M 12(5 Al'I'LAUSK. I I I V- M, ! It cannot be denied that to bo showered with praises Irom a multitude; to catch the approving smile of beauty; the encouragement of power, and to be lau ded on every side, are attractions and charms which no ordinary being is capa ble of resisting. What great orator is there but feels elated, when hearty ap plause greets his eloquent remarks. Well miglit we say with Cowper: " Oh popular npplnu-o J What lioiut of mini if proof anlii8t thoy sweet tortiiclng clinrim ?" 2Sro man or woman cn justly be con demned for sensibility to praise. The Su prcmo Kuler of the Universe is not averse to being praised. "Tho lovo of praise, howe'r concealed liy nrl Itolgns more or loe-, ami slows in every Itenrt. The proud to gain it. tolls on tollc umlnro, Tho modest slum it. but to make it uro." Praise is a tribute which every one de serves, w 10 has performed some merito rious service, and to refuse this reward is to Jo an injustice. Praise is a stinuilcnt to further and nobler exertions, and pmise with-hold from the deserving, has often checked a promising career; blighted the hopes of the sensitive; and oppressed and cast tho shadows of discouragement around others, until they have sunk in the abyss cf misfortune. Thu desire to have the good of all should be emulated by every one. We can conceive of an individual, so conduct ing himself in a com muni (3 as not to cre ate in the breast of any one, a pang of jealousy or feeling of hatred towards him ; but he must necessarily be a sort of nuii- cntit3', ol)equious and assimilative .Such an individual cannot be popular in the true sense of the word. Ho goes through the world unmolested like thousands of his stripe, simply, because he aspires to nothing; takes 110 active part in public affairs, and does nothing of any particular moment to his fellow men around him. We can however conceive ot an individu al deserving and commanding popular re gard and admiration by pursuing a bold honest course, even though he be at times opposed, on some important question, to n majority in his community. It show- in dividuality and independence of thought to bo so opposed, and, con-oquonlly his personal popularity is not in the len-l weakened, but often enhanced. Hut a man actirg thu- must be no doll. He must be favored with common sense, which Gui.ot alllnus to be the "Genius of humanity." lit! must bo generous and public spirited, lie must also bo u man of broad views, and not a bigot of one idea. A man that cannot see the merits of any thing, unless he look through the pages containing the article-, of his loligious creed, or the creed of ht political paity, is undeserving ol conlhJenoe, and unlit u be intrusted with a responsible position. It matters not so much what a iumii be lieves if he bo honest in his convictions. An intelligent public opinion will never ostracize anyone for the expression of honest convictions. When we say this, we take in consideration that theie is a prop, er time for everything. Many with a la mentable impetuosity, unfortunate for themselves and those whom tl.ey allliel, boldly Haunt their peci.li.-tr opinions in the faces of others, whenever mi ODimrtu- is offered, thus causing themselves to be regarded in an unfavorable light. Any individual that will take advantage of an audience and impose on them certain re ligious or other opinions radically uiffer ciit and obnoxious to them, when they have evidently assembled to hear some thing of a different nature, is dosorviugof popular condemnation Throughout the world, we ob-erve men fearless to speak; honest in their convictions, but fated, as it were, to speak at an inoppor tune moment. Many persons labor under tho delusion that they can only be popular by pamper ing to the tastes, wishes and opinions of others. Demagogues, and other who would protest against sjth an appellation, in striving for fame and po-iiion, think it necessary to Hatter and eo,t. the people, as they would . n anim il, in order to pio-