Every species of praise is not flattery; for there are some characters who deserve praise; but we are in danger of running into extremes. When we ascribe the good qualities of the person we praise to the Author of every good gift, we convert the poison into medicine. Of this kind was the praise which the Queen of Sheba bestowed upon Solomon—”It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me. Thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.”
Man’s Praise Inaccurate.
If we do well, we shall receive praise whenever a man’s character shall be properly ascertained. The truth is, that our praise or dispraise of any man in this dark state of things will be partial and mixed. We may praise a good man too much, and it is certain we may carry our censure of a bad man too far. We may withhold praise from a worthy character when he deserves it. We often blame when we should praise, and praise when we should blame. When we praise or dispraise, we do not know the circumstances in which another may be placed, the secret springs of his conduct, and the motives that induced him to do such and such actions.