This gives us a touchstone by which we may try ourselves. Silver and
gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is
man tried by praising him. Let him be extolled and preferred, and then
he will show himself what he is. 1. If a man be made, by the applause
that is given him, proud, conceited, and scornful,--if he take the
glory to himself which he should transmit to God, as Herod did,--if,
the more he is praised, the more careless he is of what he says and
does,--if he lie in bed till noon because his name is up, thereby it
will appear that he is a vain foolish man, and a man who, though he be
praised, has nothing in him truly praise-worthy. 2. If, on the
contrary, a man is made by his praise more thankful to God, more
respectful to his friends, more watchful against every thing that may
blemish his reputation, more diligent to improve himself, and do good
to others, that he may answer the expectations of his friends from him,
by this it will appear that he is a wise and good man. He has a good
temper of mind who knows how to pass by evil report and good report,
and is still the same, 2 Cor. vi. 8.