Critics and Criticism by JOS. CLARKE.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 13, 1868

Critics and Criticism.

By JOS. CLARKE.

The standards of criticism in this our world are as varied as possible. The Chinaman has his; the Japanese has his; the Russian and the Turk, the Pagan and the Catholic, the sectarian and the infidel, the German, and the Frenchman, and the Englishman, all have a standard of their own, each differing from the other.

The American lectures in 1868, upon subjects which interest the present time; old subjects and issues are forgotten, and new ideas are called for, often at the expense of truth and common sense; and a good, old-fashioned lecture, upon history and facts, would be criticised out of society, out of date, out of being. Standards change and revolve with the changes of public opinion.

What unerring standard will we choose, that which will bear the test of ages, and the criticism of eternal, changeless, unerring wisdom? Ah! that is the standard which stoops to no public opinion, has no longing for popular applause; which points to the throne of God, and exults in victory most when it wears a crown of thorns; and appears most lovely when the nails pierce its hands and feet. JOS. CLARKE.