The Description of a Good Character

A true Copy of Record,

Examined, by GEORGE WYLLYS, Sec'ry.

An Election SERMON.

ECCLESIASTES, X. 1.

Dead flies cause the ointment of the Apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

IT is hoped that the feelings of none in the assembly will be wounded by the introduction of this maxim, which may seem unpolished; when it is considered that it was penned by a person of the first character for discernment: who was also the chief magistrate of a great kingdom, and under the superintending influence of the Holy Spirit. King Solomon made choice of the wisdom requisite for his important station, and God graciously gave him his desire. [1 Kings, iii.5—12.] From that wisdom, improved by long experience, and directed by supernatural influence, he was eminently qualified to give proper instruction to persons of every condition in life: both as it consisted in general maxims, and in the application of them to particular cases.

p. 6THE passage before us contains a general principle, applicable to a variety of particular characters. It will apply to all who are distinguished for supposed worth, and respected by mankind on that account: to all who are in stations of eminence, where their accomplishments are conspicuous, and their faults, if they have any, are not hidden. These are the possessors of that wisdom and honour, which is compared to the precious ointment of the apothecary: that good name which is even more valuable than precious ointment. A little folly, however, in a character so conspicuous, and exalted, will tarnish its beauty, and diffuse an ill favour through the sweet perfume. [Text and Chap vii.1.]

As the maxim in the text is fitted to such an extensive application, to persons of eminence in the several classes of society, it requires our serious attention on the present occasion.

A DISCUSSION of the subject is proposed in the following manner.

I. A DESCRIPTION of a reputable character, or good name, will be attempted.

II. THE destructive influence of folly, when mixed with such a character, will be considered.

p. 6III. AN application of the general maxim to particular characters, will conclude the discourse.

I. A DESCRIPTION of a good name, or reputable character, will be attempted.

THE comparison of a good name, to the precious ointment of the apothecary, is implied in the text and other sacred passages. [Ecclesiastes vii.1. Canticles i.3.]

FROM an institution in the antient Mosaic writings we learn that an holy anointing oil was to be made, by a mixture p. 7of the most excellent spices, with the pure oil of the olive tree. With this precious ointment, the priests, the tabernacle, and its utensils were to be anointed, as a consecration to the particular service of God. [Exodus xxx.22—38.]

THIS holy oil which was not to be imitated, or even applied, except for the purposes, and in the manner specified in the institution, was evidently designed to represent the excellent nature of true religion, and of the Holy Spirit, in his sanctifying influences on the hearts of men.— Those best accomplishments of the human mind—as there is, in these, a combination of the most amiable qualities composing the character of the man of God.

A LIKE mode of expression is used, by the inspired psalmist, to illustrate the mutual and harmonious affection of brethren, dwelling together in unity—and the happy influence of that affection. [Psalm cxxxiii.] Finally, the excellent qualities and unequalled glories of the divine Messiah, are represented under this same metaphor. [Psalm xlv.6, 7, 8.]

THE idea running through the several representations is, obviously, the same. A variety of individual objects, excellent in themselves, united and combined, in such a manner as to constitute one complete object. In which the beauty of each is, not only preserved, but exhibited, with superior advantage; by its connection with the rest, in such a manner, as to heighten the perfection of the whole.

THIS is true with regard to the beauty of all complex objects. It consists in the due proportion of each part, to the use for which it is designed—to its various relations, and to the whole. This will appear by an application of the observation to objects confessedly beautiful, in the various productions of nature and art. In these last, we are, sometimes, agreeably entertained and improved, by viewing the displays of human sagacity. But, in the first, we p. 8are struck with pleasing and devout astonishment, at their inimitable beauty and grandeur. And, by the perfection discernible in his various works, from the most simple and minute, to the most complex and magnificent, we are led "to look through nature, up to nature's God."

p. 8THE beautiful, the exact gradations, and proportions, by which they are constituted and directed, impress the devour philosopher with the deepest reverence for the Most High, and lead him to acknowledge that "the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy works" [Psalm xix.i.] —and that "in wisdom he hath made them all." [Psalm civ.24:]

BUT we must not indulge in these general reflections, but confine our attention to that particular species of beauty, which constitute a good character. Are material and inanimate objects beautiful, intelligent creatures must be capable of that which is far greater, and more perfect —in proportion to the superior nature of the soul. This beauty of the mind, is what renders man worthy of esteem, and by which he obtains the approbation of the wise and good.

IT is worthy of notice, that the perfection of the precious ointment, referred to in the text, consisted in the excellent quality of its several parts, and their due proportion to each other. In like manner, a good name is the result of a composition of mental excellencies, fitly proportioned to each other, and to their object.

HUMAN perfection may be summed up in the excellent qualities of the understanding, and the heart. All our perceptions and knowledge belong to the former, and all emotions, affections, and determinations, to the latter. The beauty of the understanding consists in its suscepiibility of those perceptions, by which we are furnished with the knowledge requisite to our place and station: or, in p. 9their actual existence. The other essential branch of human perfection is comprised in affections corresponding to our perceptions: or, in the qualities of the heart. If these are proportioned, to a proper knowledge of the objects of perceptions, it forms that amiable and worthy character, which comports with the nature and dignity of man—as he is related to his present and future self, to his fellow creatures and to his Creator.