Beethoven, when he had completed one of his grand musical compositions, was accustomed to test it on an old harpsichord, lest a more perfect instrument might flatter it or hide its defects.
The old harpsichord on which to test our religious life, our new song, is the market-place. A man, like muddy water, may be very peaceful when he is quietly "settled"--not shaken up by temptation. That proves nothing about his religious life. But if a man's patience and peace and principles can stand the test of business, his religion is genuine.
