the mystical temple of god 632 This idea agrees with that saying, which is indeed common, but not to be rejected: If you lose everything, remember to preserve your good name.This, however, is not to be interpreted as meaning that even if we sin disgustingly and often, we should nevertheless boast that we are close to the apostles in holiness, but rather that it is more fitting that we suffer the loss of our property and life than leave to posterity the examples of a bad name. Neither can I be pleased by that well-known saying: If not chastely, then cautiously; I am pleased more by the saying: Both chastely and cautiously. Who would not approve that saying of the Sage? “A good name is better,” (he says), “than great riches, and good favor is above silver and gold” (Prov 22:1). “A good name” — says the same — “is better than good ointment” (Eccl 7:1). Therefore, Christian, follow the same man’s advice, and “take care of a good name; for this shall continue with you, more than a thousand treasures precious and great” (Sir 41:12) [LV]. But I am afraid that in this matter you may fall into error, that you would not think that a good name is obtained without the true splendor of virtue, especially by unjust wars, by great spilling of blood, by wealth heaped up through lawful and unlawful means, by honors, sought with cunning skill, by invasion of kingdoms, by taking powers by force, by worldly prudence, by vain and puffed up knowledge, by oppression of the weak, by defamation of others, by bringing neighbors to ruin, by cunning, fraud, by feigned appearance of honesty. A truly good name is one that is advanced, nurtured and maintained by a good life, virtue, integrity, genuine devotion, constant zeal for God’s glory, a true contempt for human affairs, concern for eternal things, love of God, love of neighbor, a conduct adapted to Divine perfections, the same disposition in adversities and in prosperity, and particularly conserved by those greatest sources of all the virtues, faith, hope, and charity. This fruit of a good name will never perish, and is truly pleasing both to mankind and to Heaven. You will be able, indeed you shall be obliged, to boldly rise against anyone who would like to defile or abolish your good
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