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Influence Of Association
183
to form correct habits? Then seek the company of those who are
sound in morals, and whose aim tends to that which is good. The
precious hours of probation are granted that you may remove every
defect from the character, and this you should seek to do, not only
that you may obtain the future life, but that you may be useful in
this life. A good character is a capital of more value than gold or
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silver. It is unaffected by panics or failures, and in that day when
earthly possessions shall be swept away, it will bring rich returns.
Integrity, firmness, and perseverance are qualities that all should seek
earnestly to cultivate; for they clothe the possessor with a power
which is irresistible—a power which makes him strong to do good,
strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity.
The love of truth, and a sense of the responsibility to glorify God,
are the most powerful of all incentives to the improvement of the
intellect. With this impulse to action the student cannot be a trifler.
He will be always in earnest. He will study as under the eye of God,
knowing that all heaven is enlisted in the work of his education. He
will become noble-minded, generous, kind, courteous, Christlike,
efficient. Heart and mind will work in harmony with the will of God.
* * * * *
The youth who are in harmony with Christ will choose com-
panions who will help them in right doing, and will shun society
that gives no aid in the development of right principles and noble
purposes. In every place are to be found youth whose minds are
cast in an inferior mold. When brought into association with this
class, those who have placed themselves without reserve on the side
of Christ will stand firmly by that which reason and conscience tell
them is right.
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For Further Study
Intermediate Schools
Child Guidance, 328-336
.
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 488-491
.
Value of the Common Branches
Education, 234-239
.