144
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
will be prompted by the Holy Spirit.—
The Signs of the Times, August
6, 1912
.
Importance of Perseverance—In perfecting a Christian charac-
ter, it is essential to persevere in right doing. I would impress upon
our youth the importance of perseverance and energy in the work of
character building. From the earliest years, it is necessary to weave
into the character principles of stern integrity, that the youth may reach
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the highest standard of manhood and womanhood. They should ever
keep the fact before their eyes that they have been bought with a price
and should glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are His.—
The
Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1893
. (
Messages to Young People, 45
.)
Usefulness Depends Upon Personal Decision—While parents
are responsible for the stamp of character as well as for the education
and training of their sons and daughters, it is still true that our position
and usefulness in the world depend to a great degree upon our own
course of action. Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of
correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone
would not have made them what they were. The time came when
they must act for themselves—when their future depended upon their
own course. Then they decided to be true to the lessons given them in
childhood. The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was
the foundation of their greatness. His spirit strengthened every true
purpose, every noble resolution.—
Christian Temperance and Bible
Hygiene, 28, 1890
. (
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 29
.)
A Perilous, False Philosophy—Spiritualism asserts that men are
unfallen demigods; that “each mind will judge itself”; that “true knowl-
edge places men above all law”; that “all sins committed are innocent”;
for “whatever is, is right” and “God doth not condemn.” The basest of
human beings it represents as in heaven, and highly exalted there. Thus
it declares to all men, “It matters not what you do; live as you please,
heaven is your home.” Multitudes are thus led to believe that desire
is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable
only to himself.—
Education, 227, 228
(1903).
How to Be Overcomers—We must meet all obstacles placed in
our way and overcome them one at a time. If we overcome the first
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difficulty, we shall be stronger to meet the next, and at every effort
will become better able to make advancement. By looking to Jesus
we may be overcomers. It is by fastening our eyes on the difficulties