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the integrity, the simple trust, the noble nature of the youth, bore
fruit in the deeds of the man. A pure and simple life had favored
the vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers.
Communion with God through his works, and the contemplation of
the grand truths intrusted to the inheritors of faith, had elevated and
ennobled his spiritual nature, broadening and strengthening the mind
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as no other study could do. Faithful attention to duty in every station,
from the lowliest to the most exalted, had been training every power for
its highest service. He who lives in accordance with the Creator’s will
is securing to himself the truest and noblest development of character.
“The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is
understanding.” [
Job 28:28
.]
There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life
upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to
do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by
day are designed to test our faithfulness, and to qualify us for greater
trusts. By adherence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life,
the mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims of duty above those
of pleasure and inclination. Minds thus disciplined are not wavering
between right and wrong, like the reed trembling in the wind; they are
loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity
and truth. By faithfulness in that which is least, they acquire strength
to be faithful in greater matters.
An upright character is of greater worth than the gold of Ophir.
Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence. But character is
not inherited. It cannot be bought. Moral excellence and fine mental
qualities are not the result of accident. The most precious gifts are
of no value unless they are improved. The formation of a noble
character is the work of a lifetime, and must be the result of diligent
and persevering effort. God gives opportunities; success depends upon
the use made of them.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 222, 223
.
The history of Israel’s first king presents a sad example of the
power of early wrong habits. In his youth, Saul did not love and fear
God; and that impetuous spirit, not early trained to submission, was
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ever ready to rebel against divine authority. Those who in their youth
cherish a sacred regard for the will of God, and who faithfully perform
the duties of their position, will be prepared for higher service in after
life. But men cannot for years pervert the powers that God has given