Christian Character Exemplified in Teachers and Students
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test of trial, who is a partaker of the divine nature, will be among those
whom Christ pronounces blessed.
Without Christ we can do nothing. The pure principles of up-
rightness, virtue, and goodness are all from God. A conscientious
discharge of duty, Christ-like sympathy, love for souls and love for
your own soul, because you belong to God, and have been bought
with the precious blood of Christ, will make you a laborer together
with God, and endow you with persuasive, drawing power. You must
respect your own faith in order successfully to introduce it to others.
By example as well as precept, you must show that you reverence
your faith, speaking reverently of sacred things. Never allow one ex-
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pression of lightness and trifling to escape your lips when quoting
scripture. As you take the Bible in your hands, remember that you
are on holy ground. Angels are around you, and could your eyes be
opened, you would behold them. Let your conduct be such that you
will leave the impression upon every soul with whom you associate
that a pure and holy atmosphere surrounds you. One vain word, one
trifling laugh, may balance a soul in the wrong direction. Terrible are
the consequences of not having a constant connection with God.
Abstain from all evil. Common sins, however insignificant they
may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the
inward impression of the Spirit of God. The character of the thoughts
leaves its imprint upon the soul, and all low conversation pollutes the
mind. All evil works ruin to those who commit it. God may and will
forgive the repenting sinner, but though forgiven, the soul is marred;
the power of the elevated thought possible to the unimpaired mind
is destroyed. Through all time the soul bears the scars. Then let us
seek for that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that we
may represent the character of Christ to the world.—
The Review and
Herald, December 8, 1891
.