Importance of Character
119
and deportment, we would see hundreds where there is one today
coming upon the stage of active life prepared to exert an ennobling
influence upon society
Its Development Is the Work of a Lifetime—The formation of
character is the work of a lifetime, and it is for eternity. If all could
realize this, if they would awake to the thought that we are individually
deciding our own destiny for eternal life or eternal ruin, what a change
would take place! How differently would this probationary time be
occupied, and what different characters would fill our world
Development and Growth—The germination of the seed repre-
sents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is
a figure of the development of character. There can be no life without
growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and
imperceptible, but continuous, so is the growth of character. At every
stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for
us is fulfilled, there will be constant advancement
It Is the Harvest of Life—The harvest of life is character, and
it is this that determines destiny, both for this life and for the life
to come. The harvest is a reproduction of the seed sown. Every
seed yields fruit after its kind. So it is with the traits of character we
cherish. Selfishness, self-love, self-esteem, self-indulgence, reproduce
[163]
themselves; and the end is wretchedness and ruin. “He that soweth to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the
Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Galatians 6:8
. Love,
sympathy, and kindness yield fruitage of blessing, a harvest that is
imperishable
The Greatest Evidence of Christianity—If Christian mothers
will present to society children with integrity of character, with firm
principles and sound morals, they will have performed the most im-
portant of all missionary labors. Their children, thoroughly educated
to take their places in society, are the greatest evidence of Christianity
that can be given to the world
5
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 69
.
6
The Youth’s Instructor, February 19, 1903
.
7
Education, 105, 106
.
8
Education, 109
.
9
Pacific Health Journal, June, 1890
.