How Character is Formed
123
Temptation Must Be Resisted—The life of Daniel is an inspired
illustration of what constitutes a sanctified character. It presents a
lesson for all, and especially for the young. A strict compliance with
the requirements of God is beneficial to the health of body and mind
Daniel’s parents had trained him in his childhood to habits of strict
temperance. They had taught him that he must conform to nature’s laws
in all his habits; that his eating and drinking had a direct influence upon
his physical, mental, and moral nature, and that he was accountable to
God for his capabilities; for he held them all as a gift from God and
must not, by any course of action, dwarf or cripple them. As the result
of this teaching, the law of God was exalted in his mind and reverenced
in his heart. During the early years of his captivity Daniel was passing
through an ordeal which was to familiarize him with courtly grandeur,
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with hypocrisy, and with paganism. A strange school indeed to fit
him for a life of sobriety, industry, and faithfulness! And yet he lived
uncorrupted by the atmosphere of evil with which he was surrounded.
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
The Aim Must Be High—If the youth today would stand as
Daniel stood, they must put to the stretch every spiritual nerve and
muscle. The Lord does not desire that they shall remain novices. He
wishes them to reach the highest round of the ladder, that they may
step from it into the kingdom of God
If the youth rightly appreciate this important matter of character
building, they will see the necessity of doing their work so that it will
stand the test of investigation before God. The humblest and weakest,
by persevering effort in resisting temptation and seeking wisdom from
above, may reach heights that now seem impossible. These attainments
cannot come without a determined purpose to be faithful in the ful-
7
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 80
.
8
Manuscript 132, 1901
.
9
The Youth’s Instructor, July 27, 1899
.