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Fundamentals of Christian Education
appetite, intemperance and gluttony, were the order of each day. Daniel
could join in the debilitating, corrupting practices of the courtiers, or
he could resist the influence that tended downward. He chose the latter
course. He purposed in his heart that he would not be corrupted by
the sinful indulgences with which he was brought in contact, let the
consequences be what they might. He would not even defile himself
with the king’s meat, or with the wine that he drank. The Lord was
pleased with the course that Daniel pursued. He was greatly beloved
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and honored of heaven; and to him the God of wisdom gave skill in
the learning of the Chaldeans, and understanding in all visions and
dreams.
If the students who attend our colleges would be firm, and maintain
integrity, if they would not associate with those who walk in the paths
of sin, nor be charmed by their society, like Daniel they would enjoy
the favor of God. If they would discard unprofitable amusements and
indulgence of appetite, their minds would be clear for the pursuit of
knowledge. They would thus gain a moral power that would enable
them to remain unmoved when assailed by temptation. It is a continual
struggle to be always on the alert to resist evil; but it pays to obtain
one victory after another over self and the powers of darkness. And if
the youth are proved and tested, as was Daniel, what honor can they
reflect to God by their firm adherence to the right.
A spotless character is as precious as the gold of Ophir. Without
pure, unsullied virtue, none can ever rise to any honorable eminence.
But noble aspirations and the love of righteousness are not inherited.
Character cannot be bought; it must be formed by stern efforts to
resist temptation. The formation of a right character is the work of
a lifetime, and is the outgrowth of prayerful meditation united with
a grand purpose. The excellence of character that you possess must
be the result of your own effort. Friends may encourage you, but
they cannot do the work for you. Wishing, sighing, dreaming, will
never make you great or good. You must climb. Gird up the loins of
your mind, and go to work with all the strong powers of your will.
It is the wise improvement of your opportunities, the cultivation of
your God-given talents, that will make you men and women that can
be approved of God, and a blessing to society. Let your standard be
high, and with indomitable energy, make the most of your talents and
opportunities, and press to the mark.
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