General Conference Bulletin, vol. 3

SOME ESSENTIALS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

L. A. HOOPESD. H. KRESS

Reading for Wednesday, December 26.

The world is not in need of so-called great men; it is in need of good men. In the eyes of God, to be truly great upon earth is to be truly good. “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19. GCB July 1, 1900, page 169.5

From this text we learn that obedience is the only test of greatness. It is not the one who has done many wonderful works, and has perhaps been applauded of men, that is approved of God; but the one who has done many good works. In studying the lives of men who have lived in the past who have been really great men, measured by the divine standard, we find that in nearly every case they have had good mothers. Moses, one of the meekest of men, the great leader of Israel’s host, was under his mother’s care for twelve years. During this time he received an education by his mother’s side which fitted him for the great work he was afterward called upon to do. When called from his mother to be the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, he was not dazzled by court life. After growing to manhood, he had the choice between the throne of Pharaoh and the casting of his lot with the persecuted and despised people of God. He “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Hebrews 11:24-26. GCB July 1, 1900, page 169.6

It is principally during the first twelve years of life that character building takes place. The bud during this time is in the process of formation. From this age to manhood we merely have an unfolding of this bud. The future of the child can usually be determined by the drill it receives during this period. The hand that rocks the cradle molds society and rules the world. GCB July 1, 1900, page 169.7

Daniel, a captive at Babylon, while receiving his education of the Chaldeans, was commanded to eat at the king’s table; but he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, nor with his wine. Here again we have the unfolding of a great character. While nothing is said about Daniel’s mother, we know that such a character could only be formed by the side of a godly, consistent mother. GCB July 1, 1900, page 169.8

Paul, in writing his second epistle to Timothy, said: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.” Here again we have an illustration of the truth, “As is the mother, so is the child.” GCB July 1, 1900, page 170.1

In the record given of the parents of John the Baptist it is stated that they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Like the potter, the parents have placed in their hands the clay, and it is left with them to mold and fashion it into either a vessel of honor or a vessel of dishonor. If a child is trained in the way it should go, when it is old it will not depart from it. GCB July 1, 1900, page 170.2

At birth the little babe’s mind is a mere blank; the first face it beholds is that of mother. It looks up, mother smiles; an impression is made upon the mind. Again it looks up, now there is a frown, or an anxious look upon the face of the mother; another impression is made. A little later mother becomes angry, impatient, or scolds; a few new impressions are made. The impressions thus made form the character of the future man. The eyes of the child may be compared to a perfect camera, the brain to the plate, or film, upon which the pictures are formed. The child is continually taking “snap shots.” Everything it beholds in life forms a picture upon the brain. The ear may likewise be compared to a phonograph, the brain to the wax cylinder, which receives the impressions. Little hymns that are sung at baby’s side are faithfully marked, some day to be reproduced. The hasty, unkind words spoken while alone with the little one will sometime be proclaimed openly; there is nothing said that will not come to the surface. GCB July 1, 1900, page 170.3

It is well known that the impressions made in childhood are most lasting. The man eighty years old forgets the things that transpired a few years ago, but he has no difficulty in recalling things which transpired in childhood. How often, when sitting in quiet meditation, our minds turn back to childhood days. Panorama like, one picture after another flashes before us in quick succession, some of which we cherish. Among them may be one or more dark pictures that we wish could be effaced; but they are there to stay. It is through the special senses, especially the eyes and ears, that character is formed—by beholding we become changed. How important to be careful in the selection of reading matter for our children! Even the pictures hung upon our walls should each contain a moral, teaching compassion, love, usefulness, kindness, etc. GCB July 1, 1900, page 170.4

Some may ask, Why is it that children who have apparently had the most careful training, and the most favorable surroundings, sometimes, in spite of these, go astray? At a lecture given by a certain temperance worker, a lady stepped up to the speaker with the inquiry, “Do you honestly believe that God hears and answers prayer?” The reply was, “I certainly do.” Then the inquiry was made, “Why is it that my only son, for whom I have prayed almost constantly from the day he was born, lies in a drunkard’s grave?” The answer came: “I do not know why. I will, however, try to find an answer to your question. This I know, the fault is not with God.” This question has been asked repeatedly by anxious parents: “Is that statement true, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it’?” If it is, it is evident that something aside from moral teaching and environment is necessary in the training of children. I wish to notice a few of the essentials which are almost wholly overlooked by parents. GCB July 1, 1900, page 170.5

When the time arrived for the Lord to raise up a deliverer for Israel, an angel appeared to the wife of Manoah with the information that she should have a son; and in view of his important mission as the deliver of Israel, definite instruction was given to the mother with reference to her habits of eating and drinking, previous to his birth. Said the angel, “Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing.” The second time the heavenly messenger appeared, and in answer to the anxious inquiry by Manoah, “How shall we order the child?”—how shall we educate him and train him?—replied, “Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. She may not eat of anything that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.” It is evident from this that what the mother eats and drinks, previous to the birth of her children, has much to do in determining their future usefulness in life, and character, but this is entirely overlooked by parents of to-day. GCB July 1, 1900, page 170.6

The same carefulness in diet enjoined upon the mother for the benefit of her children, previous to their birth, should be exercised toward them afterward. Just previous to the birth of Christ, the world was in a most deplorable condition. Gluttony and intemperance existed everywhere. To save society, radical reforms in eating and drinking were necessary, to prepare the way for the teachings of Christ. The minds of men were so befogged by their manner of eating and drinking, that they could not discern between sacred and common, and truth could not appeal to them and transform their characters. GCB July 1, 1900, page 171.1

When the world was in need of a voice to herald the coming of Christ,—of a man who could lay the ax at the root of all evil,—intemperance,—and call upon men to repent and be converted,—the Lord raised up John the Baptist. Definite instruction was given his parents with reference to his early habits, to prepare him for his work. Said the angel, “He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.” In accordance with the directions given, the parents carefully brought him up in the most simple manner, his food consisting entirely of the natural, non-stimulating or non-irritating products of the earth. He continued to live in this simple way until his public appearing as a prophet and teacher. John the Baptist could never have filled his mission in life, no matter how favorable his early surroundings, even if brought up by righteous parents, had he been allowed to eat and drink as the children about him. GCB July 1, 1900, page 171.2

What was true of John the Baptist is true of every child. It is impossible for any child to fulfill its mission in life, or to reach the divine standard of morality, without special attention is given by the parents to its food and drink. The poor, praying mother, whose son filled a drunkard’s grave, probably ignorantly allowed him, when young, to eat anything and everything he desired, and unconsciously laid the foundation for a useless life. GCB July 1, 1900, page 171.3

That eating and drinking had much to do with the development of character, even the Persians, who were ignorant of the true God, recognized, as is stated by the historian Rollin: “By them the education of children was looked upon as the most important duty, and the most essential part of government. It was not left to the care of fathers and mothers, whose blind affection and fondness often rendered them incapable of that office, but the state took it upon itself. Boys were all brought up in common, after one uniform manner. Everything was regulated, the place and length of their exercise, the time of eating, the quantity of their food and drink. The only food allowed either children or young men was bread, cresses [such as fruits and vegetables], and water. The design of the Persians, in all these wise regulations, was to prevent evil. Being convinced that it is much better to prevent crimes than to punish them, the Persians endeavored so to order it as to have no criminals among them.” Cyrus, one of the noblest characters of history, was brought up in this simple way, and in after years, when surrounded by the luxury of the Medes, he still adhered to the simple habits formed in early life. As a result of his simple habits his mind was clear, and he was able to discern the still small voice of right, and he was chosen of God to perform his pleasure, and rebuild Jerusalem. GCB July 1, 1900, page 171.4

Daniel and his three companions were evidently reared in the same simple way by their parents. After they were grown to manhood, while captives at the court of Babylon, they refused to eat food that the king prescribed for them. Knowing the effect that such a diet would have upon their health and morals, and how seriously it would interfere with their future usefulness as messengers of truth, as representatives of the kingdom of God in Babylon, they purposed in their hearts they would not defile themselves with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank. They requested that they might continue the use of the simple foods to which they were accustomed. As a result, these young men were clear-headed, and prospered above the others. GCB July 1, 1900, page 171.5

The time came when a great moral test was brought upon the inhabitants of Babylon. The king made an image of gold, and commanded that at a certain time everyone should fall down and worship it, or be cast into a burning fiery furnace. Among all that vast multitude (including many other Hebrews who were taken to Babylon as captives with Daniel), only the men who refused to eat of the king’s food, and adhered to the simple diet, remained steadfast. All who ate of the king’s food fell down to worship him, while those who ate the food provided by God worshiped God. They fearlessly but reverently declared, “Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” GCB July 1, 1900, page 171.6

This lesson is placed on record for the special benefit of those living in the close of this earth’s history who will pass through a similar experience. In it everyone can read his future,—whether, when the command is given to worship the beast and his image, he will bow and worship, or, like the three loyal captives, remain standing. “Then [if not now] shall ye ... discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.1

The men spoken of by the apostle, “whose god is their belly,’ will not be of that number. Only those who now purpose in their hearts that they will not defile themselves with the ordinary food of the world, but will step out and be separate, can possibly develop the moral character that will enable them to stand this test. They will be numbered with the wise virgins who had the oil of character in their vessels, and were ready for the bridegroom, to partake of the marriage supper. Having done all to stand, they are able to stand. God has given us light upon the principles of health because it is needed as an aid in the formation of character and as an essential feature in preparing us for the reception of truths through which we are to be sanctified and prepared for his coming. It is sad indeed to despise God’s goodness in revealing to us these precious truths for which the world is perishing. GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.2

To many it will be revealed when too late to obtain the oil of character, that, like Esau, they have sold their birthright for a morsel of meat, for the mere gratification of the palate; that they have bartered their heirship to a better world for the selfish gratification in this. In order to make character-building possible, there must be a right physical foundation laid by correct habits of living. GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.3

One thing we can rest assured of; that is, “No man is crowned unless he strive lawfully.” The law of the Lord is perfect, it needs no changing; its object is to change us, to bring us in harmony with God that we may receive all the blessings he offers freely. In spite of all the instruction given, many will seek to climb up some other way, continuing to eat and drink with the world. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.4

Many have made themselves believe that they need pay no attention to the matter of eating and drinking. These will smite their fellow servants who are faithfully trying to call the attention of the people to the importance of these truths. In the last great day many will come and say, “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” But the record tells us that then the sad words will be pronounced: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Wonderful works and casting out of devils, are no evidences of Christianity. Obedience and true goodness are the only credentials necessary in this life and for an entrance into the city of God. Not everyone that says, “Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.5

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add unto thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:1-4. GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.6

“O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!” Deuteronomy 5:29. GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.7

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3. GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.8

“And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee ... Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.... The Lord shall establish thee a holy people unto himself, ... if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.” Deuteronomy 28:2-9. GCB July 1, 1900, page 172.9

D. H. KRESS. GCB July 1, 1900, page 173.1