Christian Character by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 22, 1870

Christian Character

By Jos. Clarke

Is not formed in a day. Like the oak, it must have time and space for full development. It is not got up on short notice, upon a few good resolutions, and a few shining achievements; but is the result of long and laborious effort and care.

Not a few start out in this narrow path, hoping by superior ability and the blessing of God, to avoid many of the trials to which others have been subjected; but painful experience teaches them the bitter lesson of human frailty, and they either yield to the pressure, or learn to climb carefully, and meekly, the difficult ascent.

None can claim exemption from danger and toil. None can avoid the wholesome discipline of a firm but gracious God. Through labor, toil, and suffering, in watchfulness, in sorrow, the candidate for immortality presses on. His peace of mind, which is to him of priceless value, is often attended with the keenest pangs of sorrow for sin; and his fears lest he should sin against God, solemnize his mind. His repentance is not the painful remorse of the rebellious sinner, but is the heartfelt sorrow of the conscientious child, who mourns that he has broken the just and wholesome rules of his Father's house.

But the Christian does not form a character wholly by regret of the past. He cultivates the several virtues indispensable to the soldier in this holy warfare: Firmness in doing right, courage in standing at his post, constancy, endurance, perseverance in severe trials, watchfulness amid visible and unseen foes, care in sustaining the interests of the cause in which he has enlisted, a sense of responsibility in bearing burdens which naturally fall to his lot, and constant prayerfulness lest he be left to himself. Faith in God is his starting point and base of operations; virtue is his rule of life; knowledge, patiently, diligently attained, enlarges his mind; temperance holds him in her golden chain; patience sweetens his cup of sorrow; godliness elevates his soul above the sensual world around; brotherly kindness causes him to be useful and agreeable to all; charity throws its graceful folds over all, and disarms his foes, and purifies him to exert a purifying influence upon others.

Amid the contradictions and manifold trials cast upon him, he sits calmly awaiting the end of all things, and learns to suffer silently, and without complaint. The Christian learns to labor for his Master, amid opposition and scorn, discouragement and gloom. Amid disappointment and trials he continues cheerful.

Jos. Clarke.