Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1878-06-29

Gan mere w. aIiN ''tI u'''N
than conduct? Yes character is more
important than conduct, because that
mainly relates To sabbath scholars,
but character is developed in every rela-
tioaship; character il being always
formed; character is, in fact, yourself.
A man is what his character is, not
what his conduct is. A moments reiee-
ton will convince You of this-will show
YOU that often the conduct may be all
that could be desired, under given cir
cumstances, when the character may be
iaul y.
Conduct is largely influenced by out.
ward circumstances, character is formed
within. Character controls conduct, and
the controlling force must be the more
important. Character is always being
affected for good or evil; the lines OF
character must be much more subtle,
therefore. than those of conduct. The
character is continually either being
strengthened by virtue or impaired by
sin.
Let me give as an illustration, a story
Of a schoolgirl in America. 1t was the
eve OF a halG-yearly examination it was
her last term at school, when she would
be seeking some engagement and she
was most anxious to secure the best
position in the school. She was doubt.
iul, however, about the chemistry paper
that would be set in fact, it was the
only subj ct Of which she was afraid !;
but it w8s a%ll.important to her, because
she and another were so nearly equal in
he class that 2 single paper done indit-
t%erently would decide the prize,
The mistress wanted some book from
her desk, and sent Mary ior it..
What was it that made Mary start p
that sent the color to her cheek that
sent the finger to the lip? Why did she
draw back her hand from the desk so
hastily? Was there anything to bite?
Yes, there WAS temptation lurking
therefor right before her lay the book
containing the questions that would be
set for the chemistry examination. A
single peep, and she would have some
idea OF the questions to be set. Should
she look? The temptation was strong
and was backed by some plausible rea.
sons, but honor was stronger and taking
up the book for which she was sent,
Mary slammed down the desk az though
she would at the same time crush the
serpent that lay there.
Next day the examination was held
and, as Mary feared, she did not do wei
in chemistry, though satisfied with he
own papers.
AnXiously the resUl. was waited for
aud when it was announced that Mar,
was second, her friends crowded arount
her to sympathize with her. o. cours,
she was disappointed, but they were sur
prised TO fiuG her so little so, when sh,
answered them With quiet smile, "Neve
mind"
1t was the last day of the term, an,
the prizes were to be publicly awarded
Visitors and friends Of the pupils came
and the girls felt that the best part o
the pliz9 was to have them awarded be
fore so distinguished q company. Whel
MarY's competitor went up, certain eye.
were turned in pity towards Mary, bu
10 shade OF ~yeXation OF disappointment
clouded her face, but instead, a smile 0
satisfaction played thereon.
Later in the day the mistress cal1eC
Mary toher, and said, "Mydear, Mr.
has been asking me if | could recomment
him a young lady as secretary an,
a~manuensi& Her duties would not b
heavy and they would be literally re
muGerated but he insisted that sh
must be q girl OF unimpeachsb3e honor
Tor she would be intrusted with impof
tant and confidential papers. | hav
recommended you, Mary, because ] hay
, always trusted you, ard because | hay
recently had astrong proofof your honol
when | know it must have been tried
Shortly after | sent you to my desk
had occasion to 60 there, when i at ono
saw the book containing the question.
How foolish! thought I. Nay, no,
wrong to expose her to the temptation
But never doubted you, Mary Jus
) then the sun shone into the desk. an
-, revealed a tiny spiders web across tn
. book, and | knew at once that you ha
> resisted the temptation.
But before that something else ha
! shone into that desk-Mary's characteI
stronger and brighter because of tn
: temptation resisted. That was A fin
, line that revealed to Mary's teacher he
trustworthiness and honor; but fine
than any gossamer threads are the line
which daily indicate how character
formed. cline upon line, line upo
line here a little and there a little.b
Ben amin Clarke.