The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-27
CHARACTER-RuILDING.
Mrs. Cooper Speaks to the University
Students at PalO Alto.

Yesterday was very busy day with Mrs
Coorer, who spoke In the chapel of the
Stanford University In the morning to q
crowded house. and in the evening made an
addressin the First Congregational Church
on the work of her Bible class.
Her subject to the students was: "Char-
acter- Building" 1t was based upon the
words of st. Paul: "Ye are Gods build
ing" After giving a critical analysis of
Paups character, showing that he was or
gained to be a leader and commander
among me n, she said:
Paul was a great teacher. He had much
to say ON the subject of character-building
He was accustomed TO teach in the market
places and the fortuna sort of primitive
university extension plan. Brought up to
be narrow and technical. he broke away
from 1t all and became as large and free as
a man could be- He was never in state of
nervous fremor as to what was the proper
thing to say in the synagogue on Sunday
He was so dead-in-earDest, so bent upon the
rescue Of bis fellow-mau. that he took
whatever things had power in them to
awaken his hearers and make them better
He took his text from the wrestlers.
Il have no doubt ADDED Mrs. Cooper
"he would have found a text just suited o
your late football contest had he preached
in this chapel the next Gay. He would have
lDSlbttu Iudt WNO6VeT WOuIQ eXcel must
practice the art of Self-c0ntrOl and self
denial. Then he would prove that the same
amount OF self-c0ntr0l practiced along the
lines Of spiritual attainment would produce
sIiritual athletes that would conquer the
world for righteousness.
ut is enthusiasm that wins AS Emerson
says: Every great and commanding move
ment in the history of the world is the tri-
umph of enthusiasm The helpful life is
the holy life. The quickening spirit of God
in the soul is the foundation of all true char
acter building, aud that is the secret of per-
sonal power.
1.-THE noblest part of the nature is but
feebly developed. There are vast ranges Of
power within us Of which we do not now so
much as dream. We are like tropical plants
in frigid zones. We need the warm days of
the sun OF righteousness to beckon forth the
sleeping germs. We need more faith in or
der to build up the best that is in us.
Faith in religious life is the same prin-
ciple as faith In worldly matters, differing
only in its object. Faith is the inspiration
and strength of the most useful life. Reli-
gious prospect is not secured by climbing
stairs of argument. We shall know as We
follow on to know
Love is great revealer. To obey Is to
know. A young man said to me, i cannot
be a Christian. until | settle all uncer-
tainty.' AS we'll say you are not on the
mountain top, because it is enveoped in
is the natural ally Of the mountain height
We are jouineying-we are building day
by day. How and what are we building:
Let us look well at the foundatio n.
Character is the most enduring sub
stance in the universe. Take heed how We
build!"
The address was full Of suggestive i'm
port and was warmly received.
In the evening at the First Congrega-
tional Church Mrs. Cooper gave prelude
address on Kindergarten work in San Fran
cisco. liz fairly bristled with statistical
data in regard TO the good accomplished.
Over 1900 children have been trained.
Over 12.Co0 families have felt the influence
Of this work. Feryent testimonies to the
good done have come from school principals
and from the Police Department and from
business men. The aim is to lay founda-
tions for true manhood ana womanhood by
teaching the little children to love whatso-
ever things are true. pure, honest, lovely
and OF good renOrt