The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1897-04-02
CHARACTER BUILDING.
Christianity the Conversions; Religion
an Essential Element.

an Essential Element.
Whatever may be the nature and
number of a mans personal possess
siOns in this life, death deprives him
of everything except his essential
character which, whether good or
bad, determines his ultimate des-
tiny.
Relatively, character is of more
Importance than action, for the latter
is variable, while the former is sub
stantially uniform. 1t is of more i'm
portance than reputation, for, though
the character ordinarily creates the
reputation, they are sometimes very
dissimilar. A good deed, though
excellent in itself, is not so impOr-
tant as the quality of character
which produces it. The moral ele-
ment is of supreme significance. The
J iorates sooner or later, the finest
minds are always liable to failure,
but the moral character survives
every other element of human be-
ing, and will continue, indestructi-
BILE in final, fixed state.
1t is said that lit takes all kinds
of people to make a world" and GER
tainly every imaginable type, good,
! bad or Indifferent, has its represen-
tatives somewhere. A number,
however, are distinguished by SUI
perficial peculiarities rather than
any profundity. Their mOdicun1
of character is not of kind to force
itself on observation. There are
people whose personal magnitude is
confined to an enormous phySique
with Herculean capabilities, while
there are physical dwarfs who are
more than compensated for such de-
ficiency by the possession of gil
gantic intellect. A few are so ami
mated and dominated by greatness
of soul that the presence or absence
of minor publications is scarcely
noticeable.
The inferior character is not
pleasantly interesting subject.
Whether from constitutional infirm-
ity it is unequal to ordinary require
ments and Is consequently largely or
wholly dependent on others, or from
obsequiousness servilely yields to
those who should be no more than
tuudlS, VI d NlClOuo
is inclined to groveling existence
it is involuntarily self-assigned to
an inferior rank of humanity.
Hence it is easy to realize the i'm
portance of excellence of character,
and only perfection of character will
give perfect and abiding satisfac-
ton. A noted writer says, "Imper-
feet being is a constant sorrow. I'M
perfect character is a hell forever"
AS the formation of character for eX-
istence in an exalted and eternal
state should be the chief concern of
all, then, whatever relates to God,
the soul and eternity, will have the
pre-eminence in the best regu-
lated minds. Christianity is the
corners stone of the highest type of
character. Religion is an essential
element. Not mere observance of
rites, but an experience of a redeem
led nature, an uplifted character and
consequent results, without which
religious forms are utterly futile.
The character is subject to tests
Throughout the routine of ordinary
life. Circumstances call for self
reliance, and results prove it's pres
ence or absence. Measures are en-
: ployed to abridge liberty of thought
: or action, and the subject submits or
resists. Some act unselfishly merely
because such conduct is expected OF
them; others because principle and
inclination lead them to do so. How
superior is that courtesy which has
its root not in regard for mere ap.
: pearances, but in philanthropiC
, spirit!
But the contrasts between differ
ent types of character are particu-
larly exposed by the eXigencies OF
life. The weak character is easily
+ overcome by temptations, or BAT
: fled or defeated by difficulties, while
it's opposite is like a great rock
, against which tempestuous breakers
or sweeping tornadoes strike in vain
f Some people are slaves to environ
ment. Others with souls that cannot
be thus circumscribed have force Of
character which enables them tC
: waive ceremony on occasion, to over
step trivial customs obstructine
r their way in the performance Of i'm
portant and difficult duties. Some
people live much more than Others
/ do. They do not necessarily remain
r longer in the world, but accomplish
/ vastly more in comparison with the
8 length of their soiourn here. Some
live only for self, and require great
n deal of help from others in doing so
r while some live almost wholly fol
3 others, aud leave great vacancy in
their community when they leave
the world.
The superior Importance of good
Y ness is sometimes seen when the
| light of eternity appears to pene
trate the obscurity of earthly sur
q roundings; especially in the article
q of death. Sir Walter Scott wher
/, dying said to friend; "There is
!, but one thing that counts. Be good
e Be religious. 1t is all that will give
4 you happiness when you come to liz
here" In the clear light of the
eternal world, how infinitesima
will appear any mere temporary sue
S cess compared with the formation o
= a character that fits its possessor fol
: eternal companionship with celes
: tial beings!
r Character building is work o
: inestimable Importance and thu
present life is the time set apart TO
g its accomplishment. There is onl!
: so much time in which to do thu
= work, none too little if judiciousl!
q nsed hut there is a great unWisdon