The New York herald., 1922-01-30
CHARACTER FOREMOST,
SAYS ROCKEFELLER, JR,
Bible Class Hears His Ideas on
Wealth and Pleasure.

II presume that never in the history
Of humanity has there been a greater
need for Christian character than to-
day. Never has there been a greater
cry for sane, honest leadership in every
walk of life. Never has there been such
an opportunity for rendering service to
other men as exists to-day"
These are the opinions expressed yes
terday by John d. Rockefeller, Jr. in
addressing the mems Bible class of the
Fifth Avenue Baptist Church Of which
he is honorary president. Mr.. Rookie
feller spoke on "A Mans Ideals"
Citing education, wealth, power and
pleasure as ideals commonly pursued. he
said that more important than the pur-
suit of these was tile use of present
opportunities, no matter how small.
Each of these ideals, commendable in
itself when rightly used, he declared,
could be like two edged sword He
said
"If rightly used these ideals may
bring happiness and blessing. II wrong
ly used they may bring much misery
and wretchedness.
II suppose no nation was more high
ly educated than Germany, and vet II
plunged the world into war and pros
tituted to bad use its splendid educa-
tion and intellectual development. An
educated man may find more harm to
do than an uneducated man. A man
may educate himself to be a successful
burglar as we'll as he may educate him.
self to be a banker; but success in the
pursuit of immoral ends Is deplorable."
Similarly he pointed out the influence
OF perverted power, wealth and the
pursuit of pleasure. Service based on
Christian character. he declared, should
be the guide. Success comes from do
ing the common tasks Of life uncommon
ly well. He went on:
"Only as a man builds on the sound,
solid foundation of Christian character
can he be trusted with these great
gifts and ideals OF which we are speak
ing. Christian character means hon.
esty and unimpeachable integrity. II
means justice. fair play, square dealing.
1t means self mastery. absolute control
Of mind. thought. words and actions.
Christian character means a clean
body and pure heart. IT means un-
selfishness thinking of others. putting
ourselves In the places of others. looking
at life from thei rpoint of view and try.
ing TO understand their difficulties I,
means doing to others as we would
have them do to us--not an eye for an
eye and tooth for a tooth, ont a quick
sharp reply to something spoken in an
ger. It means a spirit of unselfshness
and love. In short. II means service"
Wealth honestly acquired Is great
possession for enabling great service
he said In discussing briefly the pursuit
OF this ideal. Its possession imposes
great responsibilities. Carelessly giver
away. II stimulates careless manage.
ment and weakens enterprise. The only
standard TO judge the right use Of 8
mythical, fancifui 100000 which peopl,
often aspire to possess. said Mr.. Rookie
Teller. In the use of present income
whatever Il may be. When wealth 1:
acquired solely for the sake of its ac
emulation 1T is a stone about a man,
neck and is sure to sink him."
Pleasure, according to Mr.. Rockefel
ler. Is an essential factor In life. bu
| like sugar on cereal or tho frosting o,
cake" II can be delicious for the addet
zest. The sole pursuit OF pleasure Is lik,
sitting down to meal composed EN-
tireiy of sugar or cake that is oni,
frosting.
Many OF the las who attended tn,
meeting of the class we're young mer
There were visitors from Nova Scotia
Massa chusetts, Missouri, Kentucky, Cal
ifornia. idaho. Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The twenty-hfth annual dinner of tn,
class will be held Thursday evening Il
the Hotel Pennsylvania. Mr.. Rookie
feller will be the toastmaster. The
speakers viii he Gen. sir Arthur Currie
president OF McGill University, Mon.
treal: Charles NJ. Schwab, Thomas w
Lamont ana william M Kingsley.