Character | Page 7

I carry about with me; and I am
never a real sufferer but by my own fault."
The best sort of character, however, cannot be formed without effort.
There needs the exercise of constant self-watchfulness, self-discipline,
and self-control. There may be much faltering, stumbling, and
temporary defeat; difficulties and temptations manifold to be battled

with and overcome; but if the spirit be strong and the heart be upright,
no one need despair of ultimate success. The very effort to advance--to
arrive at a higher standard of character than we have reached--is
inspiring and invigorating; and even though we may fall short of it, we
cannot fail to be improved by every, honest effort made in an upward
direction.
And with the light of great examples to guide us--representatives of
humanity in its best forms--every one is not only justified, but bound in
duty, to aim at reaching the highest standard of character: not to
become the richest in means, but in spirit; not the greatest in worldly
position, but in true honour; not the most intellectual, but the most
virtuous; not the most powerful and influential, but the most truthful,
upright, and honest.
It was very characteristic of the late Prince Consort--a man himself of
the purest mind, who powerfully impressed and influenced others by
the sheer force of his own benevolent nature --when drawing up the
conditions of the annual prize to be given by Her Majesty at Wellington
College, to determine that it should be awarded, not to the cleverest boy,
nor to the most bookish boy, nor to the most precise, diligent, and
prudent boy,--but to the noblest boy, to the boy who should show the
most promise of becoming a large-hearted, high-motived man. (9)
Character exhibits itself in conduct, guided and inspired by principle,
integrity, and practical wisdom. In its highest form, it is the individual
will acting energetically under the influence of religion, morality, and
reason. It chooses its way considerately, and pursues it steadfastly;
esteeming duty above reputation, and the approval of conscience more
than the world's praise. While respecting the personality of others, it
preserves its own individuality and independence; and has the courage
to be morally honest, though it may be unpopular, trusting tranquilly to
time and experience for recognition.
Although the force of example will always exercise great influence
upon the formation of character, the self-originating and sustaining
force of one's own spirit must be the mainstay. This alone can hold up
the life, and give individual independence and energy. "Unless man can

erect himself above himself," said Daniel, a poet of the Elizabethan era,
"how poor a thing is man!" Without a certain degree of practical
efficient force--compounded of will, which is the root, and wisdom,
which is the stem of character--life will be indefinite and
purposeless--like a body of stagnant water, instead of a running stream
doing useful work and keeping the machinery of a district in motion.
When the elements of character are brought into action by determinate
will, and, influenced by high purpose, man enters upon and
courageously perseveres in the path of duty, at whatever cost of
worldly interest, he may be said to approach the summit of his being.
He then exhibits character in its most intrepid form, and embodies the
highest idea of manliness. The acts of such a man become repeated in
the life and action of others. His very words live and become actions.
Thus every word of Luther's rang through Germany like a trumpet. As
Richter said of him, "His words were half-battles." And thus Luther's
life became transfused into the life of his country, and still lives in the
character of modern Germany.
On the other hand, energy, without integrity and a soul of goodness,
may only represent the embodied principle of evil. It is observed by
Novalis, in his 'Thoughts on Morals,' that the ideal of moral perfection
has no more dangerous rival to contend with than the ideal of the
highest strength and the most energetic life, the maximum of the
barbarian--which needs only a due admixture of pride, ambition, and
selfishness, to be a perfect ideal of the devil. Amongst men of such
stamp are found the greatest scourges and devastators of the
world--those elect scoundrels whom Providence, in its inscrutable
designs, permits to fulfil their mission of destruction upon earth. (10)
Very different is the man of energetic character inspired by a noble
spirit, whose actions are governed by rectitude, and the law of whose
life is duty. He is just and upright,--in his business dealings, in his
public action, and in his family life--justice being as essential in the
government of a home as of a nation. He will be honest in all things--in
his words and in his work. He will be generous and merciful to