Editorial May 5, 1934 Issue

Nobility of Character

Duncan Sinclair

There are two types of character, more or less clearly defined, with which all are familiar; one of them is that of the person whose thought is pharisaical, the other that of the individual whose motives are honorable, whose life is pure, whose actions are upright. And between the two there is a wide range in which character, as commonly understood, leans either to the side of the vain and hypocritical or to the side of sterling nobility.

Mrs. Eddy defines "Pharisee" on page 592 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" thus: "Corporeal and sensuous belief; self-righteousness; vanity; hypocrisy." Pharisaical thought, then, has nothing to commend it. Material, yes, sensuous, in its tendencies; egotistical, vain, deceptive, it is devoid of all that is genuinely attractive. It offers no charm to those whose vision is spiritual. It is repulsive to the pure in heart; and to those whose outlook is moral it is abhorrent. Thought that is pharisaical is apparently constituted of qualities which are all of an evil nature or tendency.

What a contrast to thought that is pharisaical is that of the individual of upright character! He is spiritually-minded. His unselfishness makes him continually regardful of the needs of others; his humility is a constant blessing; his straightforwardness causes him to be respected by his fellow men. Men and women of character are the salt of the nations of the earth because they are the makers and upholders of just laws, and the just administrators of these laws. They stand for high moral standards among the people, and seek by the safeguarding of these standards to protect the weak in their midst. Among them are to be found the spiritual seers, those whose vision is beyond the temporal; whose vision reaches even to the Eternal Himself. Nations endure, prosper, progress, because of the men and women of spiritual character in them. These constitute a nation's chief asset; they determine its greatness.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Meeting Human Needs
May 5, 1934
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit