into loving and altruistic habits. Thistle seeds bring forth only the thistle.

Contrariwise, it is entirely impossible for continual altruistic, sympathetic,

and serviceful thoughts to bring forth a low and vicious character. Either

thoughts or feelings precede and determine all our actions. Actions develop into

habits, habits constitute character, and character determines destiny. Therefore

to guard our thoughts and control our feelings is to shape our destinies. The

syllogism is complete, and old as it is it is still true.

 

Since "character is nature in the highest form," the development of character

must proceed on natural lines. The garden left to itself will bring forth weeds

and scrawny plants, but the flower-beds nurtured carefully will blossom into

fragrance and beauty.

 

As the student entering college largely determines his vocation by choosing from

the different courses of the curriculum, so do we choose our characters by

choosing our thoughts. We are steadily going up toward that which we most wish

for, or steadily sinking to the level of our low desires. What we secretly

cherish in our hearts is a symbol of what we shall receive. Our trains of

thoughts are hurrying us on to our destiny. When you see the flag fluttering to

the South, you know the wind is coming from the North. When you see the straws

and papers being carried to the Northward you realize the wind is blowing out of

the South. It is just as easy to ascertain a man's thoughts by observing the

tendency of his character.

 

Let it not be suspected for one moment that all this is merely a preachment on