haracter, we keep all our spiritual wealth. When character is lost, we lose everything, both material and spiritual, and are poor indeed. Character is symbolic of our attitude toward the laws of God and man. Character is exemplified by our interest in the welfare and comfort of our fellows. Character is fulfillment of duties we are capable of performing in a worthwhile service. Character is everything that we are, everything that we hope to be. 

Never before has there been greater need for men and women of character, and at no time has there been less apparent interest, by so many persons, in the nobler and better things, when there has been more apparent seeking for pleasures and sins that weaken character; when there has seemed to be less interest in the work of organizations that strengthen character; when there has seemed to be less interest in the election of men and woman of character to public place; when there has been greater apparent disregard for law; when there has been a greater apparent disrespect for the rights of others; when there has been more selfishness and fewer sacrifices. 

Men and women of character are needed for public places. Men and women of character are needed as examples of respect for law. Men and women of char­acter are needed for mothers and fathers of those who soon will take our places. One of the greatest faults of the world today seems to be that children haven't the parents children had in what we are inclined to refer to as the "good old days," to which we would not return, but from which we might learn much in character building. 

Building character seems today to be far more difficult than ever because pleasures seem too common, life too free. That is not so. Human nature is pretty much the same generation after generation. Building character has never been, and never will be, easy. 

Great characters are built in overcoming trials, in surmounting obstacles, in hurdling obstructions which others say cannot be overcome, in achieving great ends against great odds. 

We are wont to think of great characters such as George Washington, Freemason, the social lion, the man of wealth, who built character that fateful winter at Valley Forge. Of Abraham Lincoln, the emancipator, who built character when he studied by the light of the fireplace. But character building is not reserved alone for those who go down in the history books. The father, the mother, the teacher may never have their deeds recorded, but each is just as important when it comes to character buildings for it is they who are examples for our children who are our greatest possessions and hope. 

We can build character by doing things others have done, but we can't build character by doing things merely because others have done them. We can build character by doing the things each of us knows he should do. Lack of instruction is no excuse. 

You can purchase this book here: 5 - 15 minute Talks by Elbert Bede