Through personal effort joined with the prayer of faith, the soul is trained. Day by day the character grows into the likeness of Christ; and finally, instead of being the sport of circumstances, instead of indulging selfishness and being carried away by light and trifling conversation, the man is master of his thoughts and words. It may cost a severe conflict to overcome habits which have been long indulged, but we may triumph through the grace of Christ. He invites us to learn of him. He would have us practice self-control, and be perfect in character, working that which is well pleasing in his sight. "By their fruits ye shall know them," is his own standard of judging character.

Sjælen forædles ved en personlig indsats forenet med troens bøn. Dag for dag udvikles karakteren, så den kommer til at ligne Kristi karakter. Til sidst lader mennesket sig ikke længere drive omkring af omstændighederne. Det plejer ikke mere sine selviske interesser og giver sig ikke af med letfærdighed og skæmt. Det er blevet herre over sine tanker og sine ord. Det kan koste store anstrengelser at overvinde vaner man har haft længe, men vi kan sejre ved Kristi nåde. Han indbyder os til at lære af ham. Han vil have os til at øve selvkontrol. Han ønsker at vi skal have en fuldkommen karakter og gøre, hvad der er ham velbehageligt. Han bedømmer karakteren efter denne målestok: "Af deres frugter skal I kende dem".