Silent Influence by E. R. D.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 14, 1871

Silent Influence.

By E. R. D.

MAN is so constituted, that he is more susceptible to silent, than to conscious influence; for if he thinks he is swayed by the opinion of others, he loses his self-respect, while on the contrary if he believes himself capable of withstanding the influence of another it gives him a feeling of independence.

It is not so much by great and heroic acts, which take place occasionally, that we are influenced, as by little deeds of kindness.

God speaks to us not so often by the flashing lightning, the roaring cataract, and the fiery volcano, as by the beautiful in nature, the trials of every day life and the still small voice of conscience.

Varied are the influences which different things exert over us; when wearied and oppressed with trials and cares, we go forth to commune with nature, how each little bud and flower seems to draw our thoughts from ourselves and fill our hearts with love and gratitude toward Him who created them! for “God might have made the earth bring forth Enough for great and small. The oak tree and the cedar tree And not a flower at all.”

The stately oak rearing its head far above us, inspires us with lofty thoughts and seems ever to whisper, “Look up,” while the pine—who can sit beneath its branches, and hear the sad, mournful tones which issue from its boughs, without a feeling of sadness stealing over him? What emotions are incited while standing beside the sparkling water as it ripples in its pebbly bed! Does it not lead us to desire, that our lives might be as pure, and bright, as the stream at our feet? Do not those better thoughts have a power over our whole life? Are we not unconsciously molded by the teachings of nature, so that we are better fitted to perform life's duties?

But it is not from nature, alone, that we are silently influenced, for we all exert upon others an influence when we least think of it, which is either for good, or for evil; it is impossible to have it otherwise. We may say, and perhaps think, we have no influence in the world, but we forget the unconscious influences which we daily both give, and receive.

It is these little things, the small duties of life, of which we scarcely think, the silent influences, which help to make up the history of our lives.

Many think, they can have no influence, unless they try by argument to change the purpose of some one. They do not consider that their actions, or lives, may have a far greater power, than words, and that, perhaps, the opposite of what they would wish. Though we may fail in exerting the influence we desire, when intentional, yet, unconsciously, we are ever leading some one, either toward the right or giving them an excuse for wandering from the path of rectitude. Solemn thought! But this is a law of nature, and the influence we exert is a true index to our character; for it is in our unguarded moments, more than when we are vigilant that we influence others.

A distinguished writer has said that “our conscious influence is the result of intention, and on the whole does little; but our unconscious influence is the aggregate result of our whole character, manifesting itself in looks and acts that are not meant to affect anything, but which will inevitably mold others.” How necessary then that this powerful influence be for good and that it may tell upon the side of truth. That this may be so, we must live truthful lives; be true to ourselves, our profession, and our God, ever remembering the high duties that rest upon us and that though the whole world may applaud, yet the approval of our own conscience and of God is the one thing needful for our happiness.

Lord, help us to be wholly sanctified; then, if our thoughts are holy, our lives, and actions, will be holy, and our influence will tell upon the right side. E. R. D.