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INFLUENCE

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 20, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 16.

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INFLUENCE

By Robert F. Cottrell

Cast a pebble into the midst of a pond. A small portion of the water will at first be agitated; but the wave set in motion will spread over the surface till it reaches the shore in every direction. So it is with the influence we cast. A wrong action or position does not cease its effect at once, but its influence continues to be felt. We cannot tell how much harm may be done by one wrong act, small and unimportant as we may view it. Our influence should tell in favor of the cause and work of God. The gathering message is doing its work, to bring the remnant of the people of God into unity, and so prepare them for translation into the kingdom of God. The influence of believers in this truth should tell toward this object—the unity of the people and work of God. But when we fail of this, and set in motion a wave of influence subversive of this end, and tending to create and foster distrust and doubt, the evil done cannot be computed. The Judgment alone can reveal it.
How careful then should we be, to do nothing against the work of God. And wherein we have erred, and exerted an evil influence, no time should be lost in taking measures to counteract it. We are naturally too slow to see and properly appreciate this. This has been the case with me. But I desire to confess my faults and clear my own soul. I intend by the help of God to give the weight of my influence, be it more or less, to the upbuilding of the cause of truth and unity. And I exhort all to do the same. Do you love the cause of God, and desire to aid in the work of salvation? Be in haste to correct your faults, counteract every evil influence, and take a decided position with the truth and work of God. The sooner this is done, the better and the more acceptable to God. Be entreated to leave your doubtful thoughts and make speedy and thorough work.
R. F. COTTRELL.