p. 163 | OUR INFLUENCE by M. E. S.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 25, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 21.

OUR INFLUENCE.

By M. E. S.

Did we realize that one with whom we associate to-day will in a very little while be crowned king, enter upon a life of unbounded glory, filled with eternally expanding privileges and blessings and bliss, while the Creator, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will gird himself and come forth and serve him,—with what respect would we involuntarily treat such a person. And further—did we feel that it is in our power to help any one toward receiving such a life, what importance, what glory, would this privilege attach to our earthly existence, and how earnestly and untiringly would we seek to improve it.

Were we fully conscious, as we pass indifferently among our fellow-beings, that one here and one there will shortly pass the limit of probation, having neglected to perfect character; that some must surely drink the wrath of God in the seven last plagues, and finally be utterly consumed in the lake of fire—oh, what carefulness would seize us in all our intercourse with them, especially if we realized that we could have anything to do in averting such a doom. Dear brethren and sisters, we are momentarily having to do with things of stupendous importance. We are constantly forming character for ourselves, good or bad, and our influence is helping to do the same for all we meet. Oh, how shall we bear this fearful responsibility but by maintaining so close a walk with God, that we will be led by and filled with his Holy Spirit!

M. E. S.