Our Influence by S. H. Lane

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 21, 1871

Our Influence.

By S. H. Lane

“He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matt. 12:30.

Could we, upon each and every occasion, realize the truthfulness of the above statement, how careful we should be concerning our conduct. We all exert an influence. It matters not what our station may be in life, some one is affected by our course of action. Our influence often lives long after we are removed from our station, and affects those with whom we may never meet in this world. This is true of all, but especially of those who profess to be keeping the commandments of God, and are looking for the speedy return of our Saviour from Heaven. If our influence is good in the community in which we live, it often causes our friends and neighbors to investigate the truth, and thereby embrace it; thus we are gathering with Christ. If our influence is not as it should be, we bring the truth into disrepute; thus scattering abroad. This was not long since forcibly illustrated:

While trying to speak the truth in N., a very urgent call for a course of lectures was sent in from G. It was thought proper to go to see if a house could be procured in which to speak. A prominent citizen of N. kindly offered to convey us to G. and use his influence to procure the M. E. church for us. We introduced our errand to the trustee. After learning what denomination we represented, he stated that we could not have the church to lecture in; giving as a reason, that a year or two since a man lived in the place, who professed to belong to the Seventh-day Adventists, who had conversed with him concerning our faith; but he set such a bad example for one who made such a high profession, that he thought the subject unworthy of attention. It can hardly be considered just in the trustee to judge a denomination by the wrong course of one individual; but the circumstance shows what a powerful influence one can exert against the truth, and thus scatter abroad.

A short time since, while pitching the tent in B. G., a gentlemanly appearing man who owned a fine residence near by came upon the ground and requested us to make our home with him when convenient to do so. We thought it a little singular that a stranger should be so friendly and courteous to us. This was explained when he added that there formerly lived in the place a lady who belongs to the Adventists; and, although she was opposed by her husband, and surrounding circumstances made it difficult for her to live out her profession, yet he believed her sincere and trying to live the life of a Christian.

We found many who spoke of the sister and her belief in the highest terms. The good impression made in favor of the truth by this lone individual aided in presenting the truth. We thought, Truly this is gathering with Christ.

Brethren and sisters, what is our influence in this direction? Are we living out the truth in our various vicinities, or are we living in open violation of our profession? How important that we live out the truth. Especially is this true of those who live isolated from those of like precious faith. The truths of the third angel’s message will sooner or later be proclaimed in your community, and when in the providence of God that time shall come, the influence you have exerted in its favor will give it force; and if faithful, you will at last be numbered among those who have gathered with Christ. S. H. LANE.