A False Plea by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 9, 1872

A False Plea.

By M. Wood

THERE is no use for me to attempt to do anything for the cause of Christ. I have no influence. If I was only familiar with these solemn truths, if I could preach to the people, if I could offer an eloquent prayer, or, if I had a fortune, why, then I might do something. This is all a mistake. Not one of us stands on neutral ground. Every one of us has an influence, either for good or for evil.

We may be poor, uneducated, homeless, friendless, deserted by all save Christ; we still have an influence. If we endure the troubles, trials, tribulations, and persecutions of life, with meekness and humility, trusting in the strong arm of God, living a humble, devoted, self-sacrificing life, faithful adherents to God's holy law; such an influence will have an untold effect in favor of the cause of Christ. The influence which the whole-hearted Christian, the charitable Christian, the God-fearing and commandment-keeping Christian exerts, is worth more than thousands of gold and silver.

Oh that we could realize with what rapidity we are hastening to the judgment! How soon Jesus will leave his mediatorial position, and we be called upon to give an account of the influence which we have exerted among those with whom we associate! Have our lives been such as to lead souls to Christ? May we awake to our true position, and be willing to endure trials, troubles, and discouragements for the salvation of perishing souls. Lives of watchfulness and prayer will show to those around us that there is a reality in religion. Let us not attempt to compromise with the Lord. We cannot serve God and mammon. We all have an influence. It may be a sanctifying influence, an ennobling influence, a godly influence; or it may be the opposite. Which shall it be?

M. Wood.

Boston, Mass.