SCATTERING ABROAD by Ada L. Colcord

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

SCATTERING ABROAD.

By Ada L. Colcord

As my husband and myself were going to Gridley last week, we saw several passengers on the train to whom we decided to give each a copy of our periodicals, provided the introductory conversation should prove promising. Six papers were given away without any incident occurring worthy of remark, except that they were read with manifest interest; not so with the remaining two we presented.

There was an intelligent-looking young lady sitting in front of us to whom I offered a choice copy of the REVIEW, telling her it contained some good articles which I thought would interest her if she enjoyed religious reading. She readily accepted it, but as soon as she saw by whom it was published, she said, “I know something of that denomination; I don't believe the doctrine.” I soon learned that she was returning from ____, where she had been attending school. At this place, the truth has not been properly represented. Much harm has been done by the inconsistent course of some who profess to love and obey it. It is almost impossible to benefit those who have been thus prejudiced.

How solemn the thought that he that is not with Christ is against him; and he that gathers not with him, scatters abroad. One untidy family can do more harm in a neighborhood than can be counteracted by the consistent course of ten orderly households. A short time before arriving at G., my husband conversed with an elderly lady who resides in Missouri. He asked her if she would not accept a religious paper. She replied: “Certainly.” She had met several of our brethren and sisters in Kansas; had attended a number of our meetings; “had heard Eld. White preach;” and appeared to be favorably impressed. “He that is not against me is for me.”

If the surroundings be favorable, we may confidently hope that this aged woman will yet rejoice in the light of the third angel's message; while, on the other hand, we greatly fear that the young lady is beyond our reach. “Precept will teach, but example will draw.”

All of us exert an influence over those with whom we associate, and that, too, far more potently than many realize. We cannot occupy neutral ground. Influence, brethren and sisters, influence.

ADA L. COLCORD.