OUR INFLUENCE by J. O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 8, 1878

OUR INFLUENCE.

By J. O. Corliss

WHAT is it? How far does it extend? These are questions that should earnestly engage the attention of every one, especially of those who are seeking to do the will of their Master. Webster says, that, in a general sense, influence denotes power whose operation is invisible and known only by its effects.

Every one, no matter how humble his sphere in life, carries with him a certain amount of this unseen power; but just how far it extends, or how much others are affected by it, may not be fully known till the judgment of the great day shall bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the heart.

One thing, however, is certain, the influence of every individual is felt to a certain extent. Especially is this seen when the truth is first proclaimed in a new place. One can go nowhere now to hold meetings but he will find those who have known something of others professing the truth. It is not uncommon to hear one say, “I lived a near neighbor to Mr. Brown in York State for two years. He was a member of your church;” or, “I knew Mr. Smith in Vermont ten years ago. He belonged to your society, I believe.”

The thought then flashes on the mind, though we hardly dare express it, I wonder what impressions this man received of the truth by being intimately acquainted with those professing it. One is not long left in doubt, however; and how sad to think that sometimes the impression left was such as to make the truth decidedly repulsive. That impression may have been received years ago, yet it has not been erased; and though the person who exerted this influence may be wholly unconscious of it, yet it may be felt hundreds of miles from the place where the impression was first received. But if, on the other hand, the impression made was very favorable, then one feels that in that person’s case at least, the battle is partly fought, because he is disarmed of prejudice, and is prepared to listen candidly to what is said about the truth.

A case of the latter kind came to our notice lately. One of our company a few evenings ago saw in the congregation a lady whom she recognized as a friend of her mother’s. After meeting she made herself known to the lady, and accompanied her to her home. Of course the topic of conversation was the tent-meetings, and the lady told her own story. She said she had been advised not to attend the meetings, “but,” said she, “I shall go and hear; for I believe they are good people. I am acquainted with Mrs. S—, and I know she is a real Christian.”

Although the sister referred to has never been in the place, and probably knows nothing of the extent of her influence, yet it exists here and is silently operating on the mind of that lady. Neither will it stop with her. She will tell others of the good impression received, and being a person of good repute will extend the influence, and the way will be open to sow seeds of truth in hearts that otherwise might have been closed to the light of God’s word now shining for our time.

How necessary, then, that all should try to wield what influence they have in the world upon the right side; for little do they know how far it may extend. The Judgment alone will reveal whether each word and act has had a gathering influence or not. God forbid that the blood of souls shall be found in our garments at that time.

J. O. CORLISS.