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I HAVE NO INFLUENCE

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 4, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 5.

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"I HAVE NO INFLUENCE."

IN his warfare against the truth, the evil one shows a wonderful fertility of resources, and skill in the use of them—a statement for which we do not claim entire originality. A favorite part of his spiritual tactics is to induce the professed disciples of Christ to excuse themselves from active work by the plea that they "have no influence," and can do nothing except, as they sometimes put it, "at the throne of grace." The confession is a virtual abnegation of one's manhood—and we use the word in its limited sense, because in these days no "manly man" could be induced to make such an excuse. His prayers go downward instead of upward. It is a poor, shuffling excuse for a neglect of duty—a virtual attempt to go to Heaven "on flowery beds of ease." Every man has an influence.—Selected.