INFLUENCE OF QUIET RELIGION.
No illusion is more common than that which prevails in regard to our own influence for good. We undervalue the power of a retired and inward Christianity. Because our talents are few, or our position humble, we persuade ourselves that we can effect nothing for our blessed Master. This is a feeling very different from gospel humility, being one which leads to despondence, lethargy, and murmuring. It is worth while to set this matter in its true light. All men have not the same gifts, the same duties, or the same success. Our views of religion are to some extent, fashioned by the lives of others, and in this age of books, by the biographies of pious men and women. We read the history of their lives with delight, and justly long to emulate their actions. But these published memorials represent to us persons far more eminent than ourselves, and we shall greatly err, if we expect to exert the same influence on our race. Our own powers may be as small as our circle is limited. Yet there is a work for us all to perform, and it will be accomplished if all is right within. Great is the power of true religion in the heart, even of the lowliest believer. Through an inward principle it manifests itself outwardly; it is of its very nature so to do. The principle of grace is not dead, but is like salt, and leaven, and light, or like "the ointment of the right hand which bewrayeth itself." The meekest, most diffident, most silent believer, in a household, is continually diffusing an influence all around like the vase of violets, which unobtrusively fills the apartment with its odor. This is brought about by a thousand gentle and holy acts of common life, by single sentences, by helpful and kindly motions, by the very looks. It is in this way that many a Christian woman, neglected by the great world, and small in her own eyes, is a well-spring of good beside the family hearth. The Apostle Peter beautifully alludes to this, in his exhortation to such Christian wives as in the primitive age were united to unbelieving husbands. He teaches that their dutiful behaviour might be the means of correcting their husbands. "That if any obey not the Word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (in modern English, the conduct) of the wives, while they behold your chaste conversation (conduct), coupled with fear." 1 Pet. iii, 1, 2. And then he goes on to recommend as preferable to all costly jewels and apparel, "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Verse 4. This ought to afford lasting encouragement to those who are called in providence to spend their days in obscurity, and among people who have no sympathy with them in regard to divine things. If they faithfully serve and abide in communion with Christ, they cannot but have a salutary influence on those around them. There is something in consistent piety, which is not only beautiful, but winning; it is the apostle's own word. The sweet and self-denying example of a godly mother is often operative, in the remembrance of her sons long after her body has been carried to the grave. These things are so true, that, as it has sometimes appeared to me, we are more influential on those around us by what we are, than by what we do. It is the mass of the character, which affects others. Without this our busiest endeavors are fitful and inconstant, even if they are not hypocritical; with this, our most unimportant acts carry with them a certain savor of grace. He who keeps alive the coals within, at the altar of a perpetual secret devotion, will diffuse a holy glow on those who surround him. He who, like Moses, grows up to be with God, will have his face to shine when he descends from the mount. A living devout Christian in a family is a blessing to every member of it, and to every visitor. Hence the chamber of illness, or the sick bed of the incurable sufferer, is often the sanctuary of the house. From that spot, though not a word be spoken, there goes forth a sacred influence, which commends religion to every beholder. Thence flow lessons of patience, resignation, fortitude, humility, faith and love. Say that such a one is without any fruit of service. "They also serve, who only stand and wait." All this is true, even if we suppose the subject of these primeval graces to be awakened to no active endeavors. But this is an extreme supposition; for piety in the heart is the real and only source of edifying words and actions. We cannot increase our private experience of divine impressions, without at the same time being prompted to seek the glory of God by active effort. And this is the right place to begin. The reverse method may produce some stir of formal and equivocal obedience, but never results in successful activity, and is sure to be abandoned for want of motive. You may turn round a mill-wheel by the hand for a little while, or at intervals, but if116you want to grind you must have a head of water. So the sure way of doing good, is to begin with the heart. My dear Christian friend let me presume from your consenting to read these lines, that you are anxious to do something for God. No longer stretch your views to vast spheres, occupied by greater minds than yours and mine. Cast a thankful survey over your little home, your little class, your little circle of acquaintance. This is your world till Christ calls you to a better. Especially go inward, commune with the heart, wait upon God for the light of his Spirit, and believe that not one addition can be made to your personal piety, which shall not be felt on your fellow creatures.