Secret Influences

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1861

Secret Influences.

ADDIE M. entered the institute of S. in the fall of the year. She was a stranger to almost every one, with a coldness and reserve about her, that few could penetrate. Her mourning garb told of sorrow and affliction, but her proud spirit repelled all offers of sympathy. Ever prompt in recitations, her fellow pupils soon looked upon her with respect, and longed to know what had blighted her young life.

Weeks passed away, and an unwonted quietness and solemnity began to steal over that little group of school-girls. The Spirit of God was there, whispering words of warning and invitation to many hearts. Addie appeared somewhat softened, and to one who had become deeply interested in the sad and lonely girl, she spoke of a dear and idolized brother, who had been snatched from her embrace a few short months before. 'And how could she think of God as a God of love, when he had deprived her of her sweetest source of earthly comfort?'

But daily it became evident that her convictions were deepening, and that she had begun to feel she ought to love and serve the Lord. Her anxiety increased. She could not conceal it. Her studies were neglected, her appetite failed, and she seemed perfectly miserable.

Christians began to rejoice, for they thought the Lord's time had come, that the chain was about to be broken, and the captive brought out into the glorious light and "liberty of the sons of God." But not so.—Month after month passed away, and still she lingered without, though at times seemingly on the very threshold of the kingdom.

What could it be? What secret influences were there at work upon that hesitating heart? At length the friend before mentioned happening to hear her quote a stanza from Byron, was led to suspect she had discovered one reason why Addie had so long refused to listen to the Saviour's voice.

Being questioned, she acknowledged that Byron was her favorite author, her constant companion. His writings harmonized well with the morbid melancholy in which she had enshrouded herself, and poisoned every stream of healthful influence. She confessed that he bound her as it were with a magic spell, which she had not the resolution to break, though aware of her danger.

Added to this, perhaps a still worse influence had been thrown about her in her earliest youth. Years since had she listened to the doubts and reasoning of a professed infidel; and said she, "Whenever I think of being a Christian, those skeptical arguments will come with ten-fold force into my mind. I would give the world if I had never heard them."

O, those fearful influences! Well nigh did they seal her eternal doom! But in answer to earnest prayer, overcoming grace was given, and at length, delivered from the snares of Satan, she was led in humility to bow at the feet of Jesus.

But did she then cease to feel the sad effects of those evil influences? O no; ever did they continue to influence her christian character, and sometimes almost plunge her into the depths of despair.

Who can estimate the power of secret influences? Teachers, parents, be careful what works the children and youth committed to your care read, and to whose conversation they listen. Guard these points well, for influences may thus be set in motion that shall raise almost insurmountable obstacles to their conversion, or if they are at last saved, it may be "so as by fire."

Even should they be speedily brought into the folds of Christ, such influences may render their whole Christian course fluctuating and inconsistent, and daily they will be likely to bring dishonor on the cause they profess to love.—S. S. Times.