Our Influence by Emma J. Maxson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 15, 1863

Our Influence.

By Emma J. Maxson

THERE are thoughts, bright thoughts that slumber deep, That a look, or a word may arouse from sleep; And the influence vast, of that word to the soul, Will endure while eternity's ages roll.

There's not a heart but where hidden chords Respond to the music of gentle words, While a thrill of rapture beams from the eye, And the lips strive in vain to frame a reply.

There are buried hopes, and memories dear, Carefully guarded in doubt and fear, When a look may recall the hidden pain, And buried memories live again.

There are gifted men whose throngs of care Subdue their aims, till in dark despair They wander in shadows dim, and lone, Oh! give them a kind word, if but one.

God gave us this influence vast, sublime, It pauses not for a moment's time. Then pursue in wisdom the "narrow path," For from him that hath not, he'll require what he hath.

While to him that hath, to him will be given A rich reward, a blissful heaven. A home with the happy, the pure, and the blest, Where the weary, and sad are forever at rest. EMMA J. MAXSON. Adam's Center, N. Y.