Influence by M. W. Howard

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 29, 1863

Influence.

By M. W. Howard

TRULY has it been remarked, that every one is at all times performing the double office of the mold and the wax; for we are continually not only giving, but receiving, impressions. This thought is sufficiently important to cause us at all times to weigh well our actions, for disguise it as we may, "trifles light as air" are constantly swaying us for good or for evil; and not only swaying us, but going on in ever-widening circles, till the influence from some simple act, none may compute.

Within the past twenty-four hours the quiet, unobtrusive influence of one who has for years been sleeping in her unnoted grave, has nerved me to the performance of a Christian duty—the lifting of a heavy cross. True, the promise of inspiration, "My strength is sufficient for thee," was found good. Yet the remembered act of one who perhaps had never dreamed of influence, for she was one of those gentle, pliant mothers who rule by winning kindness, has stayed up my heart, even as Aaron and Hur stayed up the hands of Moses in the hour of fierce conflict between Israel's and Amalek's hosts.

A group of gay youth, of both sexes, were spending a social evening in her parlor, as guests of her own daughters and sons. The playful bandinage, the pleasant repartee, were hushed as she entered the room and kindly greeted them. Seating herself among them, she spoke a few words of serious import, then remarked, "I wish to pray with you before I retire." And kneeling in our midst, she implored God's blessing on us. Perhaps none heeded her prayer! I am sorry to say none of us knelt with her. But she had given her message of warning to us, and the evening family prayer was not omitted; and to-day, after slumbering in my memory a score of years, that Christian act has commended itself to my better judgment, and performed its ministry in helping me to resolve not to shrink from manifest duty, however crossing it may be, since through the power of memory, "that pen to register, that key that winds through secret wards," it may bear fruit after our bodies are laid in the grave.

Alluding to the power of memory, recalls another of life's reminiscences, which might bear upon my theme. A much-loved neighbor had gone to the realms of death. Unexpectedly had she passed away. In the still hours of night a messenger dispatched for the purpose had knocked loudly at each dwelling where abode those who would fain gather around her dying couch, with the startling message, "Mrs. B. is dying!" and then hastened on; for three miles away dwelt her parents. Each one thus summoned speedily repaired to the scene where her life was fast ebbing away, only to stand for a short time in mute and sorrowful surprise around our unconscious friend. Soon the "spirit had returned to God who gave it," and death was there with its icy chill.

Meanwhile the father and other relatives had arrived, and a few moments passed in mingling the sympathetic tear. Her form was then adjusted, and the only male professing Christian said, "When death enters our midst, it is proper that we pray." Silently the group arranged for prayers, a portion of scripture was read, and prayer was offered. For the deceased, a good hope of a happy resurrection could be cherished; but the father was an uncompromising infidel, and the husband and too many of the group "cared for none of these things." It was a cross for frail human nature, then and there, to volunteer a prayer; but then and there was an opportunity to show himself on the Lord's side, and honorably he did it.

Denied the comfort of ministering to her previous to her death, I craved the privilege of lingering around her lifeless form till its interment. During the quiet watches of the ensuing night, I improved the opportunity to converse religiously with the young man who was also present at the scenes of the morning, who was keeping vigils with me. He was communicative, and remarked in the course of our conversation that "there was one passage of scripture he thought was not quite true; it certainly was not with him." It was our Saviour's words, "He that is not for me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad." He said he always rejoiced when he heard that any one was serious, or had experienced religion; and he always desired the progress of Christianity. "L.," said I, "did you kneel this morning at prayers?" Evidently a little surprised at my abrupt question, he replied in the negative. "You kneel at home, at family prayers, do you not?" I asked. "Yes, always," was his reply. "Did E. kneel?" I again asked. This was a young woman, who, with myself and the one who prayed, were all who professed Christianity there. From his reply I found that she did. I assured him that I was glad she did, but inquired why he did not. He answered, "I expected to kneel, but when I saw that none about me were going to do so, I also kept my seat!" "And so," I added solemnly, "let your influence go against Christ, when it should have gone for him." He was convinced; but I continued, "I knelt as a thing of course, thinking the females, at least, would; but when I found I was kneeling alone, for a moment I felt embarrassed; but recovering myself, I rejoiced that by that act I could testify my allegiance to Jesus."

How often is the melancholy fact forced upon the Christian's mind, that many of those whom we fondly hope are the children of God, do not at all times exert an influence that tells favorably for the religion of Christ. It is sad that so often occasion is given for the worldling to fulfill those words of David, "They eat thy people as they eat bread;" for it seems that mankind will never learn "that measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, is not wise;" never practically learn that the Bible rule is the only standard, and that it should be the final court of appeals to all, as well as to the Christian; since by it we are to be judged at last, and each for himself must individually stand or fall in that day when God shall make up his jewels. In that day with what a thrilling personality will come to each that inquiry of our Lord, "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

M. W. Howard. Malone, N. Y.