Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1869-12-11
PERSONAL INFLUENCE.

influence Of those in authority. We
cannot estimate the effects upon AN
kind of those holding political sway, of
orators, preachers, parents and teachers.
But while these influences are fully ac-
k~nowledged and appreciated, we are apt
tounderyalue the more silent aud unas-
suming, but constant and all-psrradins,
influence which each one Of us is exert
ing, perhaps uu~conseiously, upon all
with whom We come in contact. The
influence of authority, though great
can be exerted only by a few and at
special seasons, while personal influence
is continually flowing out from every
one, and its myriad streams are perpetu-
ally encirclipg the earth. It is not a
matter of choice with any whether or
not they will influence others; they are
actually doing it every moment of their
lives, and none, however DESTROYS, can
escape from this great fact, or from the
responsibilities which it entails. Per-
sonsl influence ia OF two kinds: that
emauating unconscionsly from the char
acter, and that which follows direct
effort. OF these the former 10 by far
the most powerful in its results. The
life Of a man speaks louder than his
words. II is the character, the living
example Of Washington, that commands
our reverence and wins our love more
than all the pr~emeditated efforts he
made TO influence the nation. So the
example Of evil associates is more
fatally successful in dragging down the
unwary youth than all the open lures
that may be set for his destruction.
The influence Of example also is
constant. We are giving and re-
ceiviny it every moment OF our lives,
rs surely as We inspire and exhals
the air that surrounds US. II We desire
u influence upon others to be bens-
fetal, the first and most important
thing is the formation Of q pure and
y~irtuous character. The rose, in sim
ply existing, sheds a delicious fragrance
around; while by no effort, however
strenuous, could the noxious weed
breathe forth the faintest sweetness. In
every effort at self.improvement and the
elevation Of our own natures, therefore,
we are not only working for ourselves
but for olhers-ne are not selhshly
building for our own benefit alone, but
are thus best preparing to shod haPpi'
ness and good oil all around us. The
Influence Of character i, always fol
lowed by q corresponding effort In &C
tive directions. The truly good will
exert all their powers to make Others
good, and the corrupt will seek to draw
others down to their VI level. II
would be we'll if each n would pause
and consider in what direction his &C
tive energies are influencing those
around him. 1t is true that soms lave
better opportunities and capacities for
this work than others, yet all have
some pewer and incur some response
bility. He who can 60 on from day to
day without making any effort for the
moral improvement of others, may well
doubt whether his own moralities stand
on very sure foundations. one of the
chief element, 10 a noble character is
the love which gives birth to active and
benevolent exertions. Every one, how
over lowly, has it in his power
to raise, improve and purify some
one less favored than himself. Meth
ods are numerous, and will easily
suggest themselves TO the heart
that is yearning to do good. Sympathy
il, prerequisite. Only when we feel
for or with others, can we hope to re-
claim or improve them. The heart that
loves aud sympsthizss will not lack the
ready tongue and the willing hands to
perform its behests. Words Of counsel
and the tones of admonition will not
then fall powerlsss. Given in the spiri,
of love, they will be received with
~msekness, and win their way, when a
cold severity would utterly fail. Such
efforts arc often more effective than
when clothed with authority. It is ex-
pec,ed that the preacher will exhort,
that the parent will plead, that the
Judge will condemn, and the teacher re-
prove but when counsels come, not
clothed with Official dignity, but with
~brotherly kindness, they find a warmer
and deeper lodgment, and more surely
fulfill their mission. Thus the layman
can often succeed where the preacher
fails, the brother or sister can accom-
plish that for which the parent vainly
strives, and the poor and Ignorant can
do what the rich aud learned cannot
perform. II we avoid the appearance
of authority or dictation. If we exhibit
the ,piri: of gentlsnes,, patience and
self.sacrifice f; above all, If our efforts
spring from q real love to those we
would influence; we shall win their
hearts, touch their feelings aud inspire
them with a confidence that will render
our Influence upon them a permanent
blessing. Opportunities are opening up
hourly before US, and those who em-
brace them are constantly proving that
their wi joy is bound up in the ben.
efts they confer more than in thoss they
receive.
The Legislature of Vermont has en-
acted a law which makes liquor dealers
responsible for any damage accruiug to
either persons or property through the
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