Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-02-27
l0rlginal.]
EXAMPLE,.

Every individual, however humble, exer'
cises over some of his fellow beings an inau'
ence either for good or evil. The influence
of some individuals is bounded only by the
line of demacartion which separates civiliza'
ton and barbarism. The broad world is the
field in which they operate, and their subjects
the civilized portion of Adams race. Other
individuals operate within very small COM
pass and over but few subjects. The infu'
ence of the mass of the human family par
TALLY ceases when the graves mouth closes
and conceals their mortal remains from view
others only begin to exercise powerful and
controlling influence when death terminates
their earthly career. But for the marble
slabs which stand in the grave yard as the
silent registers of the sleeping dead, the very
names of nearly all of our race would be for
gotten by all but God. A few of our race,
more gifted and more favored, although dead,
yet speak. John Bunyan still lives, and his
influence is felt to-day, and perhaps will be
felt all over this world while time lasts. The
same is true of many other men. Although
long since mouldered into clay, they rule the
living nations of the earth. These men live,
not simply in their literary and scientific
works, but their moral example has been per-
petuated. Each day they are engraving
their moral and religious image upon the
hearts and consciences Of the present inhabi-
tants of the earth. BY the pious example
which remains of the sleeping dead, many
are shaping for a pious life and a glorious
Immortality others, although their bodies
have long since been changed into dust, are
inducing the living to spend their earthly
career in ignominy and shame, and at last to
20 down to the grave surrounded by hope
less gloom.
The life of every man is road which leads
from time to eternity. 1t may be but small
path, scarcely visible, but some one besides
the maker, will discover it and walk in it,
however narrow and obscure. It may be a
very bad road, full of Obstacles but never
will it be path for but one single individual.
Some other person or persons will find it con-
venient to use it, if not constantly, occasion
ally. The lives Of some persons are great
thoroughfares upon which whole communities
and nations travel. These roads, although
in many instances only foot paths, make their
impress upon the soil, and traces of them re-
main long after the name of the first user has
ceased to be remembered. All of US are ma
king roads by our examples through this
world upon which some one, at least, will
follow us to that good country where God
shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of the
inhabitants; or follow US down to that gloomy
place where nothing is heard but cursing and
weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.
1t is pleasing thought that no one will 60
to heaven alone. In some way or other, by
his example, he will induce some fellow NOR
tai to 20 with him. 1t is an awful thought
that we cannot 90 to destruction in this world
or to perdition in the next, without dragging
some poor soul down with us. "None of US
Gveth to himself and no man dieth to him.
SELF" One of the avenues of bliss in heaven
will, no doubt be the contemplation of the
souls which have been wooed to the Saviour
through our influence. These will be jewels
in our crowns of rejoicing. One Of the Bit
terest, if not the very btterest, ingredient in
the cup of woe which the ruined will be COM
PEELED to drink in the next world, will be the
reproaches of those whom they have by their
example dragged down to destruction. No
doubt the shadowy vaults of the pit of perdi-
ton will be made clamorous with the bitter
ratings of its despairing inmates as they curse
each other for deceptions practiced upon
them in time.