The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1878-07-04
Influence of Character.

The influence of character can nev.
er be over-estimated. We call it
Influence, indeed; but we might, perhaps,
as Whately somewhere says-with more
significance, call it effluence, for it is con-
tinually radiating from a man, and then
most of all when he is least conscious of
its emanation. We are moulding others
wherever we are; and if we were in eve
ry respect to live according to the gospel,
we should be the noblest missionaries of
the cross that the world has ever seen.
Books are only powerful when they are
read sermons are only influential when
they are listened to; but character keeps
itself at all times before mems attention,
and its might is felt by every one who
comes within its sphere. Other agencies
are intermittent, like the revolving light,
which, after a time of brightness, goes
out into period of darkness; but relig-
ious principle is continuous in its opera.
tion. and shines with the steady radiance
of a star. Hence, of all the ways by
which Christians may tell on the sur
rounding world, this is the most potent,
and probably there are no means more
blessed for the conversion of sinners and
the elevation of spiritual life among be-
levers, than the habitual department of
the disciples of Jesus. Frequently SER
Ndhb Ado OOCh W CuElbJ ny bu6
sight of the Christian consistency of her
mistress; and not seldom all the mem
bers of household have been benefited
by the piety of a humble maiden. l
have known the young men of an Office
seriously impressed by the sterling prin-
ciples of fellow clerk; and sometimes
the holy walk of simple-minded artisan
has won not only the admiration, but
also the imitation of his neighbors. Now,
this is a means of usefulness within the
reach of every one, and were We thorough
ly alive to its Importance, we should be
more careful than we are of our conduct,
for is it not the case that, instead of COM
mending Christ by our lives, we too fre-
quently give occasion to the enemies of
the Lord to blaspheme and mar the force
of the truth by our inconsistency. In
stead of adding new energy to the gospel
by our conduct, we take away from its
power by our iniquities. and men say, if
the life of Christian be such as we have
manifested, they will be no Christians
Who can tell how many have been thus
repelled from the Word of truth? And
is 1T not a fact that one of the strongest
evidences of the divinity of our religion
may be derived from the consideration
that it has survived the injuries inflicted
on it by the Christless conduct of its
professed adherents? My brethren, is
this inconsistency to continue among us2
Let US to-day resolve that, God helping
US, we shall live more thoroughly in har-
/ mony with those noble principles which
Christ enforced by his teaching, and
adorned by his example. In the family,
let us cultivate the graces of patience,
forbearance. love and selfsacrifce in
the social circle, let US seek to manifest
meekness and purity; IN business pur-
suits, let US show that we are actuated by
justice and integrity; yea, wherever we
are, let us endeavor to have our CONVEX
sation so worthy of the gospel, that men
may take knowledge of US that we have
been with Jesus.-[Dr w. M. Taylor.