Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-07-17
Influence Of Character.

The influence of character can never be
over-estimated We call it influence, indeed
but we might, perhaps-as Whatley some
where says-with more significance, style it
effluence, for il is continually radiating from
man, and then most of all when he is least
conscious of its emanation. We are mould
ing others wherever we are and if we were in
every 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 SER
mons are only influential when they are lis
tened 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 time
OF brightness, goes out into a period of dark
ness but religious principle is continuous
in its operation, and shines with the steady
radiance of star. Hence, of all the ways
by which Christians may tell on the sur
rounding world, this is the most potent, and
probably there is no means more blessed for
the conversion of sinners, and the elevation
of spiritual life among believers, than the
habitual department of the disciples of Jesus.
Frequently servant has been brought to
Christ by the sight of the Christian consist
ency of her mistress and not seldom all the
members of household have been bene-
fitted by the piety of humble maiden.
have known the young men of an office Sc
riousy impressed by the sterling principle
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 thoroughly alive to its importance
we should be more careful than we are OF
our conduct, for is it not the case that, in-
stead of commencing Christ by our lives, we
too frequently give occasion to the enemies
of the Lord to blaspheme, and mar the force
of the truth by our inconsistency Instead
of adding new energy to the gospel by our
conduct we take away from It's power by
our iniquities; and men say if the life of a
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 it not fact that
one Of the strongest evidences of the divin-
ity of our religion may be derived from the
consideration that it has survived the in
juries inflicted on it by the unchristian con-
duct of its professed adherents My breth-
ren, is this Inconsistency to continue among
us ? 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 cult
vate the graces of patience, forbearance,
love and self-sacrice; in the social circle,
let us seek to manifest meekness and purity
in business pursuits, let us show that we are
actuated by justice and integrity; yea
wherever we are, let us endeavor to have ouI
conversation so worthy of the gospel that
men may take knowledge of us that we have
been with Jesus.-Dr. w. NJ. Taylor.