Smyrna times., 1879-09-03
For the Smyrna Times
TUT VTtN FJHt 2
Silent Influences,

We seldom realize the power of silent
influences. How often they are the
guardians of our destiny in life: guiding
our thoughts in right purposes or directing
us IN the wrong and the silent influences Of
our present-and the memory of our past
surroundings are often the "Still small
voice. by which the Holy Spirit appeals
most etfectionally to the heart.
1t is in nature silent and voiceless that
the Creator teaches us most to venerate
Him. Go out if you will at night and look
Tor awhile upon the beautiful panorama of
the starry heavens. As you gaze upon the
sky there is no voice to speak of One who
hath taught each planet to move in its
proper orbit; and how insignificant then
seems all human knowledge and attain.
ments when compared with the wisdom
ana power OF the Infinite One who hath
placed them there to speak of Him. Or
take the swift bound train to spend q few
hours at the sea side. Leave if you will
the busy throng, the gay world of fashion,
Tor while to gaze upon the face of the old
ocean, and you will perhaps realize some.
times the mysterious power of One who by
the unknown yet silent system of evapora-
ton keeps the quantity of water always the
same, not one drop more or less in the sea.
And who but that Infinite Being directs the
eoo and flow Of the tides with such precis.
sion that the silent voice of nature teaches
US that Order Is heavens first law"
1t has been said that Mother, Home and
Heaven are the dearest words in the
English language, yet it may be that the
two ilrst shall guide us to the heritage o.
| the blest at last.
Who shall measure the influence of
mothers love? As our first teacher hel
lessons make an impression upon the
mind that time can never efface. 1t may
De that years will pass away before we Judge
OF her efforts for our good: Alright, perhaps
When our hearts seem crushed and broker
oeneath the stern discipline of sorrow
But the memory of q mothers exampl,
ever speaks with its silent influence anC
Will be more etfectual in reclaimine tht
er[ihS thah all, the sermons ever preached
HOW silent yet how permanent are tn
influences of home. Our early wears ma,
nave passed away in a cottage, the flower
that bloomed around the door may hay
been humble and old fashioned, vet W
love to recall them in memory in after wears
we love to think of the orchard where W
wnlied away SO many happy hours. Tn
old barn where we climbed upon tn
| -" AA]O"h nay W peep INTO III
swallows nest beneath the mossv cave
while the mother anxious and distresse
Tor her nestlings hovered fearlessly neai
The murmuring brook that we loved t
ford with bare feet, instead of crossing tn
rustic bridge, all come back vividly i
memory again. But happy indeed to I
are the memories of the dear hours spen
beneath that roof when father, mothe
sister and brothers were all there, ties tbs
were soon too soon to be ruthlessly severed
We judge of the Future often by tn
past. Of our heavenly home by compar
son with all that is grand and beautifl
that has ever come within the sphere {
our observation and knowledge. Thi
perhaps, is the reason why so definite
description of heaven is given us in Reyel
ton, 2lst chapter. 1t is comparison
} Heaven with our thoughts of all that
beautiful on Earth. Yet we know nothir
OF heaven except from the bible, our silei
teacher, our voiceless guide leading us |
5 its silent influence home at last to Il
haven of rest.
We are all exerting silent infiuen
upon those around us--an influence th
s shall live long after our bodies shall mould
INTO dust and our names forgotten by &
/ upon earth. Then speak for the rigl
cheer the sorrowng and oppressed, and
e a better land the good seed sown shi
$ reward you hundred fold. NJ.
n SMYRNA, August 30th.