The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1908-04-23
THE INFLUENCE.

can SO encase himself as to be able to say,
81 will not touch nor be touched by others;
| will not impress nor be impressed by
others; | will not mold nor be nodded by
Others That is truth which concerns
all men-the inevitable, inextricable inter-
weaving of human lives.
Mazzini, the Italian patriot and revolu-
zionist, had marvellous sway over the null
titudes that thronged and pressed upon
him to hear his fiery speeches. elf we
would measure his influence says the
historian, 1--WE must reckon with the ora
tors physical bulk and then carry the
measuring line about his atmosphere. 1t
is a true word of every man. Scientists
now speak of the magnetic circle. Accept
that theory or dispute it as you will, but do
not doubt that the personality of each OF
us is the center of outreaching moral in
fluence. If light is in man he shines; If
darkness rules, he shades; if his heart
glows with love, he warns; if it is frozen
with selfshness, he chills; if it is corrupt,
he poisons; if it is pure, he cleanses others.
Carlyle relates that in 1913, during the
riot in Paris, the mob swept down street
blazing with cannon, killed the soldiers and
spiked the guns, only to be stopped few
blocks beyond by an old white-haired man,
who uncovered and signaled for silence.
zens, il is De la Eure-sixty years of pure
life is about to address you.' And one
true mans presence transformed mob
that cannon could not conquer. Take a
more recent instance. When the Earl OF
Shaftesbury died, a few years ago, the late
premier of England was pronouncing his
eulogy in the house of lords. "My lords, )"
said Salisbury, "the reforms of this Gen.
fury have been chiefly due to the presence
here of that one man." To-day at that
central point in Picadilly, where the high
ways meet and thronging multitudes go
surging by, the English people have erected
the statute of Shaftesbury, bearing for its
fitting inscription the words of Salisbury:
1.-THE reforms of this century are chiefly
due to the presence and influence of
Shaftesbury. Mark the Words the
presence and influence" Not the things
he said-what small fraction of mans
character can be manifested in speech!
1t was the character itself, that something
which is inexpressibly finer and larger than
any words; that subtle, Unreasonable force
which, like the breath of flowers, exhales
from personality which incarnates the
love of God.
Thus the force outgoing from every man
which makes it impossible for him to live
unto himself, is not only conscious and
voluntary influence. We are told of many
deeds of mercy which the Apostle Peter
purposely wrought upon the poor; also we
read how through his shadow falling on the
weak and sick he unconsciously wrought
health and hope. So, too, of Peters
Master it is said that while He was seeking
to comfort those who were comfortless in
voluntary virtue went out of Him to
strengthen one who did but touch the hem
of His garment.
Character works with or without consent.
The selfish man fills his place with an evil
atmosphere. His very presence chills like
a cold, clammy day. Suspicious people
fill all the circle in which they live with
envy and jealousy. Dark-faced, cloudy
men spread about them gloom and depres-
sion. Hopelessness drains off high spirits
as cold iron draws heat from the hand.
Foul men spread corruption like the plague.
On the other hand, how precious is the
influence of the noble souls, the good,
sweet spirits among men and women! How
their coming changes the temperature, how
they oil the bearings of life, how they make
right living easy! The exquisite fragrance
of the orange tree not only pervades all the
air around, but enveloping the tree like
heaven woven garment, it serves to pro-
tect its fruit and foliage, while whoever
rests beneath its shade is by the same de-
licious perfume shielded from the attacks
of noxious insects. What perfect SYM
Dol it is of a gracious life; who has not
observed it-that unconscious aroma ex-
haling from a character sweetened and
beautifed. by the spirit of the Good Master,
which covers its possessor as with gar
ment, an invisible defence against evil, an
inviting shelter to all that is true and good. |
In the walks of daily life we sometimes
meet men, and especially women, in whose
presence profane or unclean word would
seem horrible sacrilege; under whose ST.