Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 March 1877 — Example. [ARTICLE]

Example.

No one can correctly estimate the influence of example over others. We know it has a wonderful influence, an influence so great that all after teaching can scarcely ever eradicate it. It harigs over the mind as a living reality, never to be cast aside or forgotten. There are many things done by others which we want to forget, but somehow they will not leave our memory. There is the picture, dark and dismal, ever before us, indelibly impressed upon the mind. It belongs to our history, and forms a part of our being. There is a strange feature about these impressions. We remember bad impressions more vividly and longer than the g'xjd. The things we often want to forget never leave the memory, and the things we want to remember and never forget, are often forgotten. This phenomenon of the mind ought to receive the profound attention of every Christian, that all may so direct their actions as will result in the greatest good to humanity. We who have had any considerable experience, know these things to be true beyond cavil. The mind is so constituted, with its present environments, that the evil is more easily retained than the good. But out of this complexity the mind wills to do right, and strives, often, earnestly for the mastery. It is not always successful, on account of the evil to be encountered. Christians are subjected to these trials more or less all through life; but the more spiritual and Christ-like they become, the more power will they possess to overcome the evil. A growth in the divine life is the only attainment that will insure them to come off conquerors. How, then, ought Christians to live that they may be successful, and set a good ex'ample before others? Many do not fully realize what their influence is over others. They do not consider that they are teaching, for good or evil, all the time by their actions; and some do not care very much what their example is before others. We have some instruction in God’s Word as to how we should walk. Paul, in writing to the Philippians, says: “ Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for anensample.” James says; “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience.” Paul, in addressing Timothy, uses the following pure counsel: “Be thou an example oi the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Then Peter speaks of Christ on this wise: “ Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not,” etc. These quotations are sufficient to show ub what the example of Christians should be. Anyone who will read can understand, and know how he ought to walk before the world. Every Christian ought to take Christ for his example, and follow him to the best of his ability. This being done, a pure and holy life will be the result, ana the example set before others will be such as the Lord will approve. The person who lives thus will be proud of the record he has made, and will bless God for the privilege of living such a life. Thus he will become more and more like the divine Pattern as he Rears the great day, and the Heavenly home. The burdens of life will be easier, the light of God’s truth will shine brighter, and the earnest of the Heavenly joys will fill his heart with unspeakable consolation and pleasure. But how many Christians are following this great Pattern ? How many are living pure and devoted lives? By my eximple have I led any away from the Savior ? Have I led any to the intoxicating bowl, and thus to a drunkard’s life, with all of its woe and shame ? Have I emboldened any to continue in sin and disobedience ? Jt may be by my example some have absented themselves from the assembly of the saints, and thus have been led back into the world. Or, by my loose, irreligious life, some may have looked upon Christianity as a mockery, and gone into infidelity. What has been my influence in these things? We turn the picture over and examine the other side just a moment: Have I led any to Christ by my example, both in business and church-life? Have I led any away from the intoxicating bowl, and pointed them to a better life? Have I told, any of a Savior’s dying love, and of the mansions pure and* bright in the better world ? Have I encouraged any in the divine life by being faithful myself in all my church relations? Have I kept my promise in sustaining the cause of Christ, or have I failed to give of my means as the Lord has prospered me? »■•>»•. J' t The Lord knows just how all these things stand, and how ‘ much true manhood I havei He knows all my purposes, and comprehends me altogether, He wi 11 make allowance for all my foibles, but will hold me accountable for my sins. If I have lived right, if I have kept myself unspotted from the world, and walked uprightly before God, my example has, been good, and will have a fine influence for truth and righteousness. Let' every* reader of these lines put himself m these balances, that he may weigh himself and judge of his spirituality. Let no One say, " I have no need of such an examination.” If you are following the perfect Pattern, Christ, it will do you do harm, but If

you are a wanderer from the path of duty it may do you mm good. Mds written to help some, one along the journey of life, anffuvres&ffito&lW pray dod'n blessings upon it. "Watch ye, < *tapd fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. < Bouse.) si ?