MUSINGS

INFLUENCE A remark was made, recently as to the influence which each of us has on others. It reminded one of an interesting illustration in the solar system. About 1840 astronomers found that the planet Uranus, discovered some sixty years earlier, was at times moving faster, and at times more slowly, than calculations based on known factors had predicted. It was then realised that an unknown, more distant, planet was influencing Uranus by its power of attraction. This led to the position of the “new” planet (now known as Neptune) being calculated, and then to its being located in the heavens. Now each of us, from morning to night, has some influence on every person we meet. Is it a christian influence? As to my fellow christians, does it encourage them in the direction of what is spiritual?—or does it tend to attract them to what is earthly or worldly? Is Christ, in some measure, in expression? or is it the ugliness of the flesh? Let us be deeply concerned that our influence is a right one. Let us ask the Lord to help us to be an influence for Him, a saving influence in a world where the whole pull is in the wrong direction.

FCM

Published by F. C. Mutton, 22 Christchurch Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4QY, England Printed by C. Ellis, Billericay, Essex, England