Chapter 64—Accountability to God
We are accountable to God for the wise improvement of every
mental faculty and every physical power. Who can measure his re-
sponsibility? We must render an account for the influence which we
exert. That which seems to us to be a small defect in our character will
be reproduced in others in a greater degree, and thus the influence we
have exerted for evil may be increased and perpetuated.
Let none venture to speak lightly of the cautions given by those
whose duty it is to guard their moral and spiritual welfare. The words
may seem to be of little consequence, producing only a momentary
impression on the minds of the hearers. But this is not all. In many
cases these words find a response in the unsanctified hearts of youth
who have never submitted to caution or restraint. The influence of a
thoughtless word may affect a soul’s eternal destiny. Every person is
exerting an influence upon the lives of others. We must be either as
a light to brighten and cheer their path, or as a desolating tempest to
destroy. We are either leading our associates upward to happiness and
immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal ruin. No man will
perish alone in his iniquity. However contracted may be one’s sphere
of influence, it is exerted either for good or for evil. One man upon his
deathbed exclaimed: “Gather up my influence, and bury it with me.”
Could this be done? No, no; like the thistle seed it had been borne
everywhere and had taken root and would yield an abundant harvest.
There are few who form evil habits deliberately. By frequent repe-
tition of wrong acts, habits are formed unconsciously and become so
firmly established that the most persistent effort is required to effect a
change. We should never be slow in breaking up a sinful habit. Unless
evil habits are conquered, they will conquer us and destroy our hap-
piness. There are many poor creatures, now miserable, disappointed,
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and degraded, a curse to all around them, who might have been useful
and happy men had they but improved their opportunities. Many youth
waste the precious hours of life in idle daydreaming. Such persons
have not much force of character or strength of principle. Many drift
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