Show UNSEEN EFFECTS OF RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE RELIGIOUS papers in the east are bewailing the falling off in the number of converts during the past year as compared with previous years in cincinnati where the two sams jones and small created such a stirring alleged revival only about half as many new members were received into the churches as during the year preceding thus while crime is increasing religious 0 influence does not appear to be advancing however there are many good influences brought to bear cipo upon society through the efforts of sincere public and private laborers in the cause of humanity which do not exhibit their fruits in additions to sectarian societies the excitement and gymnastics gymnastic that attend those so called revivals that add temporarily to the membership of religious denominations are not productive of any permanent benefit to anybody it is a kindol kind of spiritual intoxication or a species of hysteria that chat is promoted ro and it is as far from real re religion igdon as the stimulation of strong rink drink or the muscular action of dementia is from the steady force of robust and established health and vi vigor or gut but anything that tends to promote sober thought and practical morality to correct erroneous impressions in regard to religion or the duties of men to their maker and each other is a gain to society and to the cause of true christianity ti which seeks to establish peace on earth good order and good will among all men and nations and this may be accomplished to a very large degree even though no addia addit additional ional names may appear upon the books of the various sects and denominations the iu iti fluence that is brought to bear bear by the missionaries of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints is far greater than appears by the number of their actual converts the record of their baptisms gives no correct estimate of the effects of their labors the conversations they hold with nith opponents the explanations they give of our true principles princ ioles the corrections rec ions tidus they cause in thi the public mind the errors which they refute the pure ure morals they inculcate the excellent exa examples pies they set the irrefutable tr truths ut they adva advance nee all make impressions that cannot fail in many instances to be lasting and in general both enlightening to the mind and beneficial to society even where no present converts can be counted on their baptismal lists that the dissemination of I 1 Mor mormon moul 2 doctrines has had a marked effect upon the public mind is evident in the changes that have been wrought in religious opinion during the first half century principles that were advanced by the prophet joseph smith and which were met with such a storm of opposition that it was hardly safe to countenance them in public are now adopted and boldly advocated in the very ranks of orthodoxy public opinion is a fickle thing there is nothing stable about it what it persecuted yesterday it will adore today to day clay W and that which it now assails with intemperate vehemence it may to tomor mo mor row take to its bosom the laborers in the field of this world who go forth to scatter seeds of righteousness and truth need not count their works in vain it if chev do not reap an immediate harvest it takes time for ger germination mi nation even when go good od soil receives the seed and some time the fruits will appear anti and oring bring joy and benefit to all concerned and whether the results are recognized or not whether the effects be great reat or small no one will lose credit pr for the good he labored to produce whatever may be his title or profession his bis creed denomination his standing or position in church or state in the midst of the error and sin which abound in this world there is ample groom broom for the efforts of every man and woman who has force of character and a desire to benefit mankind by precept and example let all who can work while their opportunities last and verily they will in no wise lose ose their reward |