man's voluntary thought, affection and
aspiration upon his fellows.

Man has also an unpurposed influence. Power goes forth without his
distinct volition. Like all centers of energy, the soul does its best
work automatically. The sun does not think of lifting the mist from
the ocean, yet the vapor moves skyward. Often man is ignorant of what
he accomplishes upon his fellows, but the results are the same. He is
surcharged with energy. Accomplishing much by plan, he does more
through unconscious weight of personality. In wonder-words we are told
the apostle purposely wrought deeds of mercy upon the poor. Yet
through his shadow falling on the weak and sick as he passed by, he
unconsciously wrought health and hope in men. In like manner it is
said that while Jesus Christ was seeking to comfort the comfortless,
involuntarily 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 office with a malign atmosphere; his very
presence chills like a cold, clammy day. Suspicious people fill all
the circle in which they live with envy and jealousy. Moody men
distribute gloom and depression; hopelessness drains off high spirits
as cold iron draws the heat from the hand. Domineering men provoke
rebellion and breed endless irritations.

Great hearts there are also among men; they carry a volume of manhood;
their presence is sunshine, their coming changes our climate; they oil
the bearings of life; their shadow always falls behind them; they make
right living easy. Blessed are the happiness-makers!--they represent
the best forces in civilization. They are to the heart and home what
the honeysuckle is to the door over which it clings. These embodied
gospels interpret Christianity. Jenny Lind explains a sheet of printed
music--and a royal Christian heart explains, and is more than a creed.
Little wonder, when Christianity is incarnated in a mother, that the
youth worships her as though she were an angel. Someone has likened a
church full of people to a box of unlighted candles; latent light is
there; if they were only kindled and set burning they would be lights
indeed. What God asks for is luminous Christians and living gospels.

Another form of influence continues after death, and may be called
unconscious immortality or conserved social energy. Personality is
organized into instruments, tools, books, institutions. Over t