In the beginning of Christianity God was pleased to work special miracles, in order to call attention to the truth being presented then for the first time.

Among these it was permitted, it would seem, that the shadow of Peter, falling upon sick folk, should lead to their physical healing (Acts 5:15).

Making an application of this we may learn an important lesson, for we all cast shadows upon others. In our case it will be for moral and spiritual good, or it will be for moral and spiritual evil.

Certain it is, however, that our shadow-influence produces an effect of some kind upon all those with whom we come into contact. And certain it is that we are casting this shadow-influence upon all we meet and at all times.

We may wish to avoid this effect but we cannot do so. Moreover, we can never stop the influence produced, however much we might so desire.

If we throw a stone into a pool there will be a splash, and then eddies will form and widen and extend as they circle over the face of the water, until all the pool has been agitated and affected.

Thus it is with our influence. The outcome of it goes on and on and can never be stayed. The "eddies" will continue, not only through our short lives here but will continue still when our little history on earth is closed.

Serious thoughts are these; are they not?

This energy or potency of our influence produces effects invisibly and insensibly. Others may not be aware of it and we may not be conscious of it ourselves. Nevertheless the consequences are certain. The outcome may be manifest almost at once. On the other hand it may not be seen for years.

Many are the instances which might be cited showing the importance of our example as Christians being of such a character that all may rightly imitate us.

A well-known preacher tells of a time when he was journeying through the country with his little son. Someone remarked to him that his boy was speaking to the father's friends in just the same way that the father himself spoke to them. He added, "It is amusing. Isn't it?"

To the preacher it was anything but amusing. "If my boy is to speak as I speak, and walk as I walk, then God help me to walk as a Christian," he exclaimed.

One of the saddest memories of the writer is this. In his school life before he came into the marvelous light of Christ, he was affecting his schoolmates. His influence was mostly for evil, he fears. He knows that it was so in some cases. He had been affected in a wrong
direction by others, and helped to form and mold the lives of those in his class.
Grace has wrought with him and made him desire to bring others to know and serve the gracious Lord and Saviour whom he has come to trust and worship.

But what about his early companions? They are all gone from his presence and from his possible aid. He helped them down years ago. He cannot help them up today. And he thinks with sorrow how they will have formed the thoughts and histories of others by their influence.

"What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation (manner of life) and godliness," exclaims Peter, as he thinks of the end of all things being at hand. As we think of the unending character of our influence may we not apply the words to our own course?

If we "walk in the Spirit" we shall be blessed ourselves and be a blessing to others. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. If "filled with the Spirit," and to this we are exhorted by the apostle Paul (Eph. 5:18), these graces of Christ will be produced. Then we shall cast a shadow-influence of good and blessing day by day.

And a wonderful favor and privilege this is that by the power of the Holy Spirit something of Christ may be displayed in us.

But let us remember that we do cast a shadow of some kind wherever we go. Inglis Fleming