Influence, Secret of
Illustration★★★Henry III. of France inquired why it was that the Duke of Guise appeared to charm everybody. The answer was, “The Duke of Guise endeavors to do good to all people without exception, directly by himself, or indirectly by his recommendation. He is civil, courteous, liberal, has always something good to say of everybody, and never speaks ill of any. This is the reason he reigns in men’s hearts as absolutely as your majesty does in your kingdom.”
896. INFLUENCE, Spiritual, McCheyne had in a rare and singular degree his “conversation in heaven,” and the influence for good he left in every place which he visited was quite extraordinary. I remember Dr. Anderson, of Morpeth, telling me how, when he was minister of St.
Fergus, which he left at the disruption, McCheyne had spent a day or two in his manse; and not only while he was there, but for a week or two after he had left, it seemed a heavenlier place than ever before. Associated with McCheyne’s person, appearance and conversation, on the walls of the house and everything around seemed to be inscribed, “ Holiness unto the Lord.” Dr. Guthrie,
The point
The Duke of Guise won hearts through consistent courtesy and kind words, and McCheyne left a lingering sense of holiness wherever he visited.