yet have a stronger desire to
do that which is not well-pleasing in the sight of God.

Now, here are some old crooked, rusty nails. Let us see what effect the
presence of the magnet will have upon them. Just as we might have
expected. These rusty nails do not seem to feel the power or the
influence of the magnet's presence. If I place the magnet up against the
nail, and attempt to lift it, it does not seem to be drawn at all. It
simply lies still, unmoved. These old, crooked, rusty nails represent
people who have grown very old and very wicked, and who have become
greatly hardened in sin. Jesus Christ and His love seem to make no
impression any longer upon them. They are joined to their idols. God's
Spirit has taken His departure, and they are left alone. Let me warn
you, both young and old, that if you feel the drawing of God's Spirit,
you should yield to Him, so as not to become more corroded and rusted,
and coated over by every sinful influence, so that at last the love of
God shall fail to have any effect upon you.

If now we take these different classes of nails and mix them together,
and then stir the magnet among them, you will see how the smaller nails,
in larger numbers, cling to the magnet. These bright nails are also
affected by it. Oftentimes the influence of the magnet is seen, as it is
communicated from one nail to the other; but these rusty nails, not only
do not themselves yield to the influence of the magnet, but they also
fail to communicate that magnetic influence to any of the other nails
around them. In like manner, wicked people seem to come between Christ
and others who would be drawn to Him. Let me say to you, keep out of bad
company. Avoid wicked companions--those who swear, or lie, or do
anything that is wrong, for their influence over you will be bad, and
they will prevent the good influences of holy things from acting upon
you.

Suppose now that I take my knife blade and move it among these nails,
you will see that it does not attract them like the magnet did. It has
no magnetic power. If I draw the knife blade across the magnet a few
times, it receives this magnetic power from the magnet. Now, when I move
it among the nails you will see how these little tacks and some of the
larger nails are drawn toward it.

Just so it is with each of us as individuals. Without coming in contact
with Christ and receiving His Spirit, His drawing power, we will never
influence others to do that which is r