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Sensible Business

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1866

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 2.

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Sensible Business.

Mr. Locke, having been introduced by Lord Shaftsbury to the Duke of Buckingham and Lord Halifax, these noblemen, instead of conversing with the philosopher, as might naturally have been expected, on literary subjects, in a very short time sat down to cards. Mr. Locke, after looking for some time, pulled out his pocket-book, and began to write with great attention. One of the company observing this, took the liberty of asking him what he was writing. "My lord," said Locke, "I am endeavoring, as far as possible, to profit by my present situation, for, having waited with impatience for the honor of being in company with the greatest geniuses of the age, I thought I could do nothing better than to write down your conversation; and indeed, I have set down the substance of what you have said this hour or two." This well-timed ridicule had its desired effect, and these noblemen, fully sensible of its force, immediately quitted their play, entered into a conversation more rational, and better suited to the dignity of their characters, and it may be added, better fitted to improve time, than so unprofitable a diversion.