A BEAUTIFUL STORY

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 27, 1881

A BEAUTIFUL STORY.

COLERIDGE relates that Alexander, during his march into Africa, came to a people dwelling in peaceful huts, who knew neither war nor conquest. Gold being offered him, he refused it, saying that his sole object was to learn the manners and customs of the inhabitants.

"Stay with us," said the chief, "as long as it pleaseth thee."

During this interview two of his subjects brought a case before him for judgment. The dispute was this: The one had bought a piece of ground which, after the purchase, was found to contain a treasure, for which he felt bound to pay. The other refused to receive anything, stating that he had sold the ground with what it might be found to contain, apparent or concealed.

Said the chief, looking at one, "You have a son;" and to the other, "you have a daughter; let them be married, and the treasure given them as a dowry."

Alexander looked astonished.

"And what," said the chief, "would have been the decision in your country?"

"We would have dismissed the parties and seized the treasure for the king's use."

"And does the sun shine in your country, does the rain fall there? Are there any cattle there which feed upon herbs and green grass?" asked the chief.

"Certainly," said Alexander.

"Ah," said the chief, "it is for the sake of those innocent cattle that the great Being permits the sun to shine, the rain to fall, and the grass to grow in your country."