FIFTY DOLLARS OR FIFTY CENTS?
THERE is on the borders of Connecticut a small town which, though weak and feeble, still with the help of the "Home Missionary Society" supported a minister, and maintained regular divine worship. About the time when it became necessary to pay the minister's salary, there moved into the place a man who gained his living by carting coal, and other similar labor. It was noticed that this man was very regular in his attendance at church, and was never absent from the prayer-meeting; but in a pecuniary point of view, he was not considered a valuable acquisition. It was the custom, when the salary was due, for one of the deacons to collect all he could from the people, and to obtain the balance from the Home Missionary Society. In accordance with this custom, one fine morning deacon A—, a man of considerable means and considerable penuriousness, started forth, subscription paper in hand, to see how much he could squeeze out of the parish for the support of their minister. The first person he met was the above-mentioned coal carter moving along the road with a load of that material. The deacon considered within himself that it might be worth while to ask him to contribute (seeing that he was a good sort of a person, and every little helps), and so accosted him with, "Good morning, Mr. B—, are you willing to give anything towards the support of our pastor?" at the same time handing him the subscription paper. The man stopped, stood thoughtfully a moment or two, drew a pencil out of his pocket, and with his dirt-begrimed hand headed the list with $50. The deacon was so taken by surprise that he could hardly believe the evidence of his eyes; and thinking the man had made a mistake, and not wishing to take advantage of him, asked him, "Did you not mean that for fifty cents?" The coal-carrier turned and drew himself up to his full height, and with great earnestness replied: "I do not value the gospel at fifty cents a year." This answer placed the case in a new light. The deacon went immediately to the pastor, related the incident, and said: "If that man can give $50, I can give $250." The same spirit actuated the rest of the church on hearing the story, and in a few days the salary was raised by the people themselves, without the necessity of applying for outside aid. Reader, it becomes you to consider the question suggested by this incident. "How much do you value the gospel?" For upon the answer may depend your fate for eternity. If by a whole-souled Christianity you prove that you have consecrated time, influence, money, all that you have and are to the service of the Master, at that dread hour all will be well. But if not, then this question may well startle you. For according to your valuation of the claims of Christ here, will be his valuation of your services there.—Religious Herald.