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Killing Time

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 39.

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Killing Time

“SPARE a copper, sir; I’m starving,” said a poor, half-clad man to a gentleman who was hastening homeward through the streets in the city, one bitter cold night. “Spare a copper, sir, and God will bless you.”
Struck with the poor fellow’s manner and appearance, the gentleman replied, “You look as if you had seen better days. If you tell me candidly what has been your greatest failing through life, I’ll give you enough money to pay your lodging.”
“I am afraid I could hardly do that,” the beggar answered with a mournful smile.
“Try, man, try,” added the gentleman. “Here’s a shilling to sharpen your memory; only be sure to speak the truth.”
The man pressed the coin tightly in his hand, and after thinking nearly a minute said: “To be honest with you, then, I believe my greatest fault has been learning to kill time. When I was a youngster, I had kind, loving parents, who let me do pretty much as I liked; so I became idle and careless, and never once thought of the change that was in store for me. In the hope that I should one day make a mark in the world, I was sent to college; but there I wasted my time in idle dreaming and expensive amusements. If I had been a poor boy, with necessity staring me in the face, I think I should have done better. But somehow I fell into the notion that life was only to be one continued round of pleasure. I gradually became fond of wine and company. In a few years my parents both died; and you can guess the rest. I soon wasted what little they left me; and now it is too late to combat my old habits. Yes, sir, idleness ruined me.”
“I believe your story,” replied the gentleman; “and when I get home I will tell it to my boys as a warning. I am sorry for you, indeed I am. But it is never too late to reform. Come to my office to-morrow, and let me inspire you with courage.” And giving the man another piece of money, and indicating where he could be found, he hurried away.—Christian Commonwealth.