Putting a Cooper’s Pipe Out.
The late Rev. Thomas Collins was a model tract-distributor, being instant in season and out of season. He often traveled in smoking-cars, in order to have a wider field for doing good. In his interesting memoir, recently published, we find that he describes some incidents of one on his journeys: “In the train, I presented a New Testament to a soldier; he received it gladly, and I was pleased to see that he caught my meaning at once when I called it ‘a sword.’” “A cooper got in at an early station, and without an apology, lighted his pipe. After a little introductory talk, I submitted for his consideration whether the cost of that cloudy gratification would not send a child to school; and whether that would not be a better outlay, as it would confer a benefit that would last forever. “He said: ‘I never thought of that, but it is true. So, out goes the pipe, and here’s for the child.’” “‘Do you mean that? Will you give up the practice?’” “‘To be sure I will, and send the young one to school.’” “‘I am so glad to have put your pipe out. Will you oblige me by the gift of the cast-off thing?’” “‘Certainly, sir; here it is.’ So with joy I brought the trophy home.” Reader, would not the money you spend on cigars and tobacco go a great way toward increasing the comfort of your family? Will you not “put your pipe out” for their sake?—Good News.