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For My Own Sake

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 14, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 7.

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For My Own Sake.

A COMMONPLACE truism of Christian ethics is that right giving carries with it two blessings: one to the receiver, and another, and a greater one, to the giver; but however trite is this phrase, the truth which it teaches can never become trite or commonplace. An anecdote which is told of the late Professor Sophocles of Harvard, by a Philadelphia gentleman of his acquaintance, provides a fresh illustration of this truth. Walking together, Professor Sophocles and his friend passed an organ-grinder on the street, and the professor, seizing an opportunity when his friend appeared to be looking away, pressed some money into the musician’s hand.
“I did not know that you gave alms to those fellows,” said his companion, who had not been so unobservant as he appeared to be. Professor Sophocles was confused for a moment. Then he said simply: “I did it for my own sake—to keep my heart open.” That simple sentence speaks eloquently for the reflex blessing of beneficence.