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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 21, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 8.

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Contentment.

IN Vienna, a magnificent house was built by a nobleman, on the front of which is a stone with this inscription: "This house was erected by Count D——, to be given to the first man who can prove that he is really contented." One day a stranger knocked at the gate, and desired to speak with the master. "I am come," said he, "to take possession of this house, as I find you have built it in order to bestow it upon the man who is really contented. Now I am in that state, of which I am willing to make oath; you will therefore please, sir, to give me immediate possession." The count did not interrupt him till he had finished his speech, when he replied, "You are quite right sir, with respect to my intentions; but as I do not discover the least pretension you have to the character of a contented man, I beg you will retire. If you were quite contented you would not want my house!"