AN OBJECT-LESSON by Augusta W. Heald

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 22, 1902

AN OBJECT-LESSON.

By Augusta W. Heald

WHILE riding one day with my husband along a quiet country road, we met an aged man, bent with rheumatism, and nearly blind. We stopped to speak with him, and noticed a peculiarly bent staff which he carried. He said, “A stone lodged upon the branch, causing it to grow crooked, and so form this perfect handle; try it, and see how good it is. A friend cut and polished it for me, and had it tipped with metal. It has supported my steps for many a year.”

This impressed me as a forcible object-lesson. I seemed to see the vigorous young tree, drawing nourishment and strength from the soil and the free air and the sunshine, rearing its leafy branches, and promising to vie with any tree in the forest. Then came the falling boulder from a dilapidated stone wall, and lodged upon the most promising branch, bending, and nearly breaking it. All the beautiful symmetry was marred; the tree was well-nigh ruined. But the wonderful plant-life adapted itself to its changed conditions. It reached up toward the sun as best it could, and the fibrous roots penetrated deeper into the earth. Years passed, and the maimed tree had grown above the stone, and become strong and enduring. While the flourishing young growth of the forest was cut down and consumed as fuel, this crooked tree was destined to long years of service to God and man, in supporting the tottering steps of old age and infirmity.

May we not from this learn a comforting lesson? The event which has seemingly spoiled the current of the individual life, cutting it off, setting it apart from its natural channels of usefulness, may, in God's overruling providence, become a blessing. This very experience may be a preparation for something higher, holier, and better than would have been attained under more prosperous circumstances.

We read of the blessed Saviour, “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men;” but again we read:—

“The stone which the builders rejected Is become the head of the corner; This is the Lord's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.”

AUGUSTA W. HEALD.