IN BUSINESS PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER.
Northwestern Christian Advocate. MANY office-holders know from experience that there is wisdom in Paul’s injunction to the early Christians—“in honor preferring one another.” They have tasted the apples of honor, and have found that many times they are like ashes in the mouth. Pleasure comes from the knowledge of duty done or labor performed, rather than from “honors.” It is not so difficult, therefore, as many may suppose, in honor to prefer others, especially in those cases in which emoluments are not a factor. In business, however, it seems to be different. The whole spirit of business competition is to look out for No. 1. Men who have made a success of business are frequently generous in distributing their gains for the benefit of their fellow men, but in the transaction of business itself they usually prefer themselves to their competitors. There are exceptions, however, though they are comparatively rare. One came within the observation of this writer a few days ago. Having occasion to buy a daily paper, he beckoned to a newsboy. Two boys, one of whom was lame, saw the signal, but did not see each other. As the one who was perfect in body reached his prospective purchaser, and had offered his paper for sale, he noticed the lame boy a few feet distant. The latter stopped when he saw that he had lost in the race; but the other, observing him, withdrew his paper, and said, in a tender tone, which was itself as striking as his act, “Buy your paper of that lame boy, mister!” and then turned and went away, apparently unconscious of the fact that he had performed as noble an act as if he had rescued some one from peril. The boy lost nothing by his self-sacrifice, nor would business men lose by manifesting the same spirit toward each other. It is not the way of the world, but it is the practical application of the spirit of Christ’s teaching in the golden rule.