True Pride | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1872

True Pride.

A young man named Parks, from Worcester, entered the store of the Lawrences in Boston, and found Amos in the office. He represented himself as having just commenced business, and desired to purchase a lot of goods. He had recommendations as to character from several influential citizens of Worcester, but none touching his business standing or capacity. The merchant listened to his story, and at its close shook his head.

I have no doubt, he said kindly, that you have full faith in your ability to promptly meet the obligations you would now assume; I have no knowledge of your tact or capacity, as you are just launching out on the sea of business, and should be doing you a great injustice to allow you to contract a debt which I did not feel assured you could pay at the proper time.

But Mr. Lawrence liked the appearance of the young man and finally told him that he would let him have what goods he could pay for at the cost of manufacture, about ten per cent less than the regular wholesale price. The bill was made out and paid, and the clerk asked where the goods should be sent.

I will take them myself, said the purchaser.

You will find them rather heavy, suggested the clerk, smiling.

Never mind; I am strong, and the stage office is not far away, and besides, I have nothing else to occupy my time.

But, said the clerk, expostulating, it is hardly in keeping with your position to be shouldering such ponderous bodies through the city.

There you mistake, replied the young man, with simple candor. My position just now is one in which I must help myself, if I would be helped at all. I am not ashamed to carry anything which I honestly possess, nor am I ashamed of the strength which enables me to bear this heavy burden.

Thus speaking, he shouldered a large bundle and had turned toward the outer door when Mr. Lawrence, who from his office had overheard the conversation, called him back.

Mr. Parks, I have concluded to let you have what goods you want on time. Select at your pleasure.

You have the true pride for a successful merchant, sir, pursued Lawrence, and I shall be much disappointed if you do not prosper.

Amos Lawrence was not disappointed. Within fifteen years from that time Samuel Parks was himself established on Milk street one of the most enterprising and successful merchants in Boston.