p. 579 | THE SAFE CHOICE

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 23, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 37.

THE SAFE CHOICE.

A WEALTHY gentleman residing in London, on a birthday invited his servants to his house to receive presents. “What will you have?” said he to the groom, “this Bible, or a twenty-dollar note?” “I would take the Bible, sir, but I cannot read; so I think the money will do me more good,” replied the hostler. “And you?” he asked the gardener. “My poor wife is so ill, that I sadly need the money,” responded the gardener with a bow. “Mary, you can read,” said the old man, turning to the cook, “will you have this Bible?” “I can read, sir, but I never get time to look into a book; and the dollars will buy me a fine dress.” Next came the chambermaid; but she had one Bible, and did not want another. Last came the errand-boy. “My lad,” said his kind benefactor, “will you take these twenty dollars and replace your shabby clothes by a new suit?” “Thank you, sir; but my dear mother used to read to me that the law of the Lord was better than thousands of gold and silver. I will have the good book, if you please.” “Bless you, my boy! and may your wise choice prove riches and honor and long life to you.” As the lad received the Bible and unclasped its covers, a bright gold-piece rolled to the floor. Quickly turning its pages, he found them thickly interleaved with bank-notes; while the four servants, discovering the mistake of their worldly covetousness, hastily departed in chagrin.—Selected.