CHOOSE YE | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 27, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 17.

CHOOSE YE.

A WEALTHY old gentleman residing in London on one of his birthdays invited his servants into the house to receive presents. "What will you have," said he, addressing the groom, "this Bible, or a five-pound 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 his cook, "will you have this Bible?" "I can read, sir, but I never get time to look into a book; and the money will buy me a fine dress." Next was the chambermaid, but she had one Bible, and did not want another.

Last came the errand boy. "My lad," said his kindly benefactor, "will you take these five pounds 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." "God bless you, my boy! and may your wise choice prove riches and honor and long life unto 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.