PASS IT ON | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 17, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 45.

"PASS IT ON."

Once when I was a schoolboy going home for the holidays I had a long way to go to reach the far-away little town in which I dwelt. I arrived at Bristol, and got on board the steamer with just money enough to pay my fare, and, that being settled, I thought in my innocence I had paid for everything I needed in the way of meals. I had what I wanted as long as we were in smooth water; then came the rough Atlantic, and the need of nothing more. I had been lying in my berth for hours wretchedly ill, and past caring for anything, when there came the steward, and stood beside me.

"Your bill, sir," said he, holding out a piece of paper.

"I have no money," I said in my wretchedness.

"Then I shall keep your luggage. What is your name and address?"

I told him. Immediately he took off the cap he wore, with a gilt band about it, and held out his hand.

"I should like to shake hands with you," he said.

I gave him my hand, and shook him as well as I could. Then came the explanation that some years before some little kindness had been shown his mother by my father in the sorrow of her widowhood.

"I never thought the chance would come for me to repay it," said he pleasantly, "but I am glad it has."

"So am I," said I.

As soon as I got ashore, I told my father what had happened.

"Ah," said he, "see how a bit of kindness lives! Now he has passed it on to you. Remember, if you meet anybody who needs a friendly hand, you must pass it on to him."

Years had gone by; I had grown up, and quite forgotten it all, until one day I had to go to the station of one of our main lines. I was just going to take my ticket when I saw a little lad crying—a thorough gentleman he was, trying to keep back the troublesome tears, as he pleaded with the booking clerk.

"What is the matter, my lad?" I asked.

"If you please, sir, I haven't enough money to pay my fare. I have all I want but a few pence, and I tell the clerk if he will trust me I will be sure to pay him."

Instantly flashed upon me the forgotten story of long ago. Here, then, was my chance to pass it on. I gave him the sum needed, and then got into the carriage with him.

Then I told the little fellow the story of long ago, and of the steward's kindness to me.

"Now, to-day," I said, "I pass it on to you; and remember that if you meet anyone who needs a kindly hand, you must pass it on to him."

"I will, sir, I will," cried the lad, as he took my hand, and his eyes flashed with earnestness.

"I am sure you will," I answered.

I reached my destination, and left my little friend. The last sign I had of him was the handkerchief fluttering from the window of the carriage, as if to say, "It is all right, sir; I will pass it on."—Home and School Visitor.