Unappreciated Charity by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 22, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 16.

Unappreciated Charity.

By Editor

Oftentimes what is bestowed as a gift comes to be looked upon by the receiver as what is due him. The Chicago Herald tells of a benevolent man who had a regular list to whom he gave alms according to his ability and his conception of their needs. One old man came regularly as the month and received a dollar. On a recent occasion he accosted his benefactor and received from him a half dollar. He thanked the donor, started away, hesitated, stopped, and then turned to the giver and said, "Excuse me, sir, I would like to ask you a question." "Well, what is it?" said Mr. G., his benefactor. "It is this. Every month for years past you have given me a dollar, but to-day I come, and you give me only fifty cents. How is that?" "Well, I'll tell you," said Mr. G., smiling good-humoredly. "I have had some unusually heavy expenses this month. My eldest daughter got married, and the outlay for her trousseau, etc., has compelled me to retrench in every direction." "Ah, I see!" said the beggar. "But, Mr. G., I really can't afford to contribute toward your daughter's wedding expenses." We often meet this spirit, tho not always such refreshing frankness.