p. 12 | A LESSON FROM DOGS by J. E. Green

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 24, 1900

A LESSON FROM DOGS.

By J. E. Green

ONE day three dogs were having a real rough-and-tumble play, just as boys do sometimes, across the street from my door. So engaged were they that they did not hear some one down the street whistling to them.

After a few minutes there came a lull in the game, and the sound reached them. Instantly every head was raised, and every ear erect, and one could almost hear them say, "Hark!" they were so quiet.

Soon one started as fast as he could go; for he had recognized his master's call. The others did not try to detain him, nor did they say, "It's too bad," or, "It's real mean," or, "I think he might have pretended not to hear, and played a little longer." Not a bit of such talk did they have, but, since their game was spoiled, they went quietly away.

I could not help contrasting their conduct with that of many children, who, when called from their play, will often pout and murmur. And if they do come, it is so reluctantly that all pleasure in their service is spoiled for those who called them. How many times will they plead to be allowed to play just a few minutes longer, when mama needs their help very much! Those dogs did not seem to think there was any way to do only to run right along when called and see what was wanted, and it was done with such cheerfulness that it did me good to see it.

I thought how different that is from my way of doing many times when God speaks to me. And I felt I had learned a lesson in prompt and cheerful obedience from those dogs.

J. E. GREEN.