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I’M TOO BUSY

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 15, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 11.

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“I’M TOO BUSY.”

A MERCHANT sat at his office desk. Various letters were spread before him. His whole being was absorbed in the intricacies of his business. A zealous friend of religion entered the office.
“I want to interest you a little in a new effort for the cause of Jesus Christ,” said the good man.
“Sir, you must excuse me,” replied the merchant. “I am too busy to attend to that subject now.”
“But, sir, inquiry is on the increase among us,” said his friend.
“Is it? I’m sorry, but I’m too busy at present to do anything.”
“When shall I call again, sir?”
“I can not tell; I’m very busy. I’m busy every day. Excuse me, sir; I wish you a good morning.”
Then bowing the intruder out of his office, he resumed the study of his papers.
The merchant had frequently repulsed the friends of humanity in this manner. No matter what the object, he was always too busy to listen to their claims. He had even told his minister that he was too busy to do anything but to make money.
But one morning a disagreeable stranger stepped very softly to his side, laying a cold, moist hand upon his brow, and saying, “Go home with me!”
The merchant laid down his pen, his head grew dizzy; his stomach felt faint and sick; he left the counting-room, went home, and retired to his bedchamber.
His unwelcome visitor had followed him, and now took his place by his bedside, whispering ever and anon, “You must go with me.”
A cold chill settled on the merchant’s heart; specters of ships, notes, houses and lands flitted before his excited mind. Still his pulse beat slower, his heart heaved heavily, thick films gathered over his eyes, his tongue refused to speak. Then the merchant knew that the name of his visitor was Death.
Humanity, mercy, and religion had alike begged his influence, means, and attention in vain; but when death came he was powerless—he was compelled to have leisure to die.
Let us beware how we make ourselves too busy to secure life’s great end. When the excuse rises to our lips, and we are about to say we are too busy to do good, let us remember we can not be too busy to die. “Prepare to meet thy God.”—Selected.