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GIVING

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 10, 1856

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 8, No. 1.

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GIVING.

At a missionary meeting among the negroes in the West Indies, it is related, these three resolutions were adopted:
  1. We will give something.
  2. We will each give according to our ability.
  3. We will all give willingly.
At the close of the meeting a leading negro took his seat at the table, with pen and ink, to put down what each came to contribute. Many advanced to the table and handed in their contributions, some more and some less. Among the contributors was an old negro, who was very rich, almost as rich as all the rest united. He threw down a small silver coin.
"Take dat back again," said the chairman of the meeting; "dat may be 'cordin to de fust resolution, but not 'cordin to de second."
The rich man accordingly took it up and hobbled back to his seat, much enraged. One after another, came foward, and all giving more than himself, he was ashamed, and again threw a piece of money on the table, saying, "Dar take dat!" It was a valuable piece of gold, but given so ill-temperedly, that the chairman answered, "No, sir, dat don't do! Dat may be 'cordin to de fust and second resolutions, but not 'cordin to de third." He was obliged to take it up again. Still angry with himself, and all the rest he sat along time, until nearly all were gone, and then advanced to the table, and, with a smile on his countenance, laid a large sum of money on the table.
"Dar now, berry well," said the presiding negro, "dat will do, dat am 'cordin to all de resolutions."