Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave… A few years ago a gentleman who kept a large drug-shop in Boston advertised for a boy. The next day a number of boys applied for the situation. One of them was a queer-looking little fellow. He came with his aunt, who took care of him. Looking at the poor boy, the merchant said promptly, "Can't take him; he's too small." "I know he's small," said his aunt, "but he's willing and faithful. Please try him, sir." There was something in the boy's look which made the merchant think again. A partner in the firm came forward and said he "didn't see what they wanted with such a boy — he wasn't bigger than a pint pot." Still the boy was allowed to stay, and put to work. Not long after a call was made on the clerks for some one to stay through the night. They all held back but little Charley, who instantly offered his services. In the middle of the night the merchant came to the shop to see if all was right, and was surprised to find Charley busy cutting out labels. "What are you doing?" he asked. "I didn't tell you to work all night." "I know you didn't, sir; but I thought I had better be doing something than be idle." In the morning, when the merchant came into his office, he said to the cashier, "Double Charley's wages. His aunt said he was willing, and so he is." A few weeks after this a menagerie passed through the streets. Naturally enough, all the hands in the shop rushed out to see it, but Charley stayed in his place. A thief saw his chance, and entered by the back door; suddenly he found himself grabbed by the young clerk, and held down to the floor. Not only was he prevented from stealing, but things taken from other shops were found upon him and returned to their owners. "What made you stay to watch when all the others quitted their work to look?" asked the merchant. "You told me never to leave the shop, sir, when others were absent, and so I thought I ought to stay." The order was repeated, "Double that boy's wages. His aunt said he was faithful, and so he is." Before he left the clerkship he was getting a salary of £500 a year; and now he is a member of the firm. Here is an example of diligence leading to success. And no boy or girl, man or woman, will be long out of a place who learns the lesson of diligence, and practises it in this way. (R. Newton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. |
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