Years ago a committee representing the Standard Oil Company had an all-night session. The main task was to secure a manager for a new division of operation which the company hoped to open in China.
The chairman insisted that the manager must have four qualifications: he must be under thirty years old; he must be thoroughly trained; he must have proved generalship; he must be able to speak the Chinese language. Many good men had been considered, but each was found to be lacking.
It appeared that the meeting would fail of its object. But finally a young man arose, addressed the chairman, and declared that he knew one man who could meet all requirements.
He stated that the man was at that time in China, living in the very busy city where the company was planning to establish headquarters. He was 28 years old; had degrees from three colleges; had three years' study and practice in the Chinese language; and had full confidence of the Chinese people among whom he was widely known. Moreover he had been valedictorian of his class in college and was a natural leader.
Some one asked how much this young man was getting and his friend startled the committee by answering, "about six hundred dollars a year."
The chairman said, "There is something wrong."
"I know," said the young man, and then he went on to tell how his friend was engaged in carrying the gospel to the Chinese.
After thorough questioning regarding the missionary, the chairman said to the committeeman; "You go to China and offer him the position."
The committeeman was to offer ten thousand dollars a year. If that failed to secure him, he was to offer twelve thousand or even fifteen thousand.
The young agent crossed the ocean and half of China, found his friend, and offered him the position at ten thousand dollars a year, The young missionary declined. The offer was raised to twelve thousand, then to fifteen, but was rejected.
Finally the agent asked, "What will you take?"
"It is not a question of salary," the missionary replied; "the salary is magnificent. The trouble is not with the salary: it is with the job. The job is too little.
"You offer me a big salary, but a small job. I have a small income but I have a big job; and I would rather have a big job with a small income than a small job with a big salary.
"I thank you for the confidence expressed in your offer; but I feel that I should be a fool to quit winning souls to sell oil."