“William,” said a city merchant to one of his clerks, “you answer this letter. Say to the customer that the goods were shipped before the order was canceled.”
The order referred to, was for a large quantity of a class of goods they wanted to clear, and the merchant had thought by this means to get rid of the goods, which the buyer now declined to take.
William was a young believer, only a few months converted. As he took from his employer’s hand the letter, his cheek flushed and his lip quivered. It was a critical moment for the young convert. Gaining courage, he looked up in the man’s face, and very politely, yet firmly said,
“I am very sorry, sir, that I cannot do that.”
“Cannot do it,” said he angrily, “why not, William?”
“Because it would be a lie, sir, the goods are in the warehouse still,” answered the boy quietly.
The employer turned on his heel, and walked into his room muttering to himself.
“He’ll get his wages,” said one of the clerks who overheard what passed, and it serves him right. Why should he object to do what is done every day all over the city?”
Did William lose his place? Nay, verily. His employer who was a church-member, and perhaps a backslidden child of God, thought over his clerk’s answer, and it troubled him. It was the last time that such a dishonest act was done in that warehouse, and knowing the value of such a youth as William, he made him his confidential clerk.
Young Christians, know this, that God will be no man’s debtor. If you make it your business to please Him, you will find that He will not fail you.
ML 12/29/1946