A DOCTOR was fond of dogs, and usually had two or three big ones and a number of puppies about his yard. All the boys in the town knew this, and often peered with longing eyes into the doctor’s premises. One day while his servant was busily occupied cleaning up the yard, two little heads appeared at the gate. With timidity they inquired,
“Will you sell us a pair of these puppies for fifty cents?”
The half-dollar, quite a large amount to the little boys, had taken a long time, and a great deal of saving to gather together, and now hopes ran high at the expectation of acquiring the coveted prize. The man was highly amused at the proposal, and smiled at the offer, as the puppies were worth many times the amount offered.
The doctor, however, overheard the inquiry, and being of a kindly disposition, asked their names, and found they were the sons of a well-known family in the town, whose father he had attended.
“Come here, my boys,” said the medical man, and lifting two of the finest puppies into the basket, he said, “take these two homes, and be good to them.” Holding up the half-dollar to the gentleman, the little fellows were further delighted when he added,
“No, no, I do not sell puppies for fifty cents a pair, I give them for nothing.”
Delighted with their prize, they straightway made for home, and, moved by love, sought ever to be kind and attentive to the doctor’s doggies. As the pups grew and developed, how proud the boys were to be the owners of such splendid animals.
This is a simple picture of how any boy or girl may obtain something of ten thousand times more value. What is it? Hear the Word of the Lord:
“The gift of God is eternal life.” Rom. 6:23.
Because God has loved you, and Jesus has died for you, life everlasting may be freely bestowed “without money and without price.” (Isa. 55:1).
Remember, the Great Physician is like the kind doctor, He does not sell salvation, He gives life, joy, peace, a home in heaven, and endless bliss to all who take their place as unworthy sinners, and accept from His pierced hands His free gifts.
“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8.
Will you accept “everlasting life” (John 5:24) as a free gift now? Do not reject such grace.
ML 07/09/1933