The late John Wanamaker of Philadelphia was a merchant prince whose Christian integrity and kindliness endeared him to the hearts of many. To his perseverance and business ability, coupled with kindly consideration for his employees, can be attributed the colossal enterprises of Wanamaker Company of New York and Philadelphia.
Once, when asked what he considered the greatest purchase he ever made, this man who yearly bought millions of dollars worth of merchandise, and purchased in Europe rare and immensely valuable pictures which now adorn the walls of the main floor of the Philadelphia store, replied: "I consider the greatest investment I ever made was when I was a lad. I purchased a little red leather BIBLE from a Sunday school teacher for $1.75. And I paid for it on the installment plan!”
Does this seem strange to you, dear reader? Not if you know the life-giving power of that Book of all books and recognize it as the Word of the Living God! Its treasures are inexhaustible; its precepts and promises have been the guide and comfort of millions. It is like the mariner's chart whose faithful direction, if followed, will lead safely to the desired haven. The Word of God ever points the way to life, joy and eternal happiness.
Can you say with the Psalmist: "How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth?" Psa. 119:103.
John Wanamaker learned from that precious Book his need of a Savior, and early confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord. Constantly he bore testimony to the love and grace of God, and was often found, immediately before the Philadelphia store opened its doors in the morning, with a few believers in a little prayer room which he had set apart and furnished for those employees who cared to gather there. Who can say what has been the result of those early morning seasons of prayer?
John Wanamaker lived to a ripe old age, and of him it can surely be said: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." Rev. 14:13.