Two infidel neighbors lived among the hills of North Carolina. One of them heard the gospel and was convicted of his sins. Soon he believed the Word unto eternal life. A few days later he went to his infidel neighbor's house and said: "I have come to talk to you. Perhaps you know that I have been saved.”
"Yes," sneered the other, "I heard that you had been down to the meetings. And so you went forward for prayers. I am surprised! I thought you were as sensible a man as any in town.”
"Well," said the first, "I have a duty towards you. I haven't slept much for two nights thinking about it. I have four sheep in my flock that belong to you. They came two years ago with your brand mark on them. I took them and marked them with my brand. I know you inquired around, but could not find them. They are in my field now, with their increase. I want to settle with you if you are willing, or you can settle with me by the law if you'd rather.”
The other infidel was amazed. He told his neighbor that he could keep the sheep—only please go away! He trembled at the thought that something had got hold of his old friend which he could not understand. He repeated: "You keep the sheep, but please go away.”
"No," said the Christian, "I must settle this matter. I cannot rest until I do. You must tell me how much I owe you.”
"Well," replied the other, "pay me the worth of the sheep when they went to you, and six percent interest. Then please go away and leave me alone.”
The Christian laid down the amount and then doubled it. He went away, leaving his old friend's heart heavily burdened. The full result of that scene is only known to God. But today the second infidel is no longer an infidel. He too is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and is a bright testimony to his Lord.