A traveler from a commercial house, while crossing the extensive plains in W. was joined by a man passing the same road. The traveler, a pious man, observed, with regret, that the conversation of the man was of a light and trifling cast, often bordering on profanity; and resolved to take the first opportunity of slipping away from so unprofitable a companion. Before, however, such an opportunity occurred, they reached a place where the road separated. Uncertain which way to take, they proposed to inquire of a shepherd boy, who was reclining near the spot with a book in his hand.
The man, disposed to exercise his wit on the simple country boy, thus addressed him,
“Halloo! my lad; what book are you reading?”
“The Bible, sir!” was the reply.
“The Bible! so! so you read that in hopes to find out the way to heaven?”
“Yes, sir!”
“Very well; that road I neither know nor care anything about; you tell me, if you can, the road to S.; and I will leave you to dream about the other at your leisure.”
“That, sir,” pointing with his crook, “is the road to S.; and the road to heaven, blessed be God, is so plain that the wandering men, though fools, shall not err therein.” Isaiah 35:8.
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.
“Well said, simple shepherd,” thought the pious traveler, and raised his heart in gratitude to the Lord; “how true it is that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, that he that glorieth should glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-31.
ML 05/01/1938