Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

A Storu for YouthTTie LordWas His PartnerThe Rev. Philip Jerome ClevelandIt was a bright, promising day when a boy justsixteen years of age said farewell to his people and turnedinto the wide world to seek his fortune. As he trudgedalong an aged gentleman, captain of a canal-boat,recognizing the boy, stepped to his side."Well, William, where are you going?""I don't know," answered the honest lad. "I mustmake a living for myself.""There is no trouble about that," said the man of thegreat waters. "Just be sure you start rightand you'll getalong nicely.""But there is only one trade I know.""And what is that, my boy?""Making soap and candles."The old salt grasped the boy's shoulder as hesaid: "Well, let me pray with you once more and give youan old man's advice. Then I will let you go."The two knelt in the winding tow-path by the GreatLakes and prayed. After the devotional moment thecaptain spoke seriously."Someone will soon be the leading soapmaker inNew York. It might as well be you as the next fellow. Isincerely hopeit will be you. Be a good man, William; giveyour heart to the Carpenter of Nazareth."The old man paused a moment and then lookeddeeply into the youth's solemn eyes."Listen, William. Give the Lord all that truly belongsto Him, a portion of every dollar you ever earn. Make anhonest soap; give a full pound and I am certain that theLord will bless you. Make Him your Partner, William."The lad thanked the earnest captain and turned hisface toward the great city. Lonesome and far from home,he nevertheless remembered words his mother hadspoken to him and the advice of the aged Christian man.He decided to seek first the kingdom of heaven andbecome a Christian. The first dollar earned brought up thematter of the tenth—the Lord's share. In the Bible helearned that the good Lord enjoys those who rememberHim in their tithes and offerings. He made his decision:"If the Lord will take one-tenth, I will give that."Every ten cents on the dollar was set aside for thework of the Master. He engaged in the soap business,made an honest soap, gave a full pound. He said to hisbookkeeper one day:10"Enter an open account with the Lord in ourbusiness book.""Wh-wh-at?" stammered the bookkeeper."An open account with the Lord and carry one-tenthof all our income in the ledger. It shall be His!"William prospered and his business doubled, tripled;he found himself growing rich."Give the Lord two-tenths," he ordered a fewmonths later.Business increased amazingly."Give the Lord three-tenths." Soon the message waschanged to four-tenths and five-tenths.Never did a soap manufacturer have a moresurprising and stunning rise to fame and popularity andfortune.And what was the name of the boy who followed anold canal-boat captain's advice? It is known all over theworld even today for fine soap: WILLIAM COLGATE.A BOY WITH A TOYThere is a little boyWho has a little toy;It was a gift to him from Mom and Dad.He shares the toy with friendsAnd other things he lendsHis friends share, too, and all are very glad.THE CLEANSING RAINThe beautiful rain outsideIs washing clean all the leaves.In the house let us decideIt can wash away our pet peeves.TOY JOYI share my tricycleWith all of my friends;Every one takes a turnAnd each of them lendsWhatever his favoriteToy of the day.We all have a good time—A day that is gay.Martha E. SearleCOVENANTER WITNESS