You have
given Him twenty-five dollars in return and you regret
it. Is that so?"
"I don't know that I just said that," the other man
stammered. "I don't see no need of these fine churches
and paid preachers. It isn't them as goes to church most
that is the best."
"Oh, I see," the young man said, "you would prefer to
give your money for the relief of the poor, for hospitals
or children's homes, or something like that. Is that so?"
"I don't know as there's any reason for me givin' up the
money I work hard for." Sam was touched on a vital spot.
"Well, I'll tell you the reason," the minister said; his
voice was no louder, but it fell with a sledge-hammer
emphasis. He moved a step nearer his companion, and some
way caught and held his wavering vision. "God owns
one-tenth of all that stuff you call your own. You have
cheated Him out of His part all these years, and He has
carried you over from year to year, hoping that you will
pay up without harsh proceedings. You are a rich man in
this world's goods, but your soul is lean and hungry and
naked. Selfishness and greed have blinded your eyes. If
you could see what a contemptible, good-for-nothing
creature you are in God's sight, you would call on the
hills to fall on you. Why, man, I'd rather take my chances
with the gambler, the felon, the drunkard, than with you.
They may have fallen in a moment of strong temptation;
but you are a respectable man merely because it costs
money to be otherwise.
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