A story is told of two beggars who, many years ago, lived in the city of Rome. One went about the city calling out,
“He is helped whom God helps”, while the other called,
“He is helped whom the king helps.”
On hearing these two calls, the king decided to make a test as to which one was right. He ordered his baker to make a loaf of bread, and, before baking it, to hide in it a handful of golden coins. When the loaf was baked, the king gave it to the beggar who called, “He is helped whom the king helps.”
Now, what do you think this beggar did? Noticing that the loaf was heavy, he said to himself, “This bread is ill-baked. I’ll see if my beggar friend will give me a penny for it.”
The bargain was made, and the loaf carried to the home of the man who called,
“He is helped whom God helps.”
Imagine his surprise on finding the coins! He thanked God, and from that day was able to live in comfort. But the other poor fellow still went about calling,
“He is helped whom the king helps.”
Greatly surprised, the king asked him what he had done with the loaf.
“Well, well”, said the king, “truly, he is helped whom God helps”—and sent the beggar away empty.
ML 10/10/1943