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 35:88And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. (Isaiah 35:8).
“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 1:23-3123But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:23‑31).
ML 05/01/1938