A NEW PLEASURE

     Thank God there are some roses with the thorns. I have had at least three phases of pleasure, amidst a lot of pain.

     First. It has been a pleasure to be called "father", to rear a family and have them all respect and do honor to their provider and protector.

     Second. It has been a great inspiration to picture in the mind a book, and work to its completion, though it may have required months and years. I worked on one five years, and instead of my becoming weary, I found it such a pleasant task that I almost begrudged the time spent in eating and sleeping.

     Third. A new pleasure has of recent years been mine. It has always been a source of satisfaction to look at and then bank a check in my favor. But misers have this pleasure. They do not, however, take keen delight in issuing checks to others. This is a new joy to me, to be able to help worthy students and preachers who cannot help themselves. I never thought thirty years ago that this would be my privilege. Paul was not rich, yet hear him: "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have served you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Try it, brother, though in a small way, and see how it will increase in every way.