"Like the rich man in the Bible," said Fan. "Father, was he a very bad man?"
"Probably not what the world calls bad; we are not told that he was dishonest, drunken, or profane; but he was selfish and covetous—caring for the good things of this world and neglectful of eternal things; and selfishness is sin as well as covetousness. They seem to go together and shut the soul out of heaven. The Bible says, 'Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God."
"I thought coveting was wanting other people's things," remarked Ada.
"That is coveting," replied her father, "and so is that inordinate love of gain, which leads men to drive hard bargains, and to heap up riches at the expense of leaving those to suffer whom they are fully able to relieve. When the Lord gives us large means, it is that, as his stewards, we may distribute to others. Well, Rupert, what is it?"
"I have the money I had saved toward buying a piano. I will give a tenth of it now."
"That is well. Who else has anything for the missionary?"
"I have a little of the pocket-money Aunt Wealthy supplies," Mildred said. "I wish I could give more now. I hope to when the money comes in from my music scholars; but that will not be for some time, you know."
"I haven't much money," said Fan, "but maybe I can sell my eggs. I have a whole dozen."
"I'll give some of my money," said Don.
"And I," "And I," said Zillah and Ada.