Q.--"Now, H., I don't take any stock in that man. Can you not see that his paying that money back, is a simple impossibility?"
H.--"Well, perhaps so; but the question with me in such cases, is this: What is duty? Admit that he cannot pay it, or even that he will not try; is it not better to relieve his desperate need, than to have him perhaps turn criminal and prey upon society? He must leave the house he is in; he cannot get another without the money, and he is desperate; feels that five dollars he must have, by fair means or foul. Moreover, think of his wife and children, leaving him out of the question. Now let us open this little Bible, and see what meets our eye first."
Q.--"Oh, pshaw! You know I do not believe in that kind of thing! Do you go to the Bible for everything?"
H.--"Why not? Can we have any better guide?"
Q.--"Oh! well, I don't work that way. Now about that man and his money. I will toss up a penny with you, whether I lend or not."
H.--"No you won't! You know I don't believe in chance, but in the Lord. And would you sooner rest your decision on a gambler's test, than on God's promise? Now just let us open the book."
Q.--"Well; what do you see?"
H.--"'The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; but the righteous sheweth mercy, and lendeth.'" 37th Psalm, 21st verse.
As there was no hunting up of passages, nor leaves turned down to open easily, the coincidence was impressive, as well as amusing, and H., following it up, said, "Lend him the money, and if he does not pay you next Saturday night, I will."
It was so agreed upon, and, when the man called on the missionary on Monday morning, he was sent to Q. for the relief.