his way home. It was the last day of the feast. Mention, again and

again, was made of the widow's mite, or poor men's gifts, and, as the

boxes were passed, he felt sad that, in his deep poverty, he could not

cast in a single penny. As the assembly was dismissed, it was announced

that collectors would stand at the door to gather up the _fragments_

which ought to be in the Lord's treasury. With slow steps this good man

passed down and put that last money he possessed into the waiting box.



"In a few moments, a gentleman of the city invited him to his, table to

dine, with quite a number of the dignitaries of the church. During the

repast, the host was called from the table for a little time. At the

conclusion of a pleasant entertainment, the poor minister was taken one

side and an envelope put into his hands, with this remark: 'I was called

from the table by a man who has long owed me a small debt, which I

thought was lost a long time since, and I cannot think what it was paid

to-day for, except that I might give it to you.' The envelope contained

twenty-five dollars. When the books are opened, that rich steward will

see how his money was used, and thank God, who put it into his heart to

dispose of it thus."