The poor man told his story, asked the five dollars only as a loan, and, having an order for the painting of two signs, said he should be paid for them when done, and could return the loan the next Saturday, one week from that time.

Mr. Q. saw, at once, that the utter destitution of the family, and the need of everything, would prevent the man returning the money, however much he might wish to, and so refused to lend it.  The case was urged, but without avail; and the missionary sent the man away, promising to see him again that night or on Monday.  After his departure, the following conversation passed between the gentlemen: 

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.

The week passed on, as they all pass, weighted and freighted with human ills; some capable of alleviation, some not; but of the former, a full share had come under the notice and care of the missionary, and Saturday found him stepping into the Fulton street prayer-meeting, N.Y., for fresh encouragement and benediction on his labors.