LITTLE THINGS.
"GEORGE is dreadfully fussy about little things," cried Ben. "He is very particular to tell the exact truth, and he thinks over a thing a long while, to be sure that it is quite right, or that his mother and father will like it."
"Glad to hear this," said Mr. Trueman. "Look out, Ben! What you call little things have spoiled many a life. Do you remember the old story about the farmer and his horseshoe?"
"Never heard it, sir," said Ben.
"You can find it in a book of German tales, my boy.
One day a farmer went to market, made good sales, filled his purse, and then left for home, intending to reach there in the evening.
"For a while his horse trotted on all right, carrying him and his bags. After a rest at noon, when the farmer was ready to resume his journey, the boy at the inn said, 'Your horse has lost a nail out of one of his shoes.'
"'Never mind,' said the man; 'we shall get home all right.'
"Late in the afternoon he stopped again to rest and to feed his horse. Just as he was leaving, another boy spoke to him about the nail.
" 'Ah,' cried the farmer, 'I'll venture to go a few more miles without it.'
"Soon, however, the horse began to limp, and then to stumble; presently he fell and broke his leg. There was no help for the man then. He was obliged to leave his horse lying in the road, while he himself walked home, carrying the bags on his back.
"'Alas!' he thought, 'all this trouble has come upon me for want of one nail in my horse's shoe."
"He was a foolish man," declared Ben.
"Don't forget him, Ben, when you feel tempted to laugh at a careful, conscientious boy like George. Remember what is said about the little foxes' in the Song of Solomon, second chapter and fifteenth verse."
Ben ran to find the chapter and verse. What did he read, and what did it mean?
S. S. Visitor.
Do good and be good, and despite all that is said about this world's ingratitude, some one will love you and greet your coming.