GOOD FOR NOTHING.


A GENTLEMAN, while addressing some children,

took out his watch, and asked what it was for.

"To keep time," the children answered.

"Well, suppose it won't keep time, and can't be

made to keep time: what is it good for?"

"It's good for nothing," they replied.

He then took out a lead pencil, 

and asked what it was for.

"It's to mark with," was the answer.

"But supposing the lead is out and it won't mark:

what is it for?"

"It's good for nothing."

He then took out a pocket knife, and asked what

was its use.

"To mend our pencils with," said some. "To

cut," said others.

"Suppose it has no blade: then what is it good

for?"

"Good for nothing."

"Then a watch, or pencil, or knife, is good for

nothing, unless it can do the thing for which it was made?"

"No sir," the children all answered.

"Well, children, what is a boy or girl made for?"

The children hesitated.

"What was man made for?" asked the gentleman.

"To glorify God, and enjoy him forever."

"Now, then, if a boy or girl does not do what

he or she is made for, and glorify God, what is he

or she good for?"

And the children all answered, without seeming

to think how it would sound,

"Good for nothing ."

Well, if children are made to glorify God, and

they don't do it, they are good for nothing; that is, it is so much more important that they glorify God, and become prepared to enjoy him forever, than anything else, that if they fail to do this, it is as though they failed in everything. Without love to God, all other things are as nothing!

Dear boy or girl, are you answering the end for

which you were made? If not what are you good

for? Think of the children’s answer,

Good for nothing .'”

  




School