AN INFIDEL REBUKED
There was an infidel blacksmith who was always carping at professors of religion, especially when he could get a Christian to talk to, or knew there was one near enough to overhear him. Some choice morsel of scandal was sure to be served up about an erring minister, or a sinful deacon, or a Sabbath School superintendent who had fallen from grace. One day he was dilating with uncommon relish on his favorite theme to a venerable elder, who stopped to have his horse shod. The old man bore it quietly for awhile, and then he said:
Did you ever hear the story of the rich man and Lazarus?"
"Yes, of course I have."
"Remember about the dogs -- at the gate there -- how they licked Lazarus' sores?"
"Yes; why?"
"Well, you remind me of those dogs -- always licking the sores. All you notice in Christians is their faults."