Once upon a time there was a really pious man who was ever ready to
assist all who needed his help. Prosperity and happiness smiled upon
him. Year in and year out all went well with him and his dear ones. All
of a sudden a change took place. The business which he carried on
proved to be gradually showing a loss instead of the former profit.
Trade began to dwindle, the regular customers died or moved away. Bad
debts increased and eventually the entire fortune of the good man was
lost. In order to provide for the daily needs of his wife and children
he worked in the fields as a labourer paid by the day. The day’s work
was long and hard, but a good heart and a willing spirit enabled him to
overcome all difficulties. He even spared a coin of his wages to help
those in a worse plight than he found himself.
Now it happened one day whilst he was engaged in ploughing a field that
a stranger approached and greeted him, saying,—
“Peace be to thee and to all thy house.”