THE THREE STONE-CARRIERS
Many years ago in a church in England, a preacher entered the pulpit and said:
"Brethren, before I preach, allow me to tell this story. Many years have passed since I was in this place. On that evening there came three young men, not only with the intention of scoffing at the minister, but with their pockets filled with stones to throw at the preacher. After a few words, one of them said, 'Let us be at him now.' But the second replied, 'No, let’s hear how he does.'
"The minister went on, when the second one said, 'We have heard enough; now throw your stones.' But the third stopped them, saying, 'He is not so foolish as I thought; let us hear him out.' The minister preached and ended his sermon without being interrupted.
"Now listen! One
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