Poem by Elizabeth F. Guptill - His Offering

‘Twas a common congregation, not many rich or poor,

And they settled back in their places when the sermon of length was o’er.

It was a missionary sermon, and the pastor tried, indeed

To touch the hearts of his people for India ’s great need.

He asked for a large collection to send the precious Word,

And he raised the mute petition, “Touch their pocketbooks, O Lord!”

But “Twas only a begging sermon, one ears so many now!”

And a look of saddened patience stole o’er the preacher’s brow.

As they gave their dimes and nickels with a have-to-do-it air,

Instead of the look of helpful joy, God’s people ought to wear.

‘Way down in front, on the free seat, sat a shaggy little boy,

No mother’s pet and plaything, no father’s pride and joy.

Poor child! He had no mother, and he was a drunkard’s son,

Known to the congregation as “Drunken Lacy’s John.”

Of course, he had no offering, so the deacon passed him by.

“Let us ask a blessing on it,” said the pastor with a sigh.

“Oh wait,” said the barefoot laddie, as he started to his feet,

“And ask one on my offering, too the deacon passed my seat.”

So back went the good old deacon, and his face wore a friendly smile,

As he passed the box to the little lad, who was standing all the while.

“I haven’t much to give,” he said, but I’ll give Him all I can,

And I’ll go out to India and preach when I’m a man.”

And from his ragged pocket he drew his treasured pence,

And carefully he counted them ---- just twenty-seven cents!

“There, that is every bit I have!” said the shabby little lad.

“But I know that God’ll bless it, ‘cause I gave Him all I had!”

“Here, deacon, pass that box again!” called honest Farmer Dorr,

“We haven’t done the best we could, we want to give some more!”

And so the contribution box went round the church once more,

And dollars now went dropping in, where nickels dropped before.

Men all unused to giving, gave now, and softly smiled,

For now, they gave to Jesus, led by a little child.

And the pastor asked a blessing on a sum that made him glad,

And all because one little boy gave Jesus all he had!