Psalm 15:2 He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. St. Anthony, the first hermit, lived a hard and strait life in the wilderness, praying constantly and meditating on the things of God. There is a story that a voice came to him from heaven, saying, "Anthony, thou art not so perfect as is a cobbler who dwells at Alexandria." Anthony, hearing this, rose up forthwith and took his staff, and went on his journey till he came to Alexandria, where he found the Cobbler. The cobbler was astonished to see so great a saint come to his house. Then Anthony said to him, "Come, tell me thy whole manner of life, and how thou spendest thy time." "Sir," said the cobbler, "talents I have few, and good works have I none, for my life is but simple, for I am but a poor cobbler. In the morning, when I rise, I pray for the whole city wherein I dwell, especially for all such neighbours and poor friends as I have; after that I set to my work, in which I spend the whole day to get my living; and I keep from all falsehood, for I hate all manner of deceit; wherefore, when I make any man a promise I keep it and perform it truly. In the evening I teach and instruct my children, as far as my knowledge serves me, to fear God and do His will. And this is the sum of my simple life." In this story we see how God loves those that follow their calling and use His gifts as best they can. Parallel Verses KJV: He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.WEB: He who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart; |