Living for Others

In the Holy Land lived a man called Eliab, whom God had blessed with earthly goods: he was also cunning in all the wisdom of the East. But all this could not bring peace to his heart: he was often full of sorrow, and wished to die. Then a man of God came to him, and showed him a herb possessed of wonderful powers of healing; but Eliab said, "What is that to me? My body lacks not health: my soul is diseased. It were better for mo to die."

"The herb will do thy heart good," said the man of God. "Take it, and heal seven sick men, and then thou mayest die, if thou wilt." Eliab did as he was desired, and sought out misery in its abiding-places. He healed seven sick people, and succoured the poor with his riches. Then the man of God came again to him, and said, "Here is a herb of death: now thou mayest die."

But Eliab cried, "God forbid! My soul longeth no more for death; for now I comprehend the meaning and use of life."—Krummacher.