In the year 1814, the Austrians, Russians and Prussians all invaded France. They made a long stay in that country, and especially in Paris. Some of them took advantage of the opportunity for purchasing some of those rare and costly works of art for which France is so famous. A wealthy Prussian officer, among others, wished to buy jewels for a large amount. One fine Sunday, he went out strolling the Paris streets in search of a jewelry store. In those days, one's home was often connected with one's business or place of work; therefore it was not uncommon to come across tradesmen even during their off duty hours. Without any thought to the day or time, the officer made his way to one of the first jewelers in the city.

Eager to purchase some exquisite jewelry, the Prussian immediately struck up the conversation:

“Sir, I should like to see some of the finest ornaments you have in gold and jewels.”

“I can let you see them, sir, but I cannot sell them to you today.”

“You cannot? And why not?”

“Because my stores and workshops are always closed on Sundays, and I would not, for any reason, disobey that rule.”

“Sir, I understand your Catholic scruples. But I leave the city tomorrow, and if you will not sell me the jewels, I must get them somewhere else.”

“I cannot help it.”

“Well! Sir, I have but one word to say, and perhaps it will help you make a decision: I intend to purchase jewels that would add up to the price of twenty-five or thirty thousand francs.”

“You do me wrong, sir, if you think that that much money will tempt me. It is undoubtedly a fine offer, but I like better to remain faithful to my religious principles.”

“In that case, sir," replied the Prussian coldly, "since I must leave tomorrow, I am forced, however much I may regret it, to go to someone else to purchase what you refuse to sell me.”

So saying, the offended officer bowed and left. He had only gone a little way when a thought occurred to him, and he said to himself: “Now here is a jeweler who is very strict in observing the Lord’s Day. And his strictness annoys me very much. But if this man has firmly refused to sell me his jewels for any amount of money, I have good reason to believe that he would not lie to me about the price, weight, or value of his expensive goods - while another person that would not hesitate to sell on Sunday for the sake of making money would not hesitate to cheat me in his merchandise.”

This was quite the revelation to the worldly officer. Indeed, he was practical enough to realize now how fortunate he was to meet someone who would not sell on Sundays. More than all the money in the world, God was the priority for this jeweler. If he would sacrifice money to please God, then he would not offend Him to make money. On the other hand, a person who cares more about money than they care about God would have no regrets cheating their customers by all kinds of lies and overpricing - because at all costs, their desire is to make money.

Struck by this thought, the officer returned home, and related his experience to his companions. He still had to leave the city, but he put off his journey for one day. So the next day, he was free to go back to the honest jeweler. Not only did the officer return, but he brought some of his friends with him. By the end of their purchases, the jeweler had not earned twenty-five or thirty thousand francs - but rather forty or fifty thousand francs.