A young man who worked in Berlin had been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for stealing. When his time had finished, he went to bid farewell to the prison chaplain. During the conversation he expressed to the priest the fear that he would not be able to get a job. The chaplain spoke to him with encouragement, and earnestly advised him to keep the commandments of God, and when seeking employment to always speak the truth. The young man promised to follow this advice.

He first went to a large mercantile house and asked if a position could be given him. He was brought to head of the business, before whom he laid his testimonials - very excellent ones.

Then came the question he dreaded, “Where were you during the last three years ?”

The young man turned pale and answered, “I was in prison.”

The merchant inquired what he had done to be been put into prison.

“For stealing my master’s property.”, the young man answered.

“You venture to say that,” the man said, “and at the same time apply for a position in my business?” The young man replied that on his release from prison he had promised the priest to always speak the truth.

The merchant, who was in favor of the young man because of his openness and his becoming behavior, then asked him, “Had you also promised the chaplain to be honest and honorable in future?”

“Yes, sir.”

The master said “Since you have kept your first promise so faithfully under very difficult circumstances, I believe that you will also keep the other.” He then took him into his employ.

What hundreds of others obtain only after weeks or months of tedious waiting, this man found on the first application, on account of his truthfulness and sincerity, even though he was at a such a great disadvantage. The young man, who acted in the most exemplary manner, later on paid a visit to the prison chaplain, and thanked him heartily for his good advice.