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A Wicked Wretch Released
A foreign prince, travelling through France, visited the arsenal of Toulon, where the galleys were kept. The commandant said he was welcome to set free any prisoner he chose. Wishing to make the best use of this privilege he spoke to many, inquiring why they were condemned. Injustice, false accusation, oppression, were the only causes they gave. They had all been ill-treated and were innocent.
At last he came to one who answered: “My lord, I have no reason to complain, I have been a very wicked, desperate wretch. I have often deserved to be broken alive on the wheel. I account it a great mercy I am here.”
The prince said, “You wicked wretch! It is a pity you should be among so many honest men; by your own confession you are bad enough to corrupt them all; but you shall not stay with them another day.” Then turning to the officer, he said, “This is the man, sir, I wish to release.”
All the prisoners were guilty, but only one owned and confessed it, and he was set free. So our gracious God deals with us sinners. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
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