In 1799 an American ship, The Nancy, was carrying illegal, stolen cargo to the West Indies. This was discovered, and the ship was boarded and searched by the authorities when it docked in the West Indies. Before the police came on board, the captain threw the papers overboard that described the cargo. He knew that if these papers were found they would show that he was guilty of smuggling. The police, although not finding the papers they searched for, arrested the captain, and he was brought to trial.
At the trial, without enough evidence against him being presented, the captain’s lawyer was winning the case. However, before the trial was over, the captain of an English ship, The Ferret, was called forward. He told the following account.
“While sailing along the coast of Jacmel, near the island of San Domingo, my crew spotted a large shark. It was shot and hoisted on board for examination. Inside the shark’s stomach we found a bundle of ship’s papers that listed the cargo of the ship The Nancy.”
These papers were then presented as evidence to the court. Upon examination they clearly showed that The Nancy was carrying illegal cargo. The captain was found guilty of smuggling and sent to prison.
The head of the shark was on display for some time after this strange occurrence at Port Royal, Jamaica. The jaws can still be seen in the Museum of the Royal United Service Institution in London.
Those who were part of this strange story died long ago, but what is illustrated still holds true today. In this age of freedom and independence, people think they can go anywhere they like and do as they please. They often will make up stories to cover their actions. God’s Word, the Bible, warns everyone, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:2323But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23).
All of us know that what the captain of The Nancy did was wrong, even as there are many who are “secretly” putting their beliefs or faith in something that is not right. It could be an idea, a teaching or a religion. But if it is anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ and His love and grace to sinners, then it is wrong. The Lord Jesus tells us in the Bible that “many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:1111And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11). Being sincere is not enough. You may sincerely believe something, yet be sincerely wrong.
Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to be safe and sure. The captain of The Nancy had to go to prison for the crimes he had committed. The judge could not offer him a pardon, but a pardon is being offered to you - God is offering to forgive your sins and save you from the punishment your sins require. “Through this man [Christ Jesus] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 13:3838Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (Acts 13:38)), because “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:1818For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18). He is now risen from the dead, and seated on the throne at the right hand of God. He has the authority to forgive your sins.
You must settle the question of your sins. You cannot afford to make a mistake about this matter. Do not let it wait any longer. If you die, it will be too late! Confess that you are a sinner to the Lord Jesus now, and accept Him as your Saviour. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9).
ML-09/05/1993