Many years ago a fierce war raged in India between the English and Tippoo Sahib. On one occasion several English officers were taken prisoners, among them one named Baird, who had been severely wounded, and was suffering from pain and weakness. One day a native officer brought in fetters to be put upon each of the prisoners, the wounded one not excepted. A gray-haired officer said to the native official,
"You do not think of putting chains upon that wounded man?"
"There are just as many pairs of fetters as there are captives," was the answer; "and every pair must be worn."
"Then," said the noble officer, "put two pairs on me, I will bear his as well as my own." This was done.
Strange to say, Baird lived to regain his freedom; lived to take that very city; but his noble friend died in prison. Up to his death he wore two pairs of fetters.
But what if he had worn the fetters of all who were in the prison? What if, instead of being a captive himself, he had been free and great, and had quitted a glorious palace to live in their loathsome dungeon, to wear the prisoners' chains, to bear their stripes, to suffer and die in their stead, that they might go free? And such a thing has been done.
"There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all." 1 Tim. 2:55For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5).