THE Cubans had risen in rebellion against the Spanish Government. A sailor, whose home wad in America, but who was English by birth, was wrongly suspected of having supported the rebels, and was condemned to death. In vain the British and American consuls demanded his release. He was led forth one morning on to the parade ground, and placed before a number of soldiers with loaded rifles. Both the consuls were present and entered their protest, but the Spaniards would not listen to them. The command was given to prepare to fire. At that moment Mr. Romselen, the British consul, sprang forward, threw the standard of his country across the shoulders of the sailor, and placed himself immediately in front of him. The American consul followed his example, and covered the prisoner with "the Stars and Stripes." Pointing to both flags the Englishman then said, "If you are determined to shoot, you must shoot through our standards!" There the man stood. A single shot would have ended his life, but it was not fired. He was saved.
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die!" This is the inexorable judgment of the law. "All have sinned," we read in Rom. 3, and if we had nothing more to tell there would not be the slightest hope for any one of us. That merciless word "all" brings everyone under the judgment of God. But just as that poor prisoner had some who were interested in his welfare, so have we. The two consuls sought to save him because he was innocent, but the Lord Jesus came to save us "while we were yet sinners." The sailor's friends placed the standards of their countries between him and his enemies, and the soldiers did not dare to fire. But Jesus placed Himself between the sinner and the judgment of a holy God, and the stroke fell upon Him. Had the sailor really been guilty, neither consul nor standard could have saved him, but the gospel reveals the wonderful truth that Christ died for the ungodly.
There was no other way of saving us. The judgment of God must be borne, and a full atonement must be made for our sins. Divine justice demanded the life of the offender, whereas divine mercy longed to save him. To meet the case the Blessed Savior came, and was wounded for our transgressions. The fiery stroke of judgment fell upon that holy head.
He drained the cup of wrath and exhausted all the bitterness of death, and now—
“Stern justice can demand no more;
And mercy can dispense her store.”
How is it with you, my reader? Is this Savior yours? If not, your position is an awfully solemn one. Soon the day of mercy will be over, and the blood that cleanses will be available no more. Maybe this is the last message from God to your soul. Delay not!
Accept this salvation, so freely offered.
W. L.