The Pardon.

THE Romans had a law that no person should approach the emperor’s tent in the night, upon pain of death; but it once happened that a soldier was found in that situation with a petition in his hand, waiting for an opportunity of presenting it. He was apprehended, and going to be immediately executed; but the emperor having overheard the matter in his pavilion, cried aloud, saying, “If the petition be for himself, let him die; if for another, spare his life.” Upon inquiry, it was found that the generous soldier’s prayer was for the lives of his two comrades who had been taken asleep on the watch. The emperor nobly forgave them all. How refreshing to turn to the Bible and listen to the word of Him who is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and only Ruler of princes, who says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you” (John 16:2323And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (John 16:23)). As sinners He bids us come just as we are, and accept pardon and eternal life at His hands; and as Christians we are told to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:1616Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)).