In the reign of Louis XIV. a German prince, whilst travelling in France, visited the famous arsenal of Toulon. The Governor, on showing him through the convict hulks or “galleys,” as a compliment to his rank, gave him permission to liberate any single prisoner that he chose. In order to arrive at a right decision, the Prince conversed with some of the convicts and asked the reason of their imprisonment. To his surprise, one after another declared his innocence, asserting that he was the victim of malice, slander, and false accusation. According to their showing there had been a glaring miscarriage of justice on the part of the authorities in imprisoning such a company of virtuous and well-behaved persons. After the Prince had talked with a good many of the “innocents,” he discovered one who believed that he was very far from being perfect. On being asked why he was there, he replied as follows: — “I have no reason to complain. I have been a very wicked, desperate wretch. I deserve to be broken alive on the wheel, and I account it a great mercy that I am here.” The Prince, on hearing his confession, said to him in a tone of irony which the authorities understood: “You wicked wretch, it is a pity that you should be placed amongst 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 I wish liberated.”
The prisoner whom the Prince desired to be pardoned accepted the judges’ sentence as just and righteous, and condemned himself. The others justified themselves and condemned the judges. According to their own testimony they were innocent persons unrighteously convicted. It is one of God’s principles to bestow forgiveness upon those who acknowledge their guilt and condemn those who justify themselves and despise God’s provision for their need.
Has the reader accepted God’s testimony regarding himself? Have you acknowledged before Him that you richly deserve sin’s penalty? “The wages of sin is death.”
A. M.