IT WAS not the mere fact of his being a prisoner that made Count William pace angrily to and fro within the four walls of his cell. It was that he had been imprisoned on a false accusation which made it so hard to bear.
The Emperor Nicholas of Russia had discovered some plots against his throne and life, and suspected this young nobleman of taking part in them, and at once he was arrested, and was now awaiting his trial.
Pacing up and down like a caged lion, the count raged, stamping on the ground in his fierce anger. He not only cursed his royal master, but he upbraid God also, for having allowed him to be thus unjustly accused.
A week passed away in angry solitude, but the days seemed months to the impetuous young man.
One day a Christian minister, who had obtained leave to visit the cells, came to see him and comfort him, hoping to lead him to trust in the living Saviour for help. He got scant courtesy from the prisoner, who cared for none of these things.
“Why does He not set me free?” was the angry thought in reply to all the loving invitations.
“I will leave you this book,” said his visitor, giving him a Bible. “Will you not read it? It will be a comfort in in your loneliness.”
But as soon as the minister had left, the young Count kicked the Bible away from him into a corner.
“I will have nothing to do with the Word of a God who permits injustice,” said he in his wrath.
So the weary days passed on, the Count alternately pacing up and down, and throwing himself on his straw pallet to rest, while in the corner lay the Book, full, from cover to cover, of sweet messages that teach patience, resignation, and trust.
One day he picked up the Bible and opened it, and the first words that met his eye were, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify Me.” Psa. 50:1515And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15).
But he shut the Book, impatient at having been for a moment touched by this precious promise.
He soon, however, opened it again, and read more. Quietly the pages of this wonderful volume seemed to gain a subtle influence over him, and he read on until it became his constant companion. He had certainly never seen such words as this Book contained, and now he was so eager to read, that the nights seemed even too long till daylight should come and enable him to get at its pages again.
The question was once asked at a meeting of learned Frenchmen: Supposing a man were condemned to solitary confinement for life, what book would you recommend for his companion in solitude?
Unbelievers were at that meeting in full force, yet what do you suppose their answer was? Walter Scott’s novels? Victor Hugo’s works? No! unanimous was the voice which gave out the one book only—THE BIBLE! Truly, “Their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.” Deut. 32:3131For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. (Deuteronomy 32:31).
The Count, certainly, found it true. He learned whole chapters by heart, and I need not stay to tell you how the soft dews of the Holy Spirit, through the Word, melted the proud, impatient heart, and brought him a penitent sinner to the feet of Jesus.
“Ask that good clergyman to come and see me again,” was his request of the jailer one day, and the aged minister hastened to his cell with gladness.
“Oh, sir!” he said, “how can I thank you enough for that precious Book?”
His face, once puckered up with frowns and scornful gestures, was wreathed in smiles, and peace reigned now where anger had held sway. Yes, Jesus Christ had come to dwell, and there is “peace on all sides round about Him” where He reigns.
“At first I felt it a great injustice and misfortune, my being put here,” said he, “but now I see why it was, and I thank God for it. If I had continued in my prosperity I should, perhaps, never have read this holy Book, which has by God’s grace led me to Jesus.”
His trial came on, and he was found guilty, and sentenced to die! But when the verdict was given he received it calmly, only asking that he might be allowed to write to his relations. Permission was granted, and he sent to his aunt and sister a sweet letter, telling of his newfound joy and peace in Jesus, and his sure and certain hope of eternal life through His precious blood.
At length the day appointed for the count’s execution arrived, and his quiet sleep was disturbed by noises in the passage leading to his cell, and steps were heard approaching.
“They come early to take me to the gallows,” thought he, and his heart beat faster, though he was prepared to die. Suddenly the door of the cell was thrown back, and a fine, noble form stood before him.
It was the Emperor himself!
“My brave fellow, a few hours more, and I should have lost in you one of my best friends. Forgive my unconscious error, and accept from me in remembrance of this day the rank of general in my army, and with it your castle, where I hope you may live to enjoy many happy years.”
What did it really all mean? Was he not to die? Was it a dream? No; there was the emperor, and his hand-grasp was sufficient evidence! Just in time the mistake had been discovered; a man had been arrested, and on his person was a paper which said, “We have done all we could to enroll William, but in vain. He declares he will remain true to his sovereign till death.” This paper was handed to Nicholas, who had come himself to release the nobleman who had been so unjustly accused.
The liberated young nobleman traveled as rapidly as possible to the house of his aunt, where he found his friends sitting in a room hung with deep folds of crape.
Oh, what tears of joy and notes of praise intermingled as they heard his story of the wondrous deliverance God had wrought for him! Sorrow was indeed turned into joy, and together they poured out their souls in glad thankfulness to the Deliverer.
That precious Bible, just as he had it in the prison, was put in a rich case, and kept in the best place in his rooms as one of his most valued possessions.
Dear young friends, your condemnation is no mistake! If you have not accepted the salvation which Jesus Christ has procured for you, you are condemned already, and justly, too! For the Lord has declared: “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because He hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” John 3:1818He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18).
Yet there is deliverance for you if you will look to Him. See, the King Himself stands before you, and asks you to trust Him! His royal pardon is in His hand. Will you not stretch out your hand of faith and take it, and be free today?
ML-08/28/1960