Mr. Thorne was a well-known evangelist and was journeying home on the train one day. He became deeply interested in two young fellows who were being taken to prison. The younger of the two had been sentenced for stealing with the alternative of a fine. Both felt keenly the shame of their position.
When they arrived at the station, Mr. Thorne asked the young prisoner if he would like to be set free.
“I can’t pay the fine; and I don’t have a dime, nor do I know anyone who will lend it or get it for me,” was his sad reply.
“I did not ask that,” said Mr. Thorne; “I asked if you would like to be set free.”
Bursting into tears the young fellow exclaimed, “I would, sir.”
“Very well, then,” said Mr. Thorne, “I’ll be at the prison in half an hour and have you set free.”
The officer who was listening to the conversation was skeptical and remarked, “I have often heard of such a thing but never saw it done.”
Mr. Thorne went home and returned with the money. He then went to the prison and asked to see the governor. “I wish to see the prisoner who came here today,” he said.
The governor stated that he could not be seen by a stranger. Furthermore, no prisoner who was only there for a month was allowed to be visited.
“But I have come to set him free.”
“Then you must pay his fine.”
The fine was paid, the officer was dispatched to the cell, and when the prisoner appeared, the governor said to him: “Walk out, you are free!”
The joy of the prisoner at being released knew no bounds. Outside the prison he laughed, cried, and nearly jumped for joy.
“I was sent to prison for four weeks and was unable to pay the fine,” he exclaimed. “But this gentleman whom I never saw before has paid it, and I am free.”
This incident demonstrates God’s theme of redemption as unfolded in His Word. The sinner is guilty—no question about it! He cannot pay the mighty debt of his sins; he is condemned. But Christ Jesus, the heavenly Stranger, comes, meets him on the way, pays the mighty debt at Calvary’s cross, dies in his stead, sheds His precious blood to wash away sin’s stain, and the sinner goes free.
Great blessing resulted from that simple act at the prison. The jailor and five officers were spoken to about their soul’s salvation, and three out of the six, it is known, were definitely converted to God and were bright witnesses for the Lord in the prison for years afterward.
Himself He could not save;
Love’s stream too deeply flowed.
In love Himself He gave
To pay the debt we owed.
ML-11/27/1977