A story is told, which, whether true or not, illustrates very forcibly the way of salvation.
The Prince of Wales made a visit to the king of another country. To honor him, the king told him to go into the prison, and set at liberty any prisoner whom he might choose. As he went from one to another, he asked, “How came you in here?” One replied, “I was sworn falsely against, but I am innocent.” Another answered, “I was in bad company, but I committed no crime myself.” As he passed down the line of cells each prisoner pleaded his innocence.
By and by he came to a cell, where was confined a horrid-looking wretch, and the Prince asked the same question, “How came you to be in here?” The criminal replied, “It was through the mercy of the government; I deserved to have been hung.”
The Prince unlocked the cell, took the guilty man by the hand, led him out past all those who had pleaded their innocence, and set him free.
This is what God is doing; setting those at liberty who are willing to own their guilt, and admit that they are lost and undone. None get liberty from the bondage of sin, as long as they trust in moral excellence and self-righteousness.
ML 11/15/1959