A large number of Russian criminals were standing in the
courtyard of their prison, chained together, and about starting
for their long journey to Siberia. Among them was one Christian
Stundist, sharing their banishment because he had spoken to his
fellow workmen about the faith in Christ he profest. His fellow
prisoners were jeering him about it, saying: “You are no better
off than we. You are wearing the bracelets (handcuffs) as we
do; if your God is of any use to you, why doesn’t he knock off
your chains and set you free?” The man reverently replied, “If
the Lord will He can set me free even now; and tho my hands are
chained my heart is free.” At that moment his name was called;
a paper had just been received granting him a full pardon. He
was then told to stand aside; his chains were struck off. At
the same time the prison gates were thrown open and all the
rest of the convicts filed out, the Stundist remaining behind
with permission to return to his family and friends. It is
said the prisoners were perfectly awestricken with what they
had witnessed. Unknown to the Stundist, a Christian lady had
obtained his pardon, and God had ordered its arrival at the
critical moment.
(1664)
* * * * *
But for the divine vigilance, an unseen Helper, what youth
but would go down! In every hour when Achilles is about to be
overborne by the number and strength of his enemies, Homer
makes some goddess appear to lift a shield above the hero for
protection. Again and again Thetis stands between her son
and the enemy. Of your youth, how true it is that God hath
interfered in your behalf!--N. D. HILLIS.
(1665)