Eighty years ago a fierce war was waged in India between the English and
Tippoo Sahib. On one occasion several English officers were taken
prisoners. Among them was one named Baird. One day a native officer
brought in fetters to be put on each of the prisoners, the wounded not
excepted. Baird had been severely wounded, and was suffering from pain
and weakness.
A gray-haired officer said to the native official, “You will not think
of putting chains upon that wounded man?”
“There are just as many pairs of fetters as there are captives,” was the
answer, “and every pair must be worn.”
“Then,” said the noble officer, “_put two pairs on me_; I will wear his
as well as my own.”
This was done. Strange to say, Baird lived to gain his freedom—lived to
take the city—but his noble friend died in prison.
A noble act—to bear a heavy burden for another which that other could
not bear for himself. Thus our Saviour showed his love for the world.
“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the
ungodly” (Rom. v, 6).
[Illustration:
Mount Hermon.
]