The Two Pairs of Fetters.
EIGHTY years ago a fierce war raged 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 upon 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 do 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 regain his freedom,—lived to take that city; but his noble friend died in prison. Up to his death he wore two pairs of fetters! But what if, he had worn the fetters of all in the prison? What if instead of being a captive himself, he had quitted a glorious palace to live in their loathsome dungeon, to wear their chains, to bear their stripes, to suffer and die for them, that they might go free, and free forever? Friend, such a thing has been done. “There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” “who gave himself a ransom for all.” “Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures.” “Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity.”—The Christian.