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Faith Pleases God

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 17, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 33.

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Faith Pleases God

By E. K. SLADE

E. K. SLADE
It is recorded in history that once, when a criminal was about to be executed, a prince was present, having charge of the execution. As the criminal's head was placed upon the block, the prince asked him if there was any request that he would like to make. The criminal immediately responded, “Yes, I would like a glass of water.” At the command of the prince the water was immediately given to him. As soon as he had received it, he endeavored to place the glass to his lips, but his hand trembled so badly that it seemed impossible for him to do so. The prince was greatly touched by the scene, and was moved to say, “Do not fear; your life will be spared until you have drunk the water.” These words were quickly caught by the doomed man, and he immediately dashed the water to the ground. It was impossible to gather it up again. He took the prince at his word, and the prince was true to that word.
The criminal deserved to die. The prince knew well that according to the law the man should be put to death. The condemned man understood the authority of the prince, and dared to believe that he would be true to the promise he had made. Notwithstanding the justice of the punishment from which the criminal was delivered, the prince was greatly pleased with such implicit confidence in his word;
There are many who are doubting and delaying to take God at his word, which they are privileged to do and be set free. To receive pardon and to be delivered from punishment without the performance of penance, or without in some way paying for the precious gift, seems too good to be true. Some are tempted to feel that to believe or dare to hope for so much would be displeasing to God, not knowing that it is impossible for us to please him without just such faith as this. For us to doubt the most precious promises made to the doomed sinner is a reproach and an insult to God; but he is pleased to have us hope in his mercy, believing his promises and claiming deliverance.
Holly, Mich.