Pardon Through Christ

When the Civil War broke out, there was a man in one of the far southern states that enlisted in the southern army. He was selected by the general and sent to spy on the northern army. As you know, armies have no mercy on spies if they are caught. This man was caught, tried by court-martial, and ordered to be shot.

While he was in the guardroom waiting the day of execution, he would call Abraham Lincoln by every name that entered his mind. One day while he was in prison, a northern officer came into his cell.

The prisoner, full of rage, thought his time had come to be shot. The officer, when he opened the door, handed him a free pardon, signed by Abraham Lincoln.

He told him he was at liberty; he could go to his wife and children. The man who had before been full of hatred asked, “Abraham Lincoln pardoned me?

I have never said a good word about him.” The officer responded, “If you got what you deserved, you would be shot. But some one interceded for you in Washington and obtained your pardon.

You are now at liberty.”