The Only Saviour

It is said that an old white-haired mother came to Governor Nash and said, "Governor Nash, I have come to speak to you in behalf of my poor boy who is soon to die in the electric chair. Governor, I have not come to ask for justice but for mercy, not for his sake but mine. He is my only son and support. Governor, if you can do anything, do it for my sake." The governor was courteous and promised to look into the matter and see if anything could be done. Soon he went down to the prison where the poor boy was awaiting the day of execution. When the young man saw the governor, thinking he was a minister who had come to speak with him, he became very angry and insulting. He said to the governor, "I have no time for you and I will be pleased if you will let me alone."

"But," said the governor, "I have come to see you about an important matter and you might be interested." The young man almost cursed him and demanded that he leave him alone.

"Very well," replied the governor, "good-bye."

When the governor was gone the warden said to the young man, "How did Governor Nash and you get along?" When he learned that it was not a minister but the governor, he fell upon the concrete floor and cried, like a soul lost and damned, "My God, have I insulted the only man who could save my life?"

Yes, that is just what he had done. And that is just what all are doing who are rejecting Jesus Christ. He is the only Saviour.

-- William Moses Tidwell, "Effective Illustrations."