The Price Of Confession

I met him only once, but I shall never forget him. It was during the altar service one evening in the city of Alliance, Ohio. Never have I seen a man carrying a heavier burden. The evangelist had concluded the altar call and many seekers were praying.

"I must talk to you alone," he said, calling me to one side. "I have something to tell you in the strictest confidence." I took him aside to grant his request.

"Now," I cautioned, "don't tell me anything you will regret later."

"But I must tell someone," he said, "I've been weighted under this load for several years. Here it is: Several years ago when I lived in a southern state I was in great need of money. I was operating a business on a very narrow margin but I could not make it go. In my desperation I decided to burn my store and collect the insurance. This I did. I never was suspected, as the insurance company paid the entire claim. I have carried a sense of guilt for years, but tonight as I knelt at the altar I was overwhelmed with a feeling of remorse. I was unable to pray through. What shall I do? If I confess to the authorities, I will surely go to prison, but I must do something to get peace.

Poor young man! What would you have advised him to do? I prayed silently for a moment before offering this advice.

Then I said, "Young man, this is what I'd do. I'd take the first train south and go to see the insurance company representatives. I'd give them my whole story and take the consequences. I'd rather go to heaven by way of prison than to miss it by way of an unconfessed crime."

I believe I gave him the advice he expected for he replied. "That is just what I'll do."

We prayed together for a minute and he left me.

Months later I heard from him. Sure enough, he was in prison, but for the first time in years he was happy. Like Paul of old he could write, "I have all things and abound." The young man found peace through finding Christ.

I've never been sorry I advised him as I did. Heaven is worth all we may be called upon to pay for it. Hell will be full of remorseful souls who refused to pay the price. Some reader may have restitution to make. Please do not hesitate to do it. There is scarcely a Christian of my acquaintance who has not had some straightening out to do.

A man of my acquaintance worked in a railroad shop at the time of his conversion. After he became converted he was convinced that he must return many tools to the shop which he had taken while no one was looking. Securing a wheelbarrow he filled it full and started to the shop with it. Fellow workmen hooted and laughed. "Don't laugh," said he. "I've got another barrow full at home, which I shall get at once." He made full restitution and became happy through doing so.

I often think of the young man in the southern prison paying the price of his wrongdoing. I do not hear from him any more. He may be released by now. I hope to meet him in heaven.

Yes, heaven will be worth while at whatever price we pay for it!