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ALEXANDER AND THE BANKRUPT

It is related of the late Czar of Russia that in answer to the question, “Who is to pay all these?” he wrote—”I, Alexander.” It appears that one of his officers had contracted bills which it was impossible for him to pay, and, after contemplating them despairingly, had written the above query at the bottom of the paper, and fallen asleep.

The Czar happened to pass through the room, and, observing the bill and its appended question, generously took the pen and wrote, “I Alexander,” and quietly withdrew without disturbing the aid-de-camp. It is easier to imagine than describe the emotions of the debtor, who, on awakening, found all his pecuniary obligations cancelled.

So the sinner looks at his condition and inquires, as the Russian, “Who is to pay all these?” We thank God we can answer that “Jesus paid it all.” He was wounded for our transgressions, and by His stripes we are healed.

Jesus writes on our list of sins “I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions.”

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— January And February, 1882 —