A Canceled Debt
Englishman Lord Congleton (1805–1883) used a vivid and effective illustration to teach the people living on his estate the truth about God’s grace.[1] Nearly all of his tenants were behind in their rent. Some were so far behind that they were afraid that they would be turned out of their homes. One day they noticed that a sign was posted by their landlord all over the estate, promising remission of rent to any tenant who would meet Lord Congleton in his office between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon on a particular day.
The tenants were suspicious of this promise by Congleton and spent the intervening days trying to find out what trick he was up to. On the appointed day, Congleton sat in his office awaiting the tenants’ response to his generous offer, but they were still outside discussing the offer. Close to noon a man who was unavoidably delayed rushed into Lord Congleton’s office to claim the promised remission. “Do you really expect your debt to be forgiven?” asked Lord Congleton. “Indeed, I do.” “And why do you?” “Because your lordship has promised.” “And do you believe the promise?” “Of course, I do, my lord.” “Why?” “Because your lordship would not deceive a poor man.” “But you are a good man, aren’t you, industrious and hardworking?” asked Congleton. “My lord, your notice said nothing about my being good.” “And so believing the notice and finding no conditions attached, you have come for your receipt?” “Yes, my lord.”
Congleton wrote the receipt and gave it to the man, who waved it above his head and shouted, “I knew you wouldn’t deceive us! God bless you!” He was making for the door to show the receipt to the other tenants, but Congleton asked him to remain inside until the hour of noon struck since the promise of remission was based on faith. At noon, the man rushed out and waved his receipt: “I’ve got it; my debt is canceled!”
Extracted from the article “My Response to His Grace” by Don McFarlane, as it appears in the first quarter of 2020 Dynamic Steward magazine.
[1] Lord Congleton, Brethren Archive, brethrenarchive.org.
