TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

In Ireland, there was a landlord on whose vast estate dwelt a number of needy tenants. The landlord was converted. He was anxious to make God’s provision for salvation clear and plain to his people. So. he had posted in prominent places notices to the effect that on a given day he would be in his office from ten o’clock in the morning until twelve noon. Durine that time, he would pay the debts of all who brought their unpaid bills to him. The notices caused much excitement. The tenants talked much of the strange offer. Some declared it was a hoax. Others said, “There must be a ‘catch’ somewhere.” A few said, “The landlord must be going out of his mind!”

When the announced day came, many people were seen making their way to the office. By ten o’clock, a crowd had gathered about the door. Promptly at ten, the landlord and his secretary arrived. Without saying a word to anyone, they entered the office and closed the door. A great discussion began among the crowd. Was there anything to the offer? Did the landlord really mean it? Would he only make a fool out of any one who carried his bills to him? An hour passed by, and no one had gone in to present his claim. If one suggested that some one venture in first, he would be met by the angry response, “I don’t owe so much. Let somebody else try it first, some one who owes more than I do!” So the precious moments passed by.

Finally, when it was nearly twelve o’clock, an aged couple, who lived at the edge of the estate, came hobbling along. In one hand, the old man had a bundle of bills clutched tightly. In quavering tones he asked, “Is it true that the landlord is paying the debts of all who come today?” “He ain’t paid none yet,” said one. “We think it is just a cruel joke,” said another. The old couple’s eyes filled with tears. “Is it all a mistake?” We hoped it was true. We thought how good it would be to die free of debt!” They were turning sadly away when some one said, “Well, no one has tried him yet. Why don’t you go in? If he pays your bills, come out quickly, and tell us, and then we will go in, too.”

The old folks agreed. Timidly, they approached the office and opened the door. A cordial welcome awaited them. The bills were presented, and a check was made out to cover all of them. They started to leave the office, but the secretary said, “Just be seated. You must remain until the office is closed at noon.” They explained that the crowd outside was waiting to hear what had happened. But the landlord said, “No, you must not tell them. You took me at my word. Your debts are paid. If they had believed me, their debts would have been paid, too!” The minutes passed by. Outside the people moved about restlessly, watching the closed door. But no one entered the office.

At exactly noon, the office door opened and the old couple came out. “Did the landlord keen his word?” the throng asked. “Yes, neighbors, here is his check, and it is as good as gold!” “Why did you not come out and tell us?” angrily asked the crowd. “He said that we must wait inside. He said that you must come as we did, taking him at his word.”

A moment later, the landlord and his secretary appeared. The crowd pressed around them, holding in their hands their personal bills and crying. “Won’t you do for us as vou did for this couple?” The landlord said, “It is TOO LATE NOW. I gave you the opportunity. I invited you to come, but you did not believe me. If you had come, I would have paid every cent for you!” Then the landlord told them how God has offered to pay the debt of every sinner. He has invited ALL sinners to come to Him, but many do not believe. They will not accept the salvation which God offers them. Solemnly, he warned his tenants and neighbors of the folly of passing up God’s offer of salvation until it was TOO LATE to be saved !

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