Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

or, An Ungracious Monarch

In the warlike days of old, Stirling Castle played an important part in the history of Scotland. It was here, for instance, that the great power of the house of the Red Douglases was broken. James V., a mere youth, had been practically their prisoner in Edinburgh Castle since he commenced his reign. Wherever he went he had an escort of their retainers, and they ruled the country in his name. This became intolerable to the King, and he often sought to escape from their hands, but it was not until the month of July, 1528, that he was successful. Then, by night, he eluded the sentries, and rode as hard as one of the best horses in the country could carry him towards Stirling. The Governor of the Castle, an enemy of the Douglases, received him gladly, and there he assumed the power as well as the name of King. His first act was to issue a proclamation banishing the Douglases from the country for ever, and ordering that none of the family should come within twelve miles of his person under pain of being charged with treason.

Driven from their lands, they became exiles in a strange country, and there seemed to be no way of return for them.

There was one member of the family, Archibald Douglas of Kilspindle, who, before the downfall of the house, had been a great favourite with the King, because of his great strength and remarkable prowess in all warlike exercises. He longed for his native land, and, at length, determined to cast himself upon the clemency of the King. Accordingly he appeared in the neighbourhood of Stirling during one of the King’s hunting expeditions. The King recognised him at once, and seemed taken aback at seeing his old favourite but, checking an exclamation of surprise, he turned from him with a dark frown upon his brow, and, putting spurs to his horse, rode for the Castle. Archibald Douglas was an old man, and clad in heavy mail, but he ran alongside the King and kept pace with his horse until the Castle gates were reached. Here he sank down in the road, completely exhausted, and the King ordered the gates to be closed upon him, nor dare any of his servants give the old man the refreshment that he so sorely needed. He waited in the hope that the King’s heart would be softened towards him, but instead he received a peremptory order to return to his exile immediately.

How ungracious was the King’s act! Henry VIII. of England, who holds no reputation for tenderness of heart, was much displeased on hearing of the incident, and quoted some old lines

“A King’s face should show grace.”

So it should, but there was no grace for Archibald Douglas in the face of James V. of Scotland, and he retired from his native land to the distant place of exile, to die shortly afterwards, a broken-hearted old man.

Our story shall serve as a contrast: There is a King in whose face there is naught but grace to-day. It is the face of the Lord Jesus — King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We were all afar from God and home, and deservedly so too, for our sins had put us there. Did we seek reconciliation with God as Douglas did with his King? Nay! We were rebels and loved the distance. But when we would not seek God and His pardoning grace He sent forth His beloved Son to seek us. Into the land of distance He came that we might be brought to God by Him. And now because He sought us we may seek Him, and if we seek Him we shall find that His face is full of grace; no frowns are upon His brow. His great delight is to receive sinful men. Instead of closing His doors upon us and refusing to supply us with that which we need so much, we find that His doors are open wide and the banquet is prepared, and we are freely invited to sit down to His feast and refresh our hungry souls on living bread. We had not to run to seek Him, He ran to seek us; we had not to wait at His door hungry and weak in the hope that He would send out some refreshment for us. Ah! no, before ever we felt the pinch of hunger or our helplessness He had provided a feast to satisfy our hearts, and a home where we may dwell with Him and taste His love for ever.

Archibald Douglas had laboured hard to seek the face of James, hoping for grace, but he was cast out and refused. But will Jesus treat you like that if you come to Him? Oh, no! He has said, “Him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out.” How great the joy and blessing when a seeking sinner and a seeking Saviour meet. There is joy in the sinner’s heart, for the grace in the Saviour meets his need and stills his fears, and pardons all his sins. There is joy also in the Saviour’s heart. His meat and drink is to pour blessing into the souls of those who are needy and empty. The angels rejoice, for they share God’s joy in the blessing of men.

Take advantage, dear soul, of the open door of mercy; take advantage of the open arms of Jesus. Do not miss the wondrous grace that shines in his face to-day.
“Oh, be saved, He died for thee;
 Oh, be saved, His grace is free.”