Have you ever wondered why in court when we swear that we “Will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God” we have to hold up our hand? The story goes all the way back to medieval times. When someone was being tried for a crime and the evidence seemed overwhelming against him, there was a way out. He could stand up and say, “I plead the benefit of clergy”.
Now when he pleaded “the benefit of clergy” that was the same as an admission of guilt. But it was his last hope, his last chance. So clergyman would come in with a select passage of scripture, usually from Psalm 51, the confession of David for all the sins that he had committed. He would hand it to the accused and say, “Here, read this”. It was an early day lie-detector test. The law said that if he could read it without stammering or stuttering he would be set free, even though the evidence against him was overwhelming. But if he stumbled or stammered just one time he was judged guilty. Usually a guilty person could not read that passage without stammering or stuttering, so they were found guilty. But when someone read it perfectly and was set free, they branded the palm of his hand with the brand of the cross. You see, you could only claim the benefit of the clergy one time. So whenever anyone testified in court he would have to hold up his hand so that all could see if the brand of the cross was there.
I found that story very interesting, and while the information is correct, I would like to point out a few ways in which the forgiveness of God differs:
This ‘benefit of clergy’ only worked if you could read. Many who cannot read have come to Christ by hearing the gospel.
Until 1732 it was only for ‘free men’ (whites). Then at last it was extended – on a limited basis – to slaves and Indians. But God is “not a respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).
While one could only make this special plea in court once, Christians who have sinned may, upon their repentance and confession, make their plea to the court of heaven as needed.
WE TRULY SERVE A JUST GOD!