Many years ago, when the Turks ravaged the South of Europe, and threatened to conquer Germany, a young Christian was
carried captive to the fortress of Belgrade. The governor, knowing that his prisoner was a brave and good officer, offered him rewards and honors if he would turn Mahometan. " I would not desert my earthly king to be made your Sultan," answered the youth; " think you, then, I would desert the Lord of Heaven, who died for me, to embrace a false faith? Forsake Christ 1-not if I were to be flayed alive."
" Ha " said the governor, " you speak proudly young man. Perhaps this spirit may yet be brought down."
" I speak not from pride, but from faith," the Christian replied; " the faith which Christ gave, and which Christ will maintain. The religion of Christ is humble, but it is firm."
" We will try if it cannot be shaken," said the governor.
Every cruelty almost that could be practiced was made use of. It would hardly be possible to tell all the cruel sufferings laid upon him; but instead of embracing the religion of Mahomet he went on constantly telling his persecutor of the excellence of Christ, and showing him how he was sustained and comforted by His blessed power.
The Turk thought that to degrade a man of his rank to the level of beasts of burden would crush his spirit. so he was harnessed with the oxen, and dragged;he plow with them. But in answer to all the revilings and questionings of his tyrant, he replied: " If you knew the doctrine of Christ, you would not act thus. It bids men to love even their enemies ' • and for sinners Christ died." But the Turk was hardened more and more. He had set his heart on the accomplishment of his purpose. Suffering, toil, hunger, and uncleanliness were destroying his poor captive, when the friends of the young officer formed a plan for his deliverance.
A Turkish ambassador had been sent by his governor on a mission of importance. The friends of the Christian nobleman watched his return, waylaid him, surprised and scattered his guards, and seized his person. They shed no blood and took no booty, but carried the ambassador away, and kept him safely. A ransom was offered by the Sultan, but it was refused; a larger ransom was refused, and then the captors were asked what ransom they would accept. They offered to exchange the ambassador for the young officer, who was held captive in Belgrade. The Turkish government thought the terms very easy, and ordered the young noble to be released. The cruel governor was obliged to convey him to the frontier, where the prisoners were exchanged.
Rich and poor rejoiced at his return, for he was much loved. But how changed was his appearance His cheeks were pale and hollow, and his
frame all worn and wasted. He had suffered for Christ's sake.
He spent two happy years serving God, and having the good report of all men, when war came again, and Belgrade was taken from the Turks. The governor was a prisoner. Perhaps he had been thinking of getting back his former captive, but to his horror he learned that he was to be delivered into the custody of his young Christian adversary, whom he had yoked with oxen to the plow.
The young officer had distinguished himself in the siege, and for his sole reward and prize he had asked the disposal of the governor's person. Knowing how cruelly he had been treated, the leaders of the army supposed that a desire for vengeance was his object.
The former governor was confined in the fortress, but was not thrust into the inner dungeon.
When the young nobleman went to see his captive, he found him sitting with his arms folded, and a stern expression on his countenance, as if he expected the worst, and was ready to meet it.
" Do your worst! " he cried. " I am in your power, but I will obey the law bf our prophet."
" And I," replied the Christian, " will obey the law of my Lord, which is-' Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.' Your life and liberty are in my power, and as His servant I restore them to you."
The Turk thought it was on condition of his becoming a Christian.
The doctrine of Christ is one of love," said the young nobleman; " no Christian must persecute anyone into his religion. I offer you life and liberty, just as Christ offers us salvation-freely; they are yours."
The Turk looked at him earnestly. " Do I understand," said he, " that you would give me life and liberty? Do you recollect me? Do you remember your sufferings? "
" Yes; but Christ's law is love, His doctrine is mercy, and His precept is forgiveness. Come, you are free! "
" It is too late l " cried the Turk. " The religion of Christ is the religion of God; there is no other religion of love and forgiveness. But I expected evil for evil, and cruelty for cruelty; and to save myself from your vengeance I have taken poison. It is certain, but very slow in its effect. I would spend the time that remains in learning more of the religion, which has made you act as you have done, and to bear what you have borne; it must be divine."
The distressed, yet happy Christian, had his former enemy removed to his own abode, and used the remaining time in preaching unto him Jesus. The result is known only to God; but it is recorded in the annals of the time and country that the dying Turk requested to be baptized, professing the faith of Christ, which once he had despised.