On My Enemy's Behalf

During the Revolutionary War, there was a faithful gospel preacher by the name of Peter Miller. He lived near a fellow who hated him intensely for his Christian life and testimony. In fact, this man violently opposed him and ridiculed his followers. One day the unbeliever was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.

Hearing about this, Peter Miller set out on foot to intercede for the man’s life before George Washington. The general listened to the minister’s earnest plea but told him he didn’t feel he should pardon the minister’s friend.

“My friend!” He is not my friend,” answered Miller. “In fact, he’s my worst living enemy.” “What?”

Washington said. “You have walked sixty miles to save the life of your enemy? That, in my judgment, puts the matter in a different light. I will grant your request.”

With pardon in hand, Miller hastened to the place where his neighbor was to be executed, and arrived just as the prisoner was walking to the scaffold. When the traitor saw Miller, he exclaimed, “Old Peter Miller has come to have his revenge by watching me hang!”

But he was astonished as he watched the minister step out of the crowd and produce the pardon that spared his life. –1001 Great Stories & Quotes, R. Kent Hughes (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1998), 266-267.