Among the motley collection of folks who lived about old Castle Marienborn where Count Zinzendorf made his home, was an old Jew, called Rabbi Abraham. One bright June evening the Count met him, and holding out his hand said: "Gray hairs are a crown of glory. I can see from your head and the expression of your eyes that you have had much experience, both of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, let us be friends.
The old man had never heard before such a greeting from a Christian. "Begone, Jew!" had been the usual salutation. He was struck dumb with wonder, and big tears rolled down his wrinkled cheeks upon his flowing beard.
"Enough, friend," said the Count; "we understand each other."
From that moment they were fast friends. The Count visited him in his dirty home and ate black bread at his table. One morning before daybreak, as the two walked out, the Jew said: "My old heart is longing for the dawn. I am sick, yet I know not what is the matter with me. I am longing for something, but I know not what I seek. I am like one who is chased, yet I see no enemy, except the one within me— my own evil heart."
Then Count Zinzendorf opened his mouth and declared unto him the gospel of God. He pointed to God's great love shown in the cross of Christ. He described that love coming down from holiness and heaven. He told how God had made His only begotten Son Jesus "to be sin for us,... that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21).
As the old man wept and wrung his hands, the two ascended a hill just as the morning sun lit up a cross on an old church spire in the far distance.
"See, Abraham!" said Zinzendorf, "Believe on Him whose blood was shed upon the cross of Calvary, that God's purposes of mercy might be fulfilled— that you might be free from all sin, and find in Christ all your salvation."
"So be it," said the Jew as the grand truth flashed on his soul. "Blessed be the Lord who has had mercy upon me."