OUR readers have perhaps read of Napoleon Bonaparte, who, in his day, made many wars, fought many battles, conquered many countries, caused the death of millions, and overran nearly all Europe with his armies. Among other places thus invaded, his soldiers once entered a town in Silesia, where they took up their abode for the night, being quartered upon the inhabitants, by which is meant that each family in the place was compelled to furnish food and lodging for a certain number of soldiers.
One of these unfortunate families was that of a poor weaver, who had not even enough food in the house for his own children; how then could he provide for a company of soldiers? Nevertheless, he was expected to do so. A party of soldiers entered, and demanded to be supplied with bread and meat. In vain did he assure them that he had nothing for them; his refusal was taken as a proof of enmity, and his exasperated visitors threatened not only to destroy everything in the place, but to lay violent hands on himself, unless he satisfied their demands. Remonstrance was useless, and they had already begun the work of destruction, when a little boy of six years of age, named Henry, who had crept behind the stove for fear of these violent men, suddenly came forth from his hiding-place, and kneeling down before all at the feet of his terrified father, prayed thus, “O Thou merciful Saviour! make these soldiers merciful, that they may obtain mercy of Thee.”
That little prayer was heard. The little boy had confessed the Lord before them all, and the Lord owned him. One of the astonished soldiers turned to the rest and exclaimed, “Comrades, come away! God dwells in a house where there is prayer. Weaver,” said he to the father of the child. “we did not mean to harm you. Here’s a coin for you,” and throwing down a piece of money, they left the house.
“Them that honor Me I will honor.”
ML 05/18/1902