More than one priest had come to effect
this object. At length the Emperor sent a general who was celebrated
for his great powers of argument. He arrived at our village in great
state, but set out alone on foot to pay his visit. The humble captain
had been apprised of his coming; he sat at his little round table, made
by his own hands, with his only spare seat placed ready for his guest.
His Bible lay open before him. The General struck his head against the
doorway as he entered. `We have need of humility when we approach the
word of God,' observed his host with a gentle smile.

"The General spoke kindly and affectionately to the old man. They had
been comrades, brothers-in-arms together. For months they had slept in
the same tent, and eaten out of the same dish. For a short time they
conversed of old times.

"`But you came to talk to me of matters of more importance, my General,'
said the Captain, laying his hand on the Bible. `Out of this book I
will reply to you. Of my own words I need speak none.'

"The General then commenced a series of arguments, which he had thought
incontrovertible. As each was brought forward, the Captain turned to
his Bible, and produced a text, which with its context clearly refuted
it. Text after text was brought forward. At first the General had been
very confident of success; by degrees his confidence decreased, but the
Captain retained the same composure as at the first.

"`You have a great knowledge of the book, my friend,' said the General.

"`I should have,' answered the Captain humbly; `I study no other; for
where can another of equal value be found? This shows us the way of
eternal life.'

"`Ah, you speak the truth, my old comrade,' exclaimed the General,
rising. `I came certain of succeeding to convert you to my way of
belief, but I own that you have conquered. You have converted me to
yours.'

"These were the General's last words. He rose to take his departure.
He grasped his old comrade's hand, and went out. Alas! Alas! His
reason was convinced, but his heart was unchanged. His own words had
condemned him. He went back to the world to laste of its allurements
and false pleasure, its titles, its wealth, its evanescent honours. He
undoubtedly reported favourably of his friend, and obtained for him
immunity from further persecution; but for himself he sought not the
Lord where alone He can be found. He continued his old habits of life,
seeking the pra