In ‘The Grace of Giving’ Stephen Olford tells of a Baptist pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the friendship of George Washington.
In Ephrata also, lived Michael Wittman, an evil-minded man who did all he could to oppose and humiliate this dear pastor.
One day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. Pastor Peter Miller travelled seventy miles on foot to Philadelphia to plead for the life of the traitor.
“No, Peter,” General Washington said. “I cannot grant you the life of your friend.”
“My friend!” exclaimed the old preacher. “He’s the bitterest enemy I have.” “What?” cried Washington. “You’ve walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in different light. I’ll grant your pardon.”
Washington granted the pardon and Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home to Ephrata–no longer an enemy but a friend. His love for his enemy changed his enemy. 👼
-Mattoon’s Treasures
