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The King Reproved

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 16, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 37.

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The King Reproved

WHEN Frederick the Great, of Prussia, was ridiculing Christ and his church before a company of his nobles and generals who were convulsed with laughter at the king’s coarse witticisms, there was one brave general who remained gloomily silent. It was Joachim von Zieten, one of the ablest and bravest generals there. Rising at last and shaking his gray head solemnly, he said to the king: “Your Majesty knows well that in war I have never feared any danger, and everywhere I have boldly risked my life for you and my country. But there is One above us who is greater than you and I—greater than all men; he is the Saviour and Redeemer, who has died also for your Majesty, and has dearly bought us all with his own blood. This Holy One I can never allow to be mocked or insulted; for on him repose my faith, my comfort, and my hope in life and death. In the power of this faith your brave army has courageously fought and conquered. If your Majesty undermines this faith, you undermine at the same time the welfare of your state. I salute your Majesty.” Frederick looked at the man in admiration, and, then and there, in the presence of the illustrious company, apologized to him for what he had said. — Selected.