An Emperor Overcoming his Enemies.—
A Chinese Emperor once heard that his enemies had raised an insurrection in one of the distant provinces. “Come, my friends,” said he to those about him, “follow me, and I promise you that we shall destroy our enemies.” He marched forward, and the rebels submitted on his approach. All now thought that he would take the most signal revenge. Instead of this, however, they were surprised to see the captives treated with mildness and humanity. “What!” cried one of the officers, “is this the way in which you fulfill your promise? Your royal word was given that your enemies should be destroyed, and behold, you have pardoned them all, and even shown special favor to some of them!” “I promised,” replied the Emperor, with a generous air, “to destroy my enemies. This I have done. For see, they are enemies no longer; I have made them my friends.” How well might Christian people learn to imitate so noble an example, and learn to “overcome evil with good.”