THE YOUNG MAN WHO FORGAVE HIS ENEMY.
IN Greenland, when one man had killed another, the nearest relative of the murdered man might avenge his death. Once a boy saw his own father killed before his eyes. He was then but thirteen years of age, and was considered too young to avenge himself. He was therefore obliged to flee; but revenge was in his heart. Fifteen years passed by. He had grown into a fine young man, and one day set out on the long journey of his return to his native place. He did not expect to reach it for a week. What was his object? —To kill the man who had killed his father. When he arrived at his old home, he could find no lodging but in the house of the missionaries, and, though he would have preferred living with his countrymen, he accepted their invitation. Everyone knew why he had come, and his enemy knew too. The missionaries did not talk to him about the wickedness of the deed he was going to commit, but they were very kind to him, and invited him to family prayer. One morning he went to one of the missionaries and said, "I wish you would read to me some more of that Book which tells about Jesus; I wish I could read it myself." The missionary read him the account of the crucifixion. When he had finished, he said: "I do love Jesus—I would do anything for Jesus. How kind of him to die for me!" Missionary—Are you sure you would do anything for Jesus? Young Man—Oh, yes! I would do anything for Jesus. Tell me what I can do. Missionary—This Book says, "Thou shalt do no murder." Young Man—Oh, but that man killed my father, and drove me from a happy home! Missionary—Jesus says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." This is one of them. Young Man—Oh, I do love Jesus; but—but—I must, I— Missionary—Be calm, dear young man; go out and think about it. Then come and tell me your decision. He went out. When he came back, he said: "I cannot decide; one moment I will, the next I will not. Oh, help me to decide!" The missionary replied, "When you will, it is your own wicked heart trying to gain the victory; and when you will not, it is the Spirit of God striving in you." The result was he gave up the murderous intention which had been encouraged for years. The young Greenlander sent a message to his enemy, inviting him to come and meet him as a friend. He came, but with treachery in his heart. He gave the young man an invitation to visit him on the other side of the river, and treated him with kindness; but on returning to his boat, he discovered a hole in the bottom, made by that very man. He speedily stopped it up, and on raising his eyes saw his defeated enemy burning with wrath, for he had gone up to a high rock to see his victim drown. Preserved from destruction, the young man exclaimed, "I forgive you, for Jesus has forgiven me."—Book and Its Missions, 1856.