Frederick the Great was a scoffer, but his great general, Von Zealand, was a Christian. One day at a gathering, the king was making coarse jokes about Jesus Christ and the whole place was ringing with guffaws.

Von Zealand arose swiftly and said, “Sire, you know I have not feared death. I am an old man. I soon shall have to go into the presence of One greater than yourself – the mighty God who saved me from my sin, the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are blaspheming against. I salute thee, sire, as an old man who loves his Saviour, on the edge of eternity.”

With trembling voice, Frederick replied, “General Von Zealand, I beg your pardon. I beg your pardon! I beg your pardon!”

The company silently dispersed.