In the days of the American Revolution there lived at Ephrata, Pennsylvania, a Baptist pastor by the name of Peter Miller who enjoyed the friendship of General Washington. There also dwelt in that town a man named Michael Wittman who was an evil-minded man who did all in his power to oppose this pastor.
One day, Michael Wittman was involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to death. This old preacher started out on foot and walked seventy miles to Philadelphia to plead for this man's life.
He was admitted into General Washington's presence and at once begged for the life of the traitor. Washington said, "No, Peter, I cannot grant you the life of your friend."
"My friend!" The preacher exclaimed, "he is the bitterest enemy I have!"
Washington said, "What? You've walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon." And he did. And Peter Miller took Michael Wittman from the very shadow of death back to his own home in Ephrata -- no longer as an enemy, but as a friend.
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