Conversion of a Soldier at Berlin.
A soldier of the king’s guards was sentenced to be hanged, for desertion and theft. He was a wretch abandoned to all manner of wickedness. General Ruth was much concerned for his soul. He earnestly desired me to take the charge of it, though we saw no prospect. I visited him the day he was condemned, being Thursday. He seemed quite careless and unconcerned. I endeavonred to convince him of sin; but did not perceive any effect. I begged of him not to deceive his own soul, but to consider the condition he was in. On Friday this began to sink into his heart, and on Saturday, much more. Perceiving this, I much insisted on those words, “this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The effect was astonishing. He laid hold on them by faith, and not only his burden was gone, but he had such experience of the love of Christ as it is impossible to describe. His peace, triumph, and joy increasing every hour, till the night before his execution; and indeed were never more observable than when he was brought out of prison. In his way to the place of execution he praised God for dragging him as it were with chains to heaven. ‘What!’ said he, ‘will God, after all my hellish actions, give me eternal life into the bargain?’ The efficacy of the blood and death of Christ being made to him by the Holy Ghost, he spoke of nothing but his wedding day, which was to be this 13th of August. Every one that looked upon him was struck. Officers and all were moved. Being entered into the ring, I once more prayed with him, and gave him the last blessing But the very instant he was to be turned off, Colonel
