Napoleon’s Faith. (Pearls from Many Seas, 1899)

‘‘I know men, and I tell you that Jesus is not a man. The religion of Christ is a mystery which subsists by its own force, and proceeds from a mind which is not a human mind. We find in it a marked individuality, which originated a train of words and actions unknown before. Jesus is not a philosopher, for His proofs are miracles, and from the first His disciples adored Him. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and myself founded empires; but on what foundation did we rest the creatures of our genius? Upon force. But Jesus Christ founded an empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. I die before my time, and my body will be given back to the earth to become food for worms. Such isthe fate of him who has been called the great Napoleon. What an abyss between my deep misery and the eternal kingdom of Christ, which is proclaimed, loved, adored, and is still existing over the whole earth!” Then, turning to Gen. Bertrand, the emperor added: ‘‘If you do not perceive that Jesus Christ is God, I did wrong in appointing you a general.”

NOTE: I pray that his faith, at the last, was unto salvation. (J. Ogles)