Sir Stratford now very peremptorily demanded, that a written pledge be given by the Sultan himself (as his ministers could no longer be trusted), that no person embracing the Moslem religion and afterwards returning to Christianity, should on that account be put to death; and the Earl of Aberdeen, on the part of the home government, instructed him in a noble letter not to recede from the demand.

The Prussian and French governments were equally decided; and after some hesitancy, even Russia threw the weight of her influence into the scale.

After a struggle of some weeks the required pledge was given, signed by the Sultan himself, that henceforth NO PERSON SHOULD BE PERSECUTED FOR HIS RELIGIOUS OPINIONS IN TURKEY.

The British ambassador distinctly acknowledged the finger of God in this transaction, which he said seemed little less than a miracle.
It will hereafter appear, that the pledge had a wider range, than was thought of at the time by the governments of Europe, by their representatives, or even by the Turks.

God was setting up a spiritual kingdom, and his people must have freedom to worship Him in his appointed way.