TWICE-BORN MEN
REMARKABLE CONVERSIONS OF WELL-KNOWN MEN
IN DIFFERENT AGES AND IN VARIED RANKS OF LIFE
Compiled by HY. PICKERING
A Godless German Infidel
DR. F. W. BAEDEKER, who traversed thousands of miles visiting prisons in Russia, was a German by birth, but as a young man he came over to England, where he earned his living as a teacher of modem languages and science. At this time he was, to use his own expression‘ “a Godless German infidel.” He was not a strong man, and having lost one lung, he was advised to take a voyage to Australia, but could not settle there, for he felt alone and friendless, and it was not long before he returned to England, but without his strength established as he had hoped. He settled down in Weston-super-Mare, and married a widow lady residing at that place. Their lives were thoroughly worldly, and given up to the passing pleasures of the scene around them. But God’s purpose of mercy towards Dr. Baedeker were now to be accomplished.
In the year 1866, Lord Radstock, who was much used of God in the preaching of the Gospel, came to Westonsuper-Mare to hold special services. His name drew large numbers, especially of the upper classes, to hear him; and many of these were brought to the knowledge of themselves as sinners in God’s sight, and of their need of a Saviour, and were led to the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can save. A friend invited Dr. Baedeker to go and hear the noble preacher who was making such a stir in the place, and after some pressure the doctor at last yielded. He therefore went, but came away unconvinced.
The Spirit of God, however, was at work in his soul, and somehow he could not keep away from the meetings. At the close of one of the services, Dr. Baedeker was making his way to the door, having no desire to be tackled about his spiritual state. But before he could get down the aisle, Lord Radstock touched him upon the shoulder with the words: “My man, God has a message for you to-night.” He was prevailed upon to go into an inner room, and very soon the two men were down on their knees. And the Spirit of God who had been bringing conviction of sin to bear upon his soul, now let the light of the glorious Gospel shine into his heart, and the “Godless German infidel” became a humble disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For forty years Dr. Baedeker found his delight in telling out the glad tidings of salvation, not only in Britain, but also on the continent of Europe, and chiefly in Russia. He travelled through Siberia, the Caucasus district, and the borders of the Caspian Sea, as well as Central and Southern Europe, carrying the good news of God’s love to needy perishing sinners, telling them of a full and free salvation through the finished work of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.