TWICE-BORN MEN
REMARKABLE CONVERSIONS OF WELL-KNOWN MEN
IN DIFFERENT AGES AND IN VARIED RANKS OF LIFE
Compiled by HY. PICKERING
The Reliever of Lucknow
SIR HENRY HAVELOCK, K.C.B., V.C., the Reliever of Lucknow, was born at Bishop Wearmouth, in 1795. There is more than one tradition that the family had a connection with Havelock, the Dane, ruling in the Eastern Counties before A.D. 449. Henry became a soldier at the age of twenty. Eight years of military life in England followed, and he threw himself into his work with his usual ardour. But all was not well with his soul. Though he was strictly moral and pure in conduct and principle, and would never join with those who made a mock of Christianity, he yet began to entertain doubts of the Deity of Christ. It seemed as if the hallowed influence of his beloved mother would go for nothing.
Then came the first voyage to India, in 1823, on the “General Kyd.” On board was Lieutenant Gardner, and to him Henry Havelock confided his wretched condition of soul; told how full his heart was of speculation and doubt; how near he was to the verge of Unitarianism; and yet how on the other hand, he yearned inexpressibly for a safe and solid foundation of peace, whereon his soul might rest. Lieutenant Gardner persuaded him to study prayerfully that Wonderful Book which alone declares the true way of salvation, and as the boat ploughed the waters of the Atlantic, Havelock sought and found the Saviour; He was called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. From that time forth he endeavoured to follow and obey the Captain of his Salvation, enduring hardness through all his days, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
In the Indian Mutiny, in 1826, on the occasion of a surprise attack on an outpost the corps which was ordered to support it was found unfit, having had a recent carouse. “Then call out Havelock’s saints,” exclaimed Sir Archibald Campbell. “They are always sober, and can be depended upon; and Havelock himself is always ready.” The “saints” were under arms in a very short time, and gained a victory over the enemy in more ways than one.
Havelock died of dysentery on Nov. 22nd, 1857, a week after the Relief of Lucknow.