It was a strange sight. In this garish heathen pagoda, with cross-legged images of Buddha all around, idolatry in its grossest form had reigned for centuries. In such surroundings stood General Henry Havelock, Bible in hand, leading the song of praise to heaven's eternal God and King. Around him stood a band of brave, stalwart Highland soldiers with bared heads. Right heartily they joined in the song first learned among their native heather:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
"Havelock's Saints" was the name given this company. It was well enough known that their honored leader was as true a saint as he was a brave soldier, and many of his men had by means of his godly influence been led to know the Savior.
One young officer, who had lived a most ungodly life, had been converted through contact with the general, and at once took his place in the circle of "Havelock's Saints." The officers of his mess ridiculed him and sought by every means to draw him back to a life of sin. In this they completely failed, for the power of Christ was on the side of His young servant. Such was the effect of his changed life and godly testimony, moreover, that several of them were soon after converted to God.
One night a sudden and unexpected attack was made on a British outpost. Some of the soldiers, thinking no danger threatened, had been drinking heavily and were quite unfit for duty. "Call out Have-lock's Saints," was the order given by Sir Archibald Allison, the commanding officer. "They are never drunk, but always ready." Promptly the brave Ross-shire Buffs followed their beloved leader with shouldered muskets; and with a ringing cheer they drove the invaders back in utter confusion.
"Let us thank God, comrades, all around. It is He who has brought us back safely. Under the shadow of His wing we have been hid," said a godly sergeant. And around that kneeling circle, from each in succession, the voice of prayer and thanksgiving was heard to ascend to heaven. At last it was the turn of a fine young Highlander to pray.
"Dinna wait for me te pray, lads. I canna pray; I dinna ken God!”
That honest confession rang out from one who was reckoned among "Havelock's Saints." What a surprise! But how true it is that too often not all who profess outwardly to be "saints" are born of God! This soldier in all honesty would not keep up a profession of what he did not possess. Condemned by the atmosphere of that prayer meeting, and the earnest heart-breathings of his converted comrades, he owned his condition as a lost sinner, and was soon after brought to put his trust in and to confess the Lord Jesus as his Savior.