He was a hero in the Crimean War, but before God he was a lost and guilty sinner. In November, 1881, he was awaiting the arrival of a brother officer. A Bible lay on the table, and as he waited he idly turned its leaves. Occupied thus, his eye caught the well-known words: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.
Closing the book he said: "If this be true for me, henceforth I will live, by the grace of God, as a man should live who has been washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ.”
That was the great turning point. Old things then passed away. All things became new. 2 Cor. 5:17.