 
THIRD PLACE WINNER
Courtney May Anderson
PROVIDENCE in the PAST: THE WRITINGS of G.A. HENTY
In my study of history, nowhere else have I found the combination of truth and perspective which exists in the works of G.A. Henty. Two purposes ought to be pursued by a Christian in the reading of history: to glorify God for His providence throughout it, and to remember what He has done in it through His servants. These purposes, which have their root in the Scriptures, are intertwined so as to be inseparable; for history is made up of what God has accomplished, and what He does is always controlled by His divine providence. The writings of Henty make the pursuit of these goals easy and edifiying. Also, unless we remember history itself, we cannot remember God’s providence in history. It is essential that modern Christians remember and recognize God’s providence in history, for “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) Henty’s prolific and varied historical accounts are unsurpassed in reminding decades of Christians of the workings of providence in the history of nations. The need for remembrance of providence in history is evidenced by the political and social condition of the United States: its Christian foundation is being “destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Henty worked to give knowledge of history so that Biblical foundations might endure. However, it is not only the political history of earthly nations which Henty explores; he follows spiritual history as well, for all Christendom is the heritage of the Protestant faith.
The providence of God is a major theme in all of Henty’s writings. It is my purpose to read history to find the providence of God; it was his purpose to show me that providence with clarity and context. Any novel by G.A. Henty would illustrate this premise; however, I have chosen two which are particularly outstanding examples.
The novel St. Bartholomew’s Eve is, like most of Henty’s books, a chronicle of events from a time and place in history, with a fictional protagonist; as the name implies, the story is set in France during the Hugenot Wars. France is a part of Christian history, as since the time of Augustine there have been Protestant Christians in France; France was also renowned during the Protestant Reformation as “the Land of Calvin.” Modern France is a terrifying reminder of what happens when a nation forgets the Lord and His providence to them in the past. Although our nation should observe France’s example of the myriad ramifications for all aspects of society when God is forgotten, possibly the church could gain even more benefit from France’s history. In the days prior to the horrible massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day, many families, pastors, and congregations remained faithful to the Word of God; moreover, they were cheerful, even joyful for the chance to suffer for their Lord, and to be subjected to His providential plan for His church, confident that God uses the fires of persecution to refine His church. John Calvin summarized the reason for this attitude: “we are always to make progress, even unto death.” This is exactly what the Hugenots did: they persevered in faith and sanctification through the revealed truth of God, though it meant death under the laws of France at that time. Practically, there is much to be learned from this book: places, battles, and political occurrences are accurately recorded, as are the names and actions of heroes of the faith who lost everything for the sake of Christ. Ultimately, it is this prayer which should be taken from the book: “Spirit that made them live, inspire thou their children to follow in their train” (M. Vurpillot). In St. Bartholomew’s Eve, Henty’s design is to inspire the spiritual descendents of the Hugenot martyrs to live by those principles for which they died. In my estimation, he accomplished it admirably.
Another book with powerful lessons of providence is With Lee in Virginia. Set in the South during the War Between the States, it explores causes of the war, happenings during it, and lasting effects of it; in it, Henty shows the divine providence which was continually overarching and undergirding the efforts of His people. G.A. Henty sought to remind readers of the religious causes and ramifications of the war. He told how the great leaders of the Confederacy were godly men fighting for godly principles in areas as broad as Christian culture and as specific as decentralized government. He also told how the Reformed faith was what motivated countless men and boys to rise up to defend the South. Most importantly, he showed the grace and mercy of God in the course of the war. The Reverend J.L. Underwood, who also wrote about the war, said in reference to the purpose of the Confederates: “there is a thing better than peace: liberty.” This idea is a recurring theme throughout With Lee in Virginia. Henty explores how God strengthened them to fight what they called the Second War of Independence in a Christian manner and for Christian principles. He gave them resolve to continue in their cause; He gave them strength to act in accordance with their faith throughout the war. Though we still mourn the loss of so many godly men, and though we see that many of the principles for which they fought vanished from society as they died, we can thank God fervently for His providence in preserving their honor and strengthening their faith in the following generations.
Three more of Henty’s books which I have read have a continuous thread of providence woven throughout. These are In Freedom’s Cause, The Young Franc-Tireurs, and The Lion of St. Mark. The first is set in Scotland during the oppression of Protestantism by England. Henty draws together the historical events and shows how, while the Scottish people waited and struggled, God was preparing them for the time when He would finally end their bondage. The defeats of Wallace and Comyn, which were disasters in terms of human judgment, were used by God to prepare the country for its final triumph under Robert the Bruce. In the second book, two English boys fight together for France against Germany. With these fictional characters, Henty draws a literary portrait representing the thousands of young men, often fifteen or sixteen years of age, who manfully fought with French guerilla troops against the powerful German army to protect their faith, families, and country. In the last book, stories of the Venetians’ struggles against the Moors give us insight into the historical problems of a wealthy secular state and an established Muslim state. In the end, both are vain, for only a state which acknowledges God as its highest authority can have fruitful laws. In all of these books God’s providence is made apparent; but in none of them did the religious and political leaders nor any of the people fully see the purpose of God in allowing certain events to happen, such as the loss of the Franco-German War as recounted in The Young Franc-Tireurs. However, we who have the luxury of looking back on the centuries of completed history can see the amazing providence of God’s plans unfolded. Henty provides us this view; and when we have finished his books, we realize that there is not just a thread of providence running through the stories, but that the entire tapestry of all history is made up of innumerable threads of providence woven together. In expounding history, Henty demonstrates how each thread was particularly appointed by God to fulfill its place in His cosmic tapestry.
The writings of G.A. Henty are invaluable for instruction in history, not only by reason of their accuracy, nor only because they are written so as to be memorable, but by reason of the perspective of God’s sovereignty. Henty has inspired me to know the reality of God’s providence in all things. By his illustrations of providence, he also encourages families to press forward in the faith for the glory of God as have numerous generations before them. The doctrines of God’s sovereignty and providence as Henty reveals them must be the most encouraging of all doctrines. Not only is God in control of all things, but “all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). This is the essence of Henty’s great understanding and propounding of history within his stories. G.A. Henty, in reminding me of God’s providence through history, calls me to trust in God’s providence for the future. Finally, Henty has taught me much about the history of my faith and about God’s total dominion over the affairs of men. I praise God that G.A. Henty was committed to bringing the reality of history to so many students, and rousing them to the battle for godliness and virtue as surely and clearly as with a trumpet call. G.A. Henty: an inspiration, an encouragement; but above all, a teacher.
ABOUT COURTNEY ANDERSON
Courtney May Anderson is 17 years old and is currently in her senior year of high school studies. She has been taught at home for the majority of her school years and is a National Merit Semifinalist, and also a Duke University TIP scholar. She is also an award-winning violinist who shares God’s gift of music in worship services, nursing homes, and at conferences, and teaches young violin students. In addition to music, Courtney enjoys writing, embroidery, and reading history and theology. Courtney resides in Stockbridge, Georgia and she, her parents, twin sister, and 2 younger brothers are members of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church
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