Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/111

102 there were so many people round him, and I thought he had stopped as long as he could convenient. I ran all the way after the carriage. My hope was to see him at the station, but I was not in time to see which carriage he got into in the dark; so I did not see him; but I pray God he may ever be kept in Christ, and if it be God's will, return to his native land from this dreadful war in peace. If I knew where to find him at Kensington, I would go up to see him again.

"From your humble, grateful servant, and son in Jesus Christ, Hedley Vicars himself wrote of this evening's work to his sister:

— Although I am much engaged in various ways, I must find time to write a few lines to you. I must begin by giving you an account of my visit to Beckenham. I had a most happy meeting there last Wednesday. As the Rectory was deserted, being under repair, Mrs. Millar kindly asked me to have tea at her house. She used to know dearest mother and Uncle Edward very well.

"At eight o'clock I started for the Reading-rooms, and found them filled. We began by singing that beautiful hymn, 'When I survey the wondrous cross,' and then I spoke to them, as well as I could, on those solemn words, "We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ,' and 'The love of Christ constraineth us.' God enabled me to speak very freely, — more so than I ever remember before, — and my heart was much drawn out in love for their souls. I spoke for nearly an hour, and then prayed with them. They appeared to take a deep