Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/178

Rh her beloved husband. I know not whether I could have ' saved him ' but I would have carried him to the rear, or died in the attempt. I have prayed that Jesus himself would comfort her; I know He will.

"Yesterday I read with great comfort the third of Colossians, in the advanced work. I find Jesus more and more precious to my soul.

"The nights are very cold now, and that dear fur rug, when it arrives, will be most acceptable indeed. I will not disguise from you the truth, that we have to endure days and nights of hardships; but what are soldiers meant for? I willingly submit to them, and would to greater. Yet I cannot but feel, and deeply too, for the death of so many of my comrades; but I keep hope alive in my heart that many amongst them died in Jesus at the last. He is so tender and loving a Saviour, and so willing to hear poor sinners when they cry unto Him, that I believe He will not turn a deaf ear to the faintest sigh of a broken and contrite heart that may mount upwards to the mercy-seat, even from the soldier who has the longest trampled on His love and forbearance. I cherish this hope, and will, as long as I live.

"Whenever I am off duty I visit the tents of the sick. They are full again, although forty were sent to Balaklava a few days ago. The weather is very wet and damp, with snow every now and then; but I am, thank God, as safe and sound as ever I was in my life. I feel persuaded that the Lord is keeping me for my L—— 's sake and yours, in answer to your prayers.

"Bless you, my own mother, sister, friend, and counsellor,ever cheering and comforting my heart and soul. Give my warmest love to all around you, especially to your dearest revered father. God bless him; and God bless also the beloved father of her I love best on earth, for his tender solicitude for his darling child, and at the same time for his kindesskindness [sic] to me.