Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/183

176 alive to the soul-wants of my fellow-sinners, and to be unceasing in my exertions to win them to Jesus through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit! I am much better, but have not got back my strength. During my illness I was very happy, but for some days past my heart has seemed cold and dead. Yet I trust brighter hours are again dawning on my soul. What a lonely, gloomy time it is when Jesus withdraws the light of His countenance; but at all times I can and do trust in His love and tenderness; and I feel persuaded He is in mercy sending me this trial of faith to draw me nearer to himself.

"I have met Captain Vandeleur, of the Artillery, two or three times since I last wrote, and most delightful have those meetings been. My spirit has been refreshed by them. He is coming to our camp every Sunday for prayer and Scripture reading. Yesterday was the Sabbath, and I enjoyed it much. I prayed with the sick in hospital, and distributed several of the prayers. The poor fellows liked them so much; many of them read them before I left the tent. Some of us met for prayer in the morning, during which lime a heavy firing was kept up. This, no doubt, would have rather interrupted a congregation at home, but we are quite used to it now.

"February 1st. — The weather has been very line the last three days. You cannot imagine in England what an influence this has on the spirits of all out here. I heard merry songs in the tents to-night. We expected an attack yesterday, but the enemy changed his mind. I had a very happy day, notwithstanding."

" — I just take this hurried opportunity of writing you a few lines to tell you that, thank God! I am safe and well. The weather