Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/201

Rh managed very well, and had a blazing fire the whole time; there is luxury for you!

"The Guards are gone to Balaklava, now. Poor fellows, they are much reduced; the whole Brigade mustering barely 250 men fit for duty. But although few are left, and those, worn and haggard, they look such noble, undaunted fellows."

"My own Darling Mother — I am on regimental duty to-day, and the trendies this evening. This is a lovely summer's day, but, then, to-morrow it may be snowing, for you have no idea how changeable the climate is here. I am, thank God, safe and well in "both body and soul. I never was in the enjoyment of better health rind the Lord continues to favour me with the sunshine of His presence, filling me with peace and joy in Jesus. Oh! darling mother, how precious I find the Saviour to be to me in these perilous times — with what trust and confidence can I place myself, both for time and eternity, beneath the shelter of His cross! How the knowledge of the love of Christ (that He bled for us) nerves the heart to bear patiently, if not willingly, all the trials and troubles which God may send us, and which we are sure to meet with, sooner or later, in this world of tears; but what comfort religion brings to the soul in leading us to forget the sorrows of the present in the bright contemplation of a future world; and how joyous, how light the heart, and how indifferent to all else, when Christ reveals Himself to our souls in the precious character of our dearest Friend and Brother! With him near, to cheer and assure us, we can 'reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.' And, although clouds sometimes ho-