Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/202

192 ver between Him and us, yet we know that He has promised 'never to leave or forsake us.' I will now give you a few extracts from my Journal:

"February 27th. — This has been the hottest day we have had yet — quite an English June day. Gave several of the books away, from the Beckenham box, to my brother officers. Took a long walk with Lieut. Cannon in the evening; we talked on religious subjects, and especially on the uncertainty of life. Oh! may we both prepare to meet our God, whenever He shall summon us hence! The French fired several rockets from the Victoria Redoubt on the town.

"28th. — A cloudy day, but the rain kept up until the afternoon. I went out for a walk with Harmond, but we were obliged to return. Went to the hospital, gave away several tracts to the patients — amongst them a number of 'Come to Jesus." Oh! that the Holy Ghost may lead many to find peace and rest in the Saviour! I took some jam (thanks to dear John) and biscuit to one of my company, John Carthy, for which the poor fellow was most grateful, although so weak and ill he could scarcely see me. Gave away some hymn-books of Ryle's to men of the band. Gave away several little books to my company.

"March 1st. — Remained in tent, writing, in the morning —a bitter cold day. Poor Carthy, of my company, died in the hospital last night, and was buried to-day. Cay came to see me, but I was unable to go for a walk with him, owing to parade. Dined off beef-stakesteak [sic] and porter! Had tea with Desmond and Burton. Read a chapter, and retired to rest about half-past eleven o'clock. O Lord, do thou, in thy great mercy, keep me from forgetting what thou hast suffered for me in body and soul. May I never be drawn by the cares of this life from Jesus, my Friend and Saviour; but may I daily live closer to His cross.