Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/206

196 "I have enjoyed this day very much. We met twice in the tent for prayer; and in the evening I read and prayed with Ingram and Derman. 'Gibson's Sermons' have come in most opportunely for our church! they all like them very much. This evening's text was Isaiah xliv. 3, 'I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.' Thanks be unto God for this precious promise; is it not equivalent to the words of Jesus on the mount, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled?' Let us ever be waiting on the Lord for fresh supplies of grace, and earnestly and perseveringly pray for a more abundant out pouring of the Holy Ghost. Good night, my own darling Mary. May God for ever bless you, lift up the light of His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

"March 12th.—Well dearest Mary, we are to remain where we are till the day after to-morrow; this respite is in consequence of the rains which fell yesterday. Did I tell you of my charming stove, with its portable fuel of cocoa-nut oil-cakes, which, when lighted, throws out a great heat. My servant has already twice baked in it small flour cakes — hot for my breakfast! besides cooking my dinner in the same way for a change.

"How delighted I am you are going to Beckenham at Easter, God willing. Well do I remember my happy hours there! Never did I feel so strongly that I was in a place where 'prayer was wont to be made,' as in that dear Rectory.

"I have had a beautiful letter from Mrs. Ovens, which I hope to reply to by this or next mail. Also to one from Mr. Smelt, of Canterbury, curate to Mr. Stephenson, author of that beautiful book, 'Christ on the Cross.' Also from Mr. Rigley, the Chobham missionary, who prayed with me by the tent pole, when I was on guard there, one day.