Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/211

Rh and 17th chapters of the Gospel of St. John, and again united in prayer. The subject of the approaching day of humiliation was kept much in view. He had earnestly desired its appointment. In some of his recent letters, he had expressed his belief that until God was more honoured by us as a nation, in the ascription of victory to His favour, and in the acknowledgment of His chastening hand in defeat, we could scarcely expect complete success.

Well was the day observed when it came. He kept it as a solemn fast before the Lord. Within that tent there was a Holy of holies, for the presence of God was there; and from conscious, though lowly fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, he came forth to refresh the souls of others, as one who by Divine hands is made a king and a priest unto his God. The man of prayer is a man of power. Other men take knowledge of him that he has been with Jesus: and a light from heaven shines into many a dark heart through one who is a living temple of the Holy Ghost.

After morning parade, Hedley Vicars walked with Major Ingram, to see the sunrise in the valley of the Tchernaya; and by the burning of their hearts within them by the way, it seemed that "Jesus Himself drew nigh and went with them."

Jesus in Heaven, Jesus in heart, Heaven in the heart, the heart in Heaven."

At eleven and at three o'clock services were held in Mr. Smith's tent. Hedley Vicars had himself chosen the Psalms and Lessons, which he read, as well as the remainder of the service, with an earnest solemnity which impressed all present. "If it had been the Archbishop of Canterbury," said one, "he could not have done it better."