Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/212

202 The evening was passed in company with his beloved friend Mr. Cay. The tone of that last conversation could not be forgotten by the survivor. It seemed as if the spirit of his young companion had already taken wing, "and was in heaven before he came at it; being swallowed up with the sight of angels, and with hearing of their melodious notes. Here, also, he had the City itself in view, and thought he heard all the hells therein to ring, to welcome him thereto. But, above all, the warm and joyful thoughts that he had about his own dwelling there with such company, and that for ever and ever — Oh, by what tongue or pen can that glorious joy be expressed!" Late that night he wrote these words:

"God bless all those whose exertions have been the means of bringing about this day of national prayer. Who knows how many precious lives may not he spared, and what great success granted, sooner or later, in answer to the prayers of this day; for if the 'effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,' how much more may an abundant answer be expected to the prayers of England, offered up as they have been this day by all the Lord's peple in the name of Jesus, and pleading his atoning blood and all-sufficient righteousness.

"I look for great results from the prayers that have ascended to heaven this day, and have been presented by our great intercessor before the throne of God, and I am sure you do too, do you not, ever dearest mother-sister? I have felt this day to have been just like Sunday, and have derived much comfort from communion with my God and Saviour. We had two tent services, in the morning at eleven, and in the after-noon at three o'clock; Vandeleur came both times. I spent the evening with Cay. I read Isaiah xli., and he prayed. We walked together during the day, and exchanged our thoughts about ."