Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/44

38 issue to God, remembering the words, 'Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone who giveth the increase."

"Poor J—'s leg was amputated above the knee on Saturday. The operation was performed under the influence of chloroform. He bore with Christian resignation the will of his Heavenly Father. I was in Dr. Twining's house during the time, but not present at the amputation, as I could be of no use. He is now getting on well, poor fellow. I am delighted to say I firmly believe that his suffering illness has, through the blessing of God, been made the means of the conversion of his immortal soul.

"Four or five of my brother officers attend Dr Twining's Bible-class. One of them has, I trust, been truly converted. He was, like myself, about the last in the regiment one would ever have thought likely to become religious; but God's ways are not as our ways, or his thoughts as our thoughts. I trust his example may do much good. It is grievous to see how little regard men pay to the salvation of their never-dying souls. But I must ever remember that I was once like them, and worse; and that it is only through the grace of God that I am now different. It may truly be said of me, 'Is not this a brand plucked from the burning?' I now see the direful effect of a long coutinuance in evil, for sin has had for such a length of time so entire a dominion over me, that I find it hard to fight against it, and often think I must be worse than any one else. If the Holy Spirit did not help me, I never could have made even the little progress in religion that I have made. If left to myself I must fall. Oh! that I may increase and grow in grace each day!"

The same earnest tone pervades all his lotters during the remainder of his residence in Nova Scotia. We find allusions to conflicts and difficulties in over-