Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/47

Rh Nash always spent Sunday evening at my house, as they never dined at the regimental mess on that day. He told me of all his trials, and we often knelt together in my little study, laying them all open before a throne of grace. It was evident as time passed on, that he was growing in knowledge, in grace, in consistency, in firmness, in Christian experience.

"I knew him much more intimately afterwards. An officer in the 97th Regiment, Mr. J, was shot through the knee in moose-hunting, and being very uncomfortable at his quarters, I brought him to my house, and took care of him until (after the amputation of his leg) he finally recovered. Vicars evinced the tenderest regard for the body and soul of his brother officer: he mused him with the greatest assiduity, and for six weeks was a constant inmate of my house. Then I began most intimately to know him — his high and honourable principles, his tender heart, his sweet disposition, and all sanctified by Divine grace? His was a lovely character; it was impossible to know him and not to love him; every creature about my house did love him. He had to suffer a fiery persecution from some of the officers of his regiment. The Lord saw that it was best, and made it a means of strengthening and confirming him in the faith. You know, my dear madam, that a certain degree of religion is considered by the world to be decorous and proper, but there is nothing so much dreaded as being 'righteous overmuch.' It is quite impossible for a Christian to comply with the maxims and customs of a world which 'Lieth in wickedness;' but my beloved friend was strengthened to bear a consistent testimony to the truth, to take up his cross and follow Jesus.

"He took part in all efforts amongst us in the Redeemer's cause to win souls to Him. For example, the Naval and Military Bible Society, City Missions on the plan of those at home, and a Society for giv-