Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/50

44 bing-up drill. My mind more at peace than it is generally. I was with Jones for a short time in the evening. I told him I had been to see Cranny and Brunt. I am afraid I did so with the idea that I should be thought well of. I must strive much against self-righteousness. Let me always endeavour to feel that, having done all, I am but an unprofitable servant.

"8th.— Prayed rather hurriedly, owing to putting it off too late. Wrote to Mary. Intended to have gone to see Cranny and Brunt, but had not time. At Dr. Twining's class in the evening; there were sixteen sergeants, two privates, and two women present. Prayed at night about twelve o'clock.

"9th.— Awoke sleepy and dull, but after prayer felt much happier. Lost my temper once or twice with the men. I feel I am unable of myself to do any thing aright. Read Luke xv. with Cranny, and prayed. Afterwards read and prayed with Brunt. In the evening I became unhappy, from thoughts of all my former sins.

"17th.— In a very happy state of mind after prayer; still the merest trifles distract my mind. I attended the Temperance Meeting in the evening, when I was delighted to see about sixty soldiers of the 97th. I wish the whole regiment would join.

Sunday 18th. — Went to the Sunday-schooL In the evening, we had sixteen officers and men at the class in the hospital. Went to church afterwards. Text — 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' Oh ! do thou grant me this, for Jesus Christ's sake.

"20th.— Arose this morning with no near views of Jesus. Out of temper again to-day. Oh! I must strive against this. Read with Cranny for half an hour; then went to Dr. Twining's class. Two there besides myself. I have forgotten God to-day.