Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/54

48 sins. I well know their exceeding sinfulness, but the blood of Christ cleanseth me from all sin.

"October 29th. — Remained in bed till eight o'clock. Must give up this slothfulness. Had not time to read my chapter till twelve o'clock, all owing to love of sleep. At mess, scarcely any thoughts of Jesus; slight symptoms of a desire to return to the world and sin.

"November 5th. — Rose at seven o'clock. Would that I could fix my waking thoughts on Jesus! How few are the moments I think of Him to those in which I forget Him! Walked with Desmond and Nash. Kirkby wrote me a letter thanking me for bringing him back to trust in Jesus. He talks of his sins. Little does he know the sinner he talks to.

"15th. — Arose at seven. A few thoughts of Jesus whilst dressing. I would that I had a heart more entirely set on things above! What a body of sin I carry about! Received the reports of the Mic-mac Missionary Society — rather proud at seeing my name in the list of subscribers. When shall I conquer this detestable pride? When shall I look upon myself as the vilest of sinners, as indeed I am?

"16th. — At the class offered up a few ejaculatory prayers to Him who seeth in secret. Walked out with Dr. Twining — spoke very profitably together about our precious Saviour. I told him what just came into my mind, namely, that I lost at Corfu the Bible my mother gave me about seven years ago, and after being about five years without any, I purchased a small one at Jamaica I think, but of so indistinct a print that I could scarcely read it. I certainly rarely did. O God, may I redeem the time that may yet be left me. I shall keep my diary in another book to-morrow, and make out a few rules to go by."

The following passage might truly be called the creed of his heart:

"I have got over some rough ground since I was