Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/67

Rh Father, ought each of us to find in the cheering belief that we are knit together in the blood-bought bonds of the Saviour's love; that our hearts, wayward, changeable, naturally evil (as they ever will be here), have been made the temples of the Holy Ghost; that they have been renewed by his blessed influence, and that the work of sanctification is now going on within them, making us meet for the inheritance which our dear Redeemer has purchased for us!

"I am sure many Christians deprive themselves of much real benefit and assistance by withholding communion with each other. We cannot expect to reach perfection in righteousness, dearest Mary; but, whilst humbling ourselves in the dust for our manifold iniquities, let us often, by counsel and persuasion, urge each other to put on a cheerful courage, and to run with patience the race set before us, never forgetting to look to Jesus, the Alpha and Omega of our hopes.

"Oh, that we all felt more delight in speaking of the unbounded love of him who was crucified for us! Let us always endeavour to be looking for the coming of Christ Jesus: and then when He does come in the clouds, with the glory and majesty of a sovereign, we shall be found amongst them who love His appearing.

"O my sweet sister, what are we that God should single us out from the millions that are still living without him in the world; that He should cause us to believe the precious truths revealed in the Gospel of his dear Son, which are foolishness to the natural man, but to us (and to all believers) are the wisdom of God and the power of God. Let us pray often for each other. The affection that prompts to this is love indeed.

"My love to all. Clara and Edward are at Chobham, I suppose. Tell Clara, she cannot feel more sorry than I am, that I could not get leave to be able