Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/71

Rh man peace of mind at the last. The name of Jesus was only mentioned once. It is grievous that those who preach 'another gospel' (Gal. i. 8) should be permitted to remain in the Church, to misguide and deceive. Let us thank God that we have not so learned Christ; and that instead of trusting to, or attaching any degree of merit to our own righteousness, which is but as filthy rags, we can look to Jesus as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption."

A short leave in September enabled him to spend a few days with his mother at Southend. Those days were chiefly passed on the water, where he exercised the somewhat renowned prowess of his strong arm in rowing, whilst his mother accompanied him in the boat, and they took sweet counsel together. Well does she love to linger in saddened remembrance over those hours of delight, which can return to her on earth no more for ever.

"— I left you yesterday with no slight feelings of regret, as you might easily imagine if you had ever been a son. I agree with G., that there is but little of 'the real thing' in the world, and therefore a man values a mother's love the more.

"At the railway station I met two of my brother officers returning from leave, to rejoin the regiment. We had the carriage to ourselves, and I occupied myself in reading Hugh White's 'Sermons on the Second Advent.' I hesitated to bring it out for some time, lest they should ask me what I was reading, but overcame at last this wretched false shame. I suppose they guessed pretty well what sort of a book I had in hand, and so went off to sleep without taking the trouble to inquire.

"Cay came to my room at night, and we had a pleasant conversation, together. We read Romans