Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/72

66 viii., and prayed. I felt very happy then: but after he left, about eleven o'clock, I fell asleep whilst praying by myself. I know my Saviour has forgiven me; but I really cannot well forgive myself, and feel much pain at the recollection of my slothfulness and irreverence. When I awoke this morning I was enabled to pray fervently for you, dearest mother, and for Clara, Mary, Georgie, and Edward, individually. I know no greater happiness than that which earnest prayer brings to the heart, when, undisturbed by wandering thoughts, we can behold our crucified Redeemer, and hear his voice pleading for us before the mercy-seat.

"To-day I called on Captain Ingram, and enjoyed a walk with him. He is a truly Christian man. I have just been reading Haweis' 'Spiritual Companion to the Lord's Supper.' I have not partaken of that blessed feast since I was at Terling, but trust to do so next Sunday, please God. May that holy sacrament call to my mind in more vivid remembrance the great evil of sin; for never was it seen so forcibly as when written in a Saviour's agony and bloody sweat, and in his cross and passion."

"There is much in the signs of the times to make us believe that the Redeemer's advent is near. It may be we shall not taste of death, but be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Beloved sister, let us live in hourly expectation of that solemn yet joyful event. Let us judge of our own state by the happiness the thought gives us, and not rest satisfied until the language of our hearts shall be, 'Even so, come, Lord Jesus.'

"I cannot tell you how much happiness I find in the society of our dearest mother. I can see her ripening for glory, and have already derived much benefit from our intercourse and communion. My leave lasts till the 31st of December; and I shall spend most of the time with her in London."