Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/88

82 see the day of his repentance near again? But what tongue can tell the injury that is done to the cause of Christ? And this, alas! is irrevocable! But, dear friend, let us not dwell upon this painful subject. Each returning day proclaims aloud in our ears, 'Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation,' bidding us never to despair, for while there is breath there is hope, but rather calling us to lay out ourselves afresh and begin the battle again.

"I feel for you very, very much, and still more for poor W—— and H——, who have been at length overcome by the all-enticing snares of Satan, (Oh, how long he had me completely in his net!) The temptations in the wild roving life those poor fellows lead, must be strong. But we will unite our prayers for their recovery, and hope and believe (as I do still in the similar case of two or three of my soldiers) they will be attracted again to the cross of Jesus. We may conclude that when a soul has indeed tasted of its sweet comfort, that the pleasures which once satisfied, lose their charm, and appear but empty shadows, and, therefore, that it will find no rest until it return to the sinner's refuge. When I hear of and see others wandering from the Good shepherd, I cannot help thinking to myself, 'And who art thou, that thou shouldst be preserved?' Surely there is no safety but in Jesus — in clinging to his cross.

"I followed a poor sergeant to his last home yesterday, and now the mournful notes of the dead march proclaim that another soldier is being carried to the same resting-place. These sudden deaths are warnings to be likewise ready.

"We are still very unsettled — nothing being known for certain as to our movements. When it is known I will tell you. I have just heard from my beloved mother. She tells me she has a letter from you full of sympathy and comfort, and that she trusts a