Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/113

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THE WAR.

with me? or, as I shall walk too slow for you, I will tell you the way.' I told her I would prefer accompanying her. We began talking together. She was loud in her praises of Mr. Goodhart, and said, 'Woe be to the man who sits under his preaching without being changed.' I mentioned another excellent man. She instantly said, 'Yes, he is a very good man, but he cannot hold a candle to this dear child of God.' When we arrived at the chapel she made me come into her pew. The chapel was quite full, and I never heard a more beautiful, powerful sermon in all my life — pure Gospel from beginning to end. I was rather amused several times by my old friend's saying, 'Ah, did you ever hear anything like that before?' What do you think of that? After the service, I told her I should like to say a few words to him about the Meeting of the Soldiers' Friend Society. She said, 'You shall see him; he is such a nice man to talk to,' and showed me the way to the vestry. I hesitated to go in, but she threw open the door and made me go in, I introduced myself to Mr. Goodhart, and he welcomed me most kindly. I found out what I wished to know about the Meeting, and wished him good night. I never saw the old woman in black again.

"I must conclude, as I have much to do. I have to go and see about my married soldiers' children. Warm love to all. Kiss my godchild for me. May the Lord Jesus be with you, and the Holy Spirit be poured upon you.

"Ever dearest Mary,
"Your devotedly attached brother,
"Hedley Vicars."

On the evening of Wednesday, the 17th, he attended the first public Meeting in Exeter Hall, for the Soldiers' Friend Society; in which he was