Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/117

you, dearest mother, be the least anxious about me. I am in God's hands, therefore fear not for me. Nothing could make my hands stronger than knowing that your mind is at peace and quiet. We know that all things work together for our good, that Jesus loves us with an everlasting love, and that it is not only in health that he is with us, but when we come to die he will 'comfort us,' and bear us safely through the valley of the shadow of death."
"On Board the Orinoco, May 19th.
" * * * Here we are, thank God, safe and sound! We expect the headquarters from Windsor at twelve o'clock to-morrow; but it is doubtful whether we sail on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. And now, we thank you from my innermost soul for your precious letter. I could say but little this morning; and I feel now that I cannot half express my intense gratitude for all your many acts of true-hearted friendship. How very, very kind of you to drive so far to wish me a last farewell! God bless you, dearest friend, for this crowning proof of your affection, and reward you a thousand-fold for all you have done for me and mine. I left you with a heavy heart this morning, but your letter refreshed and comforted me very much. I read it over and over again. Thank you for the beautiful pencil-case; it is doubly valuable from having been long worn by you. I feel grateful to you for the interest you have taken in poor Cottrell's wife. I have desired him to write to her. Thank dearest —— from me for every kind word she spoke to soothe the sorrowing heart of that poor woman. Tell her that this morning, in my cabin, alone, I poured out my soul in prayer for her. . . . In this world we must expect trials and sorrows; indeed, I think we should soon cease to feel our constant need of Jesus if it were not so, and willingly, yes, joyfully, do I hail any cross that weans me more from the world and leads me closer to Him.