Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/123

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114
THE HOSPITAL.

more entirely given up to my blessed Saviour, to have every thought brought into obedience to Him, and that the fruits of the Holy Spirit may prove the reality of my faith, making me more humble, more holy, more heavenly-minded! Often do I fear, lest by word or deed I should bring dishonor on the name of Him we love; but yet I feel a quiet confidence that He will keep me by his grace and power, and enable me to persevere to the end. There is indeed great peace, in simply believing, living upon Jesus. What peaceful, happy hours are those when Christ is the sole meditation of the heart; and even when earthly thoughts intrude, or darkness fills the soul for a time, how sweet to recollect that 'He knoweth our name; He remembereth that we are dust!'"

Piræus, July 11th.
"How I bless God for his tender love and mercy in restoring your beloved sister. I speak but the truth of my heart, when I say that in all your sorrow I suffer, and in all your comfort I am comforted.

"I had very strong faith that God would spare her precious life, and restore her to health. May every answer to our prayers make us, in dependence upon Christ, wrestle the more earnestly in every fresh petition, especially for heavenly blessings upon our souls. So shall we have power with God, and shall prevail. I have heard prayer ridiculed, and insinuations thrown out that only men of weak minds ever pray. Little do those who thus speak know the real delight of prayer, nor the deep joy when the answer comes.

"'What various hindrances we meet,
In conning to a mercy-seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there?'

"But what a thought to fill our minds, when we