Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/141

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134
THE HOSPITAL.

eternal redemption for us, I sometimes think I am one of 'the nine' who 'returned not to give glow to God;' and those words of Jesus seem spoken of me, in touching tones of reproach, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?' Oh! how often when, by the eye of faith, I see Him on the cross, or lying dead in the tomb, I am pained to the quick by the coldness of my evil heart, and with the weariness and want of love with which I remember Jesus.' Should He have to ask us to remember Him ? The promptings of our hearts should ever be, 'I cannot forget Thee!'

"But we know, through the teaching of God the Holy Ghost, that we should never have thought of Jesus at all, or have loved Him in the least, if He had not first loved us, and revealed himself to our souls. Therefore, whilst we mourn (I, at least, find need to do so often) over our own hearts, we can, and will, and do rejoice 'with joy unspeakable' in the never-changing, never-dying love of Jesus Christ, our blessed Saviour."

* * * * * * * * *

"I had a charming trip to Pentelicus. The tents are pitched under fine lofty trees, large hills completely surrounding the camp on every side. Mountain torrents dash through the midst of it, and baths have been constructed both for officers and men. I enjoyed my few days there very much, and thought how perfect it would have been to me if L—— had been with me, to enjoy the wild scenery and glorious moonlight. But on this subject I have enlarged to herself. I was gratified by seeing the change which had taken place in one of my young brother officers, with whom I formerly joined in many a wild frolic. I remember his once saying to me [I think it was at Canterbury], when I had spoken to him earnestly about his soul, 'Oh, Vicars, my dear fellow, I believe