Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/169

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162
WINTER BEFORE SEBASTOPOL.

Ten days later he gives an account of "such a happy Sabbath," and speaks of his thankfulness in receiving the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, after having been so long deprived of it; "I am delighted to say we had twenty officers there. I like what I have seen of the chaplain to oar division, Mr. Parker, very much. He has hard work indeed, but seems to love it, because it is the service of Christ Jesus."

In the warmth of new friendships he did not forget old and sacred ties, as the following extract will prove:

"My very Dear Dr. Twining. — I have only time to write you a few lines, as I have but small leisure here, I write for two reasons: first to thank you once again for the great blessing you have been to my soul. Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am. You have been, in the hands of God, the means of bringing me from the hard service of Satan to the delightful service of Jesus; and at this time, when any moment I may be called hence, I wish once more to offer you my heart's most fervent thanks. God bless you, and fill you with peace and joy. May the cross of Christ ever speak comfort to your soul, and may you find in the day of the Lord Jesus, that you have been the blessed means of bringing many to Him." * * *

TO MISS VICARS.

"December 12th.

"I am for the trenches to-morrow morning at three o'clock (I shall be relieved at six o'clock in the evening.) I think more of the pouring rain, and standing in thick mud all the time, than of Russian grape and bullets; but, you see we must be content to have both! You will be sorry to hear that sickness is still prevalent; and I am afraid that this rain,