Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/41

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CONVERSION.
35

feel happier now than you did?' Poor fellow! he is in a very desponding state of mind.

"I generally spend four or five hours each day, when not on duty, in reading the Bible, and meditation and prayer, and take a walk every afternoon for a couple of hours. I am longing to see you all again, but I do not know when shall be able. Write soon, and tell me how you all are getting on, especially how my darling mother is. Is she looking ill? Does she get out every day? Do not you think that the summer will make her better? Give my fond love to her. I will write to her by the next mail, please God.

"Pray for me, and believe me, I never forget to pray for you all.

"How little we do to show our love for that Saviour, who agonized on the cross for our sakes. I cannot close my letter better than by beseeching Him to give us his Holy Spirit, to draw our hearts above this world, to look to the Saviour with the eye of faith.

"'When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

"'Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the cross of Christ my God:
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.'

"Adieu my dearest Mary; and always remember me as
"Your affectionate and attached brother,
"Hedley."

To his brother he writes:
May 13th, 1852.

" * * * Let us pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit; and we shall not be sent empty away. Let