Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/49

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IV.— DIARY.

"Take my heart, Lord, for I cannot give it to thee,
Keep it, for I cannot keep it for thee."
St. Augustine.

From his diary, kept daily with conscientious regularity and faithfulness, we give the following brief extracts:

"July 3, 1852.—Rode out to visit Brunt, a poor ordnance laborer. Read and prayed with him for nearly an hour. He appears to be very ill, but all his hopes are fixed on Christ.

"Sunday, 4th.—Read a chapter of Bogatsky this morning. Unrefreshed after morning prayer. Instructed my class at the Sunday-school. Thoughts wandering during Divine service. Read and prayed with Corporal Cranny, 42nd Regiment, for nearly an hour. A bright specimen of a dying Christian. There were eighteen of us at Dr. Twining's class in the evening.

"5th.—Rose at half-past five. Read a chapter in Bogatsky. I feel I am but little advanced as yet. Evil thoughts during the day. Read with Corporal Cranny for about an hour. Would that I were more like him! From not having prayed for God's blessing on what I was going to read, I felt little comfort from it. Did not offer to pray with him, as I was afraid I should break down. Read and prayed with Brunt for an hour.

"6th.—Engaged at orderly-room work, and rub-