To a soldier.

Letter CVI. ²³⁶⁷

To a soldier.

I have many reasons for thanking God for mercies vouchsafed to me in my journey, but I count no blessing greater than the knowledge of your excellency, which has been permitted me by our good Lord’s mercy.  I have learnt to know one who proves that even in a soldier’s life it is possible to preserve the perfection of love to God, ²³⁶⁸ and that we must mark a Christian not by the style of his dress, but by the disposition of his soul.  It was a great delight to me to meet you; and now, whenever I remember you, I feel very glad.  Play the man; be strong; strive to nourish and multiply love to God, that there may be given you by Him yet greater boons of blessing.  I need no further proof that you remember me; I have evidence in what you have done.

Footnotes

186:2367

Placed in 372.

186:2368

Among others, conspicuous instances of the statement in the text are Cornelius, St. Martin, John de Joinville, Peter du Terreil, Sieur de Bayard, Henry Havelock, and Charles Gordon.