Letters from the Queen. xix DEAR MISS GORDON, WINDSOR CASTLE, It is most kind and good of you to give me this precious Bible,1 and I only hope that you are not depriving yourself and family of such a treasure, if you have no other. May I ask you, during how many years your dear heroic Brother had it with him? I shall have a case made for it with an inscription, and place it in the Library here, with your letter and the touching extract from his last to you. I have ordered, as you know, a Marble Bust of your dear Brother to be placed in the Corridor here, where so many Busts and Pictures of our greatest Generals and Statesmen are, and hope that you will see it before it is finished, to give your opinion as to the likeness. Believe me always, yours very sincerely, 1 The Bible here referred to was one used by my Brother for many years, and was his constant companion when at Gravesend, Galatz, and during his first sojourn in the Soudan; it was then so worn out that he gave it to me. Hearing that the Queen would like to see it, I forwarded it to Windsor Castle, and subsequently offered it to Her Majesty, who was graciously pleased to accept it. The Bible is now placed in the South Corridor in the private apartments, enclosed in an enamel and crystal case, called the "St. George's Casket," where it lies open on a white satin cushion, with a marble bust of General Gordon on a pedestal beside it. GENERAL GORDON'S LETTERS TO HIS SISTER. PEMBROKE, 1854-My dear Augusta, write another note like the last, when you have time, as I hope I have turned over a new leaf, and I should like you to give me some hope of being received. I got your very kind letter to-day, and am very much obliged to you for it. I have not had time to look out the texts, but will do so to-morrow. I am lucky in having a very religious captain of the 11th of the name of Drew; he has on the mantlepiece of his room the Priceless Diamond, which I read before yours arrived. I intend sending to you, as soon as possible, a book called The Remains of the Rev. R. McCheyne, which I am sure you will be delighted with. I told Drew to go to Mr. Molyneux; and he did so, and of course was highly pleased. I cannot write much in favour of our pastor, he is a worldly man, and does B not live up to his preaching; but I have got Scott's Commentaries. I remember well when you used to get them in numbers, and I used to laugh at them; but, thank God, it is different with me now. I feel much happier and more contented than I used to do. I did not like Pembroke, but now I would not wish for any prettier place. I have got a horse and gig, and Drew and myself drive all about the country. I hope my dear father and mother think of eternal things; can I do or say anything to either to do good? get my book, read the "Castaway." When you When I You know I never was confirmed. was a cadet, I thought it was a useless sin, as I did not intend to alter (not that it was in my power to be converted when I chose). I, however, took my first sacrament on Easter day,2 and have communed ever since. I am sure I do not wonder at the time you spent in your room, and the eagerness with which you catch at useful books-no novels or worldly books come up to the Sermons of McCheyne or the Commentaries of Scott. I am a great deal in the air, as my fort is nine miles off and I have to go down pretty often. It is a great blessing for me that in my profession I can be intimate with whom I like, and have not the same trials among my brother officers as those in a line regiment have. I ought not to say this, for "where sin aboundeth, 1 Nor was he ever confirmed. 2 16 April, 1854 China, 1862.-Gravesend, 1866. 3 grace aboundeth more fully"; but I am such a miserable wretch, that I should be sure to be led away. Dearest Augusta, pray for me, I beg of you. TAKU FORTS, 15 March, 1862.—The climate, work, and everything here suits me, and I am thankful to say I am happy both in mind and body. I have had a slight attack of small-poxit is not necessary to tell my mother this, as it will trouble her. I am glad to say that this disease has brought me back to my Saviour, and I trust in future to be a better Christian than I have been hitherto. GRAVESEND, 12 June, 1866.—I cannot help sending you one of Molyneux's sermons. I picked it out by what the world would call an accident, but by us it must be considered His Providence; it deals so aptly with the subject we had been talking of. We are so hampered by our carnal nature that it is not easy to speak as one should. I omitted one point I was anxious to mention, namely, the whole secret of our trouble is want of love to God. If we have it to Him, we shall find it impossible not to have it to others. I can say, for my part, that backbiting and envy were my delight, and even now often lead me astray, but, by dint of perseverance in prayer, God has given me the mastery to a great degree; I did not wish to give it up, so I besought Him to give me that wish; He did so, and then I had the promise of His fulfilment. I am sure this is our besetting sin; once overcome |