Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

382 LIFE OF COL. BLACKADEH. CHAP. XVI.
chain of our rich experiences. Let us be always
found in the way of duty. We were very lucky in
the trenches yesterday, for we had not a man hurt all
the time ; only in the coming out Serjeant Allan got
a shot somewhat like mine at Hochstet. We go in
on Friday or Saturday next, and all I hope shall go
well. Our regiment having marched into the besieg-
ing army, Sutton's has taken our post in the line.
Our batteries begin to-morrow, and it is hoped the
siege will not be long.
I shall not fail to make you easy by writing as fre-
quently as I can, especially when we come out of the
trenches. You should think us well out of the cover-
ing army, for the French give out that they will come
and relieve the town. You have no reason to be
alarmed about us, for though that misfortune hap-
pened to our predecessors, yet we that come in their
place are in no more danger that way, than any of the
forty battalions that are here ; and, indeed, now our
trenches and works are so advanced, that the French
cannot now make any sorties as they did at the be-
ginning. Providence disposes of us and of our lot as
is best for us ; times of thoughtfulness and a rod
above our heads, are much better than a constant tract
of sunshine. Our natures and our graces do require
a sharp winter as well as a warm summer, to nip and
kill our corruptions and lusts, which otherwise would
spoil and quite eat out all the power of religion and
grace. I am altogether persuaded of this, and there-
fore bless God for my lot, that I am obliged to a life
of faith, and a humble needy dependence upon a com-
plete Saviour ; for it is a wonder to see, when we are
without rods and crosses, how dead, careless, and