him, as he has been to me. He is a
wild boy, but I hope he will be brought to think about his soul in time.
Those naughty, wicked boys teach him to swear and fight, and run after
all manner of evil. Lord, help him to flee from the wrath to come!"

I made a sign to the boy to listen to what his sister said concerning
him. He seemed to hear with attention, and a tear dropped down his
cheek.

"Ay, Jenny, it is to be hoped he will, and that we shall all likewise."

"Mother, then you must flee to Christ. Nothing you can do will save you
without that. You must repent and turn from sin: without the grace of
God you cannot do it; but seek, and you shall find it. Do, for your own
sake, and for my sake, and my little brother's sake."

The woman wept and sobbed without replying. I now thought it time to
appear, went to the bottom of the stairs, and said, "May a friend come
up?"

"Mercy on me!" said the mother, "there is Mr. ---"

"Come in, sir," said Jane; "I am very glad you are come _now_. Mother,
set a chair."

The woman looked confused. Jane smiled as I entered, and welcomed me as
usual.

"I hope I shall be forgiven, both by mother and daughter, for having
remained so long below stairs, during the conversation which has just
taken place. I came in the hope of finding you together, as I have had a
wish for some time past to speak to you, Sarah, on the same subjects
about which, I am happy to say, your daughter is so anxious. You have
long neglected these things, and I wished to warn you of the danger of
your state; but Jenny has said all I could desire, and I now solemnly ask
you, whether you are not much affected by your poor child's faithful
conversation? You ought to have been _her_ teacher and instructor in the
ways of righteousness, whereas she has now become _yours_. Happy,
however, will it be for you if you are wise, and consider your latter
end, and the things which belong to your peace, before they are hidden
from your eyes! Look at your dying child, and think of your other and
only remaining one, and say whether this sight does not call aloud upon
you to hear and fear."

Jane's eyes were filled with tears whilst I spoke. The woman hung her
head down, but betrayed some emotions of dislike at the plain dealing
used towards her.

"My child, Jenny," said I, "how are you to-day?"

"Sir, I have been talking a good deal, and feel rather faint and weary,
but my mind has been very easy and happy si