nce I last saw you. I am
quite willing to die, when the Lord sees fit. I have no wish to live
except it be to see my friends in a better way before I depart. Sir, I
used to be afraid to speak to them; but I feel to-day as if I could hold
my peace no longer, and I must tell them what the Lord has done for my
soul, and what I feel for theirs."

There was a firmness, I may say a dignity with which this was uttered
that surprised me. The character of the child seemed to be lost in that
of the Christian; her natural timidity yielded to a holy assurance of
manner resulting from her own inward consolations, mingled with spiritual
desire for her mother's welfare. This produced a flush upon her
otherwise pallid countenance, which in no small degree added to her
interesting appearance. The Bible lay open before her as she sat up in
the bed. With her right hand she enclosed her mother's.

"Mother, this book _you_ cannot read; you should therefore go constantly
to church, that you may hear it explained. It is God's book, and tells
us the way to heaven; I hope you will learn and mind it; with God's
blessing it may save your soul. Do think of that, mother, pray do. I am
soon going to die. Give this Bible to my brother; and will you be so
kind, sir, as to instruct him? Mother, remember what I say, and this
gentleman is witness: there is no salvation for sinners like you and me
but in the blood of Christ; he is able to save to the uttermost; he will
save all that come to him; he waits to be gracious: cast yourself upon
his mercy. I wish--I wish--I--I--I--"

She was quite overcome, and sank away in a kind of fainting fit.

Her mother observed, that she would now probably remain insensible for
some time before she recovered.

I improved this interval in a serious address to the woman, and then
prepared to take my departure, perceiving that Jane was too much
exhausted for further conversation at that time.

As I was leaving the room, the child said faintly, "Come again soon, sir;
my time is very short."

I returned home by the same retired road which I had before chosen. I
silently meditated on the eminent proofs of piety and faith which were
just afforded me in the scene I had witnessed.

Surely, I thought, this is an extraordinary child! What cannot grace
accomplish? Is it possible to doubt after this, _who_ is the alone
Author and Finisher of salvation; or from _whom_ cometh every good and
perfect gift? How ri