MY attention was drawn to a young girl of fifteen years of age, who was assisted into the room where the gospel was preached in the village of B.
A. was an orphan, but happy in being adopted by an uncle and aunt, with whom she resided. They had no children of their own.
The husband gained his livelihood from employment in lead mines which were worked in the neighborhood. How wonderful are the affections and instincts of nature! This friendless little girl, for such she was when she first found a home with these' relatives, had a warm place in their hearts. They certainly doted upon her. Her face was interesting, her disposition ingenuous and sanguine. Their care of this niece reflected credit on their character, and the poor child repaid them with grateful love.
But about this time she was affected with a swelling in the knee. Medical skill was unable to remove it, and she fell into a decline. It pleased God, however, to reveal His Son in her, and she looked with tranquility of mind to her departure from this world. Poor girl! death, which pays no respect to persons, soon severed the knot which bound her to, earth. The silver cord was being loosed; yet how sweet, whilst heart and flesh failed, to see her daily growth in the apprehension of the grace of God to her in JESUS, the Strength of her heart, and her Portion forever!
As long as she could bear the strain, she was carried to the meetings. Well do I recall the smile of satisfaction with which she welcomed a visit, while at her side lay her well used Bible and hymn-book. The tenderness, too, of her relatives! The tears on the face of the strong miner! His heart prompted him to use every effort to restore her to health, and it was with reluctance that affection relinquished all hopes of recovery.
The love of JESUS, however, sustained her. Her future was bright. The present affliction was but for a moment. Unspeakable blessing! Survivors were well-nigh crushed with grief to think of youth and beauty so soon decayed. The sufferer alone was rejoicing in her prospects. Blessed Lord Jesus! when all else has failed to encourage, Thou dolt gild the death-bed of faith with the prospect of glory. The bereaved draw their comfort from the assurance that Thou halt taken those they loved to Thine arms. The departed looked forward, and found Thee at hand to welcome!
Poor A. fell asleep in Jesus; and now she waits, with a throng of redeemed ones, until He comes to take His great power and reign.
J. W.