Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/135

Rh wise and merciful purpoſes, ſuffered her to be afflicted, ſupported her under her trials; thereby calling forth the exerciſe of thoſe virtues with which He had adorned her gentle ſoul; and imparting to her a degree of heart-felt comfort, which no earthly bleſſing could afford."

This amiable parent died when Anna was near eighteen, and left her to the care of her father, whose high ſpirit she had imbibed. However, the religious principles which her mother had inſtilled regulated her notions of honour, and ſo elevated her character, that her heart was regulated by her underſtanding.

Her father, who had inſenſibly involved himself in debt, after her mother's death, tried many different ſchemes of life, all of which at firſt wore a promising aspect; but wanting that ſuppleneſs of temper, that enables people to riſe in the world, his ſtruggles, inſtead of extricating, ſunk him still deeper. Wanting alſo the ſupport of religion, he became ſour, eaſily irritated, and almoſt hated a world whoſe applauſe he Rh