Page:Soldier's daughter, or, The history of Mary Jones.pdf/5

 Anne.—The gospel is addressed to “’’—Mark xvi. 15.—When God declares that “All the world is guilty before him.” These words of condemnation apply as much to you and I, as though we only had broken God’s law; and when he sends a message of mercy, which is good news to “” and declares “Whosoever believeth on the Son of God, shall not perish, but have everlasting life,” we are a much addressed in these words of peace, as though our very names were mentioned. Oh! then dear Mary, doubt not the many gracious declarations of free mercy, with which this blessed book abounds; but take it yourself, and read over the passages I have mentioned to you, for I must leave you, as I have some business to attend to.

Mary made no reply, for her heart was full. When Anne left the room, she took the bible, and read it with great delight for some time. Never before, had Mary found pleasure in prayer. Now, for the first time she approached God in sincerity, through Jesus, pleading his death, as the only reason why God should regard her guilty soul in mercy. She lay down to rest that night, happier than she had ever been in her life, and her heart filled with grateful joy, saying, “What shall 1 render to the Lord for all his benefits?”

Mary found a faithful friend in Anne Browne.—They both rose every morning an hour earlier than the rest of of the servants, that they might read the scriptures together, without neglecting their business. This they found both pleasant and profitable. The fruits of the doctrine she had received, were soon seen on Mary Jones. Her temper had been so bad, that Mrs. Ford, her mistress, had intended parting with her, on account of it. Now the children all grew fond of her, for she grew mild and indulgent to them. Whenever she felt her evil passions rising, she would secretly ask the Lord to enable her to overcome them, which she now knew she could not do in her own strength.

Mrs. Ford perceived the change, and though she then knew not the cause, was satisfied with it.

About two years after this, Mary received a letter from her father, telling her that his leg had been shot off in an engagement, and he had therefore got his discharge,