Page:Soldier's daughter, or, The history of Mary Jones.pdf/7

 care of my soul, and not to have been living, as though I expected never to die.

“Thank God for sparing you,’’ said Mary. “O, may he make his own word profitable to us both!’’

When evening came, Mary never failed to bring the bible, and read it for her father; nor did she cease entreating the Lord, to open his mind, that he might understand and receive the glorious truths it contains. When she had opportunity, she would with much humility speak a little on religious subjects, and her conduct so enforced her words, that her father soon began to love the bible as much as she did; for he learned from it, to rest all his hopes for eternity, on that mighty Saviour, from whom Mary drew all her peace and joy.

Mary’s school was soon filled with all the children of the neighbourhood; and Anne Browne came to live with her, to assist her in instructing them. This added greatly to Mary’s happiness. But about four years after, her joy was greatly interrupted by the illness and death of her father. Mary watched him night and day, while he was sick, and at length, saw him close his eyes in peace. She sorrowed for him, but “ not as those who have no hope,” for she looked forward to meeting him with joy before the throne of God, and joining with him to sing “ Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,” when the days of her mourning should also be ended.

Some time after, she married a farmer, whose property added to her industry, rendered them very comfortable, and able often to assist the needy, and whose instructive conversation strengthened her, and her friend Anne Browne, who remained with her in the faith and hope they had before received.

Mary lived many years, a blessing to her family and the neighbourhood. She had some trials, but her faith in Jesus, with the prospect of “an eternal weight of glory,’’ made her count them all but “light afflictions.”— Through God’s mercy, she endured to the end, in the ways of faith and holiness, and she died in peace, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, who hath conquered death.

Dear Reader—Permit a few words now to be addressed to yourself.—Perhaps you are not possessed of a bible. O! then endeavour to obtain one. If you were con-