Page:Young cottager, or, An account of Jane Seymour, the daughter of ignorant and irreligiuos parents.pdf/2



ANEwas the daughter of poor parents in the village where it pleased God first to cast my lot in the ministry. My acquaintance with her commenced when she was twelve years of age, by her weekly attendance at my house amongst a number of children whom I invited, and regularly instructed, every Saturday evening.

They used to read, repeat catechisms, psalms, hymns, and portions of Scripture. I accustomed them also to pass examination, according to their age and ability, in those subjects, by which I hoped to see them wise unto salvation.

On the summer evenings, I frequently used to assemble this little group out of doors in my garden, sitting under the shade of some trees, which protected us from the heat of the sun From hence a scene appeared, which rendered my occupation the more interesting. For, adjoining the spot where we sat, and only separated from us by a fence, was the church-yard, surrounded with beautiful prospects in every direction.

Little Jane used constantly to appear on these weekly seasons of instruction. I made no very particular observations concerning her during the first twelve months or more after her first commencement of attendance. She was not then remarkable for any peculiar attainment. On th