15] UTTLE ASST. 15 she feared to be left alone, and dared not go into any dark room. But the grace of God, which bringeth salvation to the soul, does, often, bring a sweet composure, and holy courage to the mind ’ in other matters; this little Ann experienced. Indeed, it was in this deliverance from all her former terrors that the power of divine grace was first visibly displayed in her. She was not more than seven years old, when, one evening, her elder sister observed her go up stairs just as the night commenced. This was so unusual a thing for Ann to do, that it excited the other’s surprise; but that surprise was increased and changed into fear, when she found, that Ann continued a good half hour alone, and without any candle; she, therefore, went up stairs and inquired where and how she was, and what she was doing? when it was discovered that Ann was on her knees engaged in prayer. Finding this to be the case, the sister merely asked her whether she would not have alight, to which Ann replied, “No; I am not afraid of being alone now—I like it.” After awhile, she came down and mixed with the family; when the conversation turning on the subject of prayer, Ann told them that there was one particular verse of a hymn which she had always said as a part of her private prayers. On being asked what it was, she repeated the following lines: u Lord, teach a little child to pray “ Thy grace betimes impart,
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