17} LITTLE ANN. 37 actions of this child, we have the surest authority to say, and truest evidence to prove, that as she advanced in days, so she continued to grow in grace, and in the knowledge and love of God, her Saviour. The parish in which she resided was large and populous, consequently, the poor house had always within its walls a great number of people, who, from unavoidable misfortunes, the infirmities of old age, or their own improper conduct, were reduced to such circumstances as to make them glad to seek a refuge, and to find an asylum beneath its cover. And it is a pleasing thing to say, that there the forlorn and destitute did find, not only those comforts which their bodies required, but they also found means of grace and spiritual instruction for their souls. Once in every week the minister of the parish expounded a portion of Scripture to them, and every evening a chapter and a suitable prayer were read, by the mistress of the house, before the inmates retired to rest. Sometimes, however, it would happen that illness or other unavoidable duties prevented the mistress from taking the lead in the evening domestic worship. It then, of course, became necessary to look round for a substitute to perform this duty. And who do you think was selected for this purpose ? Not any of the elder branches of the family or household : but little Ann was the honoured individual of their choice, who regularly, on all these occasions, went into the large room, and there, in the midst of from twenty to 4
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