18 LITTLE ANN. [18 thirty people, she read a chapter, and then engaged in prayer, with such solemnity as quite to engage the attention, and bring down the veneration and love of the whole house upon her. On the Sabbath-days such of these poor people as were able and disposed to go, went to Ann’s church, and sat together in the chancel, where, if possible, one of her parents attended with them, to maintain order, and to direct them to the various parts of the service. But this post of instruction and superintendance often fell on little Ann. And so pleased were the poor people to have her there, that they frequently requested, as a favour, that she might, sit with them. Nor were they more happy in having her among them than she was in being so employed. “ It is surprising,” said her mother, “ how the poor people got on whenever Ann was with them.” But her Christian labours did not end here. Among those admitted from time to time, into the poor-house, there were people of various characters and circumstances ; and Ann seemed to be always on the look-out for access to the ignorant and unhappy, with a view of instructing their minds, and comforting their hearts, Many instances of this nature might be brought forward, but I shall only mention two. Some time ago poor unhappy Jane----- was admitted into the poorhouse, and became the object of dear Ann’s unwearied attentions. The history of this poor magdalen may be comprised in a few words. And, if it is set forth, it must be drawn in dark colours. Vanity, dress, and a love of pleasure, had turned her mind from the paths of virtue and honest labour. The world enticed her, evil men tempted her, and Satan, and her own fallen nature hurried her soul down the broad road of destruction, until she became the poor abandoned streetwalker, and quite lost all fear of God, and all sense of shame among men. She had learned to read when a child, but as to a knowledge of Christ Jesus, as the Saviour of sir.ners, or of her own lost case, and eternal misery without his salvation, these were subjects of which she knew nothing until little Ann became her
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