20 LITTLE AN”X. [20 her labours in vain; for, after a while, Jane’s affections were so far won by her kind and youthful teacher, that she listened, with all submission and attention, to her readings and explanations. To little Ann she would tell all, that was proper to be told, of her past wicked life, and of her present hopes and fears, as to obtaining mercy from God. As her bodily pains and weakness increased, there is room to hope that the work of real repentance toward God, and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, advanced in her soul; at all events, she now requested the attendance of the visiting clergyman, to whom she, from time to time, unreservedly confessed, and feelingly lamented, her past life; and in that state she died, and her spirit was summoned into the presence of a righteous Judge, and a merciful Saviour. While an inmate of the poor-house, she had obtained a Bible, and had, through grace, learned to esteem it as her best and most valuable possession. This richest of all her earthly treasures she, on her dying bed, bequeathed to her best and most beloved earthly friend, little Ann, as a token of affection, and as a lasting testimony of the good she had received from her. But now the teacher, as well as the learner, is in a world where the written word is no longer required, nor the aids and helps of a fellow-creature needful to show us our sins, or to urge on us the necessity and privilege of flying to Jesus for mercy and peace. They enjoy that mercy and that peace in its full measure, for they behold their Saviour face to face.
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