LITTLE ANN. 5 5J of ever-greens, to dress out their windows, and to adorn their chimney-pieces for the approaching Christ- mas-day; while others were buying or selling these innocent and ancient tokens of joy. The gay and fashionable were either walking abroad for recreation and amusement, or hurrying on to their respective mansions ; while not a few, of common-place character, and more ordinary pursuits, were intent on their respective business, or hastening homeward to plain fire-side enjoyments, in the bosom of their less elegant, but oft-times more happy families. Each and all of them seemed intent on some object connected with the present hour. Few or none appeared to be ruminating on the shortness of time, or the vanities of this world! Few seemed to have eternity before them, or to be aware of the interesting life and approaching death of Little Ann ; they entered not into her joys, nor did they partake of her sorrows. The greater part of them had never heard her name pronounced; much less did they know how the Lord was conducting her through this vale of tribulation toward the kingdom of heaven. But this was of no consequence. He who clothes the grass of the field, and provides for the fowls of the air, had given this child food and raiment, and having these, she was therewith content and happy; her young, but enlightened mind, had been enabled to discover the pearl of great price; and her soul had grasped it as her own inestimable treasure. The Lord Jesus had given unto her his peace, and the world could not increase or take it away. Hence she could well forego all the attentions and sympathies of the vain and busy tribes of men ; of that world which know not God, nor love his Son Jesus Christ. After awhile we reached the dwelling place of Little Ann. On entering the first room from the street, the couch of the sick child immediately presented itself. It had been brought into that apartment, and placed in one corner, not far from the grate, that she might enjoy the warmth of the fire, and the constant presence and assistance of some of the family. So far all was
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