scenery, with the broad expanse of ocean stretching far beyond. Although immediate danger was not apprehended, her state of debility, and often of suffering, caused intense anxiety to her parents, and no means were left untried that might tend to her restoration. "A happy New Year, dear Amy," said her papa, as, two hours later, he found her reclining on her couch, now drawn up to the bright fire, for the day was cold and stormy. "Thank you, papa," she said, quietly; but there was a weary look on her pale face that touched him. 'You scarcely think it possible that it should be a happy one, do you, dear ? " "O! papa," she sighed, as if in pain, while the tears started to her eyes; 'not while I I-." "Not while you suffer so, you would say, my darling. Pain and weakness are hard to bear; but you know who has appointed them, and that all must be in love and mercy. 'He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.' Do you not believe that, my Amy ?" "Yes, papa, I know; but that does not make it easier, perhaps it ought, but-" She paused, and sighed wearily. "Do you not think that your Heavenly Father has some design in thus afflicting you?" he asked, gently. Possibly you had forgotten that this was not always to be your home." She looked up in a little surprise, as scarcely comprehending. "Listen, my dearest. Suppose a traveller compelled to take a perilous journey, which must be accomplished in one short day. The path is, in many places, steep and dangerous; he is unacquainted with the route, and knows not what dangers he may have to encounter ; but is well aware that unless he puts forth vigorous effort, he must fail to reach his destination. Should you blame him, or not, if, coming to some leafy enclosure, he should throw himself on the green turf, and taking no note of time, listlessly enjoy the present, utterly regardless of the declining day, and of the clouds gathering on the distant hills, portending a coming tempest?" "I see what you mean, papa," said Amy. "Our life," continued Mr. N——, is not given us for purposes of mere amusement, or even that we may brighten the lot of others, or for our own intellectual improvement and enjoyment-though all these are important; but for the one great object of preparation for another life; a life that has no termination. We are very apt to forget this, and in infinite mercy, our Heavenly Father shadows our earthly prospects, and sends us sorrow and affliction, giving us more fully to realize that this is not our rest. Would it be a proof of love to permit us to become absorbed and satisfied with earthly things, however pleasant, and to lose sight of that eternity to which time is rapidly bearing us?" Amy was a thoughtful and intelligent child, and she fully understood her father's remarks. Her eyes were full of tears as she looked up to him. kissed her. "You did not think you were forgotten, did you, dear?" said he, as he took from his pocket a little Bible, beautifully bound, and presented it to her. "Here is your New-Year's gift, my love. May it be a blessing and solace, as well as a guide to you, and prove the means of your realizing a very happy New Year." "O, papa, how beautiful! And this is my own ? thank you, thank you, dear papa!” "Shall we ask Him who has condescended to let us know His will, to enlighten our minds, so that we may be enabled to 'read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest' these sacred truths ?" Amy looked assent; and Mr. N- offered up a prayer, full of intense feeling for his suffering child, asking that this affliction might be sanctified, so that she might be prepared for life or death. He then left her. A "I have not thought of it in this way, dear papa," ," she said; "I am afraid I have been mur- Amy lay for some time wrapmuring and repining, instead of ped in thought; for mamma was being thankful. But Clara and engaged with baby, and the Willie seemed so happy this other children were enjoying morning, and so proud of their themselves in the nursery. New-Year's gifts, that I felt it new light seemed to have broken very hard to lie here, and not be in upon her. The “still small able to share in their pleasures. voice" of the good Spirit was I see I was wrong, papa. I am revealing her sin and danger; very sorry." her need of something more Mr. N- stooped down and than earth could supply to make her fit for heaven, and she longed to come to Him who alone could renew and save her. As days and weeks passed on, her anxiety became more intense, her prayers more fervent, until, at last, she saw the simple way of faith in the Redeemer, and could rest in unwavering trust on the world's Atonement. Dear Amy! it was well for her that she took refuge in the arms of Jesus; that in the days of her youth she sought and found the Saviour; for many months, days and nights of weariness were appointed to her. But she did not murmur. "I do not know how it is, but I am so happy," she often said; while her beaming smile, the index of her heartfelt peace and enjoyment, was a cordial to her fond but sorrowing parents. Her little Bible was her constant companion and counsellor, and from its hallowed pages she was taught how to live and how to die. Thus month after month passed away. Amy was gradually declining, but she had been so long an invalid that her friends still hoped even against hope, that she might yet be spared to them. The winter was unusually severe, and as the fierce blasts of December swept through the leafless clumps of lindens and acacias that surrounded the dwelling, she shrank so much from the cold, that it was thought advisable to keep her entirely in her own chamber. Still she was so bright and cheerful, that no one thought the end so near. For the last few days Mrs. N- had been much engaged in attending to her babe, who was seized with a sudden attack of illness. Little Nellie was eighteen months old; her sister's special pet and favourite, and her merry laugh had often enlivened the sick chamber. But now she was prostrate with fever, unconscious of all, save suffering; and her low moans greatly distressed the feeble invalid in the adjoining apartment. "Mamma, I cannot, cannot bear it," she murmured, as Mrs. N strove to soothe and com fort her. "My darling, it will soon be over." "Is she so ill? O mamma, how selfish I am! It is you who need comfort; do forgive me." And she threw her arms round her mother's neck, greatly distressed. "Let me look at her once more, mamma. I can bear it, indeed I can," she continued earnestly, seeing Mrs. N's Mrs. N could not refuse, and little Nellie was brought in. With a strong effort Amy strove to control her feelings, and only murmured, “Darling Nellie! how I love you! We shall soon meet again." Mrs. N-felt too much to be able to speak. An hour later, and little Nellie had gone up to the spirit land. The shock was great to all: but now all fears and cares were concentrated on Amy, who was rapidly sinking. A sudden change for the worse had taken place, and a few hours would decide the matter. So the doctor had said. Mr. and Mrs. N— watched anxiously beside her through the night, but she did not rally. Towards morning she looked up with her own bright smile, and said, “Papa, it has been a happy, happy year; but the next, O, the next will be happier! No pain; no sorrow; light; peace!" An expression of rapture was on her pale but still lovely face. They were her last words. In another moment she had joined her angel-sister in the better land. O Lord our God, grace to us give To seize the moments as they fly; And fit our souls for Thee to live, Or meet our Saviour-Judge on high: Our earthly race, be't long or short, We'll spend for Thee,-for Thee our days; And when from time we must depart, In heavenly climes we'll sing Thy praise. |