ed and godly man, gladly availed himself
of the opportunity. Besides conversing with James on spiritual matters,
he was of great comfort to Mary by the kindly affection with which he
treated her. One afternoon when the old man's weakness was sensibly
increased, James requested Mary to leave the room for a moment that he
might have private conversation with the minister. After a little
while, he called her in again, and said--

"My dear child, I have settled all my worldly affairs, and am now ready
to depart and be with Christ."

Mary was deeply distressed, and had great difficulty in keeping back
her tears, for she saw that the end was rapidly approaching. But out of
consideration for her father, and after a great effort, she recovered
herself, and remained calm.

The rest of the day was spent by James in silent prayer, and next day
he received the Lord's Supper at the hands of the minister, by
partaking of the bread and wine which are the symbols of the body and
blood of Christ. Faith in the power of God, love to Christ who had
redeemed him, and hope of eternal life, had made his venerable
countenance radiant with happiness.

Mary remained on her knees beside his bed, weeping and praying. The
farmer and his wife and their household looked on in wonder at the
rapture of the aged saint, and tears of sympathy were in every eye
because of Mary's grief.

It gave the old man pleasure to have Mary read to him in her sweet and
clear voice. During the latter part of his illness he desired to hear
nothing else than the last words and prayer of Jesus. One night, after
all the household had gone to bed, Mary was sitting beside her father.
The moon was shining so brightly into the room that the light of the
candle was scarcely seen.

"Mary," said the dying man, "read me once again that beautiful prayer
of our Saviour."

Mary began to read. "Now," said the old man, "give me the book." Mary
gave him the book, and carried the light nearer to him. "This will be
the last prayer," said her father, "that I shall make for you," as he
marked the passage with his finger, then in a trembling voice he
uttered the following prayer: "O Father, I have not long to remain in
this world. I am going--I dare hope it--I am going to Thee, my heavenly
Father. Oh, preserve this my child from sin, for Thy Name's sake. While
I have lived on the earth, I have endeavoured in Thy name to preserve
her from it. But, O Lord, I am now going to Thee. I do