"Reach me that prayer-book, and the cup and plate. My dear friends, I
will now, with God's blessing, partake with you in the holy communion of
our Lord's body and blood."

The time was sweet and solemn. I went through the sacramental service.

The countenance and manner of the child evinced powerful feelings. Tears
mingled with smiles--resignation brightened by hope--humility animated by
faith--a child-like modesty adorned with the understanding of a riper
age--gratitude, peace, devotion, patience--all these were visible. I
thought I distinctly saw them all--and did _I_ alone see them? Is it too
much to say that other created beings, whom I could not behold with my
natural eyes, were witnesses of the scene?

If ministering angels do ascend and descend with glad tidings between
earth and heaven, I think they did so then.

When I had concluded the service, I said,--

"Now, my dear Jane, you are indeed become a sister in the Church of
Christ. May his Spirit and blessing rest upon you, strengthen and
refresh you!"

"My mercies are great, very great, sir; greater than I can express. I
thank you for this favour--I thought I was too young--it seemed too much
for me to think of; but I am now sure the Lord is good to me, and I hope
I have done right."

"Yes, Jenny; and I trust you are both outwardly and inwardly _sealed_ by
the Holy Ghost to the day of redemption."

"Sir, I shall never forget this day."

"Neither, I think, shall I."

"Nor I," said the good old woman; "sure the Lord has been in the midst of
us three to-day, while we have been gathered together in his name."

"Sir," said the child, "I wish you could speak to my mother when you come
again. But she keeps out of your sight. I am so grieved about her soul,
and I am afraid she cares nothing at all about it herself."

"I hope I shall have an opportunity the next time I come. Farewell, my
child."

"Good-bye, sir; and I thank you for all your kindness to me."

"Surely," I thought within myself as I left the cottage, "this young bud
of grace will bloom beauteously in paradise! The Lord transplant her
thither in his own good time. Yet, if it be his will, may she live a
little longer, that I may further profit by her conversation and
example!"

Possibly, some who peruse these simple records of poor little Jane may
wish the same. If it be so, we will visit her again before she departs
hence and is no more seen.

PART V.

Jane was h