THE PEASANT'S DAUGHTER. A TRUE STORY. ELLEN was the youngest daughter of a peasant who lived in a cottage situated on the bank of the river Shannon. In the year 1819, a Sunday School was opened in the neighbourhood, Ellen became an attendant, and was never known to be absent, unless prevented by sickness or some necessary cause. In the following year, a daily school was likewise established, which she also attended, and from her regularity and good conduct, she not only gained the esteem of her instructors, but was a favourite with every one who knew her. The progress which Ellen made in learning, and in the knowledge of God's holy word, was considerable; all her leisure time was spent in the improvement of her mind; the Bible was her constant study, particularly when at home; and being aware of the duty she owed to her dear parents she did all in her power to make them some return: her little brothers also were partakers of her anxious care, and she gave much of her time to their instruction. Though Ellen spent much time in reading the Bible, her parents were not displeased with her, for they were persuaded from the comfort and blessing she proved to them, that she was right in seeking after that knowledge which passeth not away, Often would she say, when asked to do any thing in the house, "Do let me first read this delightful promise of a loving Saviour, then any thing you wish, I'll do in a moment." In the Autumn of the year 1820, having felt the importance of that knowledge which she had attained by her attendance at the Sunday school, she told her young friends and companions who lived near her, that it was her intention (with God's assistance) to devote part of each evening to the instruction of such children as would come to her father's cabin. The invitation was accepted with delight-numbers flocked round her parent's fireside. Many of the poor children who had trifled away their time, and anxiously looked for the approach of night, that they might retire to rest, or join in some idle amusement, now awaited the evening, that they might go and receive instruction, and here the word of him who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." But the good that Ellen did was not confined to children, for several persons, advanced in years, commenced the alphabet with her, and received much benefit from her instructions. Thus passed many an happy evening, profitable to the young children, as also to many of the aged, who went to learn, and to see what was going forward in this little school. In the latter end of September, 1822, Ellen complained of a great pain in her side, and every succeeding day brought fresh symptoms of growing disease. When her illness became generally known, the anxious inquiries of the ladies of the village were constant; and they offered up their humble prayers, that if it pleased the giver of life and health, she might be restored to them again, and if not, that her “light afflictions might work for her a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." In the latter way their prayers were answered: no more was she to assist in educating her fellow-beings, or to go to that school where first she learned that she was a sinner, and that Christ Jesus was an Almighty Saviour. Her course on earth was almost run; an eternal habitation was prepared for her, where soon, in company with saints and angels, she was to join in singing the praises of redeeming love. While Ellen's illness continued, her decline became every day more visible, yet in her mind there was no change nor fear; through all, she remained firm and unshaken, holding in view the promises of a blessed Saviour: and knowing that if her "earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved," God, in his gracious mercy, would give her "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Death had no terror for her: often would she , in the words of the Psalmist, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." When any of her school companions called to see her, she advised them, and would ask them to read for her. On one occasion, some of her neighbours came to see her, one of whom said, Ellen, there is no use in thinking so much about religion, there is no occasion for it, as we shall all go to heaven when we die. God never intended that any of his creatures should be lost. If you give up your folly in poring over your Bible and attending those schools, and once more join us in our amusements, you will get well." But Ellen was not to be thus drawn away from her hope in Christ. She told them, with the greatest firmness, the sinful state in which all are born, and in which almost all live, and what must be the fate of every human being, who neglects the only Saviour of sinners. She pointed out plainly and fully, that our being called by his name will not save us-that we must have our hearts changed by his Holy Spirit, so that we shall hate sin and love holiness. She declared what that Redeemer had done for her soul, and what he could and would do for every repentant sinner, and that for herself, she should be the most ungrateful of beings, if she would now listen to what her mistaken friend had "No," said she; just said. as long as I have life I will praise and bless him for his mercies to people, and to my latest breath will I bless 66 which Sunday schools were first established." me and all the day on Death was From this period, Ellen felt convinced of her approaching change, yet it had no effect on her mind. disarmed of his sting. Christ to her was every thing: on his gracious mercy alone she depended. The following promise supported her when in the greatest agony;"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Oh! what happiness the true believer enjoys at the hour of deatha happiness that all the riches, honours, and interest of ten thousand worlds could not bestow. Then it is the hardened infidel plainly sees and feels the truth of that religion he has so often slighted ;-then it is that he is convinced of his ingratitude to God, and of his folly in supposing death to be far away, or religion to be in vain. Oh, my dear reader, unless you give up all other hopes of salvation, and come by true faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you must assuredly perish, for the word of God declares, that there is salvation in none other, (Acts. iv. 12;) and oh! let me entreat you, as you value your immortal soul, not to neglect so great salvation. Remember the Bible calls on you this moment, and tells you, "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. vi. 2. Let me entreat you now to begin-delay not—this moment may be the happiest of your life, if you now determine to come to Christ with all your heart: for those that come unto him he will in no wise cast out. John vi. 37. The remains of Ellen were carried to the churchyard of J, attended by persons of all ranks, together with all the Sunday school children. When the coffin was lowered into the grave, many tears were shed and while some deplored the sin of our first parents, which brought death into the world; many glorified God, who gave his beloved Son to redeem them from the bondage of sin and the grave. Soon was the coffin which contained the lifeless body of the once blooming Ellen, hid in the earth from every human eye. There shall her ashes remain, till Christ shall come in power and great glory. Then shall the spirits of the just made perfect, already happy in the Redeemer's presence, return with him to share his triumphs, and again take possession of their bodies, which shall be raised from a state of weakness and corruption, into one of power, immortality, and glory. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory." Well may the people of the Lord say, "O Death where is thy sting ?—O Grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." PLAIN REMARKS ON THE PSALMS. Psalm xxxi. It is supposed that David wrote this Psalm to encourage himself and his friends, when he was in danger of being seized by Saul. It derives especial interest from having furnished to our Saviour the words with which he surrendered his soul to his Father, at the close of his sufferings on the cross. There is a very fervent spirit of faith and love contained in them; and it is worthy of remark, that they were prefaced on that solemn occasion, with the endearing appellation-"Father;" an expression, be it remarked, not used in general by the saints in the Old Testament. But we may call to mind an important passage, bearing on this very appellation, in Psalm lxxxix. 26, 27, which has reference to the anointed of the Lord. "He shall cry unto me, thou art my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation: also I will make him my first-born." This opens before us the consideration of Christ Jesus as the first-born among many brethren in whom we, by the spirit of adoption, call upon God as Abba Father. "The Redeemer (says an able writer) did not die under darkness. His latest moments were those of peace and communion, not of perturbation and estrangement. The Christian's heart rejoices to know |