"Do you deem it so sad a thing to die ?" "It is wrong, I know, to regard it thus, Mr.Howard," replied Ellen; "but yet, to leave all those we love on earth, to sever the tender cords of affection binding us unto this world, must be, even to the strongest and most pious minds, a draught of bitterness." "Do not, my dear children," said Mr.Howard, "imagine I deem it wrong to indulge in earthly affections.

Far from it; they are given us to sweeten life, to draw our hearts in thanksgiving to him who gave them, and thus indulged are pleasing unto Him.

And how did you find poor Nanny to-day ?" he added, after a brief pause.
"Suffering very much in body, but in a blessed state of mind," replied Ellen, "which she greatly attributed to you; for she told me, before my aunt discovered them and placed them where they now are, before she saw you, death was a trouble awful in anticipation.

She had ever tried to do her duty in life, to remember her Maker in her youth, and believed that she had succeeded; but when she knew that she must die, all appeared changed; the aspect of death was different, when seemingly at a distance to that which it presented when near at hand.

She longed for some minister of the Lord to pray for her, to comfort her in those moments when suffering prevented serious thoughts, and it was affecting to hear her bless that charity which had not only placed her soul under your guidance, but provided also so many bodily comforts." "And you have been exercising the duties of the ministry before you have donned your gown, my dear Herbert," said Mr.Howard, glancing approvingly on his young friend.