The Good Brother and Sister.
Jacob Bicks was a native of Leyden, in Holland, and born in the year 1657. His parents were religious, and gave strict attention to his early education, and their efforts were rewarded. He became tenderly conscientious, and in all his conduct sought to obey them and please God.
When the plague raged in Holland, in 1664, he was seized with the fatal infection. At first he seemed drowsy and lethargic, but during his waking intervals, was observed to be engaged in prayer.
"This," said he, "gives me comfort in my distress."
Perceiving that he suffered pain, he was asked if he would like again to see the physician.
"No," he earnestly answered, "I wish to have him no more. The Lord will help me, for I well know that He is about to take me to himself."
"Dear child," said his father, "this grieves us to the heart."
"Father," answered the meek sufferer, "let us pray. The Lord will be near for my helper."
After prayer, he spoke with a stronger and more joyful voice, his parting words,
"Come now, father and mother, come and kiss me, I feel that I am to die. Farewell, dear parents, farewell, dear sister, farewell all. Now shall I go to heaven, and to the holy angels. Remember ye not what is said by Jeremiah, 'Blessed is he who trusteth in the Lord.' I trust in Him, and lo! he blesseth me. 'Little children, love not the world, for it passeth away.' Away then with the pleasant things of the world, away with my toys, away with my books, in heaven I shall have a sufficiency of the true wisdom without them."