In their days of prosperity, they had forgotten to give thanks. They mourned together over the sinfulness which had led them far away from real happiness; and then in infinite compassion, their elder brother, their Saviour appeared to comfort them. The gracious spirit suggested words of cheer: "Return unto me, and I will return unto you."
By the bedside of their sick and apparently dying child, they renewedly consecrated themselves and all that they had, to the service of their Saviour. They bowed in sweet submission to the will of God. They cried indeed "Spare her, Lord," but from the heart they added, "if such be thy holy will."
And a merciful God did spare the child. She was gradually restored to perfect health. From this time her parents commenced a new life. They were constant at church. They took classes in the Sunday school. They visited the poor and afflicted. They did all in their power to stay up the hands of their faithful pastor.
All the energy and activity they had before displayed in the invention of new pleasures were now employed for the good of those about them. They were indeed a blessing in society; and in blessing others, they received a rich reward in their own hearts. One glance into the serene countenance of Mrs. Morgan showed that her soul was at peace.
Sickness and sorrow might come as it comes to every one; but she felt that all events for her were ordered by a Father's hand. Emily was their one treasure, spared to them from the grave. Is it strange that she was taught from her earliest recollection that her chief aim in life should be to love and serve her Maker and Preserver?
Mrs. Roby, own cousin to Mrs. Morgan, had married young, and gone with her husband to the West. He had been successful in business, and had now come East for a few months, his wife improving the occasion long desired, to revive her acquaintance with those so dear to her. She had only arrived the day before; and every moment that her cousin was at liberty was improved in asking questions about herself and other friends.
Aunt Lydia was Mrs. Morgan's mother who usually passed a part of every year with her, greatly to the delight of Emily.
[CHAPTER III.]
MILLY'S ARRIVAL.
THERE is another member of Mr. Morgan's family not yet introduced. Her real name is Amelia Lewis; but everybody seems to have forgotten it; and she now answers to the names Milly, or Mill. She is an orphan niece of Mr. Morgan, the child of his favorite sister, who went to India with her husband, and died there shortly after Amelia's birth.