'And why not?'

'Oh, I know it is true! I know I shall see him again! but, sir, he was a
_Christian_.'

'And so prepared to die, was he not?'

'Yes, sir, and my poor baby--'

'If it is taken away it will go to him in heaven.'

'Oh no, oh no! my baby must not die! My James was good, and has talked
to me hours, and hours, about being ready to die, but I used to laugh at
him--_that_ goes to my heart the worst, sir, to laugh at _him_ who was
as gentle as that baby, _him_ who is in his grave now. Oh if I could
forget _that_! He is in heaven, sir, but I--I shall never get there!
It's of no use to read the Bible to me, and talk to me--James used to
pray for me, but it was of no use, I am too wicked. But if you can save
the baby, sir, if God will let the child live, I shall have a little
comfort.'

Mr Maurice had succeeded in rousing the poor woman's feelings, but he
found that she felt more acutely than he imagined, and he now brought to
his aid the still small voice of the Gospel. He told her of the fountain
in which sin might be washed away, he told her of the place where the
weary might find rest, and pointed her to the Lord Jesus Christ, for
mercy; but though she appeared to listen, her thoughts were evidently
fixed upon her husband and child, and the truths he uttered fell
unheeded on her ear. After talking some time, he again read a portion of