play_," and perhaps this truthfulness of spirit enabled her the more
readily to trust the word of another. "She promised me," Sarah would
say, and on the promise she would ever rest, in all the sweet dependence
of a child. Surely this may speak a word to those professing to be the
followers of Him who keepeth his promise for ever--the covenant-keeping
God. How lightly are promises often made! how carelessly and
thoughtlessly broken!

Sarah was only permitted to attend the Sabbath school for a few weeks.
Her health and strength failed, and soon she was confined to her room,
then to her bed, which she scarcely left for several months. But now the
work of God within her became more evident. It was a pleasant service to
sit by the bed of this young disciple, and read and talk with her of a
Saviour's love. She said but little, except in answer to questions, but
her bright and happy countenance showed how welcome was the subject. Who
that witnessed her simple, child-like faith, would not acknowledge the
fruit of the Spirit's teaching? It was the more apparent, as she had but
little help from man, and few outward advantages, not even being able to
read; but she treasured up in her mind all she heard, and it was as food
to her soul, the joy and rejoicing of her heart.

At an early period of her illness, a violent attack of pain and
palpitation of the heart made her think she was dying, and she told her
mother so, adding, "But I am not afraid, I am so happy." "What makes you
so happy?" was asked. "Because I am going to heaven, and when I pray to
Jesus, my heart seems lifted up." "But, Sarah, do you think your sins
forgiven?" "Yes, mother, I am sure so." "What makes you so sure?"
"Because _Jesus says so_."

"Jesus says,"--this was ever the ground of her confidence, and proved to