At midnight the mother was aroused by the ineffectual efforts of Mary Jane to awaken her nurse.  On entering the chamber, she found that the dear child had not slept at all.  Her head was throbbing with pain, and she was saying in a piteous manner, “I can’t wake up Nancy.”  Her mother immediately carried her to her own bed, and having placed her there, perceived that from an almost icy coldness, she had suddenly changed to an intense and burning heat.

Her father was standing by the bed uncertain whether or not to call a physician, when in a pleased but excited manner she called out to him “to see all those little girls.”  She imagined that little girls were all around her, and although somewhat puzzled in accounting for their presence, yet she appeared greatly delighted to see them.

After this she lay for some time in a dozing state, then she became convulsed.  During her short but distressing sickness, she had but few lucid intervals.  When not lying in a stupor her mind was usually busied amidst past scenes.

At one time as I was standing by her pillow, bathing her head, she said in a piteous tone, “I can’t thread my needle.”  Then in a clear sweet musical voice she called “Nancy” to come and help her thread it.

At another time her father supposing her unconscious said “I fear she will never get well.”  She immediately opened her eyes, clasped her little hands and laying them upon her bosom, looked upward and with great earnestness commended herself to God:  “My dear Father up in heaven,” she said, “please to make me well, if you think it is best; but if you do not think best, then please to take me up to heaven where Jesus is.”  After this, she continued for some time in prayer, but her articulation was indistinct.  One expression only was audible.  It was this, “suffer little children to come.”

What gratitude is due to the tender and compassionate Savior for this rich legacy of love, to the infant mind!  How often has it comforted the dying, or drawn to the bosom of everlasting love, the living among little children.  “Suffer little children to come unto me.”  The preciousness and efficiency of this touching appeal seem to be but little realized even among believing parents.  Were it otherwise, should we not see more of infant piety, in the families of professing Christians?

Once as the gray dawn approached, she appeared to wake as from a quiet sleep, and asked if it was morning.  On being told that it was, she folded her hands and commenced her morning prayer.  Soon, however, her mind wandered, and her mother finished it for her.

From this time she lay and moaned her little life away.  But whenever prayer was offered, the moaning would cease for a short interval, indicating that she was conscious, and also interested.