How hushed the room—­how motionless the group that bent forward toward the one just passing away!  Was it the rustle of angels garments that penetrated the inward sense of hearing?

It is over!  The pure spirit of that humble girl, who, in her sphere, was loving, and true, and faithful, hath ascended to the God in whose infinite love she reposed a childlike and unwavering confidence.  Calmly and sweetly she went to sleep, like an infant on its mother’s bosom, knowing that the everlasting arms were beneath and around her.

And thus, in the by-ways and obscure places of life, are daily passing away the humble, loving, true-hearted ones.  The world esteems them lightly; but they are precious in the sight of God.  When the time of their departure comes, they shrink not back in fear, but lift their hands trustingly to the angel messenger, whom their Father sends to lead them up to their home in heaven.  With them is the true “Euthanasy.”

“Is not that a new experience in life?” said Mrs. Bell, as the two ladies walked slowly homeward.  With a deep sigh, the other answered—­

“New and wonderful.  I scarcely comprehend what I have seen.  Such a lesson from such a source!  How lightly I thought of that poor sewing-girl, who came and went so unobtrusively!  How little dreamed I that so rich a jewel was in so plain a casket!  Ah!  I shall be wiser for this—­wiser, and I may hope, better.  Oh, to be able to die as she has died!—­what of mere earthly good would I not cheerfully sacrifice!”

“It is for us all,” calmly answered Mrs. Bell.  “The secret we have just heard—­we must be like God.”

“How—­how?”

“He loves others out of himself, and seeks their good.  If we would be like him, we must do the same.”

Yes; this is the secret of an easy death, and the only true secret.

THREE SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A WORLDLING.

SCENE FIRST.

“IT is in vain to urge me, brother Robert.  Out into the world I must go.  The impulse is on me.  I should die of inaction here.”

“You need not be inactive.  There is work to do.  I shall never be idle.”

“And such work!  Delving in and grovelling close to the very ground.  And for what?  Oh no, Robert.  My ambition soars beyond your ’quiet cottage in a sheltered vale.’  My appetite craves something more than simple herbs and water from the brook.  I have set my heart on attaining wealth; and, where there is a will there is always a way.”

“Contentment is better than wealth.”

“A proverb for drones.”

“No, William; it is a proverb for the wise.”

“Be it for the wise or simple, as commonly understood, it is no proverb for me.  As a poor plodder along the way of life, it were impossible for me to know content.  So urge me no further, Robert.  I am going out into the world a wealth-seeker, and not until wealth is gained do I purpose to return.”