Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1843-11-02
he is very bad. and cannot live long un-

y
less he gets better.'
Jane then hurried off into the kitchen
to kiEGle a fire. while MIR Merlin went
out to druggists to get the emetic.-
AS he was about closing the street door.
Jane called to him to get some Scotch
snuff, if it were possible at that hour Of
night.
The water was nearly hot when Mr.
Merlin returned. He had been detain-
ed some time in ringing up the druggist,
and afterwards in rapping up the to
bacconist. In a short time they had the
little sufferer immersed in the bath. and
thea gave the emetic, which the drug
glst had said was very proper. 1t
soon produced the desired effect, and
breathed much freer. With the snutfand
some sweet oil Jane prepared plaster,
which was spread over the breast and
throat of the child. In fifteen minutes
after the hearts of all were relieved TO
find him sinking away into gentle slum-
Der.
In the morning physician came very
early, and pronounced what had been
done to be r5sht, in the emergency. LIN
the course of two or three days little
George was playing about in the room,
as lively as ever. But he would almost
inevitably have died, had not Jane pos
sessed superior knowledge in sickness
to Mrs. Merlin. And this tie latter
felt, and likewise felt panied and hum
bled to think how near her child had
been to death through her ignorance of
her dutysas a mother.
How much have yet to learn she
remarked to her husband on the day that
her child was pronounced by the physl.
clan to be out Of dagger.
Like yourself Cecilia, perceive all
most every day my ignorance on many
points Of useful knowledge. | am ma
king the discovery that we are never to
cease learning
But how much time and attention we
have wasted in early life, in acquiring
that which NAV never be brought into
use, while of truly practical information
we are strangely deficient
That is indeed sad truth, Cecilia
But we must only let the time past suf-
flee for us to have wasted our time in
vain pursuits or idle worship at the
shrine of pleasure. 1t is not yet TOO late
to learn, as the past years experience
has fully proved to you.'
'No It is not. But at what point to
begin, hardly know, perceive my de-
Ecieneies TO be so many Then after
a pause: How surprised sometimes
feel, in looking back, to think how per-
fectly self satisfied | was in leaving school
under the idea that my education was
finished. really thought that there
was nothing left for me to learn, that a
ny young lady could have use for. Since
then in almost every case where action.
has been required Of me, have been de-
ficieht. could not give at first a
servant the plainest directions for cook
irg. In sickness how perfectly helpless
have not shown myself:'
But you have learned much Cecilia
Indeed | think you quike an apt scholar.
And you are really happier than you
were, notwithstanding the great change
in our worldly circumstances
Yes certainly am. feel conf
dence in myself that l had not before;
and consciousness that | am dischar-
ging daily, my dutie to my husband and
children. This is source of no ordina-
pleasure
But you are often fatieued. and |
can see, at fines, worn down with care
and labour. How much it pains me to
think, that cannot save you from tolls
that are far beyond your strength
There was in The tones Of her husband
tenderness and concern that touched
the feelings of Mrs. Merlin.
DO not feel concern for me. dear hus-
band.' she replied Have not said.
that with all the changes that have come
upon us, am really happier than | ever
was before? There lie deep in our affec-
tons. springs of pure unselfish enjoy
inert, that only the hand Of affection can
unseal. We see the bright and beauti-
full stars at night, that are all hidden
from our eyes when the sunbeams are a.
broad.'
ANU NUu uusIut siSStCt tIC IcfCIStS
that we have expeflencedH
% no. Should | not rather bless
them? Have they not been mercies in
disguise? never truly loved my chill
dren, until the care Of them all devolyed
upon me. Their innocent delights effee-
ted me not. and soon wearied of their
for was really too selfish to
be willing to bear their eager question
ings, and happy restIessness, But now,
in my purer love for them. how patient
ly can | listen to thousand questions,
and how much delight can find in di
recting their Young and curious minds.'
Mr.. MerIin's heart seemed to grow
larger in his bosom, and to glow with
warmer love, as he listened to his wife,
and looked upon her countenance, lit up
with new beatty. His own thoughts
were elevated, and he could not help lif-
t;..f- he hart aud hlocciuw fho Hail ~, -