"Yes, dear Jane, you see the tender bond by which true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are bound to obey his will, and to follow his steps. His love constrains them. They no longer wish to live unto themselves, but into him who died for them." "Then I must believe first, I suppose? It seems easy enough to do that." "It would appear that the apostle Paul did not think so, when he wrote that 'the natural man discerneth not the things of the Spirit of God.' Saying 'I believe,' is not believing. True faith is the gift of God. His Spirit takes of the things of Jesus, and shows them to the sinner's heart. It is a lesson beyond human teaching, dear Jane, but one which God the Holy Spirit teaches successfully, where he teaches at all, and which we are too far fallen to learn of ourselves. The very desire to learn of him is his work; and if you would believe in Jesus to the salvation of your soul, ask for the blessing, and you cannot be denied." Jane remained silent and thoughtful, looking into the fire for some time, and then suddenly asked for the text she had promised to learn. "Take the twenty-third verse of the sixth chapter of the Epistle to Romans first," said Mrs. Davis. "'The wages of sin is death.' Is that enough to make you feel happy all the week, Jane?" "No," said Jane, with a slight touch of sadness in her voice, "give me some other; I told you I did not want to think about death yet." "Then learn the whole verse. 'The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'" "Does it say that really?" And Jane seized the book to satisfy herself that it did indeed say so. She was not forgotten that night in the affectionate prayers of her faithful friends. CHAPTER II. JANE SAUNDERS SEEKING LIGHT. ONE morning in the ensuing week, as the young people were busily engaged upon some elegant dresses for a ball about to be given in the neighborhood, Miss Baylis hastily entered the room with a roll of black crape in her hands. "Young ladies," said she, in a voice somewhat agitated, "I am sure you will be sorry to hear that the ball-dress for Miss M. is no longer needed; she died last night after a very short illness." The work fell from every hand, and looks of astonishment and regret overspread every countenance. "Dear, how awful!" exclaimed one. "And she was here only the other day, looking so well and happy." "It is quite a warning to us all, I'm sure," said Miss Baylis; "she had everything to make her happy, and was only just come out too. Poor thing! It is very sad indeed. Pray put away those flowers and ribbons that she was going to wear, I cannot bear to see you do another stitch at that ball-dress; and here, Miss Davis, begin immediately to cut out crape bonnets and mantles for poor Mrs. M. and the little sisters. This will throw several families into mourning, and I'm afraid we shall have a great deal to do in a very short time."