CHAPTER III.
Elizabeth's Early Piety.
"A flower when offer'd in the bud,
Is no vain sacrifice."—Watts.
Having given this brief account of the lovely moral traits displayed in dear Elizabeth's character, I shall now endeavour to show how all these were heightened and polished by the sweet influence of the grace of God on her heart; at once causing her to act from love to him, and evidencing her early piety.
She was very particular in offering up her morning and evening prayers; but this alone did not satisfy Elizabeth. Often during the day have I known her go by herself and pray. She would sometimes say to me, "Aunt, I want God to give me a clean heart and a good spirit: shall I go and pray to him, and then perhaps he will give it to me?" And that gracious Saviour who inspired this prayer fulfilled in her his own precious promise, "They that seek me early shall find me." At other times she would say, "Aunt, do you know what I am thinking about?" "No, my dear; what?" "I am thinking about God and Jesus Christ."
Once, when on a visit, the lady with whom
