But vain was the help of man! Johnny continued delirious; it was
work, work, always at work; and pitiful was it to hear his
complaints of being cold and tired, while his heart-broken parent
hung over him, and denied herself the necessaries of life to
minister to his wants. After being ill about a fortnight, he awoke
one evening apparently free from fever. His expression was natural,
but he seemed so weak he could not speak. His mother, with a heart
overflowing with joy at the change she imagined favourable, bent
over him. With a great effort he placed his arms about her neck; she
kissed his pale lips; a smile of strange meaning passed over his
face, and ere she could unwind that loving clasp her little Johnny
was no more. He had gone where the wicked cease from troubling, and
the weary are at rest; but her hopes were blasted; her house was
left unto her desolate; and as she watched, through the long hours
of night, beside the dead body, it was to our Father who art in
Heaven her anguished heart poured itself out in prayer. Think of
this, ye rich! who morning and evening breathe the same petition by
your own hearthstones. Think of it, ye who have authority to
oppress! Do not deprive the poor man or woman of the "ewe lamb" that
is their sole possession; and remember that He whose ear is ever
open to the cry of the distressed, has power to avenge their cause.
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