The eldest brother [Footnote: This boy,
now a shoemaker, has written asking to be allowed to have one of the
lads, as an apprentice.] of this poor girl, about sixteen years of
age, had been brought out the previous year to Canada, and appearing
one day at Marchmont, I thought from his looks and dress that he was
one of the farmers' sons come to engage a boy, little thinking that
so short a time had passed since he was destitute as the poorest
among them.
In England we are so accustomed to the sorrowful sight of neglected
children, it can hardly be imagined by us how such a fact strikes a
Canadian. Often have I seen the tears in the eyes of the farmers at
the sight of little ones brought so far to seek a home at such an
early age. This was especially the case with regard to little Annie
referred to in the following lines, the youngest of three sisters
left motherless in a workhouse. When I last saw this little sufferer
health and strength had been given to her, and she was the pet of all
in a home of comfort.
"OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES AND SUCKLINGS."
"From the mouths of babes and sucklings,"
Was the Psalmist's grateful word,
"Thou hast perfected Thy praises,"
And I thank Thee, gracious Lord.
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