MG Car Repair: mg no spark, chassis number, electronic ignition

Question
my mg has been sitting for 8 months.   it ran when parked.  I am getting gas but no spark.  I bought a new coil and still no spark.  I have power to coil but there are 2 wires that run to a black box and I do not have power coming out of it. (no power to distributor) What does this box do?  Should I have power out of it with key on?

Answer
Hi Nathan.  I need more information.  Please tell me the exact year and model of MG, and if possible the chassis number.  The box is either a USA-only fitting or an aftermarket electronic ignition unit.  Does the box look like a genuine original Lucas item?  What colours are the two wires from the coil to the box?  If you look inside the distributor, does it have a set of points?