very obliging, but destitute of the 'one thing needful.'--Called upon
Mrs. Farrar--we prayed together. How much happier should we live if
the time, so often wasted in chit-chat, were occupied in prayer. Help
me, O God, against this soul-robbing evil. I found it profitable.--The
Lord is teaching me the happy lesson of telling all my heart to Him.
With respect to domestic grievances, I do not feel them to be so
great a burden as formerly. My conscience feels tender, and though not
always equally happy, I find prayer sweet, and the Bible my delightful
study. This is Thy doing, to Thee be all the praise.--Passing a
person, who was standing at his own door, I felt prompted to speak to
him about his soul. I turned back, and did so, inviting him to go to
the Chapel: but, alas! I seemed as one that told an idle tale.--I took
tea with Mr. T. While he was at prayer, my soul was so lifted up, I
could scarcely help expressing my feelings aloud. What a heaven, is
the enjoyment of God! Prayer is the life of my soul, and the delight
of my heart; yet I have to mourn over my weakness in consenting to
conversation, which some may think very proper; but which does not
tend to edification. I want to do all for eternity.--We received a
turkey and a basket of fruit from a friend. I note this, as it would
appear, the Lord is resolved, we shall lose nothing by entertaining
his servants;--a preacher with his wife and three children, strangers
to us, having come, as they had no other place of refuge, to stay with
us till Monday. 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some
have entertained angels unawares.'--A very stormy day; but where
Thy presence is how delightfully calm. The Lord does not leave me
notwithstanding all my failings. I am nothing; I can do nothing; yet,
thank God, He has turned the bent of my heart to his testimonies,
and it is the delight of my soul to obey Him.--On my return from the
Lord's house, I dedicated myself afresh to God; fully surrendering
my soul and body, my time and talents, to His service. Praised be His
name, He ratifies the surrender 'on the mean altar of my heart.' I
feel the inward witness, 'Ye are clean through the word which I have
spoken unto you.' O God, I accept Thee as my Sanctifier, my Sovereign,
to govern and direct.--I have many mercies to record, among which
health is not the least; but of higher value than that, are the favour
and the peace of God. Lately I have experienced solid happiness in
Christ, sweet access to the throne, and delight in the ways of God.
In visiting the poor, and also in acting in the capacity of
prayer-leader, I have had some doubts whether I was in the path of
duty. I laid the matter before God, willing to work for Him, or to
be laid aside for Him. On opening my bible, just before I retired to
rest, my attention was arrested by these words, 'They shall not labour
in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the
blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come
to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and whiles they are
yet speaking, I will hear.' Blessed promises! They appeared very
applicable.--By the midnight mail, my husband was unexpectedly called
from home, on very precarious business. May he be preserved from
everything injurious to his soul, however unfavourable to his health.
A day of much excitement, scarcely time for reflection; but in private
it was sweet to pour out my soul before God. I am desirous to know how
my husband proceeds with the business he has in hand. To know that
the Lord keeps him, and gives him health, would be a cause of
thanksgiving. He is in Thy hands, Thou Preserver of men, save him
fully. For some weeks past, I have been reckoning myself 'dead indeed
unto sin;' but the last few days my children have been very noisy;
I have thus been under the necessity of speaking loud, and sometimes
felt a little hasty in reproving them. This has awakened doubts of the
reality of my experience. Unfold to me, O Lord, Thy truth, for to the
test of Thy word, would I subject my life and practice."
VII.
TEMPLE SERVICE.
"HOLINESS BECOMETH THINE HOUSE, O LORD, FOR EVER."--Ps, xciii. 5.
"Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." The command applied
not only to the priest, who served at the altar, but to the Levite,
to whom the charge of the sacred vessels was especially committed. The
inference is, that the humblest officer in the Church of Christ ought
to possess, above every other, this essential qualification, holiness.
Purity is the secret of the Church's power. Wealth, talent, learning,
honour, are but instruments, which she can use; but this is her life,
because it is the breath of the Spirit of God, giving vitality to her
members, and energy to her action. God can use the "weak things," and
"the foolish," and "things that are despised, yea, and things that are
not;" but he cannot use the things that are unclean, unless it be
for purposes of shame and dishonour. When will the Church learn this
lesson? And when will she adopt the divine standard of judgment, and
estimate men according to their resemblance to Christ? So soon as she
shakes herself from the dust, she shall go forth in the majesty of her
strength, and become the admiration of the earth. Mrs. Lyth aimed
at purity. She had passed the region of shadows, and entered the
unclouded light of the Divine presence; but that very light, by its
intensity, only revealed more distinctly the sinfulness of her nature;
and created an absorbing desire after perfect holiness: she was thus
prepared by God for the service of His temple.
"1822.--In our private band-meeting, Mrs. W. mentioned a singular
circumstance. Being restless during the night, and troubled with
wandering of thought, she entreated the Lord to impress upon her mind
that which might be profitable. She fell asleep, and in a little time
awoke with the words, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord.' Sleeping a second time, she awoke,
with 'Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints.'
A third time she slept, and the words, suggested on awaking, were
'Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea,
saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labours, and their works
do follow them.' A fourth time she awoke, and the passage presented to
her mind was, 'The end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober
and watch unto prayer.'--My soul is especially excited to prayer. In
myself I see no good thing, but many imperfections, and much weakness;
yet I hang upon the Lord Jesus, and thirst for a deeper baptism of the
Spirit. A few lines from Cousin E. inform me, that dear Ann, given
up by her medical attendants, is rejoicing in the prospect of eternal
glory. Praise the Lord. Though separation is painful, we cannot but
rejoice in the blessed anticipation of seeing each other again. It
only remains for me to be faithful.--My patience has been exercised
by one of my children. I scarcely know how to act, so as neither to be
too indulgent, nor too severe. O Thou, who hast promised, that crooked
things shall be made straight, and the rough, places plain, give ear
to my supplication, and in this matter point out the path of duty,
that at the last, I may present my whole family and say, 'None that
Thou gavest me are lost.'--While engaged in prayer, my soul was
blessed in such a manner, that for some time I could say nothing but
Glory, Glory. Surely this was a foretaste of the bliss, which shall
never end.--A letter informed me that cousin Ann wished to see me; so
on the following morning, putting myself under the protection of God,
who kindly took care of me, I left home. While travelling the spirit
of prayer on behalf of those, whom I had left behind, was sweetly
poured upon me. I found my dear cousin suffering from great debility;
but living by faith on the Son of God. A sweet smile played upon her
face, like the soft radiance of the setting sun. Grace shone in every
feature of her faded, but still lovely countenance. She tells me, it
is twelve years next October, since the Lord spoke peace to her soul.
We were kneeling in company with her sister, and the servant, by her
bedside. I was engaged in prayer at the time, and for this reason she
wished particularly to see me. Surely this is the mark whereby
the world knoweth us, 'because we love one another.'--As I was
distributing tracts, my heart was pained within me to see _how_ many
were employed on the Sabbath morn; and on my return, I wept to think
that, in the face of day, they could break a well-known command of
God. Lord, open their eyes that they may see. The spirit of my Ann
has taken its flight to the paradise of God, leaving many sorrowing
friends. Our loss is her gain; but nature feels.--In company with
Mrs. R. I collected for the Missions. We were wearied; but when
I recollect, how much more wearisome the work of the Missionary,
cheerfully will I undertake this labour of love; with a view to
alleviate their toil, and facilitate their success. I proposed to Mrs.
W. and Mrs. R. to meet me at the throne of grace, every morning the
following week, to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: we all
agreed. The appointed hour has been blessed to me; I have dwelt under
the shadow of the Almighty, and felt such a resignation to the will of
God, as I never felt before.--I was providentially led to see Miss B.
In our younger days we were companions; but in the course of time we
have become estranged. She is now on the bed of affliction, and wept
while mother and I prayed. She requested me to go again; if I can be
useful to her, O Lord, open the way, and speak by me.
--I went to see a man walk upon the river, which occasioned the
following lines:--
I saw the man, with wondrous skill.
Walk on the yielding stream at will,
Sustained by human art:
Not so did Peter, when to Thee
He stepped upon the rolling sea;
Faith did the power impart.
So while on life's tempestuous wave,
With timid steps I walk; O! save,
Reach out Thy hand to me:
My courage swells, while Thou art near,
Nor foe nor accident I fear,
Though wild the billows be.
But safely on through peril glide,
Supported on the dangerous tide,
By looking unto Thee:
Impossibilities shall yield,
And faith a solid pathway build.
Across the stormy sea.
I have had some family exercises;--scarce worth a thought, if I had
more of the mind of Christ; yet I have been able to tell my care to
God, and at his footstool, I have got rid of my burden. I enjoy the
soul's calm sunshine.--When I consider how time slips away, and how
little I effect for my own improvement, and that of others, I am
ashamed. My life appears so blotted, I can only say, 'God be merciful
to me a sinner;' but praise God, I can rely with greater confidence
than formerly upon his promises. I know I am his child, and my
happiness is in doing the will of my Father.--Mrs. Taft is with us. O
that the disappointment she has met with, (the refusal of the chapel,)
may turn out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel, and more
especially for the benefit of my family.--I understand she spoke in
the school-room with energy and power; and at the prayer-meeting which
followed, my Eliza was restored to the favour of God. Thus the Lord
out of seeming evil has brought good to my child.--The one thing is
daily the object of my desires and efforts. I want more clearly to
exhibit the fruits of righteousness in my ordinary conversation. Being
naturally of a hasty temperament, I need constantly to be baptized
with the meek, and lowly spirit of Jesus. Grant me, O Lord, my heart's
desire. I do feel Thy sanctifying presence, but O how I long for
more.--The Lord is working amongst the children. My Richard, at the
new School vestry, felt the drawings of the Spirit; and William, I
am told, cried out aloud. O that these early impressions may come to
maturity. My soul, praise the Lord for these beginnings. How shall I
best foster these tender plants: Lord, teach me to cherish the good,
and to correct the errors of youthful feeling. My father and mother
have entered the house we have built for them adjoining our own. We
had a prayer-meeting on the occasion, which was a blessed season to my
soul."
"1823.--For the last time, I visited Jane S. She was scarcely
recollected; but after a little time she requested me to pray. She
seemed very much in earnest. I endeavoured to point her to Jesus. For
a moment she revived; but in the night she died. So in one short week,
two are gone out of my husband's class.--This morning I felt great
power in prayer, and an ardent desire for full deliverance from every
besetment. In this spirit I entered into my family, resolving to
watch with all diligence; but alas! imperfection is stamped upon all
I do,--so many wanderings, useless words, and deviations from the
perfect law of God, that, were it not for the blood of Jesus, all hope
of heaven would be excluded. Yet in private I had sweet communion with
God. I have derived profit from the perusal of Lady Maxwell's Journal.
Some points of her experience correspond with my own: this encourages
me. Nothing seems so desirable, nothing so amiable, as momentary
living to God.--Mr. McKitrick brought me Mrs. King's class-paper,
requesting me to take charge of the class until she recovered. I durst
not refuse it, although I felt my inability very great. My mental
struggles since have been many. It is suggested I am influenced by
pride; that I imagine I can do better than another; only by casting
myself upon God, and resolving to leave myself in His hands, I find
help. O that I were satisfied, I am called to this work! By any means
discover this to me, and fit me by Thy grace; then gladly will I be
spent for Thee, who gavest Thyself an offering for me.--I went in much
fear to meet Mrs. K's little flock, among whom I felt liberty; but
afterward, my uneasy state of mind returned. O God, since all things
are possible to Thee, subdue my heart; let all within and all without
submit to Thy sovereign sway. One of the members requested me to read
the last chapter of the first Epistle of Peter, which I have done
several times, and found it sweet."
As Mrs. K. never recovered, and indeed died shortly after, Mrs. Lyth's
appointment to the office of leader was confirmed; an arrangement,
which, notwithstanding her deep sense of her own insufficiency, met
with the cordial approbation of the class. One of the oldest members,
who was present on the occasion of her first meeting them, says, "I
well recollect, with what profound humility, and with what fear and
trembling, she undertook the office of class-leader. While she was
confessing to us, that she felt utterly unworthy, and unfit for such
a responsibility, my heart rejoiced, that we were privileged with the
appointment of one, possessed of so many excellencies. She said, if
the Lord had anything for her to do, she durst not refuse; that He had
often employed very weak instruments to carry on His work; and added,
"Oh! that He may use me for His glory! Friends, you must pray that
the Lord may give me a double portion of His spirit, for I feel my own
helplessness." Then, on her knees, she poured out her soul to God with
great earnestness, that He would fully qualify her for the work which
had been imposed upon her." Her own conviction of duty was however not
so easily attained, and several entries occur like the following:--
"I again met Mrs. K's class, and found it very profitable to my own
soul: yet I am not quite satisfied I am right. O make it fully known,
and, if this is the path of duty, crown my feeble efforts.--None but
the true Christian knows the sweets of communion with the Father,
and the Son, through the blessed Spirit. 'Them that honour me I will
honour, came sweetly to my mind yesterday; by which I was led to see,
if I faithfully walk in His commandments, He will honour me with His
presence, and clothe me with His free Spirit. While pouring out my
soul in secret, the nearness I felt to Jesus is better felt than
expressed;--unusual power to give my all to Him without any
reserve, as far as I can judge of myself. Is this the work of entire
sanctification? Set to Thy seal, O my God, let the enemy no more rob
me of this jewel; but bear directly to my heart, the witness of
Thy love.--I have had many visits from above, but not without
interruptions. The use of more words than necessary has, on
reflection, occasioned feelings of pain. Oh! when will all my powers
be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.--My wedding day!
Seventeen years I have worn the silken-chain; during the last, I have
enjoyed more of the life and power of God, and now the sacred flame
burns brightly on my heart. With respect to my marriage, I believe
it was solemnized in the fear of God; and an increasing union exists
between me and my dear companion. We have many a blessed interview
with God, when shut in from all beside. Oh the goodness of God to me!
His mercies have far exceeded my trials, and even out of my several
sorrows He has brought my greatest blessings.--At Mrs. K.'s class the
Lord graciously sustained me with His presence; my doubts respecting
this work seem now to disperse, and unless I am deceiving myself, I
am in the way of providence. I inquired of one of the friends, if
any time was fixed to pray for the revival of the work of God, and am
told, every Friday--fasting; hours of prayer; six, nine, and twelve in
the morning, and three and six in the afternoon. By the help of God, I
am resolved to join them. The Lord is blessedly with, me this evening."
TO MY HONOURED FATHER
ENTERING ON HIS EIGHTY-EIGHTH YEAR.
Bending with the weight of years,
See the hoary headed saint,
Rise above tormenting fears;
Suffer, but without complaint,
Ready, as a shock of corn,
For the Paradise above;
Golden fruits his age adorn,--
Fruits of holiness, and love.
Though the outward man decay,
Inward strength is daily given;
Nothing can his soul dismay,
Succoured by the God of heaven.
He, the wise man's laurel, wears;
In the path of wisdom found,
Lo! his hoary head appears
With unearthly glory crowned.
Borne on time's untiring wing,
Homeward fast his spirit flies;
Now the city of the King,
Flames upon his longing eyes.
Brighter, as the clouds recede,
Blaze its walls of spotless white;
Deeper, from the throne proceed,
Dazzling floods of purer light.
Every birthday, nearer hies
That unknown but welcome hour;
When the saint in triumph cries,
"I, through Christ, am conqueror."
"I went, by request, to visit a person who has long been confined
to her bed. She knows something of God; but ah! how slight is
the knowledge of even, professing Christians! After reading, and
conversing with her, I proposed prayer; but the master of the house
sat still. When we arose from our knees, I spoke freely and plainly to
him of his sinful condition. O my God, if I was moved by Thee, fasten
conviction upon his conscience.--I accompanied Mrs. K. to collect for
the Clothing Society, and while our benevolent friends bestowed upon
us the mammon of unrighteousness, the Lord blessed me with the true
riches.--Having taken a little cold, I was dull of hearing, and afraid
that I should not be able to hear the members of my class in the
evening. I betook myself to prayer, and the Lord graciously heard,
and so far restored me, that I had no difficulty. My soul was like wax
before the sun, while Jesus shone upon it.--My mind has been reproved
for reproving. Lord, I thank Thee for Thy secret admonitions; forgive,
and take all my powers under Thy control. I called to see Mr. Spence;
his natural powers decline, but heaven beams on his countenance. He
said, while he was putting on his neckcloth, in the morning, he had
been struck with the meagre and ghastly appearance he presented in the
glass; but the sweet serenity of his soul compelled him to exclaim,
'Welcome old man! welcome declining age! welcome death!'--I spoke
at the Prayer Leaders' lovefeast, but the enemy troubled me much
afterward: however, this much I will affirm--to the grace of God I owe
my all. I feel decided in my choice, hate sin, have the witness that
I am a child of God, and enjoy the comforts of the Holy Ghost; but
the clear evidence of entire sanctification I do not hold, though I
believe I have many times received it, and for a short time held it;
but, for want of boldly confessing the faith, have lost the blessed
pearl. O for the baptismal flame."
In the summer of this year she visited the Rev. John Nelson, then
stationed in Sheffield, to whom she was much attached. As was her
constant practice, when released from the claims of domestic duty, she
availed herself of every opportunity of doing, and getting good. Every
day was a sabbath of religious privilege. The church, and the chapel,
the social party and the sick bed, were made subservient to purposes
of spiritual improvement. With reference to a party of friends, who
were invited to meet her, she says, 'After tea the females being left
alone, each of us prayed; this is a blessed way to cut off religious
chit-chat.'
"Quarterly Fast. Mr. Haswell called upon me to pray, when the Lord
was pleased to humble me; for which I would be truly thankful. Make me
willing any way, only let my soul be brought into conformity with Thy
will;--willing to be little, that Thou alone mayest be exalted. My
nature is not willing to be thought little. During the day I felt a
humble dependance upon Jesus."
ON OBSERVING A SIGN IN SHEFFIELD WORDED,
"BRIDE CAKES AND FUNERAL BISCUITS."
Ah! is the bridal-day,
When festive pleasures meet,
The presage, but of swift decay,
Within the winding sheet?
What then is man at best?
A blooming,--fading flower;
Immortal, in a mortal vest,
The creature of an hour.
Well then may death be joined
Unto our festal days;
Well may our pleasures limit find
Within so short a space.
To seek eternal bliss
Within time's narrow span,
Is man's best int'rest;--only this
Can form the future man.
Let dying mortals then
Their foolish dreams forsake;
Unto their rest return again,
And Christ their refuge make.
Then, even timid youth
May smile upon the tomb;
And festive moments welcome truth,
Though clad in robes of gloom.
By Jesus' death, is broke
Death's dark and powerful spell;
And, while to Him by faith we look,
We know that all is well.
"While meeting the little company my soul was blest. O for spiritual
discernment and grace, that I may be truly helpful to them, and deal
faithfully. Visited a dying person who says, she dare not rest on
Jesus;--yet HE is a tower."
ON THE DEATH OF POPE PIUS XIII.
His Holiness, the Pope,
Hath yielded up his breath;
He, who could sins forgive,
Hath no command o'er death;
How wonderful! such power to have,
And yet to sink into the grave!
If sin, the sting of Death,
His Holiness could draw;
Why render up His breath
Unto a conquered foe?
Either, he fallible must be,
Or sin hath gained the victory.