letter, as well as by direct appeal; by secret intercessions with
God, as well as by personal effort; she sought to win souls to Christ.
Instant in season and out of season, few came in contact with
her without feeling the force of her religious character; and
her diligence in visiting the sick, the needy, and the careless,
superadded to the faithful discharge of home duties, often affected
her own health. In the Autumn of 1825, she spent some weeks at
Hovingham, a small watering-place in the west of Yorkshire; but,
though only delicate through recent sickness, she sought her
relaxation in doing good. On the Sabbath she went round the village
to invite the people to the Chapel, and on the week-day visited the
afflicted and infirm. One case occurred here, which well illustrates
her persevering charity, even under circumstances of discouragement.
A young gentleman, educated for the legal profession, and the son of
one, who at an earlier period had met with her in the same class, had
come to seek relief in an advanced stage of consumption. She sought
him out at a neighbouring village; but when announced, he refused to
see her, and sent the not over polite message, that if it had been a
clergyman, it would have been another thing. However the hostess, who
was a Methodist, said, if she would come at such an hour, she would be
able to obtain an interview, as he went out riding every day, and
was obliged to pass through her sitting-room. She went at the time
specified, and for the purpose of introduction took with her a book,
which she offered to lend him. He just turned over a few of the
leaves, and not finding it to his taste, returned it, saying, she
might take it back. Nothing disheartened, she talked with him about
his mother, and her anxiety for his salvation; until at length she
prevailed upon him, though not without a degree of reluctance, to
allow her to pray with him. In a few days he was taken so much worse,
that he was obliged to return home; and with the view of obtaining
another interview, she wrote a letter, which she took to him, with
the request that he would kindly forward it, as soon as he arrived in
York. This he courteously engaged to do. On parting she said, "Well,
sir, as you are going to return, I must say farewell; perhaps we shall
never see each other again." "What," he replied, "do you think I am
going to die?" "No sir," she returned, "but neither you nor I seem
likely to live very long." The nail was fastened in a sure place.
Immediately on her return to York he sent for her, saying to his
mother, "You know whom I want; she must come every day." The account
of the visit is given in her own words. "I called upon Mr. ----; and
am thankful to find a blessed change in his spirit. I read to him the
eighth chapter of Romans. He cried aloud, and requested me to pray
with him, which I did; then his mother, then I, then a stranger.
Truly it was a blessed time; such as they professed never to have
experienced before. My soul felt the divine influence." These visits
were continued, until, in a few weeks, he exchanged mortality for
life. The last notice of him is, "I saw Mr.----, whom I found in a
blessed state of mind. As his outward strength decays, his inward man
is renewed day by day; his hope blooms with immortality. When I was
coming away, and bidding him farewell, in hope of meeting him again
in heaven, he replied, 'I have not a doubt of it.' I entertained the
hope of seeing him again on earth, but on Saturday night he died: so I
must now urge my way to meet him at the right-hand of God."
We continue our extracts:
"I find, that unnecessary conversation, even with religious persons,
and on lawful subjects, has a tendency to destroy the fervour of my
spirit.--Mrs. R, met the dear little company; the power of God was
generally felt. I proposed that we should meet every day at the throne
of grace, to pray especially for the salvation of some amongst us,
as well as for our own prosperity; and desired as many as approved to
signify it by lifting the hand, which was done by all. I have had some
blessed seasons while interceding on this account.--I was pressed in
spirit to visit the speechless man. After pointing him to the sinner's
only refuge, I knelt down; when the Lord shed upon me such an unusual
degree of the spirit of grace and supplication, that I was fully
convinced the man was blessed. On rising, I asked him, if he believed
the Lord would save him, to lift up his hand, which he did. I asked
him to repeat the sign, if he felt happy. This he also did. I am the
more encouraged, as, on a former occasion, I had solicited the sign
in vain. My soul praised the Lord on his account, and I came home
rejoicing."
Farewell departed day! farewell for ever!
From earth alone, thy flight, my soul can sever.
My hope is anchored on the 'Rock of ages;'
The storm in vain with fury round me rages.
Farewell ye passing cares! though pain and sorrow
May be my lot to-day, joy beams to-morrow:
Within the veil, my soaring faith has entered;
And all my happiness in Christ is centered.
"A precious day to me. The Lord enabled me to witness to the truth
before the great congregation.--I paid Mr. Stoner and his bride a
visit. He would have me pray a blessing on their union; but I did not
feel the same liberty I found in praying with the speechless man a
little after. He again lifted up his hand when asked if he believed
the Lord would save him. I went to see an afflicted person in the
hospital; a friend was reading to her; but when I entered, she ceased,
seeming wishful to hear what I had to say. As the Lord enabled me I
urged upon them the necessity of salvation. Before I came away the
number of listeners was increased to seven. The Lord gave me liberty
of utterance, and they earnestly pressed me to renew my visit. If this
is from Thee, O Lord, open my way. The afflicted person, whom I have
visited several times before, professes to have found peace more than
a week ago. Another of them wept, because she found out she wanted
something she did not possess. Upon the whole the Lord appears to have
directed my visit. May it be followed by a permanent blessing."
"1826. This afternoon was employed in seeking out the necessities of
the poor. On my return home I felt I had done my duty, but nothing
more. I can trust in nothing but Christ for salvation.--All I do and
say, seems poor and insignificant. I want greater power to live to
God; watching against the assaults of the enemy, guarding against
self, repelling vain thoughts, living a moment at a time, praying
always. I know this is possible; for 'all things are possible to him
that believeth.' Oh for living faith.--Visited a poor afflicted widow.
After reading and praying, she began to pray of her own accord; and
shortly broke out into praise, in a manner that astonished me; but it
was the Lord's doing. She expressed her confidence in such terms that
I could not doubt the truth of her confession.--Mr. Slack divided Miss
Bentley's class. What will be the result? [In consequence of Miss B.'s
indisposition, the class had been met by Mrs. Lyth for some time; and
had so much increased that division became necessary.] If I live till
next Sunday I must take my share of it. But who is sufficient
for these things? Anoint me, O Lord, with fresh oil. Make fresh
discoveries of Thy love. Breathe the Holy Ghost. Inspire the living
fire. Furnish me out of Thy treasury with arguments to defeat the
devil, and plead the cause of truth. Armed with Thy power, I feel
willing to be the hand, or the foot, only souls are saved, and Thou
art glorified. I was sent for by a member of Miss B.'s class, who was
very ill. The Lord was pleased to bless her while I was with her; so
that clasping her hands she shouted, several times, 'Glory be to God.'
As I returned home it was sweetly brought to my mind, 'Inasmuch as
ye did it to the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto Me.' The
infinite fulness of God surpasses all my thought;--a breadth without a
limit, a length without a termination, a height without a summit,
and a depth without a bottom. How I grieve that anything else should
occupy my thought! for sure I am, He is the only bliss on earth
designed for man to know. Two days I have been begging for the new
Chapel, and still I am requested to canvass the opposite side of
Walmgate. Lord, if this is the way Thou choosest to humble my pride,
make me willing to be the hand, or the foot, to help on Thy cause.--At
the close of the class, E. came to me, and by her silent, yet
expressive, countenance said, 'pray for me.' We continued a little
time longer, but she did not obtain her heart's desire. Lord, forgive
our little faith.--My mother and I started for Sinnington. During
the journey my soul rested in Jesus; and since our arrival I have had
power to look up through nature to nature's God; a gift not afforded
to every one because of blindness of heart. While cousin Elizabeth and
I were united in prayer, the Lord poured upon me such a blessing, with
the words, 'Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,' as I
cannot express. I earnestly long for the salvation of the inhabitants
of this village. Took tea with Mr. B. Many dainties, yet I have
greater satisfaction in visiting the sick than in gratifying the
palate. How much need have we to watch in every thing! O keep me ever
on my guard, and watching unto prayer.--My birthday. Three years ago I
was in Sheffield, and there resolved to devote myself to God; and ever
since, I have been endeavouring to do it. Still I am but a dwarf in
growth, yet will I not be unthankful for what I am. I feel the peace
of God in my soul, with an increase of those fruits that spring from
inward religion. To God be all the glory. The more I possess of this
divine power, the less I see in myself. O how great is the love of
God! To-day I would renew my covenant with Him. Here is my heart, O
take and seal it; and let it be Thine for ever.
"Scarbro'. I took up my cross, and spoke to some old women; but oh!
the darkness of the human mind! My medical adviser gives me permission
to bathe. O Lord, give Thy blessing. I had a delightful view of the
sea from the Spa. Nothing on earth is to my mind a more striking image
of Almighty power than this uncontrollable mass of waters, to which He
only can say,' Peace be still,' and it obeys Him.--When I went to the
Chapel, I felt considerable drowsiness, and was afraid I should fall
asleep; but I lifted up my heart, and entreated the Lord to remove
it, which He graciously did, and I sat under His shadow with great
delight.--After first giving myself into the hands of the Lord, and
asking His blessing, I bathed in company with Miss B----t. Afterward,
during prayer, while in the machine, the Lord graciously watered our
souls. To me it was a refreshing season. I was truly overwhelmed with
the precious love of Jesus; so that, when we parted, I went on my
way rejoicing, and praising God for the rich baptism bestowed on
His worthless dust.--My Richard was articled to Wm. Matterson, Esq.,
Surgeon. This has made me many errands to the Lord; and now, O God, I
leave him in Thy hands: still offering up my earnest prayer that Thou
wilt be his director and guide. I feel more anxiety for his soul than
his earthly interests. 'The ways of a good man are ordered of the
Lord.' I dare rest upon Thy word; therefore my earnest prayer is, that
he may be a man of God. O blessed Saviour, let my fervent petition
be heard. Save him, and fit him for Thy will.--This morning my waking
thought was:
Rises the sun, his course to run,
In robes of golden light;
So may I put the Saviour on.
And walk with Him in white.
As flowers adorn the brow of morn,
And scent the fresh'ning air;
New graces, in my spirit born,
Diffuse their fragrance there.
"With feelings of gratitude, I resume my pen, which has been laid
aside for some weeks, in consequence of domestic and personal
affliction. God has once more restored us; and I would therefore
acknowledge his loving-kindness. The rod has been needful, and the
desire of my heart is, that it may be sanctified to me and mine. My
dear mother continues ill, and much harassed by the enemy. O! for
faith to take hold upon the Saviour: through Him we tread down our
foes. I _can_ venture upon his atoning blood. How vast my obligations,
and how unprofitable my services, language fails to tell.--Mr. Bourne,
an old friend of my honoured father, came and conversed awhile with us
on the things pertaining to the Kingdom; then gave out a verse or two
and prayed. On leaving, he said, 'Well, Mary, I shall remember you,
and your family, and pray for you; and if I live to come to York
again, I will come and see you. I felt more pleased than if he had
given me gold and silver.--A day like spring; so clear, and warm, and
sunny. I entered upon it with strong desires after God, and a sweet
sense of his favour. His presence cheers my path, and smooths my way.
Visited a man apparently near death; awakened, but O how dangerous to
delay repentance until the last hour! After meeting my class, I called
upon Mary D., to whom the Lord has graciously revealed himself; we
rejoiced together while she spoke of the Lord's goodness."
"1827.--While interceding on behalf of my dear mother, I was
encouraged by the application of several suitable promises,
particularly, _'At evening time it shall be light.'_ The morning
following she told me of the comfort she had experienced during the
night. This must sustain my faith in future.--My husband has this week
declined business. Thou God of love, still guide our path. Let us not
'miss our providential way;' but draw us nearer to Thyself.--Taking
tea with a neighbour, whose salvation I have long desired, I felt
it my duty to speak plainly with her on the subject; and was greatly
encouraged by the inward voice of the Spirit, as also abundantly
blessed while engaged in prayer. Whether I was of any use, I know not,
but my work is with the Lord.--I went forth to visit the poor, not
knowing whither to direct my steps. I begged guidance from above, and
believe the Lord heard me; for, quite accidentally I was led to the
bedside of a woman, who had wandered from God; but in her affliction
had found out her error. She appeared much affected, and wished me
to go again.--Called upon M.H., upwards of eighty. She quoted many
promises, which were especially sweet to her. It is delightful to
visit such; another whom I saw, has been a persecutor, but is now
seeking salvation.--I called to see Mrs. Fettes, who has long been
a mother in Israel. My spirit was refreshed, while she spoke of her
experience of the things of God. Afterwards I saw Mrs. R.; with whom
I had a blessed interview, especially at the throne of grace. My
soul thirsts after God. I feel I am saved, but I want more.--Mr. Jos.
Mortimer conducted a meeting at St. George's Chapel, in which sixteen
or seventeen persons obtained the forgiveness of sins. One man, who
had been struggling about two hours, witnessed a good confession
before many witnesses. When asked how he felt, he said, 'I feel as
if I were in heaven:' and indeed his countenance testified the happy
change that had been effected. My two sons, Richard and William,
were much upon my mind; but they remain in good desires. Lord, fasten
conviction upon their hearts.--The power of God was eminently present
in the band-meeting. My two daughters, went to the penitent form,
seeking a full salvation; and there, glory be to God, they found it. O
that they may hold fast their confidence. My heart bounded at the
glad news, while tears gushed from my eyes.--In Fossgate school-room a
great number were made happy in God; I am told about fifty, and among
them three members of my class. Mrs. R----e and Mrs. R----n joined me,
at the 'eve of evening,' to pray for them. Whether it is in answer
to our prayers or no, thankful I am, prayer has been heard and
answered.--This evening twenty-three young persons, who have received
spiritual benefit, came to my little class. I felt myself very
inadequate to instruct them;--complete poverty. Lord, help me. Mr.
Mortimer accompanied me to visit a sick man, who, before we left,
professed faith in Jesus. O the unbounded mercy of God! I want more of
it. It is estimated that, during the week, not less than three hundred
have been brought to God: and among them my Richard. Keep him, O Lord,
near Thy side, and teach him all Thy will.--I feel cause of gratitude
to God for His mercy to my family. William has this night been brought
under divine influence; glory be to God;--a child of many prayers and
many fears, but God has found him out. O keep him, blessed Jesus. Now
all my family are brought to know God excepting little John; for whom
I pray, and believe God hears.--Mr. Slack divided my little company
(about seventy); allotting thirty of them to Miss G. O Lord, send us
both prosperity.--I have lately felt the constant power to pray; and,
though I have nothing in hand, I come to Jesus, and receive 'out of
His fulness, and grace for grace.' On Thursday I wrote to my dear
uncle, endeavouring, though feebly, to urge him to the pursuit of
inward holiness. O Lord, bless him, for Christ's sake. I think I never
felt a greater desire for the salvation of others. In this city the
Lord still continues to carry on His work.--I accompanied Mr. M.
to Heslington; we had a blessed little meeting. Three obtained the
forgiveness of sins. Surely these are the latter days, when times of
refreshing are promised. Every day souls are saved, and set apart for
God. In our parlour last Tuesday, Mrs. F. found liberty, as also her
daughter a few weeks ago.--Mr. Mortimer has been our guest the last
month, and will remain another week. He is a man of God. Next week
we expect Mr. Is. Clayton. I esteem it an honour conferred upon us to
entertain the ministers of the Lord; but a much greater honour, that
the Lord condescends to dwell in my heart. O may I ever walk, and
dwell in Him.--After a week of indisposition, mingled with much
excitement, I feel solid rest in God. We had a blessed time in the
band-meeting. I think I was never more fully delivered from the
creature. How sweet to live above the world! As I returned. Miss C.
joined me, and informed me what the Lord has done for her soul. She
believes He has taken full possession of her heart. I rejoiced while
she imparted the blessed news. She expresses herself clearly. O may
she ever hold it fast. I gave the following lines to Miss A. A. on her
birthday; may they be made a blessing to her.
"How important the season! Big with eternal results!--born for
eternity! Let it be a day of reflection, dedication, and prayer; and
if the following lines prove any assistance to you, I shall be amply
repaid.
Again the happy morn appears;
And nature, clothed in beauty, wears
Her wonted colours; and the rose
In all its pride of lustre glows;
Emblem of frail mortality!
It buds and blossoms but to die:
Too soon its glory fades away,
The passing pageant of a day.
In this fair flower, your image trace;
While youth sits smiling on your face,
Secure those virtues, which perfume
The life, when beauty fails to bloom--
The rich adorning first designed,
The vesture of a humble mind.
Be yours, in rich abundance given,
The treasure of an inward heaven.'
Hence virtue takes its deepest root,
And scatters fragrance in the shoot;
Blossoms when youth hath passed away,
Maturing for eternal day.
Reflect; the moment flies! 'tis gone!
The year its rapid course hath run!
What tidings have been winged to heaven,
Since first the precious boon was given?
Examine well; nor fear to know,
What truth may in its mirror show.
Is this, your twentieth birthday, blest
With more of wisdom in your breast?
Are your affections more divine?
Do you in Jesus' image shine?
More dead unto the world and sin,
Than when you did the year begin?
If fraught with truth our moments are,
And swift to heaven the tidings bear;
How should we weigh each act and word,
And wisely think, for thoughts are heard!
At this important period pause,
And unto God commit your cause;
With firm resolve and earnest prayer,
To meet Him in the clouds, prepare.
Him first, Him last, in all things own,
Whose wisdom guides in paths unknown;
Then, as the winged hours ascend,
Shall blessings fall upon my friend;
Till, full of years, matured you rise
To claim your birthright in the skies."
X.
WORKS OF MERCY.
"I DESIRED MERCY, AND NOT SACRIFICE."--Hosea vi. 6.
Mercy is the brightness of the glory of God;--the rainbow round about
the throne; wherein the pure light of Deity, too effulgent for the eye
of sinful man, is refracted, and presented under an aspect, which not
only reveals his manifold wisdom, and perfections, but blends them
in one bright manifestation of beauty, which even sinners may dare
to contemplate, with wonder, admiration and love. Jesus Christ is the
embodiment of the picture, being the brightness of the Father's glory,
full of grace and truth. While He enters the lowly abodes of humanity,
to contemplate its sorrows, and minister to its relief; the dazzling
effulgence of divine majesty is veiled under a covering of flesh.
Nevertheless, it is GOD who weeps with Martha, and Mary; who wipes
away the widow's tear, and speaks words of comfort to the outcast.
Incomprehensible Mystery! It is GOD incarnate, who suffers and dies
upon the cross to purchase life for His enemies. What a picture is
this! So far as it is capable of being reproduced, God loves to see it
revived in His children; and never does a man become more truly great,
or more faithfully represent his Master, than when, "putting on bowels
of mercies," he seeks by every means to alleviate the sorrows and
sufferings of his fellows. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall
obtain mercy." At this period, Mrs. Lyth's journal abounds with
instances of her benevolent exertions, but a few of which we can
transfer to these pages; yet they are ever recorded with an humble
consciousness of her own unworthiness. She proceeds:--