the glory of God;" then, why doubt them? since God's own honour, and
faithfulness, which are dearer to Him than aught beside, are concerned
in their fulfilment. The christian believer has nothing to do with the
difficulties, or seeming delay of the accomplishment; but only with
the unfailing word of God. If you find the promise, take it, hold it
fast; and, according to thy faith, it shall be done unto thee. Mrs.
Lyth believed the word of God; and when a promise was applied to her
mind, she did not lose sight of it; but patiently waited until it was
redeemed. More than one instance occurs in her journal, in which she
refers back to some promise, which she had previously received; and
the fulfilment of which, she was expecting. This was particularly
the case with reference to her mother's experience, who, though not
forsaken, passed her latter days in mourning, being pressed down by
constant affliction, and the weight of years. Mrs. Lyth felt acutely
on this account; but, the promise given in answer to prayer, _"At
evening time it shall be light,"_ was held fast, through a period of
five years. The period of its redemption was at hand.
"1831.--'Let Thy statutes be my delight in the house of my
pilgrimage.' As my journey shortens, may the assurance of a happy
reception at the end, increase: I think it does. I have a blessed
conviction that, through the merits of my Redeemer, I shall see
Him without a veil between. This hope makes my spirit rejoice, when
nothing external excites me. Musing on my way to the city, upon the
'charity' that 'never faileth,' and its many excellent attributes; I
found myself deficient in that, which 'thinketh no evil.' Under some
circumstances, I am apt to draw hasty conclusions. O forgive, and help
Thy dust to be more guarded.--A friend calling in, I took up my cross,
(for it was one,) to go to the prayer-meeting; the night being dark,
the roads dirty, and the place distant: but I was well repaid. A
goodly number were present, and the Lord was there.--My husband was at
York with the gig. Mr. H. called to inform us, that in consequence of
the wind, and drifted snow, he thought it would be impossible for him
to return home. Concerned for his safety, I sent a man and horse to
meet him, and betook myself to prayer; which the Lord condescended to
hear, and answer: for after my husband had forced his way through many
snow-drifts, the harness broke, just as the man met him; and he could
not have proceeded further without assistance: so in the time of need
there was help. I could not but regard it as providential, that Mr. H.
called; and also that the man arrived at the moment he was required.
My obligations to the Lord increase daily.--The twenty-fifth
anniversary of my wedding day. THEN, my husband tells me, the bloom of
the rose sat on my cheek; NOW, I am shrinking into an old woman, hair
grey, teeth gone, bloom faded, and my eyes dim: but, through the mercy
of God, though my outward tabernacle is thus sinking in decay, my
spiritual strength is daily renewed; the vigour of my mind is not
abated; my understanding is clearer, and my faith stronger than ever.
And though, by the light that shines upon my soul, I discover more of
my natural depravity; the Lord, by his Spirit, graciously draws me to
himself, the true remedy; and blesses me with a sense of his presence.
Glory be to His name for an interest in the blood of sprinkling. Here
is the source of my happiness, and all I want is here. THEN--I had a
father and mother who loved and cared for me: NOW--my father is gone
to his reward, and my mother is sunk in decrepitude, daily waiting
her release; and I, myself a mother, have resting upon me the care and
anxiety of a family; but I have inherited the promise, which descends
from generation to generation. THEN--I looked forward to what might be
my future portion: NOW--I look back through five and twenty years,
in which goodness and mercy have followed me until now; although
my passage through the wilderness has all along been marked with
unfaithfulness. Here my heart fills with gratitude. What shall I
render to the Lord for all his goodness towards me? THEN--I had
many friends, who are NOW passed away; but Jesus is my never-failing
Friend, and through His grace, I hope soon to meet again those, who
'through faith and patience have inherited the promises.' THEN--I had
much to endure and suffer; but NOW--five and twenty years of trial
and suffering are over, with only one regret, that I have not suffered
more patiently, and expected more largely from Him, who orders all
things for the best. What still awaits me is only known to Thee; but
prepare me for the event, and let Thy will be done. This is my heart's
desire, uttered I believe, in the spirit of resignation; but it is
Thy doing, and to Thee be all the glory. And now, I present to Thee
my dear husband, and my five children: let us all be Thine--Thine to
guide, Thine to save, Thine to govern, and Thine to crown."
"Seven years ago my dear father entered into rest."
This day, replete with memories dear,
The well-known image brings to view
Of him, whose name I still revere;
Whose worth till lost, I never knew.
My father, (still the name is sweet!)
Now in a fairer region dwells:
Him gladly will I go to meet,
Though wild between us Jordan swells.
"My dear mother continues very feeble, and much of my time, night and
day, is devoted to her. She suffers from manifold temptations; yet I
am encouraged to believe she will be delivered. Make no long tarrying,
O my God,--Yesterday and to-day I have been severely and painfully
exercised on account of my mother: still I hang upon the word of the
promise, _'In the eventide it shall be light._ Yesterday she said,
'The will of the Lord be done.'--She tells me this morning she enjoys
_peace_. Her memory is much impaired. My mind is much distressed, but
finds its rest in God. It seems, as if by diversity of trial, the Lord
wills to purge my affections. O let Thy will be done. Help me, however
nature rebels, fully to give up my own will. Blessed be God, my soul
enjoys peace. 'I trust in Him, who stands between the Father's wrath
and me.' My dear mother's weakness increases; but she says this
morning, she _dare not doubt_ of going to heaven.--I sat up with my
dear mother. About half-past twelve she was convulsed, and felt
sick; then, she dosed a little; then sick again,--called for
Richard,--wandered,--evidently changed for death, and had a severe
struggle, often saying, 'Do help me, do.' Her sufferings were acute.
Once she said, 'Lord, help me;' and again, 'Hope thou in God, for I
shall yet pr----;' but the words were interrupted by her sufferings,
My anguish of mind is known to Thee. As I stood by the fire the words
were suggested,
'_Thy_ warfare's past, _thy_ mourning's o'er;
Look up, for _thou_ shalt weep no more.'
I was comforted. My dear husband, cousin, and Mary, found great
consolation in prayer just before her departure. Her last words were,
'Pray, pray;' 'Lord, Lord.' Thus, about half-past one on the 23rd of
March, my dear mother 'fell asleep,' aged seventy-two years and three
weeks."
And though in ruin now her body lies,
A peaceful smile upon her face is spread:
The struggle o'er--her spirit upward flies,
To join the spirits of the blessed dead.
"My dear departed mother was interred in St. Lawrence churchyard,
by the side of my beloved father; leaving the impressive
admonition--'prepare to follow.' I feel it--my heart determines--my
will submits--I have set about it. Lord help me to persevere."
LOOK UPWARD.
Oh! how uncertain all below!
Our comforts cause us pain;
Smiling, they sting us as they go,
Ne'er to return again.
Then upward turn thy weeping eye;
Nor, like yon drooping tree,
Bend downward to the earth; on high
See Jesus looks on thee.
Jesus! what balm is in that sound!
It bids our tears away;
Spreads life and happiness around;
Converts the night to day.
To feel Thy dying love, be mine;
To hear Thy charming voice;
The ceaseless whisper, 'I am Thine,'
Shall bid my heart rejoice.
Dearer than sons or daughters; Thou;
Dearer than mother's love;
Gladly for Thee I all forego,
And seek my bliss above.
"I went to Wigginton to visit a young woman, whom I found praising
God for having afflicted her, and brought her to the knowledge of
the truth. To some others, I was powerfully constrained to speak
respecting their souls.--Miss Bentley came for a few days. We
visited many of the villagers, to put them in mind to prepare for
eternity.--Mr. Hope announced from the pulpit, that it was his wish I
should commence a class in Haxby on Monday evening, at seven o'clock.
The words occurred to me, 'By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is
small?' O my God, to Thee my obligations are great, and my weaknesses
are all known; but if this is from Thee, bring it to pass; let
there be some token for good, some rending of heart among the
people.--According to appointment I went to Haxby, to meet any who
were desirous of fleeing from the wrath to come. Three persons came;
two of them backsliders, and one who has never met before.--Visited
several of the villagers. At one place I felt much while bowed at the
throne of grace. A little boy, to whom I afterwards addressed a few
words, burst into tears. O that the Lord would poor out His Spirit,
and bow their hearts to His sway! O Lord, let not my unfaithfulness
hinder Thy work.--After meeting my class in the city, I went on
to Heslington to see Mr. K., who is apparently on his death-bed. I
endeavoured to speak faithfully; but unless the Spirit of God apply
the truth, vain is the help of man. I feel much out of love with
myself.--Walked again to see Mr. K., who appears as teachable as a
little child. I feel encouraged to hope that he will lay hold upon
Jesus. But O how dangerous to delay until death stares us in the
face!--Went to Haxby, and found only one to meet me there: but the
Lord met _her_, which was better than numbers without Him. O God, keep
this precious soul--this _asked-for_ token of Thy love. While sitting
under the word, the Lord made it as a broad river to my soul. 'Blessed
are the pure in heart,' was the subject. Tears of love and gratitude
rolled down my cheeks, and love filled my heart; for I felt myself a
partaker of this great salvation."
Thus may I ever live,
And feel the power divine;
Taught by Thy Spirit to believe
This full salvation mine.
"With a painful headache I walked to York; but the satisfaction of
mind I felt in keeping the path of duty, amply repaid me. I think
a general blessing was experienced.--While pleading with God, these
words were applied, 'I am Thy salvation.' I felt confidence, but not
all I want. I seem only on the edge of living; I want to be 'plunged
in the Godhead's deepest sea.'--Six months since my dear mother
departed! She is daily the subject of my thoughts, and her memory
becomes increasingly dear to me. Well, it is but a short separation--a
thin partition; my earthly tabernacle feels the force of time--it
crumbles and decays; but by faith I look for a more durable
habitation, where I shall meet those who are gone before."
Time rolls away--yet fresh the scene appears
When my dear mother left this vale of tears;
Then, sorrow stamped its seal upon my heart;
Nature recoiled--but grace relieved the smart.
"Mr. R., discoursing on the necessity of exercising a forgiving
spirit, illustrated his subject by the following anecdote:--An officer
in the army lying on his deathbed, sent for one of the preachers to
visit him. On his entering the room, the sick man asked him, if he
remembered that he was once insulted by a company of officers while he
was preaching in Dublin. The preacher remembered it well. He then told
him, that he had been one of the worst of them; and had sent to ask
him to pray for him, and to teach him what he must do to be saved,--as
he believed he was a dying man, and was unprepared for another world.
The minister pointed him to the Saviour; and after praying with him
several times, was about to depart, when the officer offered him
a handsome present for his services. This he refused, and took his
leave. On passing through the hall, one of the servants accosted him,
"What a pity my master won't see his son, and has cut him off with
a shilling, although he would gladly see his father." The minister
immediately returned to the sick man, and repeated to him the Lord's
prayer until he came to the words, 'as we forgive them that trespass
against us;' he then stopped, and asked him if he forgave every one.
The officer paused a moment and replied, 'There is one whom I do not
forgive, and cannot.' 'Then,' said the minister, 'neither will your
heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses.' After some deliberation,
it was agreed that the son should be sent for. He came, fell on his
knees at the bedside, and with tears in his eyes, pressed his father's
hand to his lips, and begged his forgiveness. The father's relentings
were kindled: upon which the minister sung--
'The op'ning heavens around me shine,
With beams of sacred bliss;
When--
'When!' cried the officer, 'nay
_Now_, Jesus shows His mercy mine.
And whispers I am His.'
"Called upon Mr. and Miss K. They had company: I was preserved from
unprofitable conversation, and dared to speak for God. On my return,
I passed through the churchyard, where the remains of my dear parents
are deposited. It was a beautiful moonlight night; and I stopped to
shed a silent tear over the much-loved dust, in hope of joining them
again in the realms above. Lord, help me on my way.--I went to see a
backslider, whom the Lord had made willing to return. After conversing
a little, we knelt down to prayer. Her husband prayed; then she began,
and while confessing her sins and pleading for mercy, the Lord
looked upon her in compassion, and healed her backslidings. The same
afternoon, she came and joined herself with the people of God."
"Alone in the room where my venerated mother breathed her last."
Though no famed eulogy proclaims her worth,
Nor with her fellow-pilgrims ranked on earth,
A higher record doth her history trace;
In heaven's high register she claims a place.
Retiring, and unknown or but to few,
Her latter days were hid from public view;
But I have often witness'd, when alone--
The prayer uplifted, and the sigh unknown.
When no eye saw her, but with God shut in,
She pour'd her plaint to Him, who saw, unseen;
Then from the sacred word she succour drew,
'To hoary hairs I bear, I carry you.'
This promise still her drooping spirit cheered,
And shed its starlight when the night appeared.
Bold, in her weakness, close the foe pursued,
And oft the bitter conflict was renewed;
Conqu'ror at last, she calmly soared away,
And left a smile upon the passive clay.
I heard Mr. Dawson, from 'Peter followed afar off'--a season, I hope,
never to be forgotten; for then Richard made up his mind to accept
the invitation, and 'come near,' as Mr. D. expressed it. This to me
is matter of joy and thanksgiving; for since I knew that Mr. D. was
coming, it has been my prayer, that his visit might be made a
blessing to some, not particularly thinking of my son. Thus, beyond my
expectation, has the Lord condescended to my prayer.
AFTER A FIT OF SICKNESS.
While thousands in Thy courts are found,
Waiting on bended knee;
Behold, in solitude, a worm,
That dares approach to Thee,
To me the heavenly gift impart,
Thy Holy Spirit send;
To fill and sanctify my heart,
And bid its wand'rings end.
Then health or sickness let me share,
As wills eternal love;
For all is well, if Thou art near,
Thy creature to approve.
My grateful thanks for ease I bring,
And every comfort given;
Nor less for sorrows, sent to wing
My grov'lling soul to heaven.
Great God! to Thee my wishes flow,
Who dost my life prolong;
Thy witness let me live below,
Thy statutes be my song.
"Ere the day broke, the Lord broke in upon my soul with the words,
'Thy sun shall no more go down, nor Thy moon withdraw itself, for
the Lord shall be thy everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning
shall be ended.' Such light shone upon the whole chapter, as filled
my soul with gratitude for the rich promises given to the people of
God.--Called to see a man and his wife, both sick, to whom the Lord
has blessed affliction. The man was rejoicing in the Lord, and the
woman is resolved not to rest short of salvation. While we united in
prayer she received some encouragement."
XIV.
POWER WITH GOD.
"FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG."--2 Cor. xii. 10.
Do you ever receive answers to your prayers? We do not speak to those,
who look upon prayer simply as an act of homage done to a superior
being; _they_ do not expect any: but to those, who believe that prayer
has power with God. Why are so many prayers ineffectual, even of those
who really expect an answer? Some lack _earnestness_; they are too
diffusive, like the letter of the young maiden, in which she asks a
hundred questions, which are forgotten as soon as she has attached the
seal. Others want warmth; they are too formal, like a petition to a
sovereign; which may, or may not, receive a gracious and condescending
reply. Others are importunate, and earnest enough, like the beggar's
appeal for relief, but without much hope of success. But how few,
like the cry of a child, who runs to his father with his one, for
the moment, all-absorbing request, never dreaming of a refusal, and
importunately urged till he succeeds. Yet such is the spirit of filial
affection and confidence we are privileged to use before God. For
"This is the confidence we have in Him; that if we ask any thing
according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hear us,
whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions, that we desired
of Him." Mrs. Lyth's distinguishing feature, was her love of prayer.
It was, to use her own words, "the life of her soul, her delight, her
greatest joy;" and her practice bore out the truth and sincerity of
her words. Besides her own stated hours of private devotion, which
were frequent, it was her practice for many years to conduct family
worship three times a-day. But beyond this, innumerable occasions
presented themselves, which stimulated her thirsting soul. The call of
a friend, or the arrival of a letter; the prospect of a journey, or
a safe return: the recollection of a promise, or the reception of
a blessing; a wakeful night, or a sunny day; in a word, whatever
strongly impressed her spirit as a subject of thanksgiving, or
an object of desire, was to her the signal for prayer. And not
unfrequently, engagements were entered into with her intimate friends,
to offer at given times, special intercessions for particular objects;
engagements, which were faithfully fulfilled. This ceaseless spirit
of prayer was the source of strength; for, though naturally of a timid
and retiring disposition, "As a prince she had power with God and
man, and prevailed." These remarks, a careful reader will find fully
sustained by her own journal.
"1832.--Sent a letter to M.W.O may it be blest to her! M.W. was at the
class, and seemed thankful for the admonition.--I went to the village
on the Lord's errand, _praying_ He would make my going prosperous; He
graciously inclined one friend to accompany me to Mr. B.'s class--I am
encouraged to hope there is a work of grace upon her heart: O that it
may prove lasting! In visiting one of my members, I found there was
no family-prayer. We prayed together, and on her knees she appeared
deeply to mourn her neglect, and promised the Lord to do better.
In two or three other little visits, I found the Lord among His
people.--Had a precious interview with Mrs. Benjamin A.: our souls
were melted before the Lord. O how the world was eclipsed, while our
full hearts were aspiring after God! I feel the effect still.--How
like a dream is life! we view the scene, and ere we are aware, it
is gone for ever; but to every moment is attached the importance of
eternity. After a sharp fit of sickness, how sweet is ease! yet these
seasons are blessed to me, inasmuch as they lead me to look more
closely into scripture declarations, respecting the blessings
associated with patient endurance. My soul seeks shelter in the secret
place of the Most High.--Heard a faithful sermon from Mr. R.: I always
profit under heart-searching sermons, as they discover the secret
lurkings of nature. I feel the importance of endeavouring to enlarge
the powers of my mind, since I am accountable to God for their
improvement. I regret, that I have spent so much time to such little
purpose. Whither shall I go? To whom shall I flee? My heart says,
'Mould as thou wilt thy passive clay;' prepare my work, and by Thy
grace helping me, I will put my neck under Thy yoke. Give me Thy
abiding Spirit, that in my age I may bring forth fruit to Thy glory;
enlarge and fertilize the powers of my mind; and teach me to cultivate
the talents Thou hast given me. To aid my recollection, I here write
them down: time, health, powers of mind--as memory, understanding,
&c.; powers of body--as tongue, hands, and feet; money.--I went to see
a dying man, but was denied. However, I knelt down with his wife, and
several others who were present, feeling deeply concerned for their
souls.--My body is very feeble, yet I wish to be fully resigned to the
will of God, even should I be entirely laid aside; for,--thank God,--I
feel no disposition to repine at the dealings of providence. I only
regret that I have so little improved my health and opportunities,
for my own benefit and the good of my fellow-creatures.--Increasing
symptoms of weakness; but the joy of the Lord is my strength: my soul
longs after Him.--To-day I sent a note to the chapel, to announce
that our house would he open for prayer at two o'clock; earnestly
requesting the praying friends to come, and bring with them any of
their neighbours, who were desirous of fleeing from the wrath to come.
At the appointed time nine persons came; and while we were united in
prayer, I enjoyed the softening power."
The cheerful breeze, and sunny ray,
Pour on the earth the sweets of day;
The blushing rose, and lily vie
With the carnation's deeper dye;
The dappled cloud, and welkin blue,
With lights and shadows ever new,
In language loud to me declare,
Lo! God is here! and God is there!
Here--in His handy work, I see
His wisdom, skill, and majesty;
There--His sublimer glories shine--
God over all, in all, divine!
"Mr. and Mrs. Isaac came. The ravages of disease were painfully
evident in him; and on the following morning while breakfasting
with us, he had another attack of paralysis. So uncertain is all
on earth.--On my return from Sinnington, as I was sauntering in the
streets of Malton, expecting to meet my husband, a person tapped me on
the shoulder, and asked me if I was not Richard Burdsall's daughter,
and being answered in the affirmative, pressed me to dine with him. So
'the memory of the just is blessed.' I have enjoyed a sweet calm, and
prayerful spirit.