participated with holy delight, and listened to the former part of the
14th chapter of St. John's Gospel, with an evident appreciation of
its overflowing fulness of consolation. In Jesus she contemplated
the revealed glory of the Father, and her believing "Amen" made the
blessedness of the revelation all her own. After giving me some
final directions, especially with respect to her manuscripts and
letters;--directions which were short and clear; and given with her
wonted happy expression of countenance, and cheerfulness of manner;
she gradually yielded to the force of disease. For three hours and a
half she lay quiet, occasionally slumbering, but breathing heavily.
It was thus I found her in the morning at half-past two. She was quite
conscious and recollected, and gave pleasing signs of recognition, but
the power of speech was almost gone. She had reached the middle of the
stream, but her head was lifted up above the flowing waters, for her
feet were upon the Rock. Mary quoted "The Lord is good; a stronghold
in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him," and
shortly after,
"Bright angels are from glory come,
They're round my bed, and in my room,
They come to waft my spirit home:
All is well."
She caught the idea; whispered "Bright Angels," and tried to say more.
I added the precious words, "Having loved His own, He loved them to
the end," also the lines of our own sweet singer;--
"And God Himself our Father is,
And Jesus is our Friend."
Another effort was made to speak, and at intervals we caught the
words, "Praise," "Glory," "My Father," "My Redeemer." These were the
last sounds we could hear; the full expression of triumph was lost in
the gentle murmurs of the river. There was yet another signal of happy
and exulting confidence. For sometime, she gazed intently upward, and
then around, with a look of delighted surprise; as if she "saw
scenes we could not see, or heard sounds we could not hear;" and
then gradually sunk into a state of unconsciousness. A few more hours
terminated her _mortal_ panting after immortality; and at twenty
minutes past eight, just as we commended her to God, without an effort
or a struggle, she breathed her ransomed spirit into the bosom of her
Lord. What was mortal remained with the mourners,--the spirit was with
God.
Thus, on the 4th of July, 1860, after the toils and struggles of life,
protracted to a period of seventy-eight years, and a few weeks; my
beloved, and venerated mother "fell asleep." She rests in the cemetery
about a mile from the city, by the side of her loved Eliza. Rich
and poor united to pay the last tribute of affection and esteem; and
mingled their tears at the place of her repose. A few weeks later,
on a Monday evening, in the New-Street Chapel, the Rev. Thomas
Nightingale, to a crowded audience, improved the event, not of her
death, but of her entrance into heaven, from the words, "And it
came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there
appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both
asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."
"HER CHILDREN ARISE UP AND CALL HER BLESSED."--Prov. xxxi. 28.
Shall we weep or repine at the thought she is gone?
Shall we mourn for the spirit at rest?
No! her children, though many, united as one
Now arise to acknowledge her blest.
Not the tongue of the world, or the praises that dwelt
On the lips of report are the test;
In the home, where the warmth of her presence was felt,
Must you ask if a mother was blest.
We arise! we arise in the name of the Lord,
Who gave us the good we possess'd;
With one heart, and one voice, we unite to record
Our thanks for the mother He bless'd.
Not a joy but was sweeter when she was in sight,
Not a grief but we hid in her breast;
And she seemed unto us as an Angel of Light:
So happy the circle she blest.
We remember her counsels, oft mingled with tears;
The truths by example express'd;
An inheritance rich, is the wealth of her prayers:
Is the child or the mother more blest?
By the light in her eye, and the smile on her face;
By her "song in the night," when opprest!
By a thousand impressions we love to retrace:
We know that our mother was blest.
But the soul of her joy, and its fulness she drew
From the source of all others the best;
For she trusted in Him, who is faithful and true,
She delighted in God, and was blest.
Then, why should we weep at the thought she is gone,
Since we know she hath enter'd her rest?
No! her children will follow, united as one,
In her steps to the home of the blest,
J.L.
XXIV.
PLEASANT MEMORIES.
"THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED," Prov. x. 7.
Although the preceding pages will enable the reader to form a general
estimate of Mrs. Lyth's religious character, the writer deems it
necessary to add a concluding sketch, partly for the purpose of
recording some particulars which could not so well be introduced
elsewhere, and partly to supplement his own remarks, which might
otherwise be liable to the charge of partiality, with a selection from
the numerous testimonies with which he has been favoured by Ministers
and other friends.
In person Mrs. Lyth was of middle stature, slender, and, before
years had subdued her physical strength, straight as an arrow. Her
complexion was fair, and her features, rather pointed than full, were
regular and well formed. The eyes, of light blue, generally wore a
calm and gentle expression, but kindled with an unearthly light when
conversing on divine subjects. Then her whole soul flashed in her
countenance, and her features, lit as with sunshine, indicated how
deeply her spirit had drank of that "stream which maketh glad the city
of God." Her hair, which in youth was of a rich auburn, turned grey at
the early age of thirty, and at length its silvery hue was superseded
by a snowy white, which gave additional impressiveness to a
countenance upon which happiness, purity and peace sat continually
enthroned. Her dress, the perfection of neatness, was modelled
after the most approved style of the Society of Friends, not as now,
modified and robbed of its interest by all-powerful fashion, but as it
existed in its original simplicity fifty years ago. Though not gifted
with any remarkable powers of mind, she possessed a sound and vigorous
understanding, which however, was rather quick than penetrating. This
she improved by a considerable amount of good reading. Her choice
of books was in harmony with the set purpose of her life, and seldom
surpassed the bounds of religious literature: for while she had no
sympathy with those little minds that, on the pretence of greater
religiousness despise human knowledge, she steadily kept in view the
rule she adopted in early life, "never to trifle with any book with
which she had no immediate concern," and consequently preferred those
which, while they informed the judgment, were also calculated to
impress the heart. Within this limit her reading was widely varied. To
the better class of biography, she added poetry, history, philosophy,
and divinity. Her favourite poet was Young, from whom she often quoted
at length; her favourite divine, Wesley; and her favourite book the
Bible. This last she not uncommonly read upon her knees, seeking the
assistance and blessing of the Holy Spirit, who is the best expositor
of His own word. Her knowledge of scripture was remarkable, and her
apprehension of its great doctrines distinct and clear as noonday.
"With increasing ardour she continued to dig in this inexhaustible
mine of truth, until the close of life, and within the last three or
four years waded through the greater part of Henry's Commentary.
Her study of divine truth was mainly prosecuted with a view to its
experience and practice; and hence her piety assumed that rare and
exalted character which develops itself evenly in all the various
relations of life. In her, the image of Christ was not, as in too
many instances, caricatured; but presented in its just and fair
proportions; and, as a necessary consequence, Impressed all who came
in contact with her with the certain conviction of its genuineness.
Zealous in the church, she was equally active and faithful at home.
_Little_ duties were not neglected on the pretext of performing others
of a higher character. By a strict economy of time, which she prized
more than, gold; by early rising, method and punctuality, she found
time for everything; so that her house was a pattern of neatness and
order, and her family was as well provided for as though she had no
public duties to perform. "She looked well to her own household, and
ate not the bread of idleness." Naturally of an active temper of mind,
she was always employed; and, from an habitual consciousness of her
responsibility, well employed. Her hand was ready at every turn,
and knew nothing of that silly squeamishness which leads a woman to
suppose that she demeans herself by meddling with household affairs.
Fond of singing, and possessed of a good voice, she lightened her
daily toil with the voice of song, and discharged the humblest duties
as a sacrifice well-pleasing to God. Her conscientiousness in little
things was remarkable. She was a determined enemy of all trifling and
tittle-tattle, as not only unbecoming the Christian character, but
destructive of religious feeling; and the consciousness of having
uttered a useless word, or engaged in unprofitable conversation,
always occasioned her pain. Among other peculiarities she displayed
a singular aversion to debt, and if by any means such an obligation,
however small, was incurred, she never rested until it was discharged.
The writer remembers on one occasion walking a couple of miles to pay
the trifling sum of sixpence to a party, who was at the time indebted
to his father as many pounds. Notwithstanding the severity with
which she judged her own actions, her piety was entirely free from
asceticism;--it was always cheerful, recollected, and heroic; and
in her intercourse with others, characterised by great humility and
christian courtesy. In prayer she was simple and earnest, zealous
without passion, and often particularized in the devotions of the
family the special cases of its individual members. Her's was the cry
of a child to its father, the appeal for help, that felt confident of
success. Her prayers, which were offered continually, day and night,
might truly be said to be mighty; and her children, even when distant
from her, have often felt conscious that her intercessions were going
up on their behalf. But they were urged for many,--for all; and in
particular for the prosperity of Zion, and the ministers of divine
truth. The Rev. John Hartley writes, "I feel that in your mother's
removal I suffer loss. I have seldom been more affected than when she
told me, on the last occasion of my seeing her, that not a day passed
without her pleading with God for me. Who am I, I thought, that this
saint of God should thus remember me in her prayers?" Her zeal in
the cause of God was constant, patient and persevering; not as we
sometimes see, now bursting into a furious blaze, and then dying away;
it burnt with a bright and steady flame,--being fed by the secret
supplies she obtained through constant communion with God. Although
ready for every good work, and glad to take her share in the mere
machinery of the Christian church, her chief aim was the salvation of
souls. This she never lost sight of, and generally, when collecting
for Missions or other benevolent objects, availed herself of the
opportunity of warning, exhortation, or prayer. One who frequently
accompanied her on such excursions says, "We called at every house in
the district. Some of the people were exceedingly poor. At one door
I said, 'Mrs. Lyth, you will not beg here.' Her reply was, 'It is my
duty to ask them, if they give us but a penny, it will not lose its
reward.' In another case the people were Roman Catholics; she at once
exhorted them to come direct to Christ, and not allow the priest to
come betwixt them and the Savior. In a third, where a member of the
family was sick, we went in, and Mrs. Lyth prayed." Another writes, "I
first became acquainted with her about 1823, and have always found her
the same consistent character. She assisted me in the formation of my
class in Acomb. Her visits to us were always welcome and profitable.
Her eye was single. She had light in her own soul, and it shone in
every society in which she was cast. Many a round we have had together
among the villagers, to beseech them to be reconciled to God. In this
work she went, perhaps, even beyond her strength, that sinners
might be brought into the fold of Christ. She rejoiced to lend a
helping-hand to the seeking soul; warning the unruly, comforting the
feeble-minded, and encouraging believers to seek after a full devotion
of heart and life to the service of Christ. Her faithfulness in the
administration of reproof was exemplary; and though naturally of a
retiring disposition, in the defence of truth and the cause of her
Master she became bold and fearless." Her ready pen, for to the
last she wrote a clear and steady hand, was often in requisition to
administer counsel, encouragement, or consolation. Whatever might be
said of her "bodily presence," her "letters were powerful," and, as
they were accompanied with believing effectual prayer, seldom failed
to produce a happy effect. The writer much regrets that the prescribed
limits of this volume precludes the introduction of extracts from the
voluminous correspondence placed in his hands. It is sufficient to say
here that her letters strikingly exhibit her oneness of purpose.
In all without exception, the one thing is prominent, and although
ordinary topics are not overlooked, they are invariably turned to good
account, and made the basis of apposite and profitable reflection. One
of her correspondents observes: "Her letters were always refreshing to
me, and brought my mind in immediate contact with one who lived in the
spirit of prayer and general devotedness. I never knew one, so far as
my observation went, who more constantly exhibited a oneness of aim
to glorify God, and promote the welfare of those with whom she came
in contact. Some might object, some might smile, but there was a holy
force of spiritual life in her, which could not be concealed, and
which made itself felt everywhere My dear friend was as attentive to
family duties as though the church had no claim upon her; and I have
often dwelt upon her character when far, far away. I have heard her
regret that she did not more fully manifest tender affection, when
her heart was fall of love. I need not say how rousing I found her
remarks, uttered in an humble gentle tone and manner; and how often
I have been taken into her closet to pray for many, particularly her
distant son." Another says: "I have been perusing some of her letters,
which I value above gold. Through them all, breathes the same spirit
of ardent love to Jesus, with a deep sense of her own helplessness.
Her character was that of an humble soul constantly living tinder
the rays of the Sun of righteousness. I have often heard her express
fears concerning herself, but never doubting the faithfulness of
Jesus, in whom she trusted. Since I had the happiness of knowing
her--which is more than thirty years--I have seen nothing but what I
could love and admire. I have often been thankful that my lot was cast
so near her in years gone by. Some of my most hallowed moments
have been when bowed with her at the throne of grace. Under all
circumstances she proved herself my friend; by her strong faith in God
she encouraged me to trust, where I could not trace, the dispensations
of Providence; often comforted my mind by an appropriate passage of
God's word, and by her simple and earnest pleadings at the throne of
grace, led me nearer to the mercy-seat. I owe much to the memory of my
precious friend; and her example has often stimulated me to increased
diligence. How forcibly did she remind others of the treasures of
religion! Plain in reproof, she was yet so transparent, that none
could be offended with her faithful dealings."
The department of usefulness in which she chiefly delighted, and
for which she was pre-eminently qualified, was, perhaps, the
class-meeting; upon this service she entered at first with
considerable hesitation, but eventually conducted three large classes,
besides forming several others.
"During my somewhat lengthened ministerial life," says the Rev. John
Rattenbury, "I have met with no female class-leader, that surpassed,
and with but few that equalled, your sainted mother. Her religious
character was beautifully moulded by the Divine Spirit. Tranquil,
fervent, spiritual, devoted; she was a pattern to her people: she was
successful in attracting people to the Society, and what is of
more importance, and perhaps more difficult, she was successful in
retaining them. Her classes, though large, were well preserved, and
seldom did the column for backsliders gain addition from them. She
was of the earlier school of Methodists, and combined the simplicity,
plainness, and fervour of the past age, with the generous and more
aggressive spirit of the present." One of her members says: "It was my
privilege to be a member of her class about eight years. She was both
deep and clear in her own experience, and never failed to impress upon
her members the necessity of daily growth in grace; and was especially
faithful, in warning them against worldliness and trifling. In her
we had a pattern worthy of imitation." As respects the improvement of
time and talent, she was always well employed, and ever had for her
object, the good of others. Another writes: "As a class-leader, Mrs.
Lyth appeared to stand almost alone--talented, punctual, humble,
and faithful. Once she reproved a young person in my presence for
frequently neglecting the class. When she had finished speaking and
the party was gone, she turned to me and said, 'I think I was faithful
with Elizabeth,' 'Yes, 'I replied, 'and rather sharp;' she answered,
'I don't want to have the blood of any of you on my skirt,'"
As to her general Christian character and usefulness, the following
testimonies by the pens of well-known and esteemed Ministers, will be
read with interest. The first is from the venerable Wm. Naylor, and
refers to a period of more than forty years ago. "Though many years
have passed over since I was stationed in York, the remembrance of
your esteemed mother is very refreshing to my mind. I place her among
the most excellent of the pious females of our Society, that it has
been my privilege and happiness to number amongst my intimate friends.
Her piety was genuine, and her experience rich in the enjoyment
of close and constant communion with God. I admired her oneness of
character and disposition--ever the same; in sickness and trial, calm
and submissive, confiding in the love of the Saviour; and in health,
delighting to do good to the needy and sick; her religion was not the
excitement of momentary feeling, it was the habitual principle and
power of grace. In disposition she was kind and cheerful; but it
never degenerated into levity, and few have more fully exemplified the
Christian rule of rejoicing with those that do rejoice, and weeping
with those that weep."
The Rev. Luke Wiseman writes: "My acquaintance with your mother was
during the last three years of her life. On arriving in the York
Circuit, she was among the first who were mentioned to me as pillars
in the Church, and 'Mothers in Israel.' I heard her name mentioned
with respect by many, who are themselves entitled to the highest
regard, sad was thus prepared, before being introduced to her, to meet
with a venerable, and lively disciple of our common Lord. Nor was I
disappointed. What she was in her years of maturity others can
relate. In her days of bodily decline, and feebleness, I saw in her a
beautiful specimen of a child of grace nearing the heavenly home. Her
appearance, worn, and somewhat shrivelled, yet retained marked traces
of uncommon energy. Her features sharpened by age, equally indicated
penetration, and benevolence. Her voice was still good, her utterance
remarkably distinct, and when she spoke of the things of Christ, it
was with no subdued or half-abashed tone, but with the same full,
clear, cheerful voice. It was impossible to doubt that her heart was
full of heavenly treasure from her very manner of speaking of divine
things,--easy, energetic, unforced, graceful. I am afraid, that being
so far below her in divine knowledge, my visits may have been of but
little benefit to her: but however this may be, they were of great
benefit to myself. She shewed an ardent love for the cause of Christ,
for His ministers, and for all His people. She appeared to feel being
laid aside from active work, and amongst her many inquiries about the
Society, she would now and then utter an expression of regret, that
she was now no more amongst them as formerly. She had a very clear
conception of christian doctrine, and I believe an equally clear, and
satisfying joy and peace through being consciously accepted in Christ.
I never passed by her house, so far as I can recollect, without some
such thought as this while going by, 'Within these doors dwells one
whom Jesus loves.'"
For the following we are indebted to the courtesy of the Rev. P.
McOwan.
"Mrs. Lyth was in the decline of life before it was my happiness
to form her acquaintance; and consequently I am but ill able to do
justice to her christian character, or to point out the various modes
of faithful pitying love, by which she endeavoured in her years of
prime to glorify God, and serve her generation. It was impossible,
however, to visit her, even in her invalid state, without being
impressed with her mental power, eminent piety, and scriptural
intelligence; without discerning that she was a 'mother in Israel.'
In my own case, these impressions were so deep, that, though in my
intercourse with her I had to sustain the Pastor's part, I often,
from choice, occupied the seat of the learner. Her favourite themes of
discourse, were the love of God in Christ Jesus, the grace and wisdom
of Divine Providence, the great and precious promises, christian
experience, missions to the heathen, and the revival and extension
of the work of God in the earth. I frequently proposed questions to
elicit her views on these and kindred topics; and when, drawn out in
conversation, she often gave utterance to weighty and discriminating
thoughts, judicious counsels, animating recollections of the past, and
bright anticipations of the future. Intercourse with her was truly
a means of grace; and I generally left her glorifying God on her
account, and longing for a double portion of her spirit.
"Mrs. Lyth, like all who excel in piety, was a diligent and devout
student of the book of God. She not only read the scriptures, but she
searched them; she pondered their import, and meditated in them day
and night. The result was, the word of God dwelt in her richly, in
all wisdom, so that she was able to teach and admonish others with
singular propriety and power. Her accurate and extensive acquaintance
with the scriptures gave a richness and impressiveness to her
conversation, which awed the trifler, edified the thoughtful, and shed
light and comfort upon the minds of anxious inquirers. Many of her own
sex resorted to her for counsel as to an oracle; and as she generally
joined in prayer with her inquiring friends, her advices and cautions
became in numerous instances, as a "nail fastened in a sure place."
Her love for the Sanctuary amounted almost to a passion. In her
inner life it stood identified with vivid views of saving truth;
rich manifestations of Divine love, and transforming effusions of
sanctifying grace. When in health, neither weather, nor company, nor
any surmountable obstacle, could keep her at home, when it was open
for worship; and when enfeebled by age, she sought to improve each
gleam of sunshine, and each interval of returning strength, by paying
another visit to the sacred shrine, as if she thought each one might
be the last.