a Missionary life, in a land of cannibals, she never revoked the
gift, neither grudged the sacrifice. Her maternal yearnings were often
excited by the narration of his sufferings and privations; but they
were never suffered to rise in mutinous rebellion against the Divine
will. For nearly twenty-two years she not only submitted to his
absence with uncomplaining meekness, but she abounded in thanksgivings
on his account, and gloried in the sacrificial services he was enabled
to render to the cause of the Redeemer, in the high places of the
field.
"Mrs. Lyth's religion made her habitually happy. Fully assured of
her acceptance in the Beloved, walking daily in the liberty of the
children of God, and exercising herself to have always a conscience
void of offence, the smile of contentment rested on her countenance;
benignity beamed in her eye; the law of love regulated her speech,
while kindness, courtesy, and a cheerful urbanity, marked the whole of
her deportment. In her dress she was simple, neat and economical.
In her habits, she was a pattern of order, early rising, diligence,
promptitude, and punctuality. Possessing inward peace, she was calm,
self-possessed, firm, and full of trust in the providence of God.
Doing one thing at a time, and always intent upon doing that thing
well, she accomplished a great amount of holy service; was seldom in
a hurry, and always in time at the Sanctuary and Class-meeting. With
such traits of character, and modes of action, it will not excite
surprise that she became a centre of religions influence in the
community to which she belonged. The sick sought her prayers, persons
in spiritual distress, and temporal perplexity, applied to her for
advice; the poor appealed to her for relief, the young listened to her
counsels, and those who were intent upon obtaining a full salvation,
coveted her friendship, strove to imbibe her spirit, and to imitate
her example.
"In age and feebleness extreme, she was divinely supported by
her Saviour's might; and was cheered by His love, and the hope of
beholding His glory. No murmuring word escaped her lips, no sign of
impatience was visible in her appearance and manner; but expressions
of gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving, flowed from her tongue, and
indicated the peacefulness and purity of her mind. On her death-bed
I found her calmly resting on the merits of her Redeemer. Her
countenance was full of interest, a placid smile rested upon it, and
but for her laborious breathing, and interrupted utterances, hopes
might have been entertained that she would yet be spared, she was
herself hopefully waiting the hour of her dismissal; yet there was
one earthly wish, which she breathed out in meek submission to her
heavenly Father, not yet gratified; that was, that she might once more
see her Missionary son, before she quitted the clay tabernacle. Prayer
was offered, and among other petitions it was urged, that her maternal
desire might be granted. She lingered on the border land, till he
arrived, and soon after having kissed _him_, and blessed all present,
she fell asleep in Jesus; the last accents of her lips being those of
praise, adoration, and filial confidence."
We conclude these notices by the following kind words of condolence
from the Rev. M.C. Taylor.
"I cannot resist saying how much I was affected by the tidings of the
passing away of your sainted mother; not that I could mourn for
_her_, but I felt deprived and bereaved of one of the most lovely and
touching pictures of grace I have ever seen; and I mourned for myself.
Her name and memory are an inheritance indeed. To have known her will
be an honour and joy for ever,--to have belonged to her is more than
great riches. Hundreds are this week glorifying God in her."
LONDON:
PRINTED BY GEORGE PALMER, BROWNLOW STREET, HIGH HOLBORN.
_By the same Author_,
THE LIVING SACRIFICE;
OR, A
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE
OF
SARAH BENTLEY,
OF YORK.
Published by JOHN MASON, 66, PATERNOSTER ROW, and may be had of all
Booksellers.