A sweet solemnity often possesses the mind whilst retracing past
intercourse with departed friends. How much is this increased when they
were such as lived and died in the Lord! The remembrance of former
scenes and conversations with those who, we believe, are now enjoying the
uninterrupted happiness of a better world, fills the heart with pleasing
sadness, and animates the soul with the hopeful anticipation of a day
when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed in the assembling of all his
children together, never more to be separated. Whether they were rich or
poor while on earth is a matter of trifling consequence: the valuable
part of their character is, that they are "kings and priests unto God;"
and this is their true nobility. In the number of now departed
believers, with whom I once loved to converse on the grace and glory of
the kingdom of God, was the Dairyman's daughter.
About a week after the funeral, I went to visit the family at ---, in
whose service the younger sister had lived and died, and where Elizabeth
was requested to remain for a short time in her stead.
The house was a large and venerable mansion. It stood in a beautiful
valley at the foot of a high hill. It was embowered in fine woods, which
were interspersed in every direction with rising, falling, and swelling
grounds. The manor-house had evidently descended through a long line of
ancestry, from a distant period of time. The Gothic character of its
original architecture was still preserved in the latticed windows,
adorned with carved divisions and pillars and stonework. Several pointed
terminations also, in the construction of the roof, according to the
custom of our forefathers, fully corresponded with the general features
of the building.
One end of the house was entirely clothed with the thick foliage of an
immense ivy, which climbed beyond customary limits, and embraced a lofty
chimney up to its very summit. Such a tree seemed congenial to the walls
that supported it, and conspired with the antique fashion of the place to
carry imagination back to the days of our ancestors.
As I approached, I was led to reflect on the lapse of ages, and the
successive generations of men, each in their turn occupying lands,
houses, and domains; each in their turn also disappearing, and leaving
their inheritance to be enjoyed by others. David once observed the same,
and cried out, "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth, and
mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is
altogether vanity. Surely every man walketh in a vain show; surely they
are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall
gather them."
Happy would it be for the rich if they more frequently meditated on the
uncertainty of all their possessions, and the frail nature of every
earthly tenure. "Their inward thought is, that their houses shall
continue for ever, and their dwelling-places to all generations: they
call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless, man being in
honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is
their folly; yet their posterity approve their sayings. Like sheep they
are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and their beauty shall
consume in the grave from their dwelling."
As I advanced to the mansion, a pleasing kind of gloom overspread the
front: it was occasioned by the shade of trees, and gave a characteristic
effect to the ancient fabric. I instantly recollected that death had
very recently visited the house and that one of its present inhabitants
was an affectionate mourner for a departed sister.
There is a solemnity in the thought of a recent death, which will
associate itself with the very walls from whence we are conscious that a
soul has just taken its flight to eternity.
After passing some time in conversation with the superiors of the family,
in the course of which I was much gratified by hearing of the unremitted
attention which the elder sister had paid to the younger during the
illness of the latter, I received likewise other testimonies of the
excellency of her general character and conduct in the house. I then
took leave, requesting permission to see her, agreeably to the promise I
had made at the funeral, not many days before.
I was shown into a parlour, where I found her alone. She was in deep
mourning. She had a calmness and serenity in her countenance which
exceedingly struck me, and impressed some idea of those attainments which
a further acquaintance with her afterwards so much increased.
She spoke of her sister. I had the satisfaction of finding that she had
given very hopeful proofs of a change of heart before she died. The
prayers and earnest exhortations of Elizabeth had been blessed to a happy
effect. She described what had passed with such a mixture of sisterly
affection and pious dependence on the mercy of God to sinners, as
convinced me that her own heart was under the influence of "pure and
undefiled religion."
She requested leave occasionally to correspond with me on serious
subjects, stating that she needed much instruction. She hoped I would
pardon the liberty which she had taken by introducing herself to my
notice. She expressed a trust that the Lord would overrule both the
death of her sister and the personal acquaintance with me that resulted
from it, to a present and future good, as it respected herself, and also
her parents, with whom she statedly lived, and to whom she expected to
return in a few days.
Finding that she was wanted in some household duty, I did not remain long
with her, but left her with an assurance that I proposed to visit her
parents very shortly.
"Sir," said she, "I take it very kind that you have condescended to leave
the company of the rich, and converse with the poor. I wish I could have
said more to you respecting my own state of mind. Perhaps I shall be
better able another time. When you next visit me, instead of finding me
in these noble walls, you will see me in a poor cottage. But I am
happiest when there. Once more, sir, I thank you for your past kindness
to me and mine, and may God in many ways bless you for it!"
I quitted the house with no small degree of satisfaction, in consequence
of the new acquaintance which I had formed. I discovered traces of a
cultivated as well as a spiritual mind. I felt that religious
intercourse with those of low estate may be rendered eminently useful to
others, whose outward station and advantages are far above their own.
How often does it appear that "God hath chosen the weak things of the
world to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the
world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which
are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory
in his presence!"
It was not unfrequently my custom, when my mind was filled with any
interesting subject for meditation, to seek some spot where the beauties
of natural prospect might help to form pleasing and useful associations.
I therefore ascended gradually to the very summit of the hill adjoining
the mansion where my visit had just been made. Here was placed an
elevated sea-mark: it was in the form of a triangular pyramid, and built
of stone. I sat down on the ground near it, and looked at the
surrounding prospect, which was distinguished for beauty and
magnificence. It was a lofty station, which commanded a complete circle
of interesting objects to engage the spectator's attention. Southward
the view was terminated by a long range of hills, at about six miles
distance. They met to the westward another chain of hills, of which the
one whereon I sat formed a link, and the whole together nearly
encompassed a rich and fruitful valley, filled with cornfields and
pastures. Through this vale winded a small river for many miles: much
cattle were feeding on its banks. Here and there lesser eminences arose
in the valley: some covered with wood, others with corn or grass, and a
few with heath or fern. One of these little hills was distinguished by a
parish church at the top, presenting a striking feature in the landscape.
Another of these elevations, situated in the centre of the valley, was
adorned with a venerable holly-tree, which has grown there for ages. Its
singular height and wide-spreading dimensions not only render it an
object of curiosity to the traveller, but of daily usefulness to the
pilot, as a mark visible from the sea, whereby to direct his vessel safe
into harbour. Villages, churches, country-seats, farm-houses, and
cottages, were scattered over every part of the southern valley. In this
direction also, at the foot of the hill where I was stationed, appeared
the ancient mansion which I had just quitted, embellished with its woods,
groves, and gardens.
South-eastward I saw the open ocean, bounded only by the horizon. The
sun shone, and gilded the waves with a glittering light that sparkled in
the most brilliant manner. More to the east, in continuation of that
line of hills where I was placed, rose two downs, one beyond the other,
both covered with sheep, and the sea just visible over the furthest of
them, as a terminating boundary. In this point ships were seen, some
sailing, others at anchor. Here the little river which watered the
southern valley finished its course, and ran through meadows into the
sea, in an eastward direction.
On the north the sea appeared like a noble river, varying from three to
seven miles in breadth, between the banks of the opposite coast and those
of the island which I inhabited. Immediately underneath me was a fine
woody district of country, diversified by many pleasing objects. Distant
towns were visible on the opposite shore. Numbers of ships occupied the
sheltered station which this northern channel afforded them. The eye
roamed with delight over an expanse of near and remote beauties, which
alternately caught the observation, and which harmonized together, and
produced a scene of peculiar interest.
Westward the hills followed each other, forming several intermediate and
partial valleys, in a kind of undulations, like the waves of the sea;
and, bending to the south, completed the boundary of the larger valley
before described, to the southward of the hill on which I sat. In many
instances the hills were cultivated with corn to their very summits, and
seemed to defy the inclemency of the weather, which, at these heights,
usually renders the ground incapable of bringing forth and ripening the
crops of grain. One hill alone, the highest in elevation, and about ten
miles to the south-westward, was enveloped in a cloud, which just
permitted a dim and hazy sight of a signal-post, a light-house, and an
ancient chantry, built on its summit.
Amidst these numerous specimens of delightful scenery I found a mount for
contemplation, and here I indulged it. "How much of the natural beauties
of Paradise still remain in the world, although its spiritual character
has been so awfully defaced by sin! But when divine grace renews the
heart of the fallen sinner, Paradise is regained, and much of its beauty
restored to the soul. As this prospect is compounded of hill and dale,
land and sea, woods and plains, all sweetly blended together, and
relieving each other in the landscape; so do the gracious dispositions
wrought in the soul produce a beauty and harmony of scene to which it was
before a stranger."
I looked towards the village in the plain below, where the Dairyman's
younger daughter was buried. I retraced the simple solemnities of the
funeral. I connected the principles and conduct of her sister with the
present probably happy state of her soul in the world of spirits, and was
greatly impressed with a sense of the importance of family influence as a
means of grace. "That young woman," I thought, "has been the conductor
of not only a sister, but perhaps a father and mother also, to the true
knowledge of God, and may, by the divine blessing, become so to others.
It is a glorious occupation to win souls to Christ, and guide them out of
Egyptian bondage through the wilderness into the promised Canaan. Happy
are the families who are walking hand in hand together, as pilgrims,
towards the heavenly country. May the number of such be daily
increased?"
Casting my eye over the numerous dwellings in the vales on my right and
left, I could not help thinking, "How many of their inhabitants are
ignorant of the ways of God, and strangers to his grace! May this
thought stimulate to activity and diligence in the cause of immortal
souls! They are precious in God's sight--they ought to be so in ours."
Some pointed and affecting observations to that effect recurred to my
mind as having been made by the young person with whom I had been just
conversing. Her mind appeared to be much impressed with the duty of
speaking and acting for God "while it is day," conscious that "the night
cometh, when no man can work." Her laudable anxiety on this head was
often testified to me afterwards, both by letter and conversation. What
she felt herself, in respect to endeavours to do good, she happily
communicated to others with whom she corresponded or conversed.
Time would not permit my continuing so long in the enjoyment of these
meditations, on this lovely mount of observation, as my heart desired. On
my return home I wrote a few lines to the Dairyman's daughter, chiefly
dictated by the train of thought which had occupied my mind while I sat
on the hill.
On the next Sunday evening I received her reply, of which the following
is a transcript:--
"Sunday.
"REV. SIR,
"I am this day deprived of an opportunity of attending the house of
God, to worship him. But, glory be to his name, he is not confined to
time or place. I feel him present with me where I am, and his
presence makes my paradise; for where he is, is heaven. I pray God
that a double portion of his grace and Holy Spirit may rest upon you
this day; that his blessing may attend all your faithful labours; and
that you may find the truth of his word assuring us that wherever we
assemble together in his name, there is he in the midst to bless every
waiting soul.
"How precious are all his promises! We ought never to doubt the truth
of his word. For he will never deceive us if we go on in faith,
always expecting to receive what his goodness waits to give. Dear
sir, I have felt it very consoling to read your kind letter to-day. I
feel thankful to God for ministers in our church who love and fear his
name: there it is where the people in general look for salvation; and
there may they ever find it, for Jesus' sake! May his word, spoken by
you, his chosen vessel of grace, be made spirit and life to their dead
souls! May it come from you as an instrument in the hands of God, as
sharp arrows from a strong archer, and strike a death-blow to all
their sins! How I long to see the arrows of conviction fasten on the
minds of those that are hearers of the word, and not doers! O sir, be
ambitious for the glory of God and the salvation of souls! It will
add to the lustre of your crown in glory, as well as to your present
joy and peace. We should be willing to spend and be spent in his
service, saying, 'Lord, may thy will be done by me on earth, even as
it is by the angels in heaven.' So you may expect to see his face
with joy, and say, 'Here am I, Lord, and all the souls thou hast given
me.'
"It seems wonderful that we should neglect any opportunity of doing
good, when there is, if it be done from love to God and his creatures,
a present reward of grace, in reflecting that we are using the talents
committed to our care, according to the power and ability which we
receive from him. God requires not what he has not promised to give.
But when we look back, and reflect that there have been opportunities
in which we have neglected to take up our cross and speak and act for
God, what a dejection of mind we feel! We are then justly filled with
shame. Conscious of being ashamed of Christ, we cannot come with that
holy boldness to a throne of grace, nor feel that free access when we
make our supplications.
"We are commanded to provoke one another to love and good works; and
where two are agreed together in the things of God, they may say,--
'And if our fellowship below
In Jesus be so sweet,
What heights of rapture shall we know
When round the throne we meet!'
"Sir, I hope Mrs. --- and you are both of one heart and one mind. Then
you will sweetly agree in all things that make for your present and
eternal happiness. Christ sent his disciples out, not singly, but two
and two, that they might comfort and help each other in those ways and
works which their Lord commanded them to pursue.
"It has been my lot to have been alone the greatest part of the time
that I have known the ways of God. I therefore find it such a treat
to my soul when I can meet with any who love to talk of the goodness
and love of God, and all his gracious dealings. What a comfortable
reflection, to think of spending a whole eternity in that delightful
employment! to tell to listening angels his love 'immense,
unsearchable!'
"Dear sir, I thank you for your kindness and condescension in leaving
those that are of high rank and birth in the world, to converse with
me, who am but a servant here below. But when I consider what a high
calling, what honour and dignity, God has conferred upon me, to be
called his child, to be born of his Spirit, made an heir of glory, and
joint heir with Christ; how humble and circumspect should I be in all
my ways, as a dutiful and loving child to an affectionate and loving
Father! When I seriously consider these things, it fills me with love
and gratitude to God; and I do not wish for any higher station, nor
envy the rich. I rather pity them, if they are not good as well as
great. My blessed Lord was pleased to appear in the form of a
servant, and I long to be like him.
"I did not feel in so happy a frame of conversation that day, nor yet
that liberty to explain my thoughts which I sometimes do. The fault
must have been all in myself; for there was nothing in you but what
seemed to evidence a Christian spirit, temper, and disposition. I
very much wished for an opportunity to converse with you. I feel very
thankful to God that you do take up the cross, and despise the shame:
if you are found faithful, you will soon sit down with him in glory.
"I have written to the Rev. Mr. ---, to thank him for permitting you
to perform the burial service at --- over my dear departed sister, and
to tell him of the kind way in which you consented to do it. I should
mention that your manner of reading the service on that day had a
considerable effect on the hearers.
"Pray excuse all faults, and correct my errors. I expect in a few
days to return home to my parents' house. We shall rejoice to see you
there.
"From your humble servant in Christ,
"E--- W---."
It was impossible to view such a correspondent with indifference. I had
just returned from a little cottage assembly, where, on Sunday evenings,
I sometimes went to instruct a few poor families in one of the hamlets
belonging to my parish. I read the letter, and closed the day with
thanksgiving to God for thus enabling those who fear his name to build up
each other in fear and love.
Of old time "they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and
the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written
before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his
name."
That book of remembrance is not yet closed.