Religion in Earnest Part 3

Choose virtue, Richard, shun the path of vice, Let not unG.o.dly youth your mind ensnare; Take this wise caution, "If they would entice, Consent thou not;" be sure that sin is there.

Walk with the wise, that you may wiser grow; Let age teach wisdom, hear it with respect; It can in time forwarn, and danger show, Where you no secret mischief may suspect.

In useful learning all your youth engage; From simple knowledge of your mother tongue, Proceed to figures; then, from stage to stage Pursue each science, though the way be long.

By knowledge learn your ignorance to know, Nor dream you have the height of wisdom gained; No greater proof of ignorance below, Than loud to boast of what we have attained.

Read useful books--the Bible most prefer, In it your Maker's will is clearly shown; Then bend your humble knee in secret prayer, That faith may make its precious truths your own.

If tales of fiction should themselves present, Too oft injurious to the mind of youth, Throw them aside; and sacredly intent On your improvement, follow after truth.

When you require relief, be history true Of your own land, and other lands perused; This will instruct, give entertainment too, While neither time nor talents are abused.

Thus, in your youth, redeem the fleeting hour, That you in future life may useful be; By word and deed as far as in your power, To stem the torrent of impiety.

Remember, as your present life is spent, Future reward or punishment is due; Oh! then improve the precious moments lent, And everlasting life shall wait on you.

"Praise G.o.d, I have a partner desirous of joining heartily in the Christian warfare; often are we blest while we pour out our souls together before the Lord, O for a closer walk with G.o.d."

V.

SHOWER AND SUNSHINE.

"NOW MEN SEE NOT THE BRIGHT LIGHT WHICH IS IN THE CLOUDS; BUT THE WIND Pa.s.sETH, AND CLEANSETH THEM." Job x.x.xvii. 21.

That stage of life which immediately precedes a ripe age, when man is in the full vigour of his strength, is not unfrequently like an April day mingled with sunshine and shower. The care of a rising family, and the acc.u.mulating interests of business and society, bring constant alternations of joy and sorrow; designed by G.o.d to soften and fructify the heart, which might otherwise become too callous under the scorching blaze of the world. Happy is it, when these kindly workings of a sublimer providence, cause the graces of his spirit to shoot forth like "the tender gra.s.s springing up out of the earth by clear shining after rain;" and when the experience acquired in seasons of vicissitude, is treasured up in the heart for future use. Mrs. Lyth had her April weather preparatory to the summer of her usefulness, as will appear by further extracts from her journal.

"1815--My father Lyth left us to join the disembodied throng. The last fortnight of his life was chiefly spent in prayer. I believe he died penitent. Thou best of Beings! prepare me for the approaching trial.

In the fire may I lose nothing but sin. Fortify my mind, and let patience have its perfect work, that by no pain I may fall from Thee.

Here I call to mind, that Thou hast brought me through six troubles; O leave me not in the seventh. Let me again prove Thy faithfulness.

"I scarcely know how the last fortnight has escaped. O the rapidity of time! well might one say, 'O time than gold more precious, more a load than lead to fools.' I am thankful, all my solid happiness is derived from G.o.d; and though I have many earthly comforts I can say, 'All my springs are in Thee.' I long to drink more freely of those living fountains, and to draw constant supplies from the inexhaustible fulness of the ever-blessed and adorable Jesus. Oh! it is sweet to meditate on this loved theme. Rising into G.o.d we lose ourselves, and seemed wrapped up in Deity.--Having met with a little disappointment, my mind is in some degree unhinged; I have been begging of G.o.d to undertake the matter, and overrule all for the best, which I hope has been the case; yet I find it hard to give up my own will. Lord, help me. I accompanied my father and mother to see cousin Hannah, who is apparently declining. Her prospects in life were exceedingly bright, but happiness is not in them, as there can be no enjoyment without health. What a mercy, afflictions spring not out of the dust: I am again called to experience it. Our apprentice, servant maid, and Eliza, are all in the scarlet fever. Better than I could expect considering the pressure upon me, I am constrained to say, judgment is mixed with love. May we lose nothing but dross, and shine brighter for being in the furnace.--I am informed by letter that cousin Hannah is no more,--it says nothing how she left this world. I long to know--will to-morrow inform me? I purpose to be at her funeral, if G.o.d give leave. O Thou, who wast to the Israelites both a pillar and a cloud, if Thou go not up with us, suffer us not to journey; for Thou knowest my heart, I wish to please Thee.--We went to Kirkby to the interment of my late Cousin, who, I am informed, died happily. Nearly her last intelligible words were, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see G.o.d.' So she closed this mortal scene, and left her blooming prospects, fair estates, and all the bright antic.i.p.ations of youth, for the lone silence of the tomb.--I feel more endeared than ever to the invisible world, being warned as I believe, by some departed friend, to give diligence. I am also reminded by the death of my cousin how vain are all things here below. Perhaps it was her kind spirit--who can tell?"

A QUESTION ASKED.

Does marriage, like the features of a fair and lovely face, Lose all its sweet attractions, when age comes on apace?

Do soothing acts of kindness and words of comfort go, When troubles are a.s.sailing, and pleasure's cup is low?

No, surely heav'n design'd it more to ameliorate The _lonely_ state of humankind, when first He form'd a mate.

"1816.--I went to the School-room; and never did my eyes behold a scene so pleasing:--boys and girls in different parts of the room crying for mercy; while others were rejoicing in G.o.d. 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast ordained praise.' I longed for the salvation of my three children who were all there, but I had no power to take any active part; my mind seemed paralized.--In the midst of our afflictions G.o.d has not forgotten us. Our Waller [an apprentice] has obtained mercy, and Eliza's heart is touched. O that G.o.d would save all our family. I have had some 'seasons of refreshing;' but not enjoying the sanctifying influences of G.o.d's Spirit, I have felt a disposition to be discontented with the arrangements of Providence respecting the health of my children. I daily mourn this inbred corruption but not sufficiently, or I should be more in earnest to get rid of it. At present I feel a longing for the blessed liberty which many express. O may I share in the baptism which is now so gloriously shed upon this city.--The fifth day I have spent in my new habitation; all is confusion, and must remain so for some time to come. This would be a matter of little moment, if my mind were not distressed by the affliction of my Eliza. So I find every joy has its sorrow. Lord, as Thou knowest what is best for me and mine, give me patience, and let every dispensation of Thy providence be sanctified.--We opened our new shop. The first customer demanded credit, and the second took up her money with her goods, and went away with both. Providentially it was restored. We have now made a fortnight's trial, and have great cause of thankfulness for the prospect of success. The last few months have been full of toil and anxiety, but thank G.o.d, I can say:

'While blest with a sense of His love A palace a toy would appear; And prisons would palaces prove, If Jesus but dwelt with me there.'

I have been aiming, though feebly, to give G.o.d my heart. It is good to come to the Lord in private; it is there I find my greatest enjoyment.--For several nights I have suffered much pain; as much I think, as my patience could endure. In one of the paroxysms, the pa.s.sage was continually in my mind, 'The wise shall inherit glory.'

Throughout yesterday found it very sweet. I am in part deprived of the public ordinances, but find solid happiness in breathing my wishes to the Throne, and derive sweet solace from Him, whose smile creates my day.--Find in private with my G.o.d, I gain the most substantial peace; at least I have not learned the n.o.ble art of being ''midst busy mult.i.tudes alone.'--Our servant was taken dangerously ill. I think I did not feel any disposition to murmur; but want firmer reliance on the power of G.o.d, whose promise never fails. Have lately had some blessed meetings with my G.o.d, perhaps preparatory to this trial."

"1817. To-morrow, two criminals are to suffer death for the crime of murder. How awful from an earthly judge to receive the last sentence of the law! but how much more so to hear from Thee that final sentence, 'Depart ye cursed!' O, my G.o.d, let the cry of the prisoners come up before Thee.

In pity bow Thy gracious ear, Incline the sinner's heart to prayer, And draw him to Thy Son, Through whom, though vile he is, Thou wilt Remove the blackness of his guilt; Oh! let it now be done.

Thou Friend of sinners, if I may Approach, O give a heart to pray, And let Thy Spirit plead.

But few the hours _he_ has to live, O give repentance and forgive, Forgive the b.l.o.o.d.y deed.

At intervals have found it good, yea very good, while upon my knees; indeed I must say my happiest moments have been there. Why am I ever remiss in this duty, which brings me more solid peace than anything beside? There, I converse with G.o.d; there, behold His glory; there, forget self; there, get love to cover faults; there, a.s.similate to the image of G.o.d. This week has been marked by the affliction of my two youngest children. How painful to a mother to see them suffer! yet Lord, Thou knowest, I would rather see them droop and even die, than that they should live to rebel against Thee, and shut themselves out of Thy kingdom. O my G.o.d, on my knees, I present them all to Thee.

Bless them with grace and understanding, and save them for ever.--I have had to grapple with rheumatism. It is painful, but what in duration, when compared with eternity? Nothing. May my soul, evermore fly upward. What need in health to prepare for sickness! There is then plenty to do to hold fast whereunto we have attained.--Cousin John Stables has exchanged life for immortality. His last words were, 'I am going to heaven, I know I am.' Blest knowledge in the hour of death!

but more exalted, they who daily live with the a.s.surance 'I am Thine', centering in G.o.d their hope and wish,--My dear little Hannah died, aged twenty weeks. A sweet smile rested upon her countenance. O Death! how art thou robbed of thy terrors, when infancy smiles in thy presence! Have not been at my cla.s.s for a long time in consequence of ill-health: to-day I might have gone, but with shame confess, I forgot the time. O Lord lay not this sin to my charge. My heart would not displease Thee; my soul delights in Thee, and derives its happiness and peace from G.o.d my Saviour: no merit in myself, but Christ is all in all.--I would this evening offer Thee my heart; give me sincerity O G.o.d, and let me know the sacrifice is accepted. I am under deep obligation to Thee for having so far removed the pain from which I suffered May ease be gratefully acknowledged by me, and let my life show forth Thy praise. I bless the Lord for all the good I possess, and am constrained to say, it is all divine. Have begun to read Locke on the Understanding. Lord enlarge my capacity.--Enjoy better health than for several months; for this may my soul be truly thankful. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; I have learned to value my mercies as the gift of heaven. My anchor is in Jesus; from him my peace perpetually springs. I now feel he is my G.o.d. Yet the secret motions of my heart concur with the enemy of my soul to bring me into bondage, I long for victory. When will the happy moment arrive? Have lately thought the Lord has something for me to do; I would not bury my talents in the earth; but do Thou Lord, who knowest my insufficiency, direct my way. Glory be to G.o.d, I am blest while calling to mind his innumerable mercies. It is like lifting up the lid of a casket to expose the jewels contained therein to the light of the sun, whose radiance they reflect, and whose heat they attract.--How sweet to be at the throne of grace! Have had great freedom with the Lord while interceding for a fallen friend, over whom I lament. O that G.o.d would reclaim the wanderer. My soul is sweetly drawn out after more of the image of G.o.d, for to the present I have but little imitated my Lord. G.o.d help me in my life to display every feature of his character. My dear cousin Ann is, I fear, sinking, so true is it, 'Man cometh up as a flower,' and is cut down; but she is happy in G.o.d. This is cause of thanksgiving. Many of the excellent of the earth are retreating behind the veil. May I work while it is day.

What a poor slothful soul I have been, when heaven shines so bright above me. Now I feel resolved to work. Jesus, Thou seest my heart, aid me that I loiter no more. A full salvation is what my soul aims at; but ah! how grovelling and low are my desires! language is too poor to express my poverty, when seen in the light of the Sun of righteousness.

O! when shall I from sin set free, Bask in the light of Deity?

Expand my heart and fill the wide expanse.--While Mr. Haswell was preaching, a woman cried out, 'Bless the Lord; bless the Lord O my soul.' I trust she was under divine influence. Mr. H. gave out; 'Praise G.o.d from whom,' &c. I began to suspect the power of G.o.d was more eminently present than I imagined: this led me to seek after it in my own breast, and to long for a more powerful manifestation.

Praise G.o.d, I could say,

'Lo! G.o.d is here, let us adore.'

On my return home, I met the judge with his retinue returning from court, lighted by torches. How solemn! But what, when the Judge of all the earth shall descend from heaven with a shout and with the trump of G.o.d! At His bar must I appear, and conscience that staunch witness, give its unimpeachable evidence for or against me, O that Jesus, the sinner's friend, may then sustain my cause. Praised be His name; faith springs up in my heart, and encourages me to believe that I shall receive the crown of life. Blessed hope!--Mrs. ---- breakfasted with me. We had a truly blessed morning--our conversation was in heaven.

During the day I have been troubled with evil reasoning. When shall this body of death be destroyed, and Christ be all in all? Visited Miss D. in the asylum. She seems in dark despair; I got her to her knees, and found it precious to my own soul.--Glory be to G.o.d I dare believe. Keep me till I am fully saved. Am watching my William in the measles; Richard has just recovered. What a mercy I am in health to attend them; yet am afraid my too anxious care for them has checked my zeal. Through mercy my soul lives to-day; I feel a divine appet.i.te, and am looking for the appearance of my Lord to the destruction of all the carnal mind.--At Stockton lovefeast, the Lord opened my mouth, both in the Chapel, and at a neighbouring house; I was constrained to speak. May the imperfect hints thrown out be as bread cast upon the waters, and what I said amiss the Lord forgive. The peace of G.o.d ruled my heart.--The mournful tidings of Cousin Mary's death has reached us.

The day before, she was up sewing. How sudden a transition from time to eternity! Although at the funeral, I cannot learn how she died. How my heart is oppressed! She has left a fine smiling boy unconscious of his loss, and her father, whose displeasure she had incurred by her marriage, unreconciled. How my feelings are ploughed up! The training of my children occasions me great solicitude. How shall I safely steer, where so many make shipwreck? Without Thy direction and influence, I too shall miss my way. Come then, thou heavenly Wisdom, teach me to imbue their tender minds with truth, that the impression may remain in riper years.--Another parliamentary election. O my G.o.d elect me 'through sanctification of Thy Spirit.'--My mind suffers keenly in consequence of a conversation with ----. Thou, Lord, knowest exactly where the error lies; let it be discovered. If I am in the wrong make me willing to retract. I want to be a Christian in deed and truth.--It was impressed upon my mind to call upon Miss M. H., and urge her to seek salvation, having long been a hearer of the Gospel.

I scarcely knew how to break through, as I had no particular acquaintance with her. However, pa.s.sing by the same day, providence so ordered it, that she sat facing the door. I pa.s.sed, but remembering my impression, mustered courage and returned. After inquiring about her health I told her my errand. She was affected, and said she had a very hard heart. I replied, 'It is not too hard for G.o.d to soften.'

With much fear I undertook the charge of Miss Bentley's cla.s.s, in consequence of her indisposition, but trust the Lord will soon restore her to active usefulness. The more willingly I offer myself to the Lord, the sweeter communion I find with Him.--Repeated my visit to Miss M. H., I believe in obedience to the influence of the Spirit which constrained me--not intending to call at that time. I found her sincerely seeking salvation, and endeavoured to point her to the Lamb of G.o.d. My own soul was blessed while thus engaged. How shall I praise G.o.d for His love to a worm?--Called again, when she told me she had received a visit from the Lord. She durst not say her sins were forgiven, but felt encouraged.--Having to pa.s.s through some things of a trying nature, I felt fully resigned, and the throne of grace easy of access. Keep me at Thy feet, O G.o.d, that I may rise in Thy likeness and in all things do Thy will.--Mr. Moore remarked in his sermon, 'Happy is the man of one book;' my heart replied, So he is, for in all I read, I find no book so sweet as the Bible; yet there are some which are precious, and which I value as a treasure.--Another distinguished mercy. After another attack of cramp the Lord has been pleased to restore to me the use of my hands, which have been locked from three o'clock in the morning until evening. May I never forget the Lord's mercy towards me, but studiously labour to be found of Him in peace, that when the awful crisis arrives, I may be ready."

"1819. I am still in a weak state of body, unable to attend to my family. O Lord, support my mind. Feel resolved to cast my soul on Jesus; and although I have to struggle to retain my hold, _will_ hang on the Crucified."

This year was one of severe personal affliction, which continued for several months. At one time little hope was entertained of her recovery, and none that she would ever again be restored to active life. Medical aid seemed utterly unavailing; but the Lord had chosen her in the furnace of affliction, and by these means, inscrutable at the time, was refining and fitting her for remarkable usefulness. At length when the process was complete, contrary to the predictions of physicians, and beyond the expectations of her friends, she was given back again to her family, and the church. In reference to this affliction, she says, in a letter to one of her daughters:--

"Your brother Samuel is put out to nurse; he is a delicate little boy.

I am at Mrs. F.'s out of Walmgate Bar, for the benefit of my health; if it please G.o.d to sanctify the means. In some respects, I am better, but yet very feeble; however, I am in the Lord's hands, and have been for a long time his prisoner. I wish to keep my cause in his hand.

Poor Samuel! I every day expect to hear, that he has escaped to glory.

My weakness reconciles me to his loss, for the righteous Judge of all the earth cannot but do right. Dear Mary will discover from my writing, there is an alteration in me. To tell you the truth, I can scarcely recollect how to spell; my memory is so much impaired by this affliction. But thank G.o.d, I have the full use of my reason, and my soul longs to awake after the image of G.o.d. Friends are very kind in visiting me which makes the days pa.s.s more pleasantly. I ride out when the weather is fine, but am able to walk very little."

On her recovery she writes:--

"I would raise my song of grat.i.tude to my G.o.d, who, I am confident has restored me in answer to prayer, though I am still very weak. During my affliction my mind has been variously exercised; sometimes I could cast myself with all my concerns upon G.o.d; at other times was much depressed; once in the mult.i.tude of my thoughts within me, it was suggested, as if a voice spoke to me, 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'"

I thank Thee for the comfort given, When agonized with pain; The love infused--the taste of heaven, That cheered my heart again; In answer to the faithful prayers Of many a fervent soul, Disease retired--for mercy spares, And makes the sinner whole.

VI.

GROWTH IN GRACE.

"AS THE TENDER GRa.s.s, SPRINGING OUT OF THE EARTH, BY CLEAR SHINING AFTER RAIN."--2 Sam. xxiii. 4.