Religion in Earnest Part 9

COUNTRY LIFE.

"COME, MY BELOVED, LET US GO OUT INTO THE FIELD; LET US LODGE IN THE VILLAGES."--Cant. vii. 11.

In the spring of 1829, Mr. Lyth retired to a country residence, which he had built upon a small estate, between three and four miles from the city. The propriety of this step, as it seemed to involve the sacrifice of many religious advantages, was by some intimate friends regarded with grave suspicion; and it may fairly be doubted, how far a Christian man, with the view of enjoying the fruits of his industry, has a right to withdraw himself and his family from a sphere of usefulness, and privilege, to one of comparative retirement. Can he be equally useful? Will his family enjoy equal privileges? If not let him pause, for he is under a higher law than that of self-gratification, or worldly policy: besides, his very object may be frustrated; it may turn out, that the change from an active to an idle life, may bring disquiet instead of repose. But in the present instance, the disadvantage was overcome by the force of christian principle. Mrs.

Lyth did not relinquish her exertions in the city, while a new sphere of usefulness opened itself in the village, near which they came to reside. Twice a week, as often as health permitted, she visited the city to meet her cla.s.ses; sometimes walking the whole distance there and back. The day was generally spent in seeing her absent members, visiting the sick, or availing herself of public, or social means of edification. The effect of these exertions upon her own delicate frame, was painful; and, combined with other causes, occasioned, during her four years' residence at Eastfield House, frequent and severe attacks of sickness. But we resume her own notes.

"I came to Eastfield House, which is now to be my home during my pilgrimage on earth. Thank G.o.d, I feel I am but a stranger and a sojourner. A variety of circ.u.mstances have engaged my attention, and interrupted my quiet; but when shut in from the world, to hold converse with G.o.d, I have tasted superior pleasure.--I went early to York, and spent the day in seeing the sick, and other members of my cla.s.ses; visiting the school, attending my band, and meeting my cla.s.s.

Most of these engagements were profitable to me, and I hope to others.

I went out with the conviction that I was the Lord's labourer.--My niece, Hannah, is apparently near eternity. She tells me she is happy, and I cannot doubt it; for last evening while praying with her, my faith acquired such strength, and I was so filled with love and confidence, that when I rose from my knees, I could not help saying, 'The Lord has blessed you.' She answered, 'Yes:' but whether at that moment, or earlier in the day, I cannot tell. The work is the Lord's.--After an affliction, of some months, and a fortnight's confinement to bed, Hannah has left us. For two days she was insensible, but the last she was remarkably tranquil, with a very pleasing expression of countenance.--My greatest joy is in communion with the Lord and His saints: this has been a high, day; I have been unusually a.s.sisted in speaking to the Lord's people; and many appeared to feel the power of G.o.d. At the close of the meeting, Mrs. B. called upon me, and we went to Mrs. Vevers', where we united in prayer; and from thence to Miss H.'s, where we held our little band-meeting, Mrs.

E. was much affected, but not able to lay hold of the great blessing: O for more faith.--The quarterly fast was observed in Haxby for the first time: I found it good to unite with them.--During the last week we have been favoured with the company of Mr. Mortimer, returned from the Shetland Islands. He retains the same Christian simplicity, and I feel it a privilege to entertain such a man under our roof. I was benefitted among the dear people; but my body was much wearied when I returned home, and the folio wing day I was very unwell: yet my mind was peaceful. At the entreaty of my husband, I remain at home to-day; being only very feeble. O shut me not out from Thy presence; but feed me with heavenly manna.--I hail the returning Sabbath, Glory, glory be to G.o.d, the sacred fire is kindled in my heart. Well might the Psalmist say, 'I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my G.o.d, than dwell in the tents of wickedness' The Lord does carry on His work in my soul. Love destroys fear. G.o.d is my portion, and in Him will I trust. The week has been mixed with trial and blessing. Monday: Penelope left us, after a visit of ten days. Tuesday: Felt it good while Mr. Crowther admonished us to look to Jesus. Wednesday: Our servant left us: I had power to pray for her after she was gone.

Thursday: The Lord was with us at our little meeting. Friday: I spoke unadvisedly with my tongue, which occasioned pain of mind; but applying to Jesus, I found access. O the condescension of the Saviour!

The prayer-meeting was a blessed season. Sat.u.r.day: A day of toil, but the Lord was with me: yet I want a constant mind, that I may every moment hold converse with my G.o.d. 'Keep thyself pure' was the admonition of the Spirit one morning this week. May I ever remember it."

[The following was the dying complaint of the "Miscellany," a little family periodical, which had a brief, but happy existence.]

Confident, on airy wing, My vanity soared high; Like the nightingale I'd sing, And with the eagle fly.

Soon my sad mistake I found; I warbling notes had none, And scarcely rose above the ground, Before my plumes were gone.

Flatt'ry whispered soft and low, Of wisdom, fame, and lore; Woe is me! neglected now, The pleasant dream is o'er.

Pity, then, my humble state, And if you can bestow Tears upon my hapless fate; Pray let them freely flow.

"I have around me some who exercise my patience, and therefore need the wisdom of the serpent, and the meekness of the dove, that I may be preserved from offending. Last Sabbath, I was tempted to mistrust Providence, as I had not seen a rainbow since the rains commenced; but the following evening--accompanying my husband to York in a very heavy shower--on our left, we saw the broadest and most beautiful bow I ever beheld. I could not help thinking it infinite condescension in the great I AM thus to remove my scruples.--I walked to York alone: but surrounded by proofs of divine wisdom and power, my solitude was sweet; my thoughts meandered like the river, that swept at my side.

Reverting to past scenes and circ.u.mstances, I wrote with my pencil:

If, through scenes of tribulation, Lies the pathway to the skies; Let me yield with resignation, Sure, Thy ways are always wise.

"A friend has made application for my Sunday-cla.s.s. In this matter, I do not see my way clear; however, as I was requested to seek another place for it--the old one being required for another purpose--I began to think it was an intimation that I ought to resign, and therefore mentioned the subject to my members, and left it. But calling on a friend, as I returned home, she said, 'she was requested to tell me, that Mr. H. would be glad if I would meet the cla.s.s at his house' So this difficulty is removed, and there the matter rests. O Lord, direct me by Thy counsel.--Providence seems to thwart my purposes: yet everything appears either to point, urge, allure, or draw me to the skies. I find the beneficial effect of these painful dispensations; but nature struggles still, and the cry of my heart is, make me wholly Thine. Two persons, whom I have visited this week, are no more. One, I doubt not, is gone to Abraham's bosom; the other I must leave, and profit by the admonition to prepare to meet my G.o.d. I have been accused of doing as I would not be done by; but my conscience bears we witness to the contrary. Help me, O G.o.d, ever to act as in Thy sight.--After the toils of Sat.u.r.day, I was privileged with being at the band-meeting; but when I reached Miss B's, I fainted, through weakness and fatigue. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Is not every stroke of Thy rod a proof of love, admonishing me that I am but a tenant-at-will, and may be removed at a moment's notice? Lord, make me fully ready.--I found it good in our little village prayer-meeting, and remained with my husband at the Sabbath-school committee. He engaged to a.s.sist; and I was constrained to offer my services once a month to converse with the female scholars, which were readily accepted.--In York, I had the opportunity of visiting several afflicted persons: one poor man was much afflicted: it was a blessed day. I have been to Wigginton to visit the afflicted Miss B., to whom I tried to show the necessity of a change of heart, and the sufficiency of the remedy, with the danger of delay."

Come, heavenly Spirit, fill my breast, With holy, ardent love inflame; Breathe in my soul the perfect rest Revealed in Jesus' lovely name.

Blest centre! where I find repose; My succour, when in deep distress; The only refuge from my foes; Jesus, Thy feeblest follower bless.

Thy constant presence, Thine alone Can satisfy my longing soul; Supply the good for which I groan; Thy presence, Lord, shall make me whole.

"Just as the year closes, I take my pen. How solemn! unseen by all but G.o.d! How shall I proceed? I am a sinner; but thou art a Saviour--_my_ Saviour! O praise G.o.d! unworthy as I am, unprofitable as I have been, Thy peace fills my heart: I am surrounded with G.o.d. Glory! glory!

glory! a worthless worm! dust and ashes! a potsherd of the earth! yet Jesus died for me. O, live in me; fit me for Thy service, that I may be willing to do or to suffer Thy will. Let me be a whole sacrifice.

Jesus is near; He is precious; He has my heart: let the union subsist for ever. Never let me leave Thee more; but through all the vicissitudes of life, keep me; and if I am entering upon my last year, let it be the best of all. Let the odours of the celestial world waft upon me, and invigorate my soul.

"1830.--Midnight. The past year has been one of mingled trial, affliction, and mercy; wisely blended to bring me nearer to G.o.d. I think the end has been answered: I feel looser from the world, and my will is more fully subdued. This is the Lord's doing: blessed be His name! I rose early, and shut myself up in my closet, and there the Lord gloriously revealed himself: it was a blessed day, especially, in walking to the city; and among the dear people.--Another piece of encouragement: our servant, who has been brought under serious impressions since she came to us, was last Tuesday enabled to believe unto salvation. O may I walk as G.o.d's vicegerent here; that my husband, mother, children, and servants, may all be led to give themselves more fully to Thee.--Our servant man cried aloud for mercy in the chapel. How and where, shall I begin to praise Thee for Thy goodness to my family? I am constrained to acknowledge, that many things, which appeared to be against me, are now working for good.

Every bitter has its sweet, and every affliction its blessing; wisely compounded, to bring me more fully to G.o.d. Last night we had a prayer-meeting in our kitchen: the spirit of prayer was poured out upon us. One soul obtained peace: and another remained upon his knees upwards of three hours, but did not break through; yet is determined not to rest without the pardoning mercy of G.o.d: a third was seeking purity of heart.--Visited S.H., fast sinking in decline. When asked the state of her mind, she said, 'Christ is mine, and I am His.'

Blessed a.s.surance! I spoke freely with her mother, whom I found unacquainted with true religion. Two persons came to seek the Lord at the prayer-meeting held in our kitchen--one obtained salvation: truly the Lord is among us: a larger number attended than usual.--We had a numerously attended prayer-meeting, in which three bore testimony to the saving power of Christ; they praised G.o.d with a glad heart, and a loud voice: may they become pillars in G.o.d's temple.--Many sweet moments have I enjoyed, while engaged in domestic affairs. This morning, I rose to the early prayer-meeting; all nature seemed to congratulate me, and the feathered choristers were singing their matin song of praise. My walk to York afterwards, seemed too short, while musing on the love of Jesus.--In the still hour of night I have had some blessed seasons; but my walk is not equal: I want to live a moment at a time, and all for G.o.d. Another of my members has pa.s.sed into eternity, to join the church above. Just before she expired, she exclaimed, 'What do I see? Glory.'--I am not going to meet my cla.s.s to-day, my mother is so unwell; yet I feel a struggle as to the path of duty: but surely in this case duty and affection are one. Lord, I aim to please Thee; O help me for Thy name's sake."

SITTING BY MY MOTHER.

O would'st Thou, Lord, descend, My mother's heart to cheer; This unbelief to rend, And dissipate her fear: Thou glorious Sun, unveil the skies; With healing in Thy wings arise.

Thy promise, Lord, I hold, _'The evening shall be light,'_-- The cloud its pinions fold, And vanish out of sight: O Jesus, come, Thy face display.

And eventide is turned to day.

"Proclamation of William the 4th. In company with some friends, I climbed to the top of Clifford's Tower, in hope of seeing the procession; but after waiting more than an hour, I went away disappointed, and grieved at the loss of my time. Let me learn from this, always to do what I believe to be most needful; for my mind was dissipated, and I failed to recover in the cla.s.s what I had enjoyed in the early hours of the day. O how needful to keep the path of duty, and retire from the mult.i.tude.--The Rev. Joseph Agar has dies happily, at Portsmouth: of brain fever. An unusual feeling oppressed my mind on the afternoon of his departure; why, I know not.--The Rev. E. Batty took tea with us, and suggested a method of usefulness, which has for some time been the subject of my thoughts; but to choose, or refuse are Thine: 'Thy will be done.'--I walked to Acomb to visit a friend, and on the way asked myself, why I should go; and not being able to answer for myself, put the case into the hands of G.o.d, beseeching him to make my way plain before me; to bless me, and make me a blessing.

I met with a kind reception--slept well--and rose about six with a desire to give myself to the Lord. In the afternoon I accompanied Mrs.

R. to her cla.s.s: it was the second time of their meeting. Mrs. R. read the rules; and afterwards, I endeavoured to speak a little to them. When addressing the third, she burst into tears through the disquietude of her soul. We knelt down to pray; and while Mrs. R. was pleading, the woman began to praise G.o.d for what He had done for her soul, and said she had been unhappy for years--but that now the Lord had given her peace. We continued on our knees, and in a little while another person, who through unwatchfulness had gone astray, professed that the Lord had restored her soul. The third (for there were but three) went away, resolved not to rest until she had found the Lord.--We went to invite the people to the prayer-meeting in the evening, and then visited the churchyard. There, the solemn silence, dwelling among sepulchral stones and the falling leaves, moved my soul to the consideration of my own mortality. May I so live, that I may hear the welcome words, 'Well done.' I feel deeply on account of my own nothingness. The prayer-meeting to-night is proposed because I am here. I am humbled at the thought. What am I? a poor worm. Oh!

wouldest Thou use a thing of nought? prepare the people, prepare me, and pour out Thy holy spirit. I was surprised at the number of people gathered together on so short a notice. The presence of the Lord overshadowed us, and the woman, who was seeking mercy at the cla.s.s, was filled with peace and joy through believing. I felt humbled under the sense of my own unprofitableness.--I have found retirement very blessed: the Lord poured into my soul a heavenly tranquility. I hope that my visit here will be beneficial to me; and that I shall learn some lessons from the kind family, under whose roof I stay: there is such a sweet submission to each other's will, and such a disposition to prefer others to themselves, as is amiable, and worthy of imitation.--My inward aspiration is, make me all glorious within, that from this pure well-spring, all my thoughts and actions may flow. I enjoy the peace of G.o.d, and for some time past, (to the glory of G.o.d I speak it,) I have had constant intercourse with heaven. My will is more fully subdued, and I have increasing power to take up my cross; but the duties of life press upon me, and I am in danger of being overwhelmed with care. I thank Thee, O my heavenly Father, for this discovery; and humbly but confidently, ask Thy protection from my foe.--A day of unusual nearness to G.o.d:--in the Lord's house; in visiting the poor; reading the rules of society; and social prayer: although dissatisfied with my performances, I feel I have done what I ought.--My spiritual strength has been increased by more frequently engaging in secret prayer. By appointment, I have daily met two friends at the throne of grace, to intercede on behalf of our neighbours: this has been made a blessing to my own soul.--For the first time, my whole family was a.s.sembled at Eastfield; but who can tell the emotions of my mind, as I gazed on one and another? I thought unutterable things; but wisely is the future hidden from our view.

O _my_ G.o.d, be Thou _their_ G.o.d. I feel the solemnity of the closing year: its toils and cares are fled for ever; only its comforts will be repeated, if I hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life."

NEAR MIDNIGHT.

The year ebbs apace, Its sorrows are gone!

Like one in a race, Its course it hath, run: Its events, once important, now all disappear, And time wafts us on to another new year.

Then let us begin, To aim at the prize; Leave earth, self, and sin, For our home in the skies: Expecting the Bridegroom will shortly appear, Let as watch his arrival--the coming new year.

XIII.

THE REDEMPTION OF THE PROMISE.

"BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE."--Mark v. 36.

"All the promises of G.o.d are in Him, yea; and in Him, amen; unto the glory of G.o.d;" then, why doubt them? since G.o.d'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 G.o.d. 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 G.o.d; 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, pa.s.sed 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 a.s.surance 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 circ.u.mstances, 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 a.s.sistance: 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 G.o.d, 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 pa.s.sage through the wilderness has all along been marked with unfaithfulness. Here my heart fills with grat.i.tude. What shall I render to the Lord for all his goodness towards me? THEN--I had many friends, who are NOW pa.s.sed 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 G.o.d,--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 G.o.d. 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 G.o.d, 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 G.o.d, 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.