Part 6 (2/2)

MID-DAY TOIL.

”SEEK THAT YE MAY EXCEL TO THE EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH.”

1 Cor. xiv. 12.

True religion is reproductive. A converted man will try to convert his neighbour; and the value of his own experience may in general be tested by the manner in which he uses his opportunities of doing good.

So true is this, that the Saviour said, ”He, that is not with me, is against me; and he, that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” An inactive Christian is a contradiction in terms; for he is no copy of his divine Master, who, morning, noon, and night, ”went about doing good.” All the Scriptural symbols of the kingdom of G.o.d are expressive of energetic action. The little cloud attracts to itself the moist particles of the atmosphere, until it covers the whole heavens. The seed germinates, and grows, till it brings forth thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold. The leaven, which is but a minute form of vegetable life, developes itself in every direction by means of little cells; which again form others, and thus by continual reproduction, leavens the whole ma.s.s. What Is the lesson? Every heart in which the kingdom of G.o.d is set up, becomes a centre of life and action, exerting a healing influence upon the corrupting ma.s.ses of society around. And oh! if every Christian professor were thus endued with power from on high, what could hinder the progress of the truth? How would it spread and prevail, until the whole world submitted to its sway!

Mrs. Lyth was imbued with the true spirit of Christian zeal. By letter, as well as by direct appeal; by secret intercessions with G.o.d, as well as by personal effort; she sought to win souls to Christ.

Instant in season and out of season, few came in contact with her without feeling the force of her religious character; and her diligence in visiting the sick, the needy, and the careless, superadded to the faithful discharge of home duties, often affected her own health. In the Autumn of 1825, she spent some weeks at Hovingham, a small watering-place in the west of Yorks.h.i.+re; but, though only delicate through recent sickness, she sought her relaxation in doing good. On the Sabbath she went round the village to invite the people to the Chapel, and on the week-day visited the afflicted and infirm. One case occurred here, which well ill.u.s.trates her persevering charity, even under circ.u.mstances of discouragement.

A young gentleman, educated for the legal profession, and the son of one, who at an earlier period had met with her in the same cla.s.s, had come to seek relief in an advanced stage of consumption. She sought him out at a neighbouring village; but when announced, he refused to see her, and sent the not over polite message, that if it had been a clergyman, it would have been another thing. However the hostess, who was a Methodist, said, if she would come at such an hour, she would be able to obtain an interview, as he went out riding every day, and was obliged to pa.s.s through her sitting-room. She went at the time specified, and for the purpose of introduction took with her a book, which she offered to lend him. He just turned over a few of the leaves, and not finding it to his taste, returned it, saying, she might take it back. Nothing disheartened, she talked with him about his mother, and her anxiety for his salvation; until at length she prevailed upon him, though not without a degree of reluctance, to allow her to pray with him. In a few days he was taken so much worse, that he was obliged to return home; and with the view of obtaining another interview, she wrote a letter, which she took to him, with the request that he would kindly forward it, as soon as he arrived in York. This he courteously engaged to do. On parting she said, ”Well, sir, as you are going to return, I must say farewell; perhaps we shall never see each other again.” ”What,” he replied, ”do you think I am going to die?” ”No sir,” she returned, ”but neither you nor I seem likely to live very long.” The nail was fastened in a sure place.

Immediately on her return to York he sent for her, saying to his mother, ”You know whom I want; she must come every day.” The account of the visit is given in her own words. ”I called upon Mr. ----; and am thankful to find a blessed change in his spirit. I read to him the eighth chapter of Romans. He cried aloud, and requested me to pray with him, which I did; then his mother, then I, then a stranger.

Truly it was a blessed time; such as they professed never to have experienced before. My soul felt the divine influence.” These visits were continued, until, in a few weeks, he exchanged mortality for life. The last notice of him is, ”I saw Mr.----, whom I found in a blessed state of mind. As his outward strength decays, his inward man is renewed day by day; his hope blooms with immortality. When I was coming away, and bidding him farewell, in hope of meeting him again in heaven, he replied, 'I have not a doubt of it.' I entertained the hope of seeing him again on earth, but on Sat.u.r.day night he died: so I must now urge my way to meet him at the right-hand of G.o.d.”

We continue our extracts:

”I find, that unnecessary conversation, even with religious persons, and on lawful subjects, has a tendency to destroy the fervour of my spirit.--Mrs. R, met the dear little company; the power of G.o.d was generally felt. I proposed that we should meet every day at the throne of grace, to pray especially for the salvation of some amongst us, as well as for our own prosperity; and desired as many as approved to signify it by lifting the hand, which was done by all. I have had some blessed seasons while interceding on this account.--I was pressed in spirit to visit the speechless man. After pointing him to the sinner's only refuge, I knelt down; when the Lord shed upon me such an unusual degree of the spirit of grace and supplication, that I was fully convinced the man was blessed. On rising, I asked him, if he believed the Lord would save him, to lift up his hand, which he did. I asked him to repeat the sign, if he felt happy. This he also did. I am the more encouraged, as, on a former occasion, I had solicited the sign in vain. My soul praised the Lord on his account, and I came home rejoicing.”

Farewell departed day! farewell for ever!

From earth alone, thy flight, my soul can sever.

My hope is anch.o.r.ed on the 'Rock of ages;'

The storm in vain with fury round me rages.

Farewell ye pa.s.sing cares! though pain and sorrow May be my lot to-day, joy beams to-morrow: Within the veil, my soaring faith has entered; And all my happiness in Christ is centered.

”A precious day to me. The Lord enabled me to witness to the truth before the great congregation.--I paid Mr. Stoner and his bride a visit. He would have me pray a blessing on their union; but I did not feel the same liberty I found in praying with the speechless man a little after. He again lifted up his hand when asked if he believed the Lord would save him. I went to see an afflicted person in the hospital; a friend was reading to her; but when I entered, she ceased, seeming wishful to hear what I had to say. As the Lord enabled me I urged upon them the necessity of salvation. Before I came away the number of listeners was increased to seven. The Lord gave me liberty of utterance, and they earnestly pressed me to renew my visit. If this is from Thee, O Lord, open my way. The afflicted person, whom I have visited several times before, professes to have found peace more than a week ago. Another of them wept, because she found out she wanted something she did not possess. Upon the whole the Lord appears to have directed my visit. May it be followed by a permanent blessing.”

”1826. This afternoon was employed in seeking out the necessities of the poor. On my return home I felt I had done my duty, but nothing more. I can trust in nothing but Christ for salvation.--All I do and say, seems poor and insignificant. I want greater power to live to G.o.d; watching against the a.s.saults of the enemy, guarding against self, repelling vain thoughts, living a moment at a time, praying always. I know this is possible; for 'all things are possible to him that believeth.' Oh for living faith.--Visited a poor afflicted widow.

After reading and praying, she began to pray of her own accord; and shortly broke out into praise, in a manner that astonished me; but it was the Lord's doing. She expressed her confidence in such terms that I could not doubt the truth of her confession.--Mr. Slack divided Miss Bentley's cla.s.s. What will be the result? [In consequence of Miss B.'s indisposition, the cla.s.s had been met by Mrs. Lyth for some time; and had so much increased that division became necessary.] If I live till next Sunday I must take my share of it. But who is sufficient for these things? Anoint me, O Lord, with fresh oil. Make fresh discoveries of Thy love. Breathe the Holy Ghost. Inspire the living fire. Furnish me out of Thy treasury with arguments to defeat the devil, and plead the cause of truth. Armed with Thy power, I feel willing to be the hand, or the foot, only souls are saved, and Thou art glorified. I was sent for by a member of Miss B.'s cla.s.s, who was very ill. The Lord was pleased to bless her while I was with her; so that clasping her hands she shouted, several times, 'Glory be to G.o.d.'

As I returned home it was sweetly brought to my mind, 'Inasmuch as ye did it to the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto Me.' The infinite fulness of G.o.d surpa.s.ses all my thought;--a breadth without a limit, a length without a termination, a height without a summit, and a depth without a bottom. How I grieve that anything else should occupy my thought! for sure I am, He is the only bliss on earth designed for man to know. Two days I have been begging for the new Chapel, and still I am requested to canva.s.s the opposite side of Walmgate. Lord, if this is the way Thou choosest to humble my pride, make me willing to be the hand, or the foot, to help on Thy cause.--At the close of the cla.s.s, E. came to me, and by her silent, yet expressive, countenance said, 'pray for me.' We continued a little time longer, but she did not obtain her heart's desire. Lord, forgive our little faith.--My mother and I started for Sinnington. During the journey my soul rested in Jesus; and since our arrival I have had power to look up through nature to nature's G.o.d; a gift not afforded to every one because of blindness of heart. While cousin Elizabeth and I were united in prayer, the Lord poured upon me such a blessing, with the words, 'Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,' as I cannot express. I earnestly long for the salvation of the inhabitants of this village. Took tea with Mr. B. Many dainties, yet I have greater satisfaction in visiting the sick than in gratifying the palate. How much need have we to watch in every thing! O keep me ever on my guard, and watching unto prayer.--My birthday. Three years ago I was in Sheffield, and there resolved to devote myself to G.o.d; and ever since, I have been endeavouring to do it. Still I am but a dwarf in growth, yet will I not be unthankful for what I am. I feel the peace of G.o.d in my soul, with an increase of those fruits that spring from inward religion. To G.o.d be all the glory. The more I possess of this divine power, the less I see in myself. O how great is the love of G.o.d! To-day I would renew my covenant with Him. Here is my heart, O take and seal it; and let it be Thine for ever.

”Scarbro'. I took up my cross, and spoke to some old women; but oh!

the darkness of the human mind! My medical adviser gives me permission to bathe. O Lord, give Thy blessing. I had a delightful view of the sea from the Spa. Nothing on earth is to my mind a more striking image of Almighty power than this uncontrollable ma.s.s of waters, to which He only can say,' Peace be still,' and it obeys Him.--When I went to the Chapel, I felt considerable drowsiness, and was afraid I should fall asleep; but I lifted up my heart, and entreated the Lord to remove it, which He graciously did, and I sat under His shadow with great delight.--After first giving myself into the hands of the Lord, and asking His blessing, I bathed in company with Miss B----t. Afterward, during prayer, while in the machine, the Lord graciously watered our souls. To me it was a refres.h.i.+ng season. I was truly overwhelmed with the precious love of Jesus; so that, when we parted, I went on my way rejoicing, and praising G.o.d for the rich baptism bestowed on His worthless dust.--My Richard was articled to Wm. Matterson, Esq., Surgeon. This has made me many errands to the Lord; and now, O G.o.d, I leave him in Thy hands: still offering up my earnest prayer that Thou wilt be his director and guide. I feel more anxiety for his soul than his earthly interests. 'The ways of a good man are ordered of the Lord.' I dare rest upon Thy word; therefore my earnest prayer is, that he may be a man of G.o.d. O blessed Saviour, let my fervent pet.i.tion be heard. Save him, and fit him for Thy will.--This morning my waking thought was:

Rises the sun, his course to run, In robes of golden light; So may I put the Saviour on.

And walk with Him in white.

As flowers adorn the brow of morn, And scent the fresh'ning air; New graces, in my spirit born, Diffuse their fragrance there.

”With feelings of grat.i.tude, I resume my pen, which has been laid aside for some weeks, in consequence of domestic and personal affliction. G.o.d has once more restored us; and I would therefore acknowledge his loving-kindness. The rod has been needful, and the desire of my heart is, that it may be sanctified to me and mine. My dear mother continues ill, and much hara.s.sed by the enemy. O! for faith to take hold upon the Saviour: through Him we tread down our foes. I _can_ venture upon his atoning blood. How vast my obligations, and how unprofitable my services, language fails to tell.--Mr. Bourne, an old friend of my honoured father, came and conversed awhile with us on the things pertaining to the Kingdom; then gave out a verse or two and prayed. On leaving, he said, 'Well, Mary, I shall remember you, and your family, and pray for you; and if I live to come to York again, I will come and see you. I felt more pleased than if he had given me gold and silver.--A day like spring; so clear, and warm, and sunny. I entered upon it with strong desires after G.o.d, and a sweet sense of his favour. His presence cheers my path, and smooths my way.

Visited a man apparently near death; awakened, but O how dangerous to delay repentance until the last hour! After meeting my cla.s.s, I called upon Mary D., to whom the Lord has graciously revealed himself; we rejoiced together while she spoke of the Lord's goodness.”

”1827.--While interceding on behalf of my dear mother, I was encouraged by the application of several suitable promises, particularly, _'At evening time it shall be light.'_ The morning following she told me of the comfort she had experienced during the night. This must sustain my faith in future.--My husband has this week declined business. Thou G.o.d of love, still guide our path. Let us not 'miss our providential way;' but draw us nearer to Thyself.--Taking tea with a neighbour, whose salvation I have long desired, I felt it my duty to speak plainly with her on the subject; and was greatly encouraged by the inward voice of the Spirit, as also abundantly blessed while engaged in prayer. Whether I was of any use, I know not, but my work is with the Lord.--I went forth to visit the poor, not knowing whither to direct my steps. I begged guidance from above, and believe the Lord heard me; for, quite accidentally I was led to the bedside of a woman, who had wandered from G.o.d; but in her affliction had found out her error. She appeared much affected, and wished me to go again.--Called upon M.H., upwards of eighty. She quoted many promises, which were especially sweet to her. It is delightful to visit such; another whom I saw, has been a persecutor, but is now seeking salvation.--I called to see Mrs. Fettes, who has long been a mother in Israel. My spirit was refreshed, while she spoke of her experience of the things of G.o.d. Afterwards I saw Mrs. R.; with whom I had a blessed interview, especially at the throne of grace. My soul thirsts after G.o.d. I feel I am saved, but I want more.--Mr. Jos.

Mortimer conducted a meeting at St. George's Chapel, in which sixteen or seventeen persons obtained the forgiveness of sins. One man, who had been struggling about two hours, witnessed a good confession before many witnesses. When asked how he felt, he said, 'I feel as if I were in heaven:' and indeed his countenance testified the happy change that had been effected. My two sons, Richard and William, were much upon my mind; but they remain in good desires. Lord, fasten conviction upon their hearts.--The power of G.o.d was eminently present in the band-meeting. My two daughters, went to the penitent form, seeking a full salvation; and there, glory be to G.o.d, they found it. O that they may hold fast their confidence. My heart bounded at the glad news, while tears gushed from my eyes.--In Fossgate school-room a great number were made happy in G.o.d; I am told about fifty, and among them three members of my cla.s.s. Mrs. R----e and Mrs. R----n joined me, at the 'eve of evening,' to pray for them. Whether it is in answer to our prayers or no, thankful I am, prayer has been heard and answered.--This evening twenty-three young persons, who have received spiritual benefit, came to my little cla.s.s. I felt myself very inadequate to instruct them;--complete poverty. Lord, help me. Mr.

Mortimer accompanied me to visit a sick man, who, before we left, professed faith in Jesus. O the unbounded mercy of G.o.d! I want more of it. It is estimated that, during the week, not less than three hundred have been brought to G.o.d: and among them my Richard. Keep him, O Lord, near Thy side, and teach him all Thy will.--I feel cause of grat.i.tude to G.o.d for His mercy to my family. William has this night been brought under divine influence; glory be to G.o.d;--a child of many prayers and many fears, but G.o.d has found him out. O keep him, blessed Jesus. Now all my family are brought to know G.o.d excepting little John; for whom I pray, and believe G.o.d hears.--Mr. Slack divided my little company (about seventy); allotting thirty of them to Miss G. O Lord, send us both prosperity.--I have lately felt the constant power to pray; and, though I have nothing in hand, I come to Jesus, and receive 'out of His fulness, and grace for grace.' On Thursday I wrote to my dear uncle, endeavouring, though feebly, to urge him to the pursuit of inward holiness. O Lord, bless him, for Christ's sake. I think I never felt a greater desire for the salvation of others. In this city the Lord still continues to carry on His work.--I accompanied Mr. M.

to Heslington; we had a blessed little meeting. Three obtained the forgiveness of sins. Surely these are the latter days, when times of refres.h.i.+ng are promised. Every day souls are saved, and set apart for G.o.d. In our parlour last Tuesday, Mrs. F. found liberty, as also her daughter a few weeks ago.--Mr. Mortimer has been our guest the last month, and will remain another week. He is a man of G.o.d. Next week we expect Mr. Is. Clayton. I esteem it an honour conferred upon us to entertain the ministers of the Lord; but a much greater honour, that the Lord condescends to dwell in my heart. O may I ever walk, and dwell in Him.--After a week of indisposition, mingled with much excitement, I feel solid rest in G.o.d. We had a blessed time in the band-meeting. I think I was never more fully delivered from the creature. How sweet to live above the world! As I returned. Miss C.

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