Religion in Earnest: A Memorial of Mrs. Mary Lyth, of YorkLyth, J. (John)
Religion
Religion in Earnest: A Memorial of Mrs. Mary Lyth, of York
Lyth, J. (John)
Lyth, Mary, 1782-1860
"By the evening train a family party, consisting of thirteen of us,
safely arrived in Searbro'. Five went to the band-meeting, which was
very thinly attended. One of the five spoke, having been upwards of
fifty years a member. I went to Mr. F.'s class, and though I could
not hear what the members said, I heard the leader, who made some very
appropriate remarks. When addressing me, he related an anecdote of
Rowland Hill, who, going to preach at a village, was requested to
visit a good, but poor half-witted man. He went accordingly, and
accosted poor Richard with the question, 'Do you intend to go to
heaven?' 'Yes,' he replied, 'don't you?' 'But heaven is a long way
off,' said Mr. Hill. 'I don't think so,' was the reply. 'Then what do
you think?' 'I think,' said the man, 'it is only three steps.' 'Well,
Richard, what are they?' 'The first step is out of self; the second
into Christ; and the third into Glory.' So Mr. Hill went back, and
told his friends that he had been to preach to Richard, but Richard
had preached to him.--I ventured to speak to a friend, who sat beside
me in the Chapel, about coming to class. To my surprise, she said she
had for some time thought of speaking to me on the subject. Surely
this was the suggestion of the Spirit. The Crystal Palace has great
attractions just now! I hope to see the palace of angels and of
God.--Quarterly fast. It was good to be at the prayer-meeting in the
morning; better at noon; best of all at night.--After a very restless
night, my husband rose very poorly and feeble. I prayed with him
before he got up, and now I feel it good to pray _for_ him. About noon
he had another attack of paralysis, which lasted about two hours,
and at tea time he was seized again. Through mercy, he is better. By
looking to the Rock that is higher than I, my mind has been sustained.
While kneeling by the bedside of my afflicted husband, I have been
blessed, and found that as my day so has been my strength.--My
husband and daughter are both better; thanks be to God! I cannot but
acknowledge that He afflicts in love.--'Because I live ye shall live
also,' was a portion in one of my dreams this week. I think of it
with pleasure, and believe it will be so; my heart aspires after this
inheritance, but not with so much fervour as it ought.--I purpose, God
willing, to commence another afternoon class next Tuesday, at three
o'clock, for the benefit of some who may find it more convenient: I
trust it is with the approval of God, whose blessing I implore.--The
dying year has been marked by many blessings to me and mine;--much
nearness to my heavenly Father; but it has also seen many wanderings.
I have just now been endeavouring to surrender myself freely and fully
unto the Lord, whose I am, and whom I desire faithfully to serve. I
seem surrounded by His presence. It is now eleven o'clock; but how
many will depart before twelve! Happy event to those who are prepared,
having built upon Christ! Here rests my hope: 'Other refuge have I
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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