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
[Her feelings under this painful bereavement were deep,--too deep for
expression; but she maintained under it a calm spirit of resignation,
which some might have mistaken for indifference. The writer sees her
yet, as she stood for some minutes, pale and motionless, leaning on
the side of the coffin, just before it was closed; and gazing in the
face of the dead. There was no tear; she did not even imprint a kiss
on the inanimate clay, for it was but the image of him whom she had
loved. Her thoughts were in heaven. At length stroking the face, now
insensible to her touch, she said, "Poor John, I shall soon meet you
again."]
"My dear John was consigned to his bed of dust, to wait until the
resurrection morn. Mr. Bourne came home with us. His conversation
helped to cheer the gloom of parting for a little season. My mind was
consoled with the joyful hope of being guided through the wilderness
by Him, who so condescends to a worm of earth as to say, 'Thy Maker is
thy Husband.' Amazing love! I was again permitted to tread the courts
of the Lord's house. Visited J.H. in the afternoon, and spoke plainly
to her husband.--Met the dear people, but was far from being satisfied
with myself. I want a stronger faith, and more ardent love to the
souls of those who are committed to my care. My precious husband has
now been fourteen days in the eternal world."
And can I wish him back,
Again to suffer here?
No! following on the track,
I haste to meet him there.
"My soul goes out after Thee, O God. Thou art my treasure in this vale
of tears--my friend, my husband, my God, and my all.--Able to meet
both my classes, and felt energy of spirit while urging on the members
the necessity of keeping up communion with God; I requested them to
give a quarter of an hour every day, to pray for the prosperity of
their class, and of their own souls."
In the midnight of my grief,
Up to Thee, I lift my eye;
Grant, O grant me sweet relief,
Let me feel Thy presence nigh;
Nothing else can succour bring,
Here alone I rest my hope;
To Thy bleeding cross I cling,
Lift the drooping sinner up.
"I changed my residence for one in St. Saviourgate, near the house of
God; for this I desire to be thankful, and to dedicate myself to
the Lord; having sincerely sought His counsel and direction, I feel
satisfied.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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