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
"Easingwold. We were much led out in prayer, that the Lord would this
day bring some one to seek Him. In the evening three persons came in,
one evidently desirous of salvation; may this encourage the efforts of
thy handmaid to seek the benefit of the people in this place.--I feel
much the absence of my dear departed husband. His memory is dear. O
Lord, help me to quicken my steps to meet him in heaven. My body is
trembling and feeble; but my soul is vigorous. I have to-day resigned
my office of Treasurer to the Clothing Society, which I have held
nearly sixteen years.--Six months since my husband entered into rest.
He is daily in my thoughts; but I see him not. I do not wish him back
again; a little time will bring me to him, and I shall be as _learned_
as he. Time hastens on!--At ten o'clock Mr. C. changed worlds. Solemn
hour! All the morning, I know not why, he was strongly impressed upon
my mind.--I am alone, all is still, my soul feels after God. This
day feed me with the riches of Thy grace, that I may abide in Thee,
breathe Thy Spirit, live in Thy smile, and, like Apollos, be 'approved
in Christ.'
"1854.--I would here gratefully record the mercy of God to me. I
have been brought low--very low, but the Lord helped me. I felt no
condemnation, yet but little sensible comfort. Many promises were
constantly passing through my mind. Thus the Lord has been leading me
by a path I had not known.--I have not been to the Sanctuary yet, nor
would I rest in the means; but I want a clearer manifestation. I see
the scriptures hold forth more than I possess; I want to be closer
knit to Jesus, that I may bring forth fruit. Have declined the
presidency of the sewing meeting."
[On this resignation a letter, numerously signed by the ladies
composing the meeting, was sent to her, acknowledging her services,
and regretting that increasing age and infirmities had rendered it
necessary. This document is not forthcoming, but the following is her
own reply.]
"MY DEAR MRS. HOLGATE,--I sit down to acknowledge
with gratitude the kind note you presented me with, signed by
so many kind friends, in acknowledgment of my poor services
in a cause which lies near my heart. Thankful I am, that from
a small beginning in our parlour, about seventeen years ago, this
effort for the glorious cause of missions has flourished to this
day; and that now so many hearts and hands are engaged in
its operations and success. I still feel interested in its prosperity,
and if I have one desire above the rest, it is that every one who
assists in this good work may not only have her hands employed
in it, but her heart enriched by the blessed gospel she wishes to
send to heathen lands, and that every effort may have God's
approving smile. I am, &c."
"I think I never felt more free to leave the world than now; and yet
quite willing to wait the Lord's time, that I may be fully prepared.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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