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
"I feel decaying nature; but my soul does not lose its appetite for
divine things. In the midst of forgetfulness, and other infirmities,
my only centre is in Christ.--As the day was fine, I walked to Heworth
in search of an absent member, and after many inquiries, found out her
abode; but she was not at home. I got some important information about
her. My walk was a most impressive one,--on a lovely road, on either
side overhung with foliage--but, being autumn, the way was strewed
with withered leaves, while every breeze, though soft, wafted others
to the ground in showers;--fit emblem of my own decay! I was
much wearied.--The Rev. Robert Young, who has recently been on a
deputation to the South Sea Missions, selected Fiji as the topic of
his speech at the Missionary Meeting, and gave a very cheering account
of my Richard, in the midst of cannibalism. I went into the vestry to
speak with him; but was overwhelmed with my feelings. Have been laid
aside by affliction; but the Lord has been intimately near. My faith
has been strengthened, and I cling more closely to my best Friend.
Many blessed promises have been brought to remembrance, which have
cheered me, and created sweet peace.--My faith wants to borrow the
pinions of the eagle. Lord help me, I am Thine; I dare trust in Thee;
unprofitable as I am, Thou art my God.--My thought before I rose this
morning was:--
Down life's declivity,
Borne by the surge,
On to eternity,
Swiftly I urge;
Not without cheering hope,
When I am gone,
Jesus will bear me up,
Straight to His throne."
1856.--[A few lines written at the commencement of this year, contain
the following reference to a circumstance, which, trivial as it was in
itself, had nearly occasioned the loss of her sight.]
Time rushes on! Another scene appears!
In springtide thought, I stood upon the hearth;
"When in a moment, from the crackling flame
A piece of burning ore flew in my eye,
And suddenly eclipsed the light of day.
But He who opened blind men's eyes of old,
Restored my sight. * * * *
"I am sensible of the want of gratitude for the sight I have; though
it is but imperfect, I can, by close attention, read my Bible, which
at first was all I desired.--Visited two of my members, each of whom
has had a fit, one being deprived of the left hand, and the other of
the right;--humbling cause of gratitude that I can use mine.
Youth with all its hopes is past,
And middle life-with care;
Now, in feeble age, I cast
My all on God by prayer.
Exiled yet a little while,
But guided by His eye;
Happy I live beneath His smile,
And happier still--shall die."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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