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
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 God 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 mass. What Is the lesson? Every heart in which the kingdom
of God is set up, becomes a centre of life and action, exerting a
healing influence upon the corrupting masses 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
God, 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 Yorkshire; 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 illustrates
her persevering charity, even under circumstances 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 class, 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 pass through her sitting-room. She went at the time
specified, and for the purpose of introduction took with her a book,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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