Religion in Earnest Part 10

Jesus! what balm is in that sound!

It bids our tears away; Spreads life and happiness around; Converts the night to day.

To feel Thy dying love, be mine; To hear Thy charming voice; The ceaseless whisper, 'I am Thine,'

Shall bid my heart rejoice.

Dearer than sons or daughters; Thou; Dearer than mother's love; Gladly for Thee I all forego, And seek my bliss above.

"I went to Wigginton to visit a young woman, whom I found praising G.o.d for having afflicted her, and brought her to the knowledge of the truth. To some others, I was powerfully constrained to speak respecting their souls.--Miss Bentley came for a few days. We visited many of the villagers, to put them in mind to prepare for eternity.--Mr. Hope announced from the pulpit, that it was his wish I should commence a cla.s.s in Haxby on Monday evening, at seven o'clock.

The words occurred to me, 'By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small?' O my G.o.d, to Thee my obligations are great, and my weaknesses are all known; but if this is from Thee, bring it to pa.s.s; let there be some token for good, some rending of heart among the people.--According to appointment I went to Haxby, to meet any who were desirous of fleeing from the wrath to come. Three persons came; two of them backsliders, and one who has never met before.--Visited several of the villagers. At one place I felt much while bowed at the throne of grace. A little boy, to whom I afterwards addressed a few words, burst into tears. O that the Lord would poor out His Spirit, and bow their hearts to His sway! O Lord, let not my unfaithfulness hinder Thy work.--After meeting my cla.s.s in the city, I went on to Heslington to see Mr. K., who is apparently on his death-bed. I endeavoured to speak faithfully; but unless the Spirit of G.o.d apply the truth, vain is the help of man. I feel much out of love with myself.--Walked again to see Mr. K., who appears as teachable as a little child. I feel encouraged to hope that he will lay hold upon Jesus. But O how dangerous to delay until death stares us in the face!--Went to Haxby, and found only one to meet me there: but the Lord met _her_, which was better than numbers without Him. O G.o.d, keep this precious soul--this _asked-for_ token of Thy love. While sitting under the word, the Lord made it as a broad river to my soul. 'Blessed are the pure in heart,' was the subject. Tears of love and grat.i.tude rolled down my cheeks, and love filled my heart; for I felt myself a partaker of this great salvation."

Thus may I ever live, And feel the power divine; Taught by Thy Spirit to believe This full salvation mine.

"With a painful headache I walked to York; but the satisfaction of mind I felt in keeping the path of duty, amply repaid me. I think a general blessing was experienced.--While pleading with G.o.d, these words were applied, 'I am Thy salvation.' I felt confidence, but not all I want. I seem only on the edge of living; I want to be 'plunged in the G.o.dhead's deepest sea.'--Six months since my dear mother departed! She is daily the subject of my thoughts, and her memory becomes increasingly dear to me. Well, it is but a short separation--a thin part.i.tion; my earthly tabernacle feels the force of time--it crumbles and decays; but by faith I look for a more durable habitation, where I shall meet those who are gone before."

Time rolls away--yet fresh the scene appears When my dear mother left this vale of tears; Then, sorrow stamped its seal upon my heart; Nature recoiled--but grace relieved the smart.

"Mr. R., discoursing on the necessity of exercising a forgiving spirit, ill.u.s.trated his subject by the following anecdote:--An officer in the army lying on his deathbed, sent for one of the preachers to visit him. On his entering the room, the sick man asked him, if he remembered that he was once insulted by a company of officers while he was preaching in Dublin. The preacher remembered it well. He then told him, that he had been one of the worst of them; and had sent to ask him to pray for him, and to teach him what he must do to be saved,--as he believed he was a dying man, and was unprepared for another world.

The minister pointed him to the Saviour; and after praying with him several times, was about to depart, when the officer offered him a handsome present for his services. This he refused, and took his leave. On pa.s.sing through the hall, one of the servants accosted him, "What a pity my master won't see his son, and has cut him off with a s.h.i.+lling, although he would gladly see his father." The minister immediately returned to the sick man, and repeated to him the Lord's prayer until he came to the words, 'as we forgive them that trespa.s.s against us;' he then stopped, and asked him if he forgave every one.

The officer paused a moment and replied, 'There is one whom I do not forgive, and cannot.' 'Then,' said the minister, 'neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespa.s.ses.' After some deliberation, it was agreed that the son should be sent for. He came, fell on his knees at the bedside, and with tears in his eyes, pressed his father's hand to his lips, and begged his forgiveness. The father's relentings were kindled: upon which the minister sung--

'The op'ning heavens around me s.h.i.+ne, With beams of sacred bliss; When--

'When!' cried the officer, 'nay

_Now_, Jesus shows His mercy mine.

And whispers I am His.'

"Called upon Mr. and Miss K. They had company: I was preserved from unprofitable conversation, and dared to speak for G.o.d. On my return, I pa.s.sed through the churchyard, where the remains of my dear parents are deposited. It was a beautiful moonlight night; and I stopped to shed a silent tear over the much-loved dust, in hope of joining them again in the realms above. Lord, help me on my way.--I went to see a backslider, whom the Lord had made willing to return. After conversing a little, we knelt down to prayer. Her husband prayed; then she began, and while confessing her sins and pleading for mercy, the Lord looked upon her in compa.s.sion, and healed her backslidings. The same afternoon, she came and joined herself with the people of G.o.d."

"Alone in the room where my venerated mother breathed her last."

Though no famed eulogy proclaims her worth, Nor with her fellow-pilgrims ranked on earth, A higher record doth her history trace; In heaven's high register she claims a place.

Retiring, and unknown or but to few, Her latter days were hid from public view; But I have often witness'd, when alone-- The prayer uplifted, and the sigh unknown.

When no eye saw her, but with G.o.d shut in, She pour'd her plaint to Him, who saw, unseen; Then from the sacred word she succour drew, 'To h.o.a.ry hairs I bear, I carry you.'

This promise still her drooping spirit cheered, And shed its starlight when the night appeared.

Bold, in her weakness, close the foe pursued, And oft the bitter conflict was renewed; Conqu'ror at last, she calmly soared away, And left a smile upon the pa.s.sive clay.

I heard Mr. Dawson, from 'Peter followed afar off'--a season, I hope, never to be forgotten; for then Richard made up his mind to accept the invitation, and 'come near,' as Mr. D. expressed it. This to me is matter of joy and thanksgiving; for since I knew that Mr. D. was coming, it has been my prayer, that his visit might be made a blessing to some, not particularly thinking of my son. Thus, beyond my expectation, has the Lord condescended to my prayer.

AFTER A FIT OF SICKNESS.

While thousands in Thy courts are found, Waiting on bended knee; Behold, in solitude, a worm, That dares approach to Thee, To me the heavenly gift impart, Thy Holy Spirit send; To fill and sanctify my heart, And bid its wand'rings end.

Then health or sickness let me share, As wills eternal love; For all is well, if Thou art near, Thy creature to approve.

My grateful thanks for ease I bring, And every comfort given; Nor less for sorrows, sent to wing My grov'lling soul to heaven.

Great G.o.d! to Thee my wishes flow, Who dost my life prolong; Thy witness let me live below, Thy statutes be my song.

"Ere the day broke, the Lord broke in upon my soul with the words, 'Thy sun shall no more go down, nor Thy moon withdraw itself, for the Lord shall be thy everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.' Such light shone upon the whole chapter, as filled my soul with grat.i.tude for the rich promises given to the people of G.o.d.--Called to see a man and his wife, both sick, to whom the Lord has blessed affliction. The man was rejoicing in the Lord, and the woman is resolved not to rest short of salvation. While we united in prayer she received some encouragement."

XIV.

POWER WITH G.o.d.

"FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG."--2 Cor. xii. 10.

Do you ever receive answers to your prayers? We do not speak to those, who look upon prayer simply as an act of homage done to a superior being; _they_ do not expect any: but to those, who believe that prayer has power with G.o.d. Why are so many prayers ineffectual, even of those who really expect an answer? Some lack _earnestness_; they are too diffusive, like the letter of the young maiden, in which she asks a hundred questions, which are forgotten as soon as she has attached the seal. Others want warmth; they are too formal, like a pet.i.tion to a sovereign; which may, or may not, receive a gracious and condescending reply. Others are importunate, and earnest enough, like the beggar's appeal for relief, but without much hope of success. But how few, like the cry of a child, who runs to his father with his one, for the moment, all-absorbing request, never dreaming of a refusal, and importunately urged till he succeeds. Yet such is the spirit of filial affection and confidence we are privileged to use before G.o.d. For "This is the confidence we have in Him; that if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the pet.i.tions, that we desired of Him." Mrs. Lyth's distinguis.h.i.+ng feature, was her love of prayer.

It was, to use her own words, "the life of her soul, her delight, her greatest joy;" and her practice bore out the truth and sincerity of her words. Besides her own stated hours of private devotion, which were frequent, it was her practice for many years to conduct family wors.h.i.+p three times a-day. But beyond this, innumerable occasions presented themselves, which stimulated her thirsting soul. The call of a friend, or the arrival of a letter; the prospect of a journey, or a safe return: the recollection of a promise, or the reception of a blessing; a wakeful night, or a sunny day; in a word, whatever strongly impressed her spirit as a subject of thanksgiving, or an object of desire, was to her the signal for prayer. And not unfrequently, engagements were entered into with her intimate friends, to offer at given times, special intercessions for particular objects; engagements, which were faithfully fulfilled. This ceaseless spirit of prayer was the source of strength; for, though naturally of a timid and retiring disposition, "As a prince she had power with G.o.d and man, and prevailed." These remarks, a careful reader will find fully sustained by her own journal.

"1832.--Sent a letter to M.W.O may it be blest to her! M.W. was at the cla.s.s, and seemed thankful for the admonition.--I went to the village on the Lord's errand, _praying_ He would make my going prosperous; He graciously inclined one friend to accompany me to Mr. B.'s cla.s.s--I am encouraged to hope there is a work of grace upon her heart: O that it may prove lasting! In visiting one of my members, I found there was no family-prayer. We prayed together, and on her knees she appeared deeply to mourn her neglect, and promised the Lord to do better.

In two or three other little visits, I found the Lord among His people.--Had a precious interview with Mrs. Benjamin A.: our souls were melted before the Lord. O how the world was eclipsed, while our full hearts were aspiring after G.o.d! I feel the effect still.--How like a dream is life! we view the scene, and ere we are aware, it is gone for ever; but to every moment is attached the importance of eternity. After a sharp fit of sickness, how sweet is ease! yet these seasons are blessed to me, inasmuch as they lead me to look more closely into scripture declarations, respecting the blessings a.s.sociated with patient endurance. My soul seeks shelter in the secret place of the Most High.--Heard a faithful sermon from Mr. R.: I always profit under heart-searching sermons, as they discover the secret lurkings of nature. I feel the importance of endeavouring to enlarge the powers of my mind, since I am accountable to G.o.d for their improvement. I regret, that I have spent so much time to such little purpose. Whither shall I go? To whom shall I flee? My heart says, 'Mould as thou wilt thy pa.s.sive clay;' prepare my work, and by Thy grace helping me, I will put my neck under Thy yoke. Give me Thy abiding Spirit, that in my age I may bring forth fruit to Thy glory; enlarge and fertilize the powers of my mind; and teach me to cultivate the talents Thou hast given me. To aid my recollection, I here write them down: time, health, powers of mind--as memory, understanding, &c.; powers of body--as tongue, hands, and feet; money.--I went to see a dying man, but was denied. However, I knelt down with his wife, and several others who were present, feeling deeply concerned for their souls.--My body is very feeble, yet I wish to be fully resigned to the will of G.o.d, even should I be entirely laid aside; for,--thank G.o.d,--I feel no disposition to repine at the dealings of providence. I only regret that I have so little improved my health and opportunities, for my own benefit and the good of my fellow-creatures.--Increasing symptoms of weakness; but the joy of the Lord is my strength: my soul longs after Him.--To-day I sent a note to the chapel, to announce that our house would he open for prayer at two o'clock; earnestly requesting the praying friends to come, and bring with them any of their neighbours, who were desirous of fleeing from the wrath to come.

At the appointed time nine persons came; and while we were united in prayer, I enjoyed the softening power."

The cheerful breeze, and sunny ray, Pour on the earth the sweets of day; The blus.h.i.+ng rose, and lily vie With the carnation's deeper dye; The dappled cloud, and welkin blue, With lights and shadows ever new, In language loud to me declare, Lo! G.o.d is here! and G.o.d is there!

Here--in His handy work, I see His wisdom, skill, and majesty; There--His sublimer glories s.h.i.+ne-- G.o.d over all, in all, divine!

"Mr. and Mrs. Isaac came. The ravages of disease were painfully evident in him; and on the following morning while breakfasting with us, he had another attack of paralysis. So uncertain is all on earth.--On my return from Sinnington, as I was sauntering in the streets of Malton, expecting to meet my husband, a person tapped me on the shoulder, and asked me if I was not Richard Burdsall's daughter, and being answered in the affirmative, pressed me to dine with him. So 'the memory of the just is blessed.' I have enjoyed a sweet calm, and prayerful spirit.

"Acomb.--Visited some of the dear people, among whom I was much encouraged. At the prayer-meeting Mr. R. requested me to speak to a person, whom he believed to be seeking the Lord. With some reluctance I did so. When I addressed him, he said, 'O I am miserable, there is no mercy for me.' I bid him pray; immediately he began to cry aloud, and obtained some comfort, but not confidence.--Had a very profitable interview with Mrs. C., and from thence went to the chapel. There the glorious Lord was as 'broad rivers and streams' to us. I felt the overwhelming power of saving grace. About _half-past ten_ I retired to rest; and while engaged in prayer, was drawn out on behalf of several friends, and especially for the young man, who was so deeply distressed on Friday evening. Thus the Lord puts us in mind of our fellow-pilgrims, and teaches us to care for each other.--This morning the young man sent for Mr. R., wis.h.i.+ng to see him, and to inform him of the happy change wrought in his heart by the Spirit of G.o.d. Mr. R.

being out, an interview was fixed for the afternoon. He came, and the rapture he was in exceeded anything I ever witnessed. He stated, that on the preceding night he retired to his own room about _ten o'clock_; took his Bible, and on his knees at his bedside, was praying till about _eleven_. When he came to the last verse, 'He that believeth on the Son of G.o.d hath life,' &c., he resolved within himself, I will believe: and immediately the power was given him. He rose from his knees 'rejoicing with a joy unspeakable, and full of glory;' and went down stairs to tell his fellow-servants, that he had found the pearl of great price, and how easy it was to believe: wis.h.i.+ng them to share in the blessedness he felt. He added, 'O praise the Lord, O my soul!'

'My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth In G.o.d my Saviour!'--After meeting my cla.s.s in the city, I started home, not intending to visit the absent members: but being deeply pressed in spirit I returned, and calling upon one and another, found one in deep sorrow. I feel thankful I obeyed the inward impulse.--Saw old f.a.n.n.y, laid on the bed of affliction, and surrounded with poverty; but praising the Lord. She said, 'Praise the Lord, I feel Him precious!

Glory be to G.o.d, my prospect is as clear as noonday! I can meditate upon His goodness, when I am by myself, in the night season: yet the enemy tempts me sometimes.'--During the last week family duties have been privileges. While hearing the word read, and addressing my heavenly Father in prayer, the streams flowing from the Rock Christ, have refreshed my spirit.--Prevented from meeting with the dear people, I betook myself to prayer. Here I felt humbled, and melted down while pleading for them, myself, and mine. Thus to be shut in with G.o.d is sweet; but what must it be to enjoy the unclouded glories of His presence?--being 'changed from glory to glory.'--O my G.o.d, give me a fuller discovery of Thyself; and though outwardly dull of hearing, let me hear Thy inward voice continually whisper in my heart, 'I am Thy G.o.d, Thy s.h.i.+eld, and Thy exceeding great reward.' I have twice to-day joined with His wors.h.i.+pping people, but in neither case experienced what I have felt to-night, while pouring out my soul before the Lord. Stripped of every plea, I hang upon Jesus. Through Him alone my succour comes.--Though weak in body, the morning damp, and the roads dirty, I got to chapel, where I was amply repaid by a discovery of my obligations to the Lord, for having been taken to the house of G.o.d from the earliest period of my life; the privilege being continued, with, a few intervals of necessary correction, until now.

I felt myself more indebted to G.o.d, and more culpable than any present for the little improvement I have made of my privileges; but my heart was melted down in grat.i.tude and love.--On the verge of the old, and the threshold of the new year. Solemn thought! perhaps I now stand on the verge of eternity! How stands my case in the sight of G.o.d? On what do I build my hope, and what is my confidence? After close examination I can say, I rest on nothing but the atoning merits of Jesus. I feel His mercy now."

"1833. Again from sickness raised, to Thee Afresh my vows I plight; While G.o.d in everything I see, Sickness or health is right.

Thou canst not err; 'Thy will be done,'

Be full submission mine; Subjected to Thy will alone, My will be lost in Thine.

These kind corrections from Thy hand, Shall blessed ordeals prove; To bow me to Thy mild command, And melt me into love.

My soul shall bless Thee for the past, And rest upon Thee now; The future--on Thy promise cast, And wait Thy will to know."

"I have been kept at home to-day through indisposition; but have endeavoured to improve my time to the Lord by prayer, the exercise of my memory, writing,--reading the Word, and also 'Bickersteth's Student's Guide:' but imperfection is stamped upon all I do.--The last night was very tempestuous, and awoke me from sleep. I got upon my knees and found my security in Him, who holds the, winds in His fists.--I have received letters from my three sons. How pleasant are such communications! How my heart would embrace them all! and would not G.o.d embrace _us_ all? Yea, how much more? O my slowness of heart to believe! A friend from the village called; and conversing on the low state of spiritual feeling among us, we agreed to make the case known to G.o.d every forenoon at half-past ten.--At the appointed hour I felt the throne accessible, and my soul was revived and stirred up: as to the village, I know not what to say.--Praise G.o.d, my soul is happy--happy still. My appointment was brought to my recollection very near the moment: my own soul was refreshed, but I experienced little feeling for my neighbours.--Half-past ten: a blessed softening season; felt the village laid as a burden upon me, for which I had power to plead. [These memoranda are continued, and the voice of intercession was not in vain; for within a short time, thirty new members were added to the little village society]."

TO MY MARY.

Why does my Mary look so sad, And wear a pensive air?

Where can the antidote be had To banish gloomy care?

Say, why your spirits sink and droop; Will Jesus not return?

Arise, He calleth you, look up; O'er you His bowels yearn.

No sorrow can the bosom feel, But Jesus' love can cure; The wounded spirit He can heal, The fainting heart a.s.sure.

The humble, contrite sinner shares His kind, observing eye; He sees your tears, He hears your prayers, And will regard your cry.

Arise, and shake you from the dust, Arise, 'He calleth _you_;'

With filial boldness dare to trust, And find His promise true.