CHAP. III.
This we ought to be constantly intent upon as the business of our lives, our daily work, to get our spirits so attempered and fitted to Heaven, that if we be asked what design we drive at, — what we are doing, — we may be able to make a true answer — we are dressing ourselves for eternity.
In the year 1819, Miss Crane left the parental roof, amid tears and blessings, to enter upon a new sphere of active duty and benevolence. On the 27th October, she became the wife of George Fishwick, Esq., of Springfield, near Garstang. This important step was not undertaken without much prayerful consideration on both sides, and the blessing of the Lord was eminently on the house of his servants. Mrs. Fishwick's departure from Preston caused a great blank, not only in her father's house, but in the society of which she was a distinguished ornament. Her name was long cherished in grateful remembrance by the members of her class, and she continued to enquire after, and care for their well-being. A few days after her marriage, she wrote to her parents a sweet, kind letter. It was the heart's out-gushing of filial affection, gratitude, and esteem, for the tender and judicious care they had bestowed upon her childhood and youth. She had arranged for their comfort, with a pleasant worthy lady from Lancaster, to come and supply a daughter's place to them, as far as possible; nor were her own obligations forgotten or slighted. She made it a rule, however busy she might be, always to send them a weekly letter of pleasant domestic chit chat; and by this, as well as by many other means, she continued to cheer the loneliness of their declining years.
Mrs. F. was well satisfied, before she left Preston, that her father's God was loved and served in what was to be her future home. God now honoured and blessed her, and the worthy partner of her choice, by giving them one mind, and much enlargement of heart, “freely as they received to give," both of temporal and spiritual comforts, and thus to dispense blessings on all around. “The heart of her husband safely trusted in her;" and they together realized the truth of that word, “There is that scattereth abroad, and yet increaseth."
An extract from a note addressed by Mrs. F. to her husband, on his birthday, some years afterwards, will most appropriately elucidate her own views and feelings on the subject of their union; as well as illustrate something of the value of the gift, where such a heart as hers was given.
To my heart's best beloved,
The accompanying articles, which, though neither splendid nor showy, will, it is hoped, prove useful and durable, may serve as a type of my affection; which, though not adorned with outward professions, or expressed in well chosen words, is fond, firm, and faithful: being based on an assurance that it is not limited to time, but is designed to be renewed and perfected in eternity. As the good things I wish on your behalf are too numerous to be written on this sheet, they must remain graven on a heart which would be offered for your acceptance, along with these trifles, were it Dot that it is yours already. I therefore can only add that I am, with unalterable attachment,
Your own ANNE ELIZA.
On her marriage, Mrs, F. had not, like many harmless, thoughtless young ladies, to give up habits of self gratification and indulgence, and to acquire those of self-denial and control. She had long learned to think and act for the benefit of others ; to esteem them more highly than herself, and to try to please all for their good, unto edification. She looked well to the ways of her household. “Her home was the rest of her heart," and her highest earthly enjoyment was found in the bosom of her family.
As the mistress, and also the mother of the village where Mr. F.'s works were situated, her kind consideration, generosity, and disinterestedness rendered her increasingly loved and honoured, as years went by. Her clear discrimination of character, and faithful reproofs also, where she saw them needful, added awe and esteem to the affection she inspired.
From her father, who was fond of the study, she had obtained a useful knowledge of medicine, which was now turned to a most beneficial account, in the village and neighbourhood of Scorton. She was ever ready to advise with all who asked her assistance, and liberally, as well as judiciously, to bestow medicine, nourishment, clothing, or what else was requisite for the comfort of the afflicted. The demands on her time and labour, as well as on her purse, in this way, wore very considerable, and known only to her own household; indeed, not entirely so to them.
Mr. Crane presented her with a medicine chest, some time after her marriage, and used frequently to remark in pleasantry, “If ever Anne Eliza has her portrait taken, she must have a pair of small scales in her hand, weighing out medicine."
These works of faith and labours of love, were continued with increased rather than diminished attention, for many long succeeding years; until weakness obliged her to avail herself of the willing assistance of others, in the more active exertions they required. To her might well be applied the words of Job, (chap. 29, verses 11, 12, and 13,) “When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me. Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him."
In October, 1820, the pleasant retirement of Springfield was gladdened by the arrival of a little baby stranger. The deep fountains of a mother's love were awakened in Mrs. F. by the birth of a daughter. She tended her nursling with all a mother's care, and through the years of childhood, she was seldom absent from her charge. Both Mr. and Mrs. F. regarded their child as a precious gift from God; and as long as the valued gift was spared, they prayed, and strove by example, as well as precept, to bring her up for heaven.
Their efforts were not in vain; and when, a few years afterwards, a son was added to their household treasures, they were equally anxious to train him also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In future years they had the heartfelt joy of seeing their children rising as plants grown up in their youth; ” in favour both with God and man." Their second was a delicate baby, and the mother's heart was often pierced with anguish at the prospect of losing him. Many times during his infancy, were her faith and resignation keenly tested; but when she was fully willing to make the sacrifice, God said, as in the ancient days, “It is enough," and restored the child to his mother.
Mrs. Fishwick's solicitude for the welfare of her husband and children was tender and constant, ever more apt to shew itself in deeds rather than in words. Her great principle of action — the sacred flame of heavenly love, enkindled by the Holy Spirit, through faith in the atonement — was “daily within her soul renewed," by repeated applications to the mercy seat.
The seasons which she set apart for private prayer were carefully attended to. From her closet she often returned with a countenance the index of a sanctified and gladdened heart, to bless her household by the intercourse of kindness, and the counsels of wisdom. At the family altar, in the absence of her husband, the simplicity, unction, and devotion of her spirit, were sweetly breathed forth. Her views of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and of the extent and fulness of the atonement, were deep and clear, while the filial a we, affection, and reverence with which she approached the throne, bespoke much nearness and close friendship with her God and Saviour.
Her attention to the religions instruction of her domestics, and likewise of her Sunday scholars, was not confined to the Sabbath days, but was often manifested at other seasons. Many of the latter have dated their first serious impressions from her advice, expostulation, and warning. There was a sweetness and power in her mode of teaching, that rendered it singularly effective, solemn, and appropriate. Of the young people who at different times were favoured to be under her instruction, a goodly number, it is believed, will be found as "her joy and crown of rejoicing, in the day of the Lord Jesus."
The hospitable mansion of Springfield has long been recognized as the frequent and pleasant temporary home of the ministers of Christ, as well as of many of his disciples. Mrs. F. was ever ready to sacrifice her own ease and comfort for that of her visitors. She loved to entertain the faithful messengers of the churches —.the ambassadors of Christ. She honoured them for their Master's sake; and numbers of these would bear a willing testimony to her unvarying kindness. Not a few could also tell how many useful hints they gathered from her shrewd and intelligent conversation. Among the juniors, many would bear witness to the friendly cautions and wise counsels that dropped from her lips.
It was her delight to say or do whatever would contribute to the happiness of her household and friends. Her discernment of character was keen and just. She was not afraid, where she saw it desirable for the individual, or for others, to mingle instruction and reproof with her communications. There was an earnestness in her manner, and a point in her remarks, that might sometimes have the appearance of harshness; but those who were best acquainted with her disinterested and noble mind, were always ready to say, “Faithful are the words of a friend," and “Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; yea, let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil which shall not break my bead."
There was a dignified gravity in her manner, which checked the forward, and a kind suavity that encouraged the timid. The mild calm look with which she met the eyes of all, and the clear firm voice with which she spoke, were felt to be the look and voice of decision. Her husband's returning step after his frequent journeys on business, was always met and welcomed with a smile. She fully participated in all his cares, and lightened his anxieties.
She was not the one to yield, or sink discouraged under difficulties. Her penetrating intellectual glance looked through and understood them, and her spirit rose to meet them resolutely. Her habit of constant cheerfulness gave light and sunshine, as it were, to the family circle; while the sweet expression of holy peace which usually sat upon her clear and open brow, betokened. whence that cheerfulness arose; for there is none like that which springs in hearts made joyful in God's holy day, and in the house of prayer. They realize the truth of that promise, “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” — Isaiah, c. 58, v. 14.
The Sabbath, and the sanctuary of her God, were holy and honourable in her sight. The Sabbath was to her hallowed spirit, — the pearl of days," “the best of all the seven." In the house of God, her place was seldom empty at the appointed seasons of worship, so long as health and strength permitted. She went there in the spirit of lowly enquiry, not as to who or what is the preacher, but as to what will the Lord. say concerning me. She was far more ready to judge herself, and that severely, than to pass judgment upon others. The week-night services, the prayer and class meetings, were also highly valued by her, and regularly attended, as long as she was able.
The influence of her commanding mind was great: but, like the falling of the silent dew, so gentle, as to be almost imperceptible, yet all-pervading and powerful. Still she was so “clothed with humility," as not to 'wish to rule, over others. There was no show of humility in her speech and behaviour, but that sweet chastened air and mien, which proved that she had so learned Christ, as those who pass the chief of their time in his company, and lose no opportunity which may offer, to sit at his feet, and hear his word.
It might justly be said of her, as of another lady of high rank and great talents, ”Her goodness was unpretending, her piety deep. She was truly humble, because her mind was habitually fixed, not upon what she possessed in the eye of man, but upon what she wanted in the sight of God."
Thus passed the even tenor of her life away; not like the mighty torrent, dashing resistlessly down rocks and precipices with noise and foam, astounding the beholders; but like the deep and silent river, moving on, almost unnoticed by the casual observer: yet, on the rich meadows and luxuriant trees among which it flows, leaving unmistakeable and abiding marks of its fertilizing, nourishing, and refreshing influences.
Although in outward appearance, and also according to Mrs. Fishwick's oft repeated and grateful acknowledgments, “The lines had fallen to her in pleasant places," and her heritage was goodly, she was not without her portion of the common lot of man, in trial and sorrow; and her sympathizing spirit entered deeply into the troubles and sufferings of others. With regard to herself, she was ever more disposed to pray — Let this trial be sanctified; rather than — Let it be removed.
She patiently endured affliction, not with submission only, but with calm and holy acquiescence in the will of God. The language of her heart was, “It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."
In the autumn of 1831, Mrs. Fishwick lost her amiable and highly esteemed sister-in-law, the late Mrs. William Fishwick. She deeply mourned the bereavement, for they had “taken sweet counsel together;" they were kindred spirits, walking closely with their God, ,through the low vale of humble love." Mrs. Fishwick exerted herself to the utmost to administer comfort and consolation to the bereaved widower, and took a deep and tender interest in the infant family, thus early bereft of their worthy mother's care. In December, 1832, Mrs. Crane, Mrs. Fishwick's excellent mother, was also called
From a suffering church below,
To a reigning church above.
She had passed through years of protracted debility, and many attacks of illness; in which Mrs. F.'s good nursing and kind attentions had been most affectionately rendered. Her last summons was unexpected and sudden. So unlooked for was her dismissal from the suffering clay, that neither her husband nor daughter were present, But the angel of the covenant was there,
And faithful to His promise, stood
prepared to walk with her through death's dark vale.
Nearly her last words were, “Christ is all in all."
Another of Mrs. F.'s worthy relatives was her father's sister, Mrs. Emett, of Liverpool, relict of the Rev. Michael Emett, one of the early race of Methodist preachers, of whom it might be said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." Mrs. Emett was a gifted and amiable lady; to hoary hairs retaining the graciousness, and much of the sprightliness of her younger years. For a length of time she was in the habit of paying an annual visit to her brother, Mr. Crane, at Preston, and to her niece, at Springfield. It was a gratification to see this aged brother and sister together: full of lively repartee and pleasing anecdote of the olden time, their conversation was interesting and ever tending to some useful purpose.
Mrs. Emett greatly enjoyed the society of her beloved friends at Springfield. The kind attentions she met with there, were to her, as also to many others who at different times were privileged to partake of them, as springs of living water and refreshing fountains, in life's wilderness.
Mrs. Fishwick occasionally visited Mrs. Emett in Liverpool. In some of these visits she was accompanied by her lively and interesting daughter Mary, whose active and enquiring mind was greatly delighted by the novel sights and sounds of bustling town life, and the glimpses of sea life, as seen in the arrangement of the shipping, docks, &c.
In very early years, her loved and lovely Mary gave tokens of the possession of an active and vigorous mind, “ready to seek and intermeddle with all knowledge." Mrs. F. was ever watchful to elicit new trains of thought, and correct associations of ideas, in the rapidly expanding mind of her child. She was fully alive to the influence of outward impressions on this young and ardent temperament, and anxious to give them a right direction, so as to draw from them lessons of sound wisdom and practical usefulness. Thus did she blend instruction with amusement; and succeed, by the divine blessing, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit, in moulding the character of her Mary, to regard things eternal as of more importance than things temporal; and to strive to live, not unto herself, but unto Him who had loved and given himself for her. The mother and daughter were worthy of each other; and they are now for ever united.
The following lines were transcribed for her daughter on her birthday, October 11, 1834, and presented with a Bible.
No diamond bright, nor ruby rare,
To grace thy neck, adorn thy hair,
My dearest child, I give.
These are vain toys, that please awhile,
But like the rainbow's transient smile,
Their beauty cannot live.
This valued book, by far more dear,
Than diamond, pearl, or ruby clear,
(How bright so e'er they shine,)
A mother's love presents to thee:
O may it to thy spirit be
What it hath been to mine.
Mrs. F. writes thus to her daughter in 1835 and 1836.
TO MY MARY, ON HER BIRTHDAY.
Whilst others boast each polish'd art,
And claim the palm of skill,
To Mary, Lord, thy grace impart,
And teach her all thy will.
Let her with humble pure delight
Improve each talent given :
Her pencil and her pen unite
To praise the God of Heaven.
0 I may she in each glowing tint
Or animating shade,
Discover this important hint,
That she like flowers must fade.
Prepare her, Lord, for that great day,
When she life's leaves shall shed,
To dwell where odours ne'er decay,
With Christ, her living head.
October 11, 1830.
If, my dearest Mary, you will accept the enclosed memento of a mother's love, as a token of the wish she feels to shield you from whatever might prove hurtful, and believe that all her advices and cautions are prompted by the same desire, she will feel pleasure in seeing it screen you from the falling shower, trusting that the same sound discretion which leads you to make a proper use of it, will also direct you in the application of every other proof of her love. That you may ever be defended from danger by Him who is both able and willing to protect you, and long enjoy the blessings of a well regulated mind and devoted heart, — which, amidst all the changes of this varied scene, cannot fail to render you unspeakably happy, — is the fervent wish, and earnest prayer of her whose comfort is inseparably connected with yours.
It was during a visit to Liverpool, at the Christmas of 1835, that Mrs. Fishwick was suddenly recalled to Preston, in consequence of the serious illness of her father. He had met his daughter and grandchildren on their journey through Preston to Liverpool only a few days before, in almost more than his usual health and spirits.
On the morning of Christmas day, he was going to worship in the earthly temple of his God, when the messenger was sent to conduct him into the heavenly. He was seized with paralysis. He was observed to stagger, and but for timely assistance would have fallen in the street. He was taken home again, where, after lingering for nearly ten months in much affliction and weakness, he entered into rest.
In the chamber of sickness, Mrs. Fishwick was a devoted and efficient nurse. She taxed all her energies to alleviate the sufferings of her esteemed parent, and all the time she could spare from her own home and domestic duties, was spent with him. It was with her a season of great searching of heart. Mr. Crane had often, when in health, expressed his wish, in the words of the Poet of Methodism:—
O that without a lingering groan,
I may the welcome word receive;
My body with my charge lay down,
And cease at once to work and live.
But by infinite wisdom this desire was not gratified. He was called to glorify God, by patiently enduring affliction. In active life, he had often said with the Psalmist, “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage;" in the prospect of dissolution they were more than ever so; when flesh and heart failed, his God was the strength of his heart, and his portion for ever.
Mrs. F. deeply sympathized in his sufferings, when at times the feeble frame well nigh overpowered the spirit; and rejoiced in his consolations, when the thought of the glory which shall be revealed, so carried him above the failing flesh, that he was enabled to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Mrs. F. had learned how to live, from her excellent parent's teaching and example; she now learned how to die.
At length, on the 15th October, 1836, the final summons came, and the aged saint exchanged mortality for endless life. In the quiet graveyard of St. George's Chapel, Preston, rest many of the righteous dead. Mr. Crane had long looked at, and spoken of that spot with solemn pleasure, as his last earthly home. He was now laid there, beside the holy dead. When the last sad offices of love were finished, Mrs. Fishwick returned to her home at Springfield, in chastened and holy submission to the will of her heavenly Father.
The trying scenes Mrs. F. had passed through in her father's mortal sickness, had strengthened her habit of private prayer into a more realizing sense of its value and efficacy. The mercy-seat was her continued resort, her safe retreat, her hiding place. Hence rose the hidden spring of her abiding peace, her holy conversation, ever ` seasoned with salt, and ministering grace unto the hearers."
From this time she was increasingly careful to avoid evil speaking in all its forms, and to discourage it in others. In general society, if she could not speak well of an absent character, she was invariably silent. While in her presence, the lip of slander stood abashed, by the lowly dignity of her manner and deportment, as well as by the influence of her example. Her close and impartial examination of her own heart, and her self abasing views, led her usually to speak of the character of others in the most favourable light. Patient forbearance and self denial, those precious ingredients in the cup of domestic, life, were daily cultivated virtues; and they attained in her a full maturity.
The following note was addressed to her only son, upon his entering his ninth year.
Springfield, Sep. 25th, 1836.
This little token of remembrance, my dear Crane, is sent with your mother's best love, and fervent wishes, that every successive birthday may find you better and happier than the preceding one; and that this may be the case, you must try to improve. Be diligent in reading; never be idle, for you know the little hymn says truly,
Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do."
Never do anything you think may perhaps be not quite right. Always speak to the servants as you would do if your father were present. Never behave rudely to any one; remember the poorest boy in the village may one day be a gentleman, and you may be his servant. Many such things have happened. Therefore, always be civil and obliging. Be dutiful to your dear father; kind and affectionate to your sister; grateful and attentive to Miss R; and humble and. courteous to all about you. In order that you may be able thus to conduct yourself, you must pray for the Lord to give you a new heart and a right spirit, that you may love Him and serve him; then He will enable you to love everybody, for His sake. That you may thus be a good boy, and, if spared, a pious and useful man, is the earliest prayer of your affectionate mother,
A. E. F.
Mrs. F. was a true and ardent lover of nature in all its varied forms of elegance and usefulness. The flowers, the fields, the blessed sunshine, the pure air, and all. that are sometimes called the common mercies of life, raised in her thankful well-tuned heart, a constant under-song of gratitude and praise, “to the bountiful donor of all we enjoy."
During the Christmas of 1836, she, with her beloved husband and children, paid a visit to Southport; and it was felt by the friends they visited, that as ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." Prov. c. 27, v. 9.
Although the frost was then very severe, and the ice-bound earth lay covered with a snowy mantle, Mrs. F. found sources of enjoyment even in the sleep of nature, and in the desert land. The sands, and shells, and sea-weeds, — the flowerets of the sea, — but more particularly the advancing and receding tide, were objects in which she took much interest. She loved to contemplate the sunset on the sea, when the king of day, sinking in hues of almost celestial. splendour, the reflection of them was thrown afar over the waste of waters. She ever looked “through nature up to nature's God;" and by constant attention and observation, was continually increasing her varied stores of interesting and useful information. The social circle was cheered and enlivened by her pleasant, obliging, and hallowed spirit; and her sweet tuneful voice was often raised in songs of sacred harmony, which led the listeners to feel as if they were already catching “the harp-notes of another sphere." Truly, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," not only in the beatific vision of eternity, but also whilst here below, in the daily recognition and enjoyment of his wonderful works.
Constantly and prayerfully did Mrs. F. inculcate upon her children her own habits of attentive observation, of diligence, self-denial, humility, and unvarying courtesy.
Her lovely daughter, Mary, was now rising up to be all that a fond parent's heart could wish: a bright and beautiful example of early piety. By the careful tuition of a highly esteemed young lady, who came to Springfield for that purpose in 183~, and under her mother's judicious eye, the energy and strength of Miss F.'s character were early developed, and directed into channels of healthy and vigorous action. Before she had attained her twelfth year, she was made fully sensible of her need of a Saviour, and enabled to rest her soul on Jesus. Her fine natural talents were thus soon and fully consecrated to the cause of Christ. Her generous, ardent, affectionate temperament; — her noble mind, and understanding matured beyond her years, caused many hearts, beside those of her parents, to twine closely around her; while her healthy and robust appearance gave promise of long life. But He who seeth not as man seeth had otherwise ordained concerning her. He doubtless saw that lengthened life would not be a blessing to her, and He cut short his work in righteousness, and took her to an early rest.
We come, with a trembling pen, to notice this great trial in Mrs. F.'s life. Miss F. had become to her mother an endeared companion and friend. She had just passed her eighteenth birthday, and returned with her parents, in full health and spirits, from a pleasant visit, with another beloved friend, to Harrogate; and also to her relatives at Burnley.
The family returned to Springfield in the latter end of October, 1838. Little more than a month afterwards, while in the very bloom of youth and promise for both worlds, Miss. F. was suddenly arrested by the “stern spoiler Death," and cut down as a flower ere it was noon. Only a few days of illness finished her mortal story. The tender mother watched over her departing child, administering words of comfort, of consolation and strength, to the last, though her own heart was wrung with anguish. The final conflict was severe, but it ended gloriously. One of the many gracious expressions which fell from those dying lips was, “I shall have to praise God to all eternity, for pious parents." Those parents were stunned and almost overwhelmed by this unlooked-for separation; but their faith failed not. They gave up their darling child — although with bleeding hearts to Him who had redeemed her, and in His mercy, they found succour in this day of their distress.
Though touched, like Job, in the tenderest point, like him they bowed in submission; they reasoned not on second causes, they therefore “sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
It was on the 1st of December, 1838, that the freed spirit of Mary Fishwick entered upon immortal life. On the evening of that day, the mother knelt with the rest of her family beside the remains of their sainted dead, and prayed with a holy influence that will long be remembered — “Thou hast required a costly sacrifice, O Lord, but it is right: help us to say, 'thy will be done.’” Her prayer was heard — the sacrifice accepted. Thenceforward her piety took a deeper and holier tone — her conversation was still more in heaven.
Mrs. Fishwick now devoted all her energy to soothe the stricken heart of her sorrowing partner. She walked beside him with unfaltering step, to see what was mortal of their precious child deposited in its quiet resting place, in the churchyard at Burnley. Her surrounding relatives and friends were astonished at the holy calm she then evinced. It was " the power of Christ — which rested on her." She afterwards mentioned to several friends, what a blessed manifestation she had at that time, of the perfect bliss of the saved spirits around the throne, and what a realizing view she had of her child, as one of that dazzling throng. Her spirit was upheld by God, and rose in silent adoration and thanksgiving to that Almighty love which gave her, to use her own expression, almost to see her Mary among the hosts of the redeemed; for ever saved from all the sorrows and trials of mortality; entered into the presence of Jehovah, the new Jerusalem, the glorious temple, whence she should go out no more!
When the mourners returned to their deserted home, though painfully realizing the desolation that death had made, they also felt that it was their privilege, to fall back “on precious and adapted promises; the fidelity of a covenant-keeping God, and the all-prevalent intercession of an atoning and glorified Redeemer and Saviour."
Having these views, these promises and hopes, they were more fully sanctified by the belief and enjoyment of the truth, and led often to anticipate the end of their faith in reunion with their loved and lost ones in the Paradise of God.
“Being dead, their child yet speaketh."
A short memorial of her brief useful life, her sudden but triumphant death, drawn up with the earnest wish that God should be glorified in her, has been honoured by Him, as the instrument of awakening or cherishing good impressions in many a youthful heart. In after years of their life's progress, the minds of the bereaved parents were cheered and comforted, by finding that many spiritual flowers had arisen, as it were, from the grave of their beloved Mary.
How many have felt that,
To have known Heaven’s gifted ones,
Is to have gathered into the full soul
Inalienable wealth.