CHAP V.
This state is designed to be a mingled scene, in which joy and sorrow, serenity and storm take their turns. A perpetuity of either would be unsuitable to us. Pain and pleasure, scenes of satisfaction and sorrow, are admirably attempered, so as to give us constant room for thankfulness, and yet to remind us, this is not our rest.
We resume selections from Mrs. Fishwick's correspondence.
TO MISS F.
February 20, 1840.
The loss of my dear brother has been, especially to my husband, a heavy and an unexpected stroke: but we feel assured the Lord does all things well.
We are constrained to say so, because of the gracious manner in which he has been supported under the bereavement, and the load of care it has brought. All this confirms us in the truth and faithfulness of our Lord. None ever put their trust in Him, and were confounded.
Oh, how many reasons do I see for gratitude that our fair
flower is safely transplanted to a brighter clime. I know that much as I now
feel her loss, days may very probably come when in some senses I may feel it
more; but whatever I feel, I am increasingly thankful that she is safe
for ever, beyond the reach of pain or sorrow, or temptation.
When we look around, we see how our cup has been mingled with mercy. May we
ever consider our obligations, and devote ourselves more fully to Him who so
graciously deals with us. I am, with unchanging affection, your sincere friend.
TO MR. F., ON HIS BIRTHDAY.
May 18, 1840.
My dearest George,
If I could write anything calculated to give pleasure, there is no one in the world for whom my pen would so willingly move; but as I have little ability for expressing congratulations, I must entreat you to believe that whatever will tend to your honour, happiness, and usefulness in this life, and to your exaltation, enjoyment, and glory in that which is to come, is included in my wishes and hopes on this highly interesting occasion. With fervent prayers that increasing years may yield to us both an increase, not only of affection to each other, but of love to Him from whom all. our blessings flow,
I remain, more than ever, you own
ANNE ELIZA.
TO MISS F.
Springfield, August 27, 1840.
* * * I must tell you of my wonderful journey yesterday. We went, according to promise, to look through the preacher's house, and while at Garstang, Crane and Miss P. had arranged that I should go on to Greenhalgh Castle. The day was, I think, the loveliest we have had this year, and we all enjoyed the ride. It was the first time I had been there, and I quite enjoyed the scene; the more so when thinking of the noble Margaret of Beaufort, as having resided there so long ago. Accept my thanks for the treat I have had in perusing the memoir of this noble and gifted lady. I rejoiced that even in those ages we call dark, there was so much piety and sincerity; and I fear that many who profess a purer creed, and more apostolic doctrine, will be found sadly in the shade, where practical piety is the standard.
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Mrs. Fishwick was always wishful, when any work of interest came under her notice, that those around her should enjoy it along with herself. She excelled in that greatly neglected acquirement, or talent, of good reading. Thus she spent many an hour in interesting and delighting her family circle, and also the friends who visited her. Her exquisite perception of, and relish for the good and beautiful, whether in character or art, in animate or inanimate being, was only equalled by her just appreciation of the intrinsic worth of each. She took true judgment of things that differ, and embraced every subject presented to her understanding with a peculiar clearness, facility, and precision. The rich full melody of her clear voice was finely toiled and tempered, while her intelligent mind seemed at once to seize and to stamp upon others' minds the sense and spirit of what she read to them.
In connection with other members of her family, Mrs. F. had long been a zealous and indefatigable labourer in the Sabbath school at Scorton. She was now obliged, through failing strength, to curtail her exertions in this department of usefulness; but the good seed she had plentifully scattered, had, years ago, yielded a rich harvest.
Her devoted spirit was now again cheered and encouraged, by the appearance of a powerful awakening influence on the minds of many of the young people, both in the school and in the village. Under a sermon preached by their respected friend, E. Brook, Esq., of Sheepridge, near Huddersfield, many of those who had long been under concern for their souls, but were still undecided, were thoroughly broken down in spirit, and brought to a humble and full closure with Christ, as their Redeemer and their King. On the following Sabbath a peculiarly happy feeling pervaded the school, and tears of joy and gratitude ran down many a beaming countenance, while they sang “with melody in their hearts" —
O happy day, that fixed my choice
On thee, my Saviour and my God;
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
The two next letters refer to this subject. They shew how judiciously and carefully Mrs. F. watched over these “lambs of the flock," and how much her heart was interested in them.
TO MISS F.
.November 16, 1840.
* * * Miss P. would tell you when she wrote, that the good work still continued. I am thankful to be able to say the same. There seems a general influence both here and at Garstang. Mrs.—‘s son is a valiant champion, and many of our new converts seem as though they had been years in the way. You are aware that the four D——s were all savingly converted some time ago. Yesterday afternoon, W. L., in going from house to house to talk to the people, met with their mother, and after some conversation, she asked him to pray with her. Whilst he and M. R., one of the new converts, were at prayer, she and N. were enabled to lay hold on Jesus as the hope set before them, and truly rejoiced with joy unspeakable.
It is delightful to go to the school now; and the girls are so fond of ——; one of them said the other night, how they wished formerly that she would let them alone and not talk to them, but how delighted they wore to see her now. Oh, may these lambs be kept from the snares which are laid for their feet !
November 30, 1840.
We had a most interesting meeting last Tuesday afternoon. As it was the fair at Garstang, and the usual holiday for the work-people here, we almost trembled for our new converts, lest any of them should be tempted to go. Mr. F. was at Long Holme; however we arranged to have a tea party for the society. The Sunday scholars met in the school-room at three o'clock, when they were suitably addressed by W. L. and Mr. G., and sang many pretty tunes; they then each received a bun, and the school was dismissed to make way for our comely village matrons, with their equipages for tea. The temporals for the feast were provided from our house. The party soon arrived, and all went on with great order and despatch. After tea a public band meeting was commenced; many spoke in a delightful manner, and with a holy influence. One rapidly succeeded another until eight o'clock. I wish I could convey to you on paper, an idea of the gracious feeling that seemed to rest on all present. Many very grateful and touching allusions were made to that “dear teacher, who is now before the throne." You would really be gratified to hear our young people speak: the correct scriptural language in which they clothe their ideas, shews that Sunday school labour has not been in vain: the fruit is appearing, though “after many days."
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Further extracts will be given from Mrs. F.'s correspondence, as best delineating the practical bearing of her every-day life. “By patient continuance in well-doing, she sought for glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life," not as the reward, but as the free gift of her God and Saviour.
TO MRS. HOPWOOD.
Springfield, November 25, 1840.
My very dear sister,
Yesterday's post brought me dear Mary's letter, containing the mournful intelligence of the death of her revered grandmother. But though the regret we feel at parting with those we love, makes one always speak of their removal as a mournful thing, yet in the case of those who are gathered to the grave, full of days; — and. who are gone to join friends who were bound around their souls by the strongest and tenderest ties, to that bright land where sickness, pain, and sorrow have no place, and to whom lengthened days would only have brought suffering and weariness, the dispensation which calls them home, is fraught with so much mercy, that their escape from a world, which to them had lost its charms, to enter on that state for which they had been hoping and praying with intense desire, seems matter of gratulation, rather than of condolence. Still, nature keenly feels the shock, and we are apt to dwell more upon our own loss, than the gain of those who thus for a short time are hidden from our view. * * *
It will doubtless be a great satisfaction to you, that this circumstance took place where she felt so strong a desire that it should, and that she was permitted to breathe her last under the roof of her dearly beloved son, whose tenderness and respect to his mother will ever be a refreshing remembrance and example to his sons; while the filial attention of her daughter-in-law cannot fail to have a lasting influence on the minds of her dear granddaughters. Be assured, my dear sister, I have felt much for you and brother in this season of trial; and trust that the same gracious support which has hitherto been vouchsafed to you both will yet be continued to you. Miss P. begs to unite with me in expressions of kindness and sympathy, and C. desires me to send his best love to his cousins.
I am yours affectionately,
A. E. F.
TO Miss F.
Springfield, December 9, 1840.
I have to thank you for a most kind, cheering, and soothing letter, received at a time when such solace was most valuable. I am thankful we were all supported very graciously through this painful anniversary: I thought much, but felt a sweet spirit of satisfaction and thankfulness, in the assurance of our loved. Mary being “eternally saved."
Those sweet lines of Mrs. Hemans, of which she used to be so fond, were much on my mind:—
Thus lot my memory be with you my friends,
Thus ever think of me!
Kindly and gently; but as of one
For whom tis well to be fled and gone,
As of a bird from a chain unbound,
As of a wanderer whose home is found,
So let it be.
And this is the feeling I often have with regard to her; her home is found indeed, and when I look at the waves and sorrows of this life, I rejoice that it is so, and that she is now where sorrow and sin can never come. Still I often think how her heart would have rejoiced in the fruit which is now seen, of the prayers and tears she used to offer on behalf of her beloved girls. But is she not apprized ? Surely, if “there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth," she has rejoiced, over some, respecting whom she felt so much on earth. So far as human agency is concerned, I believe her labours and Miss P.'s have been greatly blessed. * * * too, has lately seemed like a flame of fire: few have escaped a spark or two, who have come in his way; but we look above the instruments, to Him who has given efficacy to the means made use of; and ever bear in mind, that the “excellency of the power is of God, and not of man."
Miss P. sends a large bundle of love, and when mine is added to the parcel, it will be as much as this letter will carry; especially as it includes a packet of the same article from each of us to dear Mrs. F.
Yours as ever,
A. E. Fishwick.
TO THE SAME.
January 12, 1841.
Last Sunday week, being our lovefeast, was indeed a high day. Mr. T. Bond, of Hest Bank, preached for us on the Sabbath previous, and was so blest, and made such a blessing, that many of the L. friends fixed to come to our lovefeast. We had a precious solid season: nothing light, nothing that one could have wished unsaid, but rich genuine Christian experience. Above forty spoke. We began at two, and concluded before it was dark; so you will think we had no long speaking, especially as several prayed at the close, and one young man found peace.
We had the parlour quite full of guests, and some in the kitchen; including our own family, we sat down thirty-two to tea. Our friends departed, I believe both pleased and profited by the opportunity.
1 was greatly pleased to learn that your Sunday scholars had been so industrious and diligent respecting the scripture proofs. I trust it will be productive of much good. “Your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord." The day of eternity alone can shew what good has been done, even where no fruit has appeared at the time. Bread, thus cast upon the waters, will be found after many days, if it do not sooner bring forth an abundant harvest.
February 24, 1841.
O, what a mercy is the enjoyment of health! How many blessings have we to be thankful for. When we look around, sickness, sorrow, and extreme poverty are indeed the bitter portion of many, especially just now, while the weather, and the scarcity of work from that cause, make a great increase to the number.
On Monday last, we all ascended the summit of our hill, and as I think it is but the third walk Mr. F. has taken with us for the last fourteen months, you will think it was something particular that induced him to travel so far. The fact is, there are two tents placed at the top, and we wished to know what was the intention of the occupants. It seems they are surveying the coast, and one of the tents is an observatory, the other a sleeping room for the person who takes care of the instruments, &c. We greatly enjoyed the walk, although the weather being hazy, we had not much view.
Yesterday Mr. F. set off again for Manchester and Long Holme. He is obliged to be so much from home on business that he has little time to spare with us at present.
March 22, 1841.
With this I return the deeply interesting letters ,which you kindly forwarded
for our perusal §.
They are indeed thrilling accounts of the state of those who are sitting in the region of the shadow of death. Oh, how thankful we ought to be for our inestimable privileges, and how grateful too, to those devoted individuals, who thus venture their lives to make known the unsearchable riches of Christ. How we ought to aid them by our sympathy, our contributions, and our prayers. I feel ashamed when I compare their zeal with my own indifference. What constant need they have of direction, strength, and wisdom from above, and of a steadfast faith in Him who can say to these savages, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." Amidst such cannibals, they must stand in constant jeopardy
of their lives. After four years labour, this is all awful practice ; but what a strong proof of the natural wickedness of the human heart. How can some professing to be Christians, say that man is not naturally wicked? What stronger proof of it is wanting, than their own darkness and perversity, in making such an assertion?
I am concerned for poor Mrs. H.'s trials. There is really something so horrifying in the thought of her daughter, Mrs. L.'s dangers in Fejee, that it seems enough to overwhelm her: she must feel in constant fear and apprehension with respect to Mrs. L. Oh, there are circumstances in life worse than the removal of those we love! Why do I say this ? Rather let me ask if there are any better, than their removal, to where sorrow, pain, and disappointment are for ever done away, and “where they dwell, in joy and light ineffable," saved beyond the possibility of falling. When thinking on this subject, I am often reminded of a favourite verse of my dear Mary's:
Oh, were we entered there!
To perfect heaven restored!
Oh, were we all caught up to share
The triumphs of our Lord.
We had two very sweet sermons yesterday from J. Bleazard. I trust they will be made a great blessing.
With much love from all to all, believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
A. E. F.
§ From the Rev. J. Jagger, missionary in Fejee.
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The next letter gives a charming picture of true humility and sanctified intelligence. A noble and gifted individual, identifying herself with the least and humblest of her Sunday scholars, contriving for their amusement, arranging for their enjoyment, and herself attending in their walks for their gratification, is a spectacle that angels might survey with interest.
June 7, 1841.
Monday last was a beautiful day; and. most highly was it enjoyed by the inhabitants of our village. You will remember it was what is called the “club-day;" and consequently a general holiday, and a scene of great dissipation with many. We have for years wished to have some innocent recreation for our young folks, to keep them aloof from witnessing the sins of others; so this year it was arranged that all our teachers and scholars should assemble at three o'clock, and after having a walk, should take tea together. Accordingly, in their Sunday dresses, all neat and clean, they met in the school. After singing and prayer, we had a very pleasant walk, and returned to the school, where they were regaled with as much coffee and bun as they could take. After a little more singing, we sallied forth again, and in the field above our house, they had a peep at the far-famed Fleetwood. We had three telescopes, so they were all indulged with the sight. We then formed a circle in the centre of the village, sang one of our hymns, “God save the Queen," and the Doxology, and returned to the school. The children were addressed by two or three, with very good effect, and dismissed with singing and prayer. All seemed much gratified with the day's proceedings.
June 25, 1841.
You are aware my husband is from home; he went last Saturday, on account of the Sunday school sermons at Long Holme. They were preached on Sunday, by the Rev. J. Roberts, of Halifax. During the singing of the second hymn, the beam supporting the front gallery broke. Providentially, those above knew nothing of the extent of the injury, or the consequences might have been awful. As it was, there was a great alarm, but all escaped unhurt, except one person, who was much cut in endeavouring to escape through a window. Being very fine, the service was carried on in the open air, and in the evening the Haslingden friends kindly lent their chapel for the occasion. Oh, what cause of gratitude, that no lives were lost, and no limbs broken. I feel that I am not half thankful enough for this display of the divine goodness.
I suppose all the world are on the move now, about this election. We are happily out of the commotion, and. only get an intimation of what is going on by means of the newspapers. These too give us note of more important circumstances :— this week our sympathy has been excited for those who "mourn departed friends." You will probably have heard that Miss P.'s brother, and Mrs. H., are now beyond the reach of pain and sorrow. Poor Mrs. R. too has made a good end. She has been a great sufferer, but her affliction has been sanctified. This is the best of all. Oh, what but this is of real value! and what danger there is of the substance being lost in the shadow.
October 4, 1841.
Last Monday morning the ground was laid out for our new chapel. May it be a house of mercy to many a poor traveller through this vale of tears, where they may
Hear the glad sound,
And liberty find,
Through the blood of the Lamb
Poor J. Carter has finished the mortal conflict: lie quietly and peacefully passed away, while we were at class on Tuesday evening. We have now the satisfaction of believing that one precious soul is safely landed in glory, who was converted during our late revival. Oh, may this first fruit be but as an earnest, of a glorious harvest of ransomed ones from this village.
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Mr. Fishwick had long been contemplating the erection of a new chapel at Scorton. He was now about to carry his benevolent design into execution. In this, as in all works of faith and labours of love, Mrs. F. was a true and most efficient helpmeet, a hidden, though a moving spring.
The next letter conveys an account of the hallowed commencement of this undertaking, and also a sketch of Mr. F.'s address on the occasion.
TO MISS F.
October 16, 1841.
Your sweet and touching allusions to the day on which our beloved Mary would have attained her majority, met with a full response from all our hearts. It was to me a very gratifying circumstance, that it happened to be the day Mr. F. had fixed upon without knowing it — for laying the foundation stone of our new chapel. How would her spirit have rejoiced on the occasion.
We assembled on the spot about half-past twelve. The young, the old, both saints and sinners, had come to witness the ceremony. Mrs. Bulmer's beautiful hymn, “Thou who hast in Zion laid," was sung first. Mr. Rayner then prayed, and read part of the 28th chapter of 1st of Chronicles. That fine hymn of Montgomery's was next sung:—
This stone to thee in faith we lay;
We build the temple, Lord, to thee.
Then Mr. F. came forward and gave an address that produced a deep impression. All seemed to feel a sacred hallowing influence. Numbers wept. Fathers and mothers wept, while they were pointed to the change caused by the preaching of the gospel. Many of the young people shed tears of grateful joy. At the conclusion of his address, Mr. F. laid the stone, in the name of the blessed Trinity; and calling upon his son to give a stroke with the hammer, expressed an earnest hope that he also would tread in his parents' steps.
See, how great a flame aspires
was then sung; several of our good men prayed with power, and Mr. Rayner concluded with the Doxology. We departed with grateful hearts. It was indeed an appropriate commemoration of our sainted Mary's birthday. Mr. F. was not aware of it till afterwards. We were afraid, if he knew, it would overpower his feelings when he should be collected.
When, in speaking, Mr. F. alluded to those who were already gathered home from out of our little band, there was deep feeling, and many hearts seemed to say —
Give me the wings of faith to rise
within the vail, and see
The saints above, how great their joys,
How bright their glories be.
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SKETCH OF MR. F.'S ADDRESS ON LAYING THE STONE.
I need not tell you, my Christian friends, that it gives me great pleasure to meet you here, on this interesting occasion. I look around me, and exclaim, “What bath God wrought?" He hath made us a people, who were not a people, and by his great mercy, we can worship the God of our fathers according to the dictates of our consciences, none daring to make us afraid. I wish, in this undertaking, as well as in all the actions of my life, to acknowledge the providence of God; to seek His blessing, and to render thanks to His name. I am led to look back to the time when this village was overclouded with ignorance and darkness, and when, respecting the bulk of the population, it might truly be said, “no man cared for their souls." The scene is now changed, happily changed. The song of the drunkard, and the oaths of the bold blasphemer, have given place to the sounds of prayer and praise, which are sweetly borne upon the passing breeze. Even children have learned to lisp “hosanna" to the Saviour's name. But not only would we rejoice over these now walking in the way to heaven, but we feel, my friends, that the recollection of the goodly number who have crossed the flood, is a cheering and animating consideration. They have weathered every storm, and reached the haven; they have ,passed through death triumphant home;" have exchanged pain for pleasure, sorrow for joy, earth for heaven; and now cast their crowns at the feet of their Redeemer, ascribing salvation to His name alone. Surely, when we reflect on these things, we shall be led to exclaim, “What hath God wrought!" I must not forget to inform you that we are indebted to the kind liberality of his Grace the Duke of Hamilton, for the plot of land on which we. are about to build this place of worship ; and I hope that you will unite with me in praying that his valuable life may long be spared, in peace and happiness, to witness the blessings arising from his liberality; and at a distant day, that he may be welcomed to a higher clime, by those who have derived benefit from instruction received in this place of worship, which his generosity alone could have allowed us to erect. I should consider myself wanting in due respect, not to acknowledge also the kindness of Mr. Lamb, who in the most prompt and obliging manner has communicated all my wishes to his Grace. Considering that we must all soon appear before that bar, where outward forms and mere morality will not avail, I cannot allow you to depart, my clear friends and neighbours, without reminding you of the necessity of each experiencing for yourselves that change of heart without which no man can see the Lord; and pressing upon those who have too much neglected public worship, a regular attendance on these ordinances, that you may hear words whereby you may be saved. I trust every heart now present, will join us in solemn supplication, that He whose blessing alone can prosper our undertaking, would be pleased to grant it unto us in an especial manner, that those engaged in the building may be saved from accident and harm, and that when their labours are brought to a close, the blessing of God may rest upon the congregations assembling in this place, that it may be truly a Bethel, and prove none other than “the house of God and the gate of heaven." With this hope and expectation, I now lay this stone — this foundation stone — in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost —Amen.
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October 11, 1841.
A special prayer-meeting was held in the evening of this eventful day, again to implore the blessing of God on the occasion, and it was not sought in vain. The building rose in chaste and simple beauty, and the top stone was brought on without a single accident or misfortune.