THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST MAGAZINE. AUGUST, 1845. BIOGRAPHY. MEMOIR OF MRS. MARY THORNTON, OF HUDDERSFIELD. "THE memory of the just is blessed." There is a deep and holy pleasure in recording their honoured names, and in tracing the discipline by which they were prepared, in this "infancy of being," for the bliss of their heavenly maturity. Affection for the departed, though worthily cherished, yields to the higher sentiment of adoring thankfulness to Him who sustained their faith, and cheered the hour of mortality with the hope of everlasting life. As the churches of Judea "glorified God" in the zeal of an Apostle, (Gal. i. 24,) so are we bound to hail the manifestation of free divine mercy in each humbler gift or grace that adorns the profession of modern piety. The following narrative is compiled, for the most part, from those notices of her own religious experience which Mrs. Thornton was, from time to time, accustomed to make; although, occasionally, a few connecting observations may be interspersed, for the sake of rendering the whole more complete. "I was Mrs. Thornton was one of the junior members of a family well known, and much esteemed, in the days of early Methodism. born at Leeds," she writes, "March 24th, 1768. My father, Mr. William Clapham, died when I was three years old. I have reason to believe he fell asleep in Jesus. My mother attended his funeral; and, while the Minister, on meeting the corpse, read, 'I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die,'-God by his Holy Spirit whispered pardon to her heart. Thus was her sorrow mingled with holy joy and peace, such as the world could neither give nor take away. "Soon after my father's death, I was placed under the care of an uncle and aunt; who, as far as relates to this world, acted the_part of parents toward me. The Spirit of God strove with me when I was very young. Though, like Samuel, I knew not the voice of the Lord, I had always a great veneration for my mother, and a wish to be like her. Two alarming incidents which I witnessed, led me for the moment to reflect that I was not fit to die. It was then recommended to my aunt that I should be sent to school at a distance from home, and taught to dance. This filled my young mind with vanity, and effaced the good impressions which had been made. When I had finished my education, my aunt gave me the choice, either to continue VOL. I.-FOURTH SERIES. 3 E a with her, or to return home. I chose the latter; though quite capable of judging that my worldly advantages would be far greater, if I remained. Soon afterward I became acquainted with Miss Bgay, thoughtless, young creature, like myself. We were very fond of each other's company; but it pleased the Lord soon to convince her that she was a sinner. She earnestly sought an interest in Christ; gave up all her companions, excepting myself; and at last told me, with many tears, that, though I was the daughter of a pious mother, though she loved me as a sister, she must give me up also if I would not turn to the Lord. On this occasion I felt much more than I cared to own, and went home more serious than usual. But I endeavoured to divert myself with thoughts of the pleasure I should have in the visit of some companions, whom my mother had invited. July 10th, 1783, was a day never to be forgotten. In the evening we were all terrified by a violent thunder-storm. I expected that every flash would deprive me of life, and send me into hell. I thought, as I lay trembling in bed, I saw a long scroll of paper, with all the sins written upon it that I had ever committed. O, mother,' said I, 'pray, pray.' She prayed till the storm was entirely over. As soon as I dared, I arose, fell on my knees, and from a broken heart exclaimed, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!' I determined not to rest without the blessing of pardon. My companion, Miss B, and myself, now went on hand in hand, earnestly seeking the Lord in all the means of grace; till on Sunday, August 5th, at a prayer-meeting, he was graciously pleased to whisper to my heart, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee: go in peace.' I was enabled to believe in Jesus as my Saviour; and his Spirit bore witness with mine that I was a child of God. On Tuesday the 7th, Miss B also found peace at Mr. Dickinson's prayer-meeting. We retired, and spent the whole night in conversation, prayer, and praise. I immediately began to meet in class with my mother, and received my first ticket from the Rev. John Pawson, a circumstance I always remember with gratitude. My uncle and aunt tried, both by threatenings and by promises, to shake my steadfastness; but, blessed be God, they did not succeed. "In May, 1784, my mother was married to Mr. Robert Walker, of Honley, near Huddersfield. There I had some trials to encounter; and, had it not been for the seasonable advice and cautions of my valued friend Mrs. Crosby, I often think I should have been overcome. Her counsel led me to the Lord in earnest prayer; and I was thus preserved from falling. In the autumn of this year, Miss Ritchie,* of Otley, paid us a visit. Her conversations and prayers were, by the blessing of God, rendered truly profitable. I now clearly saw it to be my privilege to be saved from the remains of the carnal mind. But no sooner did I begin earnestly to seek this blessing, than I was assaulted with many and sore temptations. Satan told me, I was too young; I had deceived myself, there was no such blessing to be enjoyed; and I should never continue to the end. Thus I went on for about a year; sometimes happy in God, but oftener crying out, ‘I shall one day fall by the hand of my enemy.' Miss Ritchie visited us again. One afternoon she met a few of us in band, and urged us to the exercise of a present faith. During the following night I was * Afterwards Mrs. Mortimer, of London. wrestling with the Lord; and, as I repeated the words, 'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean,' it was as though there was an inward response, 'I will be thou clean.' Immediately my soul sank at his feet; and I cried in holy ecstasy, 'I am nothing; Christ is all!' O, had I been faithful to this grace, how holy, useful, and happy I might have been! Through mercy, however, I was kept with my face Zionward; and though often faint, yet' still 'pursuing' my spiritual enemies. 66 My mother's health soon after failed; and in March, 1787, an alarming attack of illness led us to expect her speedy death; but she continued till October 29th, when she died triumphing in the God of her salvation." The memory of this inestimable woman was ever dear to Mrs. Thornton; who caught her mantle, and "highly prized" it "for the wearer's sake." To many readers of these pages Mrs. Clapham's name is probably known, as frequently and honourably occurring in the Life of Mrs. Fletcher. At the commencement of her lingering and mortal affliction, she requested a visit from one of the Ministers, the Rev. John Booth, and solemnly said, "When I was in health, I made a profession of loving God with all my heart: so I do now that I am dying. Glory be to God! If you think my name worthy to be mentioned when I am gone hence, let a sermon be preached on these words: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord;' but lay the emphasis on the latter part of the passage." She then took an affecting leave of her children. To the subject of these pages, she said, "My dear Mary, are you determined to be wholly the Lord's?" Having received the answer, "By the grace of God, I am," she rejoined, "O rest not in having light; but be a real, inward Christian, and the Lord will bless you.' With the utmost tenderness, and in accents never to be forgotten, she assured the other members of her family that she could lay down her life for their salvation, and that her heart longed for them all in the charity of Christ. She next sent messages of faithful and affectionate warning to her servants; and then emphatically said, "Can this be death? O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?' This enemy is for ever conquered; for Christ hath died." She received a consoling application of the promise, "I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children;" (Isai. xlix. 25;) and said to Mr. Walker, "Here are we, and the children whom He hath given us. I see places in glory for them all. 'O what hath Jesus bought for me! Before my ravish'd eyes Rivers of life divine I see, 'I see a world of spirits bright, Who reap the pleasures there; And conquering palins they bear.' What, Lord, a palm for such a worm? Yes: Jesus tells me, a royal crown, a crown of glory!" Having interceded for the hastening of the time when the whole earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, she said to the Minister before mentioned, "Will you permit me to be your teacher? Then abide by the old Methodist doctrine : turn not aside, either to the right hand or to the left. The Lord give you many seals to your ministry!" On the Sabbath following, she entreated her visiters to be faithful unto death; adding, "The crown is ready! 'Him eye to eye we there shall see !'" And in the evening she cried aloud, "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin;' yea, from all sin.' 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him;' but he hath applied them to my heart. I feel a thousand times more than I can express. "I ride on the sky, Nor envy Elijah his seat; My soul mounts still higher In a chariot of fire, And the world is now under my feet!"" 6 When her end approached, she said, "Christ is my wine to cheer, my bread to stay. He more than supplies all my wants. I am filled with God! filled with God!" On the following day she joyfully resigned her spirit to Him; leaving an example of holiness clear and instructive in life, and more than victorious in death, which filial piety esteemed as its richest heritage. Alluding to the death of her mother, Mrs. Thornton writes: "This was a severe trial indeed; and, though I was wonderfully supported at the time, I soon found myself bereaved of the guide of my youth; and being likewise in feeble health, I was often discouraged. At other times my volatile spirits, which by her watchful care and wise counsel had often been curbed, now carried me away to extremes, and robbed me of much comfort. In May, 1788, I went to Leeds; and again I enjoyed the fostering care of my esteemed friend, Mrs. Crosby. Though my treacherous heart often deceived me, I experienced, on the whole, a sensible growth in grace. In the course of this summer I paid a visit to Miss Ritchie. The order and piety of the family I admired and wished to imitate. I enjoyed many valuable privileges while I was at Otley, and returned to Leeds strengthened both in body and mind. For nearly three years I was favoured with such advantages as, I believe, fall to the lot of few. My time was chiefly spent in attending the means of grace, in conversing with those who were most eminent in piety, and in visiting the sick,-an employment which made me thankful for my mercies, humbled my proud heart, and taught me to feel for the distresses of others. These were golden days. How do I lament that I did not improve them as I ought!" In 1791, she was married to her cousin, Mr. Wright. She observes that her husband and she "began housekeeping in the fear of the Lord," and made it their first business to "set up his worship" in the sanctuary of their home. The morning of her domestic life was fair; but the day was soon overcast. Her firstborn expired, in infancy, on her knee; and the mother sorrowfully learned the duty of fixing her hope on everlasting things. The record of her deep feeling, and of "the peaceable fruit of righteousness," which the chastening yielded, shows that bereavement became privilege, and that God was glorified no less when he took away than when he gave; for the mother was led to seek, and in seeking found, a closer communion with the Shepherd of Israel, who had taken her child into his bosom. "As my family cares increased," she subsequently writes, "I confess with shame that, instead of driving me nearer to God, they often caused me to neglect my duty. My path became rough, and I was exercised by many trials. All these things, I am fully persuaded, were intended to work together for my good; and, indeed, whenever I ventured to trust in the Lord, I found his grace to be sufficient for But I too often proved the smallness of my own strength, by fainting in the day of adversity." me. The next extract is too instructive to be omitted. It may serve to throw a warning light on some reader's path; or, at least, to commend some tempted saint to the church's most watchful and tender care. "In 1799 we removed to a part of the town a long way distant from the Methodist chapel. On this account we sometimes attended the ministry of the Rev. John Price, belonging to the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, and who was then stationed at Albion chapel. He was, at the time, preaching a course of sermons on Job i., ii. The subjects were peculiarly applicable to the state of my mind. I heard him with great pleasure; but without the least design of leaving the Methodists. He, however, began to notice me in a manner which I was little prepared to expect, and succeeded in persuading me to undertake the office of Class-Leader to the females in his society. This was, indeed, an unwise step; for I soon found I had exchanged old and experienced Christians for young beginners, who ministered too much to the natural pride of my heart. About a year after, Mr. Price left us; and we were without a settled Minister for more than three years. How often, during that period, did I wish myself among the Methodists again! But I had neither sufficient courage to leave the one party, nor humility to acknowledge my fault and return to the other. Indeed, as the good females were much attached to me, and frequently said that, if I left, so would they also, I saw it to be a subject of importance to endeavour to keep them together; and in this I succeeded. At last we procured a Minister, the Rev. Peter Thomson, from Edinburgh. He was, I believe, a man of God; and by his ministry I was much profited. But the Lord, whose ways are in the whirlwind, and whose footsteps are not known,' saw it right to call his servant home in the prime of life. The Rev. Mr. Hall, of Edinburgh, preached his funeral sermon, taking the text, 'He was a burning and a shining light; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.' (John v. 35.) This was the last time I worshipped in that chapel. Meantime my outward trials increased. I was much perplexed, and formed a resolution, as foolish as it was sinful, that I would never again join any religious body, but content myself with attending the church, reading my Bible, and maintaining private and family prayer. And O, the struggles I have had respecting the last of these duties! Many a time, when engaged therein, the thought has been suggested, 'How foolish to kneel and pray with a number of little children about me who do not understand what I say!' But I was enabled to persevere. * 6 "One Sunday morning I was going, according to my custom, to the * Mr. Thomson belonged to the Scottish Burgher Secession. |