SKETCH

OF THE

CHARACTER OF MRS. M. CARRYER.

[WRITTEN IN 1812.]

It is not my intention to attempt a laboured eulogium on our departed sister, but justice compels me briefly to notice some of the distinguishing traits of her character. I regret that, partly owing to the natural reserve of the deceased, and partly owing to my own unsocial humour, my acquaintance with her was so limited. I knew enough of her, however, to convince me that she was a person of no ordinary worth; and, from the testimony of all who were favoured with her intimacy, I am fully persuaded, her piety was of the most. solid kind, not evaporating in talk, nor obtruding itself in an ostentatious profession, but operating in a constant and exemplary discharge of every private and social duty. She was a pattern of diligence, as well in her attention to domestic engagements, as in the constancy with which she applied herself to the means of grace, in the closet and in the sanctuary.

member of a christian

As a wife, a mother, and a church, her behaviour was

such, that it is impossible to say which character she adorned most. Averse from every kind of display, her religion was of a retired nature; "planted by the rivers of water," and fed by a secret spring, "its leaf never withered, and it brought forth its fruit in its season." Her faith was such as purified the heart, and manifested itself in a series of wise and holy actions. Her hope was an "anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, entering into that within the veil." In the former part of her experience, she was sometimes considerably agitated by doubts and fears; but, during the progress of the malady which terminated her dissolution, her painful apprehensions gradually subsided, and, although she sowed in tears, she reaped in joy. Her dying testimony to the excellence of religion, and to the power and grace of the Redeemer, was most affecting; and will, it is humbly hoped, leave a lasting impression on survivors. She often expressed her gratitude to Providence for directing her choice to a companion in life, from whose example, and from whose prayers, she derived important assistance in her walk with God; so that the change of situation, which to many females becomes a temptation and a snare, became to her a great means of spiritual improvement. The virtues which adorn a single state, she exhibited, not only unimpaired, but with increasing lustre, in her conjugal capacity. The essential benefit she derived from her obedience to the scriptural injunction to "marry in the Lord," conveys an impressive admonition to

the youth of both sexes.

Let such as attach any

importance to the cultivation of piety, and whose first solicitude it is to be prepared for eternity, avoid taking to their bosoms a domestic enemy, with whom it will be requisite to live in a state either of perpetual counteraction, or of sinful compliance; and from whom, without the interposition of divine grace, they must anticipate an eternal separation. Our dear departed sister made a wise choice, and determined to select, as a companion for life, one with whom she could indulge a confident hope of sharing a blessed eternity.

Her rapid advancement in every christian grace was manifest to every one except to herself: for she often expressed the deep sense she entertained of her manifest imperfections, while others beheld nothing in her but what was "pure, lovely, and of good report." As she was clothed with humility, so she was eminently soberminded, at the utmost distance from indulging in the levities, follies, and vain competitions of the age. She was chaste, a keeper at home, a lover of her husband, a lover of her children, and one who guided her house with discretion. Kindness to the indigent entered deeply into her character; she delighted "to do good to all men, especially to such as are of the household of faith." She was perfectly superior to the vanity of dress; her attire was suited to her station, neither mean nor splendid, but such as became a woman professing godliness. Her conviction of the nothingness of the world was

profound, and she longed, would her modesty have permitted, to admonish her young friends from her dying bed, to be on their guard against its fascinations and its snares. To her relations she often exclaimed, almost with her dying breath, "The world! the world!" intending to warn them of what she conceived to form their chief danger.

On the whole, among the numerous losses which this church has recently sustained, I know of none more entitled to lasting lamentation than the present; nor has there been a member removed, during the period of my ministry, whose life has been more exemplary, or whose memory will be more precious.

As exhibited in a Speech delivered at the Annual Meeting of the Leicester Auxiliary Bible Society, April 1813.

Ir is with a melancholy satisfaction I rise to express my entire approbation of the sentiments contained in the resolution just read.

It would, in my opinion, have been unnatural to usher our annual report into the world, without noticing that solemn and affecting dispensation which has deprived this society, this town, and this county, of its principal ornament. We are weakened this day by the falling of a pious and a great man in Israel. In the formation of this society our incomparable friend had a principal share; and through every stage he gave it an unremitted attention, and watched over its interests with a parental solicitude. The idea of instituting an

auxiliary society in Leicester was no sooner suggested to him, than it engaged his most cordial good wishes he lent to its support the vigour of his masculine understanding, the energies of his