THE

FIELD AND THE GARNER:

BEING

THE LIVING AND DYING MEMORIALS OF A QUIET

CHRISTIAN.

SARAH NASH BLAND,

The subject of this memorial, was born at Lambeth, July 22nd, 1825.

She was blessed with the providential distinction of a God of love, in being the daughter of Christian parents, and in very early life placed in the Sabbath School, and under the sound of a preached Gospel. While yet quite young, her mind appeared impressed with thoughtfulness and attachment to the worship of God; but the first sign of deep conviction of sin was manifest after a funeral sermon preached by Mr. Eliel Davis, at Gray's Walk, on the occasion of the death of Hannah, the beloved daughter of Mr. John Watts, of

2

THE SPRINGING SEED.

Lambeth. The sermon is said to have been a "peculiarly solemn and affectionate one, listened to by a crowded congregation, with profound attention, and above all, followed with a divine blessing." It was founded upon the exhortation of the apostle (Hebrews vi. 12), "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

This was in August 1840, and during the remainder of the year the ministry of Mr. Joseph Hamblin, at East Lane Chapel, Walworth, and her occupation as teacher in the Sabbath School there, were much blessed in watering and nourishing the young blade already springing up from the incorruptible seed of the ever-living and abiding Word of God.

I mention the School:-she had been for some time a teacher there. Upon the removal of the family from Horsely Street, she and her Sister had applied for admission as scholars, when the indefatigable superintendent, the untiring Mr. J. J. Nettleton, (working almost unaided in the school, then in a low, unpromising condition,) at once employed them in the mutual charge of the Alphabet Class.

In February 1841, Sarah was proposed for church membership at East Lane, and on the 25th of April

THE GREEN BLADE.

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subsequent, she (with five others) made a public confession of her love to the Lord Jesus, and faith in his perfect work and atonement, by being baptized in the name of the "three that bear record in heaven." Acts viii. 36, 37; 1 John v. 7.

From this time until her peaceful departure, her affections were peculiarly raised, and centred in the work and cause of God in that place; and while her heart was filled with prayer for the spread of the Re deemer's glory, and the complete reign of his Grace, she was wont to say, "I love the Church at East Street, it is my second birthplace, it is my home."

It was at the close of 1841, that I was first blessed with her friendship.

I say "blessed" because I feel that this union was made, and has continued to prove, a link in the chain of my Lord's providential goodness and spiritual conduct, by which he has brought me to his feet and yoked me in his service.

From the commencement of our fellowship I remember her steadfast regard for the substantial realities of the kingdom of God, and her humble, quiet perseverance in the service of Christ. Principally through my desire for her companionship and love,