Note 163 — Chapter XVII
Reading edition
Lady Irvine is said to have been a woman of great excellence, and at one period of her life much impressed with divine things. To her intercourse with Lady Huntingdon was attributed that clear and comprehensive view of the plan of redemption which she attained; and the influence of the great truths of the Gospel in all the relations of life shone conspicuous. Her Ladyship survived Lord Irvine nearly thirty years, and died at Temple Newson, November 20, 1807, in the 74th year of her age, much regretted. She outlived the death of her dear old friend and relative, Mrs. Deane, about nine months. Her charities were as extensive as her rank was elevated; and by her death the poor of the surrounding villages lost a munificent benefactress. Lord Irvine dying without male issue, the title became extinct, after it had been possessed by nine individuals in the period of one hundred and seventeen years, making the small average of thirteen years to each. Lady Irvine was the grandmother of the present Marquis of Hertford, to whom descended a great portion of the estates of the Ingram family.
Mrs. Deane lived near nine years of that period when even a “man’s strength is labour and sorrow.” She was, however, no worse than usual till the morning of February 3rd, 1807, and then the springs of life began to ebb in death. She repeated often that morning—
“Christ in me—my hope of glory, Christ in me—my God of love.”
She seemed to have a presentiment of her approaching change, breathing out for some time, “Dear Jesus, be with me to my journey’s end, which I believe will not be long.” On being asked if she wanted anything, she answered—
“None but Christ for me; No music like thy charming name, Nor half so sweet can be.”
About three hours before her dissolution, as if gazing on celestial glories and listening to angelic praises, completely victorious over the last enemy, she cried out, “Glory! glory! glory!—Hallelujah! hallelujah! hallelujah! to God and the Lamb for ever, and ever, and ever!” The powers of language never failed, and she gradually sunk into the arms of death, falling asleep in Jesus, the 4th of February, aged 88 years and nine months.