,proofreaders ,,memoir ,,and ,,diary ,,of ,,john ,,yeardley1 ,minister of the ,gospel4 ,,edited ,,by ,,charles ,,tylor4 ,should time with me now close1 ,i die in peace with my ,god1 and in that love for mankind which believes 'every nation to be our nation1 and every man our brother4'--,diary of ,j4 ,yeardley44 ,,philadelphia3 ,,henry ,,longstreth1 #accf ,,chestnut ,,street4 #ahfj4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,from ,,john ,,yeardley',s ,,conversion ,,to ,,the ,,commencement ,,of ,,his ,,public ,,ministry1 #ahjc-ae4 ,birth and occupation ,joseph ,wood1 of ,newhouse ,anecdote of ,thomas ,yeardley ,john ,yeardley's conversion ,he enters ,t4 ,d4 ,walton's linen warehouse ,joins the ,society of ,friends ,marriage with ,elizabeth ,dunn--,commencement of his ,diary ,a4 ,clarke's ,commentary ,enters into business on his own account ,visit of ,sarah ,lameley ,call to the ministry ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,from ,,his ,,entrance ,,on ,,the ,,ministry ,,in #ahae1 ,,to ,,his ,,commission ,,to ,,reside ,,in ,,germany ,,in #ahbj4 ,first offerings in the ministry ,is unsuccessful in business ,removes to ,bentham ,his views on the ,christian ministry ,visit of ,hannah ,field ,is recorded a minister ,visits ,kendal and ,lancaster1 in company with ,joseph ,wood ,visit to ,friends at ,barnsley ,journey to ,york ,letters to ,thomas ,yeardley ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,from ,,his ,,commission ,,to ,,reside ,,abroad ,,in #ahbj1 ,,to ,,his ,,removal ,,to ,,germany ,,in #ahbb4 ,prospect of residing in ,germany ,visit from ,john ,kirkham ,liverpool ,quarterly ,meeting ,public meeting at ,wray ,visit of ,ann ,jones ,journey to ,leeds ,death of ,joseph ,wood ,illness of ,elizabeth ,yeardley ,her death ,john ,yeardley goes to ,hull ,extracts from ,elizabeth ,yeardley's letters ,testimony concerning ,joseph ,wood ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,his ,,first ,,residence ,,in ,,germany1 #ahbb-bd4 ,sails to ,hamburg--,his lodging at ,eppendorf ,arrives at ,pyrmont ,friedensthal ,religious service with ,thomas ,shillitoe ,establishment of the ,reading and ,youths' meetings at ,pyrmont ,mode of bleaching ,visiters at the ,baths attend ,pyrmont meeting ,j4,y4 visits ,minden and ,eidinghausen ,plan for helping the ,friends of ,minden ,journey to ,leipzig ,returns to ,england ,,chapter ,v4 ,,from ,,his ,,return ,,to ,,england ,,in #ahbd1 ,,to ,,the ,,commencement ,,of ,,his ,,first ,,continental ,,journey ,,in #ahbe4 ,mental depression ,journey with ,elizabeth ,h4 ,walker through the ,midland ,counties ,yearly ,meeting ,returns to ,friedensthal ,humiliation ,certificate for the ,south of ,france ,martha ,savory's visit to the ,continent ,journey to ,rotterdam ,chapter ,,vi4 ,,his ,,first ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahbe-bf4 ,john ,yeardley and his companions leave ,pyrmont ,visit ,elberfeld1 ,creveldt1 ,muehlheim1 c4 ,neuwied--the ,inspirirten ,journey to ,berlenburg ,are placed under arrest at ,erndebrueck ,set at liberty by the ,landrath of ,berlenburg ,the ,old and ,new ,separatists ,gelnhausen and ,raneberg ,pforzheim--,h4 ,kienlin ,stuttgardt1 ,basle1 c4 ,zurich--the ,gessner family ,berne ,geneva ,journey to ,congenies ,religious service in the ,south of ,france ,st4 ,etienne ,return to ,england ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,his ,,marriage ,,with ,,martha ,,savory1 #ahbf-bg4 ,john ,yeardley goes into ,yorkshire ,death of his parents ,marriage with ,martha ,savory ,biographical notice of ,martha ,savory ,letter from ,martha ,yeardley ,j4 and ,m4 ,y4 take up their abode at ,burton1 near ,barnsley ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,second ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahbg-bh4 ,,part ,i4--,,germany4 ,j4 and ,m4,y4 sail to ,rotterdam ,minden1 c4 ,journey to the shores of the ,north ,sea ,visit to the colonists on the ,grodens ,fredericks-,oort ,frankfort ,darmstadt--,durkheim ,stuttgart ,kornthal ,wilhelmsdorf ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,the ,,second ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahbg-bh4 ,,part ,,ii4--,,switzerland4 ,schaffhausen ,beuggen ,zurich ,hofwyl--,geneva--,a4 ,bost ,lausanne ,neufchatel ,berne and the neighborhood ,montmirail--,neufchatel ,locle--,mary ,anne ,calame ,journey through ,france ,guernsey--,accident on the water ,,chapter ,x4 ,,home ,,occupations ,,and ,,travels ,,in ,,england ,,and ,,wales1 #ahbh-cc4 ,illness of ,martha ,yeardley ,letter from ,m4,a4 ,calame ,yearly ,meeting ,letter from ,auguste ,borel--,public meetings in ,yorkshire ,death of ,james ,a4 ,wilson--,journey through the ,western ,counties ,various religious engagements ,journey through ,wales with ,elizabeth ,dudley ,visit to ,lancashire ,removal to ,scarborough ,establishment of a ,bible-class at ditto ,prospects of a journey to ,greece ,argyri ,climi ,yearly ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey1 ,,or ,,the ,,journey ,,to ,,greece1 #ahcc-cd4 ,,part ,i4--,,the ,,journey ,,to ,,ancona4 ,paris ,death of ,rachel ,waterhouse ,nancy ,phalsbourg--,strasburg--,pastor ,majors ,ban de la ,roche ,basle ,neufchatel ,polish ,count and ,countess ,geneva ,journey through ,italy ,letters from ,friends in ,england ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahcc-cd4 ,,part ,,ii4--,,greece4 ,corfu ,count ,f4 ,sardina ,santa ,maura ,wigwam village on the mainland ,cephalonia--,zante ,patras--the ,gulf of ,corinth ,galaxidi--,trying situation ,castri 7the ancient ,delphi7 ,journey to ,athens ,athens ,corinth ,detentions--,vostizza ,patras ,corfu ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahcc-cd4 ,,part ,,iii4--,,the ,,return ,,from ,,greece4 ,letters from ,john ,rowntree and ,william ,allen ,ancona ,florence ,the ,custom-house--,piedmont ,geneva ,lausanne ,berne ,zurich--,schaffhausen ,basle--,death of ,thomas ,yeardley ,death of ,m4,a4 ,calame ,neufchatel ,return to ,england--,death of ,a4,b4 ,savory ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,from ,,the ,,end ,,of ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey ,,in #ahcd ,,to ,,the ,,commencement ,,of ,,the ,,fourth ,,in #ahdb4 ,divisions in the ,society of ,friends ,employment of leisure time ,girls' ,lancasterian school at ,scarborough ,death of ,elizabeth ,rowntree--,letter from ,m4,y4 to ,elizabeth ,dudley ,visit to ,thame ,visit to ,lancashire ,visits to the ,isle of ,wight ,death of ,john ,rutter ,prospect of revisiting the ,continent ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,the ,,fourth ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahdb-dc4 ,amiens ,paris ,letters from ,e4 ,dudley and ,j4 ,rowntree ,lyons ,nismes--,boarding-school for girls ,letter from ,john ,rowntree ,montpelier ,lesengnan ,maux ,saverdun ,toulouse ,montauban--,castres ,tullins--,grenoble ,geneva ,lausanne ,neufchatel--,paul ,petavel ,locle ,berne ,basle ,carlsruhe--,frankfort ,accident to ,j4,y4--,vlotho ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,removal ,,to ,,stamford-,,hill1 ,,and ,,commencement ,,of ,,the ,,fifth ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahdc-dh4 ,removal to ,berkhamstead ,removal to ,stamford-hill ,visit to the families of ,gracechurch-,st4 ,monthly ,meeting ,death of ,j4,j4 ,gurney and ,i4 ,stickney ,prepare for revisiting the ,continent ,brussels ,h4 ,van ,maasdyk ,charleroi--,spa ,bonn ,mannheim1 ,strasburg ,basle ,berne-,neufchatel ,grenoble ,privas--,vals ,nismes--,congenies ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,completion ,,of ,,the ,,fifth ,,continental ,,journey1 #ahdi-ej4 ,letter from ,j4,y4 to ,john ,kitching ,elberfeld--,muehlheim ,bonn ,kreuznach--,j4,a4 ,ott ,mannheim ,stuttgardt--,death of ,elizabeth ,dudley ,kornthal ,kreuznach ,bonn ,return home--,resume their journey ,berlin--,a4 ,beyerhaus ,warmbrunn ,illness of ,martha ,yeardley-,toeplitz ,prague--,translation of tracts into the ,bohemian language ,kreuzuach--,neuwied ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,death ,,of ,,martha ,,yeardley1 ,,and ,,john ,,yeardley',s ,,journey ,,to ,,norway1 #ahea-eb4 ,illness and death of ,martha ,yeardley ,j4,y4 visits ,ireland ,prospect of a journey to ,norway ,homburg--,illness of ,j4,y4 ,christiana--,christiansand ,stavanger ,excursion up one of the fiords ,bergen ,meetings at ,foedde and other places ,obernkirchen ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,his ,,journey ,,to ,,south ,,russia1 #ahec4 ,passport--,sails from ,hull ,petersburg ,moscow ,journey to ,iekaterinoslav ,kharkov ,rybalsk--,the ,german ,colonies ,the ,molokans ,the ,crimea--,the ,tartars ,a suspicious halting-place--,simpheropol ,feodosia ,odessa--,constantinople ,smyrna ,syra--,malta ,nismes--,bagneres de ,bigorre ,pialoux ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,from ,,his ,,return ,,from ,,russia ,,to ,,his ,,last ,,journey1 #ahec-aheh4 ,visits ,bath ,the ,yearly ,meeting--,life of ,j4 ,j4 ,gurney ,visit to ,minden--,religious service in ,yorkshire ,goes again to ,minden ,neuveville ,paris ,visit to ,bristol and ,gloucester ,quarterly ,meetings ,minden ,visit to ,birmingham1 ,leicester1 c4 ,goes to ,nismes ,visits ,chelmsford1 c4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,last ,,journey ,,and ,,death1 #aheh4 ,,concluding ,,remarks4 ,religious ,mission to ,asiatic ,turkey ,voyage to ,constantinople ,sun-stroke ,meetings in the neighborhood of ,constantinople ,is seized with paralysis1 and returns home ,his death--,remarks on his character ,notes of some of his public testimonies ,,memoir ,,of ,,john ,,yeardley4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,from ,,john ,,yeardley's ,,conversion ,,to ,,the ,,commencement ,,of ,,his ,,public ,,ministry4 #ahjc--ahae4 ,john ,yeardley was born on the #crd of the ,first ,month1 #aghf1 at a small farm-house beside ,orgreave ,hall1 in the valley of the ,rother1 four miles south of ,rotherham4 ,his parents1 ,joel and ,frances ,yeardley1 farmed some land1 chiefly pasture1 and his mother is said to have been famous for her cream-cheeses1 which she carried herself to ,sheffield market4 ,she was a pious and industrious woman2 but1 through the misconduct of her husband1 was sometimes reduced to such straits as scarcely to have enough food for her children4 ,before they left ,orgreave they were attracted towards the worship of ,friends1 and several of the family1 including two of ,joel ,yeardley's sisters1 embraced the truth as held by the ,society4 ,in the year #ahjb they removed to a farm at ,blacker1 three miles south of ,barnsley1 and attended the meeting at ,monk ,bretton1 or ,burton1 near that town1 where the meeting-house then stood4 ,at ,blacker it was ,john's business to ride into ,barnsley daily on a pony1 with two barrels of milk to distribute to the customers of his mother's dairy4 ,his elder brother ,thomas worked on the farm4 ,their attendance at ,burton meeting brought the family under the notice of ,joseph ,wood1 a minister of the ,society1 residing at ,newhouse1 near ,highflatts1 four miles from ,penistone4 ,joseph ,wood had been a ,yorkshire clothier1 but relinquished business in the prime of life1 and spent the rest of his days in assiduous pastoral labor of a kind of which we have few examples4 ,to attend a ,monthly ,meeting he would leave home on foot the ,seventh-day before1 with ,john ,bottomley1 also a ,friend and preacher1 and at one time his servant1 for some neighboring meeting4 ,he would occupy the evening with social calls1 dropping at every house the word of exhortation or comfort4 ,the meeting next day would witness his fervent ministry4 ,in the afternoon they would proceed to the place where the ,monthly ,meeting was to be held the following day1 which they would attend1 filling up the time before and after with social and religious visits4 ,in the intervals of the ,monthly ,meetings1 when not engaged on more distant service1 it was his practice to appoint meetings for worship in the villages around ,highflatts1 and very frequently to visit those places where individuals were under convincement1 particularly ,barnsley and ,dewsbury1 where at that time many were added to the ,society4 ,on his return home from these services he would spend the day in an upper room1 without a fire1 even in the severest weather1 writing a minute account of all that had happened4 ,it was in #ahjc that ,joseph ,wood first had intercourse with ,joel ,yeardley's family4 ,under date of the #aith of the ,fourth ,month1 he says1 speaking of himself and some other concerned ,friends3-- ,we felt an inclination to visit ,joel ,yeardley's family1 who are under convincement1 and who have lately removed from near ,handsworth ,woodhouse4 ,we went to breakfast4 ,he and ,frances his wife1 with ,thomas and ,john their sons1 the former about nineteen1 the latter seventeen years of age1 received us in a very kind and affectionate manner1 expressing their satisfaction at our coming to see them4 ,they appeared quite open1 and gave us a particular account of the manner of their convincement and beginning to attend ,friends' meetings1 which was about four years ago4 ,i believe there is a good degree of sincerity in the man and his wife1 and the two sons appear to be tender and hopeful4 ,the next month ,joseph ,wood repeated his visit1 and gives an account of the interview in the following words3-- #e mo41 #ahjc4--;,having ever since ,i was at ,joel ,yeardley's the last month1 felt my mind drawn to sit with the family1 and this appearing to me to be the right time1 ,i set out from home the #adth of the ,fifth ,month1 in company with ,john ,bottomley4 ,got to ,joel ,yeardley's betwixt four and five o'clock4 ,after tea1 ,thomas ,dixon ,walton and ,samuel ,coward of ,barnsley came to meet us there4 ,in the evening we had a precious opportunity together1 in which caution1 counsel1 advice1 and encouragement flowed plentifully1 suited to the varied states of the family4 ,i had a long time therein first1 from #a ,cor4 xv4 #eh2 ,john ,bottomley next4 ,afterwards ,i had a pretty long time1 after which ,j4,b4 was concerned in prayer4 ,at the breaking up of the opportunity ,i had something very encouraging to communicate to their son ,thomas1 who1 ,i believe1 is an exercised youth1 to whom my spirit felt very nearly united4 ,joel ,yeardley unhappily did not long remain faithful to his convictions4 ,he not only himself drew back from intercourse with ,friends1 but was unwilling his sons should leave their work to attend week-day meetings1 and did all in his power to prevent them4 ,this is shown by the following narrative from ,joseph ,wood's memoranda3-- ,as ,william ,wass and ,i were going to attend a ,committee at ,highflatts1 on our ,monthly ,meeting day1 in the morning1 we met with ,thomas ,yeardley of ,blacker1 near ,worsbro'1 a young man who is under convincement4 ,i was a little surprised to see him having on a green singlet and smock frock4 ,he burst out into tears2 ,i inquired the matter1 and if something was amiss at home2 he only replied1 ,not much2 and we not having time to atop1 proceeded1 and he went forward to my house4 ,this was on the #aith of the ,ninth ,month1 #ahjc4 ,after the ,monthly ,meeting was over1 ,i had an opportunity to inquire into the cause of his appearance and trouble1 and found that he was religiously concerned to attend weekday meetings1 which his father was much averse to2 and in order to procure his liberty he had worked almost beyond his ability2 but all would not do1 his father plainly telling him that he should quit the house4 ,the evening before1 he applied to him for leave to come to the meeting at ,highflatts to-day2 but he refused1 and treated him with very rough language4 ,however1 as the concern remained with him1 he rose early in the morning and got himself ready2 but his father came and violently pulled the clothes off his back1 and his shirt also1 and took all his other clothes from him but those we met him in1 telling him to get a place immediately1 for he should not stop in his house4 ,being thus stripped1 he went to his work in the stable2 but1 not feeling easy without coming to meeting1 he set out as he was1 not minding his dress1 so that he might but be favored to get to the meeting4 ,this evening we had an opportunity with him in my parlor1 much to our satisfaction4 ,the language of encouragement and consolation flowed freely and plentifully towards him through ,william ,wass1 ,john ,bottomley1 and myself2 and afterwards1 in conference with him1 we found liberty to advise him to return home 7he having before thought of procuring a place71 believing if he was preserved faithful1 way would in time be made for him1 and that it might perhaps be a means of his father's restoration2 as at times1 he said1 he appeared a little different1 not having wholly lost his love to ,friends1 and always behaved kindly to them4 ,he took our advice kindly1 and complied therewith4 ,after stopping two nights at my house1 he returned home4 ,joseph ,wood did not suffer much time to elapse before he paid another visit to ,blacker1 to comfort the afflicted family4 ,it was from this visit1 as we apprehend1 that ,john ,yeardley dated his change of heart4 ,i was convinced1 he said on one occasion1 at a meeting which ,joseph ,wood had with our family4 #g mo4 #ag1 #ahjc4--,thomas ,walker ,haigh and ,william ,gant accompanied us to ,joel ,yeardley's1 where we tarried all night2 but the two young men from ,barnsley returned home after supper4 ,joel was from home1 but after tea we had a religious opportunity with the rest of the family1 in which ,i had a very long consolatory and encouraging testimony to bear to the deeply-suffering exercised minds from ,john xvi4 #cc4 ,afterwards ,i had a pretty long time1 principally to their son ,john1 who ,i believe was under a precious visitation from on high4 ,he was much broken and tendered1 and ,i hope this season of remarkable favor will not soon be forgotten by him4 ,on his return home ,joseph ,wood wrote him the following letter3-- ,newhouse1 #aj mo4 #bd1 #ahjc ,,beloved ,,friend1 ,,john ,,yeardley1 ,thou hast often been in my remembrance since ,i last saw thee1 accompanied with an earnest desire that the seed sown may prosper and bring forth fruit in its season1 to the praise and glory of the ,great ,husbandman1 who1 ,i believe1 is calling thee to glory1 honor1 immortality1 and eternal life4 ,and ,o mayest thou be willing in this the day of his power to leave all and follow him who hath declared1 ,every one who hath forsaken houses1 or brethren1 or sisters1 or father1 or mother1 or wife1 or children1 or lands1 for my name's sake1 shall receive an hundred-fold1 and shall inherit everlasting life4 ,not that we should be found wanting in our duty to our near connexions1 for true religion does not destroy natural affection1 but brings and preserves it in its proper place4 ,when our earthly parents command one thing1 and the ,almighty another1 it is better for us to obey ,god than man1 and herein is our love manifested unto him by our obedience to his commands though it may sometimes clash against our parents' minds4 ,at the same time it is our duty to endeavor to convince them1 that we are willing to obey all their lawful commands1 where they do not interfere with our duty to ,him who hath given us life1 breath1 and being1 and mercifully visited us by his grace4 ,i thought a remark of this kind appeared to be required of me1 apprehending if thou art faithful unto the ,lord1 thou wilt find it to be thy duty at times to leave thy worldly concerns to attend religious meetings1 which may cause thee deep and heavy trials2 but remember for thy encouragement1 the promise of the hundred-fold in this world1 and in that which is to come1 eternal life4 ,thou art favored with a pious though afflicted mother1 and a religiously-exercised elder brother1 who1 ,i doubt not1 will rejoice to see thee grow in the truth4 ,may you all be blessed with the blessing of preservation1 and strengthened to keep your ranks in righteousness1 and may you be a strength and comfort to each other1 and hold up a standard of truth and righteousness in the neighborhood where your lot is cast4 ,do not flinch1 my beloved friend2 be not ashamed to become a true follower of ,christ4 ,when little things are required of thee1 be faithful2 thus shalt thou be made ruler over more2 when greater things are manifested to be thy duty1 remember the ,lord is able to support1 who declared by the mouth of his prophet formerly1 ,mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird1 the birds round about are against her4 ,but if the ,lord be on our side1 it matters little who may be permitted to arise against us1 for his power is above all the combined powers of the wicked one1 and he will bless and preserve those who above all things are concerned to serve him faithfully1 which that thou mayest be is the sincere desire of thy truly loving and affectionate friend1 ,,joseph ,,wood4 ,the word which had been so fitly spoken took deep root in ,john ,yeardley's heart1 and on the following ,new-year's day he went up to ,newhouse to converse with his experienced and sympathizing friend4 ,on the #ast of the ,first ,month1 #ahjd1 7writes ,joseph ,wood17 ,john ,yeardley came to my house1 on purpose to see me4 ,he got here betwixt ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon1 attended our meeting and tarried with us until after tea1 and then returned home4 ,he is a hopeful youth1 tender in spirit1 and of a sweet natural disposition2 was convinced of the truth in an opportunity ,i had at his father's house1 and1 ,i hope1 is likely to do well4 ,i love him much1 and much desire his preservation1 growth1 and establishment upon the everlasting foundation1 against which the gates of ,hell are not able to prevail4 ,shortly after this1 we obtain from ,john ,yeardley's own hand an insight into the depth of those religious convictions which had so mercifully been vouchsafed to him4 ,the manner in which this interesting memorandum concludes is quaint1 but it expresses a resolution to which he was enabled to adhere in a remarkable degree throughout the course of his long life2 for of him it may be said that1 beyond many1 his pursuits1 his aims1 and his conversation were not of the world1 but were bounded by the line of the ,gospel1 and animated by its self-denying spirit4 ,blacker1 #b mo4 #i1 #ahjd4--;,as ,i pursued these earthly enjoyments1 it pleased the ,lord1 in the riches of his mercy to turn me back in the blooming of my youth1 and favor me with the overshadowing of his love1 to see the splendid pleasures that so easily detained my precious time4 ,he was graciously pleased to call me to the exercise of that important work which must be done in all our hearts1 which appears to me no small cross to my own will1 and attended with many discouragements2 yet ,i am made to believe it is the way wherein ,i ought to go2 and ,i trust ,thou1 ,o ,lord1 who hast called1 will enable me to give up1 and come forward in perfect obedience to the manifestations of thy divine light1 so as a thorough change may be wrought1 that ,i may be fitted and prepared for a place in thy everlasting kingdom4 ,though at times ,i am led into great discouragement1 and almost ready to faint by the way1 fearing ,i shall never be made conqueror over those potent enemies who so much oppose my happiness1 ,o be ,thou near in these needful times1 and underneath to bear me up in all the difficulties which it is necessary ,i should pass through for my further refinement1 whilst ,i have a being in this earthly pilgrimage4 ,strong are the ties that seem to attach me to the earth2 but ,o6 ,i have cause to believe1 from a known sense1 stronger are the ties of thy overshadowing ,spirit than all the ties of natural affection4 ,great and frequent are the trials and temptations1 and narrow is the way wherein we ought to walk2 alas6 too narrow for many4 ,o may ,i ever be preserved1 faithfully forward to the eternal land of rest6 ,dear ,lord1 who knowest the secret of all hearts1 thou knowest ,i am at times under a sense of great weakness2 but thou1 who art always waiting to gather the tender youth into thy flock and family1 hast mercifully reached over me with thy gathering arm4 ,mayst thou ever be near to strengthen me in every weakness2 and make me willing to leave all1 take up my daily cross1 and follow thee in the denial of self1 not fearing to confess thee before men4 ,always give me strength to perform whatsoever thou mayest require at my hands2 wean my affections more and more2 attract me nearer to thyself2 and lead me through this world as a stranger1 never to be known to it more but by the name of ,,john ,,yeardley4 ,in the ,third ,month ,joseph ,wood again addressed his young friend by letter1 encouraging him to be steadfast in trial1 and to beware of the gilded baits of the enemy2 and promising him1 that if he followed the ,lord faithfully1 his works should appear marvellous in his eyes1 his wonders be disclosed to him in the deeps1 and he on his part would be made willing to serve him with a perfect heart4 ,in the ,sixth ,month1 again visiting ,blacker1 he had a precious1 heart-tendering religious opportunity with all the family4 ,about this time ,joel ,yeardley was so much reduced in his circumstances as to be obliged to give up farming1 which compelled his sons to seek their own means of livelihood4 ,thomas and ,john went into ,barnsley1 where they applied themselves to the linen manufacture1 and were taken into the warehouse of ,thomas ,dixon ,walton1 a ,friend1 who afterwards married a daughter of ,thomas ,shillitoe4 ,in the ,first ,month1 #ahjf1 ,joseph ,wood records another interesting interview with his young friend3-- #a mo4 #g4--;,i called on ,thomas ,dixon ,walton and ,john ,yeardley1 with whom ,i had a religious opportunity in which the language of encouragement flowed freely2 ,i being opened unto them from ,luke xii4 #cb2 ,fear not1 little flock1 for it is your ,father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom4 ,in the ,third ,month of this year ,john ,yeardley made application for membership in the ,society of ,friends1 and was admitted in the ,fifth ,month following1 being then twenty years of age4 ,his brother ,thomas had joined the ,society some time before4 ,the brothers are thus described by one who knew them intimately3--,thomas1 as a man of homely manners1 of hearty and genial character1 and greatly beloved2 ,john1 as possessing a native refinement which made it easy for him in after-life to rise in social position1 but whose reserved habits caused him to be less generally appreciated4 ,the call which ,john ,yeardley received1 and which he so happily obeyed1 to leave the world and enter by the strait gate into the kingdom of heaven1 was accompanied1 as we shall afterwards see more fully1 by a secret conviction that he would one day have publicly to preach to others the ,gospel of salvation4 ,a sense that such was the case seems to have taken hold of ,joseph ,wood's mind1 in a visit which he made him some time after his admission into the ,society4 #a mo4 #bi1 #ahjh4--,sat with ,t4,d4 ,walton and his wife1 and his man ,john ,yeardley4 ,i had two pretty long testimonies to bear from ,colossians iv4 #ag4 ,i had to show the necessity there was for those who had received a gift in the ministry to be faithful1 and1 as ,satan was as busy about these as any others1 to be careful to withstand his temptations1 that nothing might hinder our fulfilment of this gift1 nor anything be suffered to prevail over us that might hinder its proper effect upon others4 ,after ,thomas was gone to breakfast1 my mind was unexpectedly opened in a pretty long encouraging testimony to ,john1 from ,john xxi4 #bb--,what is that to thee8 follow thou me2 having gently to caution him not to look at others to his hurt1 but faithfully follow his ,master1 ,jesus ,christ1 in the way of his leadings4 ,in #ahji ,john ,yeardley married ,elizabeth ,dunn4 ,she was much older than himself1 plain in person1 but full of simplicity and goodness1 and of a most lovable character4 ,like her husband she had come into the ,society by convincement2 and like him she had partaken in a large degree of the paternal sympathy and oversight of ,joseph ,wood4 ,she had been a ,methodist1 and was one of the first who joined with ,friends at ,barnsley in the awakening which took place there in the beginning of the century4 ,john ,yeardley and his wife inhabited1 on their marriage1 a small house at the southern extremity of the town1 whither very soon afterwards was transferred the afternoon meeting which it was customary to hold at some ,friend's house in ,barnsley4 ,the morning meeting continued to be held at4 ,burton until #ahaf1 when a new meeting-house was built in the town4 ,they had only one child1 a son1 who died in infancy4 ,john ,yeardley commenced his ,diary in #ahaa2 and this valuable record of his religious experience1 and of his travels in the service of the ,gospel1 was maintained with more or less regularity to the end of his life4 ,the motive which induced him to adopt this practice is given in the following lines1 with which the manuscript commences3-- ,it may seem a little strange that ,i should1 in my present situation1 attempt to keep any memorandums of the following kind2 but feeling desirous simply to pen down a few broken remarks as they may at times occur to my mind1 ,i apprehend no great harm can arise2 and if1 by causing a closer scrutiny into my future stepping along1 they should in any degree exercise my mind to spiritual improvement1 the intended purpose will be fully answered4 ,the first entry is dated the #fth of the ,tenth ,month1 #ahaa3-- ,first-day4--,have been sweetly refreshed at our little meeting this morning4 ,i have long felt assured that ,time calls for greater diligence in me than has hitherto been rendered4 ,and when ,i consider the innumerable favors and privileges which ,i enjoy at the hands of ,divine ,providence1 beyond many of my fellow-creatures1 and the few returns of gratitude ,i am making1 it raises in me an inexpressible desire that my few remaining days may be dedicated1 in humble obedience1 to ,him whose great and noble cause ,i am professing to promote4 ,how unstable is human nature6 ,on sitting down in meeting this evening ,i got into a state of unwatchfulness1 which continued so long as to deprive me of the refreshment my poor mind so often stands in need of4 ,in the entries which follow1 the progress of the inward work and the preparation for future service are very evident3-- #acth4--,went to our morning gathering in a low frame of mind1 and was made afresh to believe that were we more concerned to dwell nearer the pure principle of ,truth when out of meetings1 we should not find such difficult access when thus collected1 but each one would be encouraged to come under the precious influence of that baptizing power which would cement and refresh our spirits together4 ,o then1 ,i firmly believe1 our ,heavenly ,father would in an eminent manner condescend to crown our assemblies with the overshadowing of his love1 and enable us not only to roll away the stone1 but to draw living water as out of the wells of salvation4 #agth4--,create in me a clean heart1 ,o ,god1 and renew a right spirit within me1 was a language which secretly passed my mind in meeting this morning2 and though inwardly poor as ,i am1 yet ,i dare not but acknowledge it a privilege to be favored even with a good desire4 #bdth4--,was a little refreshed at our morning gathering1 my spirit being exercised under a concern that ,i might not rest satisfied with anything short of living experience2 and ,i felt comforted with a lively hope that ,he whom my soul loveth will not fail to manifest his divine regard to one who is sincerely desirous to become acquainted with his ways4 ,o1 how shall ,i render sufficient thankfulness for such a favor1 thus to be made once more sweetly to partake of the brook by the way4 ,thought the evening sitting rather dull1 though the ministry of ,t4 ,s4 was lively1 which is a confirming proof that however favored we may be at certain seasons1 yet if at any time we suffer our attention to be diverted from the real object1 it frustrates the design of ,him who ,i believe intends that we should wait together to renew our strength4 ,in the ,eleventh ,month ,henry ,hull1 from the ,united ,slates1 accompanied by ,john ,hull of ,uxbridge1 visited ,burton1 and had good service their1 both amongst ,friends and with the public4 ,they lodged at ,john ,yeardley's1 and1 in describing their labors and the pleasure he derived from their society1 he records his thankfulness at being placed in a situation in life such as afforded him the opportunity of entertaining the ,lord's servants4 ,his disposition was lively and strongly inclined to humor1 and he early felt the necessity of having this natural trait of character subjected to the rule of heavenly wisdom4 ,under date #bgth of the ,eleventh ,month he says3-- ,i feel a little compunction for having these few days past given way too much to the lightness of my disposition1 and not being sufficiently concerned to seek after that stability and serious reflection which never fails to improve the mind4 ,on the #bfth of the ,twelfth ,month he records a state of spiritual poverty4 ,such1 he says1 has been the instability of my mind1 that my ,beloved is unto me as a fountain sealed4 ,but1 he adds1 ,i feel a little tendered this evening1 on reading over a few comfortable expressions in a letter from my friend1 ,joseph ,wood4 ,this condition of mind continued for some months1 when he thus breaks forth3-- #c mo4 #h1 #ahab4--;,how pleasant it is once more to be favored with a few drops of living water from the springs of that well which my soul has had for many weeks past to languish after1 and which ,i trust has been wisely withheld in order to show me that1 although it is our indispensable duty to persevere in digging for it1 yet it is only in ,his own time that we are permitted to drink thereof4 ,his just appreciation of the nature of meetings held for the discipline of the ,church1 and of the spirit in which they are to be conducted1 is shown in an early part of the ,diary4 #c mo4 #ae4--,was at our ,preparative ,meeting4 ,the queries having to be answered1 ,i was led into deep thoughtfulness respecting the same1 and inwardly solicited that the ,father of mercies would lend his divine aid1 in the performance of such important duties2 which ,i have reason to believe was in some measure answered1 for they were gone through with a degree of ease and comfort to my own mind4 ,may ,i ever keep in remembrance the testimonies of his love which are so often manifested6 #h mo4 #ag4--,meeting for discipline at ,burton4 ,the forepart was conducted1 ,i think1 to edification2 but in the latter1 one subject occupied much time unnecessarily1 and did not conclude to general satisfaction4 ,when some whose spirits are not well seasoned1 speak to circumstances which they may not have sufficiently considered1 it sometimes does more harm than they may at first apprehend4 ,the entries in the ,diary at this time shew many alternations of discouragement and comfort1 and of that deep searching of his own heart from which he seldom shrank1 and which is the only way to the liberty and peace of the soul4 #d mo4 #ab4--;,in contemplating the gracious dealings of the ,almighty with me from time to time1 ,i have been led to query1 ,is it not that ,i might1 by patiently submitting to the turnings and overturnings of his most holy hand1 become fashioned to show forth his praise8 ,but alas6 where are the fruits8 ,is not the work rather marring as on the wheel2 can ,i1 in sincerity say1 ,i am the clay1 ,thou art the potter8 ,i feel weary of my own negligence2 for it seems as if the day with me was advancing faster than the work1 ,i fear lest ,i should be cast off for want of giving greater diligence to make my calling sure4 ,o may he who is perfect in wisdom strengthen the feeble desire which remains1 and melt my stubborn will into perfect obedience by the operation of his pure spirit4 ,in the next memoranda which we shall transcribe we see when and how his mind was imbued with the love of ,scriptural inquiry and illustration4 ,two or three good books well read and digested in younger life often form the thinking habits of the man1 and supply no small part of the substance1 or at any rate the nucleus1 of his knowledge4 ,this shows the vast importance of a wise choice of authors1 at the time when the mind is the most susceptible of impressions1 and the most capable of appropriating the food which is presented to it4 ,those who knew ,john ,yeardley will recognise the intimate connexion between these early studies and the character of his future life and ministry4 ,if any should think his language on this or kindred subjects marked by excessive caution1 they must bear in mind the comparative by unintellectual circle in which he moved4 ,i trust1 he writes1 under date of #d mo4 #bh1 a few of my leisure hours for two or three weeks past have been spent profitably in perusing some of ,a4 ,clarke's ,notes on the ,book of ,genesis2 and although ,i am fully aware that the greatest caution is necessary1 when these learned men undertake to exercise their skill on the sacred text1 yet ,i am of opinion1 if used with prudence and a right spirit attended to1 it may tend considerably to illustrate particular passages4 ,i think this pious man has not only shown his profound knowledge of the learned languages1 but some of his observations are so pertinent and so judiciously made1 as may have a tendency to produce spiritual reflection in the mind of the reader4 #e mo4 #bd4--;,having read with some attention ,fleury's ,manners of the ,israelites1 by ,a4 ,clarke1 ,i am convinced that even a slight knowledge of those ancient customs tends to facilitate the proper study of the sacred writings2 for many of the metaphors so beautifully made use of by the prophets and apostles1 and even our dear ,redeemer himself1 to convey a spiritual meaning1 seem to have had an evident allusion to the antique manners and customs which ,i find explained in this little volume4 ,the commotions referred to in the reflections which follow1 were no doubt the great ,european war which was then raging4 ,buonaparte1 it may be remembered1 was at that time making preparation for his ,russian campaign1 and a universal alarm prevailed as to the final result of his insatiable lust of conquest4 #e mo4 #g4--;,in viewing the commotions of the times1 it has induced me seriously to consider the great importance of procuring1 as far as ability may be afforded1 a free access to the never-failing source of our help2 and in a little contemplating this subject ,i have been comforted in a hope that1 if we only abide stedfast and immovable1 ,he whom the waves of the sea obeyed will in his own time speak peace to the minds of his tossed ones1 and a calm will ensue4 ,the perusal of ,elizabeth ,smith's ,fragments occasions him to remark how profitable it is to read the writings of others2 but he wisely adds3-- ,i am often desirous not to rest satisfied with a bare perusal of these1 believing they are only advantageous to us so far as they stimulate to a closer attention to that inward gift1 which alone can enable us to witness the same experience4 ,it is often a query with me1 how am ,i spending this precious time1 which passes so swiftly away never to return8 and1 in order to answer this query aright1 how desirable it is to dwell with thee1 sweet solitude6 to turn inward1 to examine and correct the defects of our own disordered minds2 how delightful it is to walk alone and contemplate the beautiful scenes of nature4 ,yet in these retired moments1 when viewing the works of a divine hand springing up to answer the great end for which they were created1 ,i am often deeply perplexed with a distressing fear lest ,i should not be found coming forward faithfully to answer the end of ,him who has created man for the purpose of his own glory4 ,the meetings for the discipline of the ,society were often times of spiritual refreshment to him4 #f mo4 #bc4--;,i left home to attend our ,quarterly ,meeting at ,york4 ,the meetings for business were generally satisfactory2 on re-examining the answers to the queries1 divers very weighty remarks were made4 ,i thought the two meetings for worship favored seasons2 and1 although ,i left home with reluctance1 ,i cannot but rejoice at having given up a little time to be made a partaker of the overflowing of that precious influence which1 ,i trust1 made glad the hearts of many present4 ,the extracts which follow develope still further the progress of his inner life1 and the secret preparation of the future preacher of the ,gospel and overseer of the flock of ,christ4 #f mo4 #bi4--;,a deep-searching time at meeting yesterday1 wherein ,i was given to see a little of my own unworthiness ,the secret breathings of my spirit were to the ,father and fountain of life1 that he might be pleased more and more to redeem me from this corrupted state of human nature1 and draw me by the powerful cords of his love into a nearer union with the pure spirit of the ,gospel4 #g mo4 #f4--,thought an awful solemnity was the covering of our small gathering yesterday morning1 under which ,i felt truly thankful to the ,dispenser of every gift2 and was enabled to crave his assistance to maintain the watch with greater diligence1 and pursue the ways of peace with alacrity of soul4 #bith and #cjth4--,the ,general ,meeting at ,ackworth was large1 and ,i thought very satisfactory through all its different sittings4 ,the meeting for worship was a remarkable time2 the pure spring of gospel ministry seemed to flow1 as from vessel to vessel1 until it rose into such dominion as to declare the gracious presence of ,him who is ever worthy to be honored and adored for thus condescending to own us on such important occasions4 ,iron is said to sharpen iron2 and ,i thought it was a little the case with me at this season1 feeling very desirous to enjoy that within myself which ,i so much admire in others4 #h mo4 #ac4--,many days have ,i gone mourning on my way1 for what cause ,i know not2 but if ,i can only abide in patience till the day break and the shadows flee away1 then ,i trust the ,king of righteousness will again appear4 #beth4--,in contemplating a little the character of that good man1 ,nehemiah1 ,i cannot but think it worthy our strictest imitation1 when we consider the heartfelt concern he manifested for the welfare of his people1 in saying1 ,come and let us build up the wall of ,jerusalem1 that we be no more a reproach4 ,this proved him to be a man of a noble spirit and a disinterested mind1 and1 ,i say1 worthy our strictest imitation2 for to what nobler purpose can we dedicate our time than in endeavoring to build up the broken places which are made in the walls of our ,zion8 ,in the following entry is shown a just insight into the nature of man1 and a discernment of the uses and limits of human knowledge4 ,although ,john ,yeardley's talents were not brilliant1 and his opportunities were scanty1 he possessed that intellectual thirst which cannot be slaked but at the fountain of knowledge4 ,at the same time he was sensitively alive to the necessity of having all his pursuits1 of whatever kind1 kept within the golden measure of the ,spirit of ,truth4 #aa mo4 #aa4--;,in taking a view of some of the temporal objects to which my attention has of late been more particularly turned1 with a desire to enlarge my ideas and improve my understanding in some of the more useful and extended branches of literature1 it has excited in me a considerable degree of caution1 lest thereby ,i should1 in this my infant state of mind1 too much exclude the operation of that pure in-speaking word which has undoubtedly a prior right to govern all my actions4 ,but ,i have long been convinced that the active mind of man must have some object in pursuit to engage its attention when unemployed in the lawful concerns of life1 otherwise it is apt to range at large in a boundless field of unprofitable thoughts and imaginations4 ,i am aware that we may be seasonably employed in suitable conversation to mutual advantage1 and ,i trust ,i am not altogether a stranger to the value of sweet retirement2 but there is a certain something in every mind which renders a change in the exercise of our natural faculties indispensable1 in order to make us happy in ourselves and useful members of society2 and it is under these considerations that ,i am induced to apply a few of my leisure hours towards some degree of intellectual attainment1 in the humble hope that ,i may be preserved in that path which will procure at the hands of a wise ,director that approbation which ,i greatly desire should mark all my steps4 ,the next extract from the diary will find a response in the hearts of many who read these pages4 #ahac4 #b mo4 #ag4--,never1 surely1 was any poor creature so weary of his weakness6 ,almost in everything spiritual1 and even useful1 ,i have not only been as one forsaken1 but it has seemed as though ,i was to be utterly cast off4 ,when ,i have desired to feel after good1 evil has never failed to present itself4 ,o1 when will ,he whose countenance has often made all within me glad1 see meet to return and say1 ,it is enough6 #f mo4 #bg4--,the thoughts which he put into writing under this date seem to have been occasioned by entering into business on his own account4 ,am now about to enter the busy scenes of life1 which sinks me into the very depth of humility and fear1 lest the concerns of an earthly nature should deprive me of my heavenly crown1 which ,i have so often desired to prefer even to life itself4 ,but ,o1 should there remain any regard in the breast of the ,father of mercies1 for one who feels so unable to cope with the world1 may he still be pleased to preserve me in his fear1 and not only to take me under the shadow of his heavenly wing1 but make me willing to abide under the guidance of his divine direction6 #g mo4 #ae4--;,cause me not to return to the house of ,jonathan the scribe1 lest ,i die there4 ,these words of our weeping prophet have sensibly affected my heart this morning1 under a prevailing desire that my gracious rather may not permit me to remain as in the prison-house of worldly affairs1 lest ,i die my spiritual death there4 ,we shall see that he was not successful in business2 and it may be that the disappointments he experienced in this way were in some sort an answer to these ardent prayers to be kept from the spirit of the world4 ,under date #bast of the ,first ,month1 #ahad1 he writes3 ,i trust the few temporal disappointments ,i have met with of late have been conducive to my best interest1 having had a tendency to turn my views from a too anxious pursuit after the things of time to a serious consideration of the very great importance of a more strict reliance on the never-failing arm of divine support1 for the want of which ,i believe ,i have suffered unspeakable loss4 ,about this time he had frequently to mourn over the difficulty of fixing his mind in meetings for worship4 ,he often complains of wandering in the unprofitable fields of vain imagination2 but sometimes also he bears a joyful testimony to the ,lord's power in enabling him to unite in spirit with the living worshippers4 ,the fear of man is one of the most universal of the besetments which try the faith of the ,christian2 and it may be encouraging to some to see on this point the confession of one whose natural character was that of a strong and independent mind4 #b mo4 #f4--;,i am too apt to let in that slavish fear about men and things which render me unable to cope with the world1 and even unfits me for properly seeking after the assistance of my ,maker4 ,o1 may ,he who sees my weakness enable me to overcome it6 ,during the summer of this year1 several parties of ,friends travelling in the work of the ministry came to ,burton2 ,sarah ,lamley of ,tredington1 with ,ann ,fairbank of ,sheffield2 ,ann ,burgess 7afterwards ,ann ,jones72 ,elizabeth ,coggeshall from ,new ,york1 with ,mary ,jefferys of ,melksham2 and ,john ,kirkham of ,earl's ,colne4 ,the labors of these ,friends are recorded by ,john ,yeardley with delight and thankfulness4 ,he accompanied ,john ,kirkham to ,sheffield1 where they found ,stephen ,grellett4 ,how sweet it is1 he remarks1 to enjoy the company of these dedicated servants1 whom their great ,master seems to be sending to and fro to spread righteousness in the earth6 ,i often think it has a tendency to help one a little on the way towards the ,land of ,promise4 ,when ,i consider these favors1 ,i am led to covet that a double portion of the spirit of the ,elijahs may so rest on the ,elishas that others may also be raised to fill up the honorable situations of those worthies1 when they shall be removed from works to rewards4 ,but of all the above-named1 the visit of ,sarah ,lamley and ,ann ,fairbank was for him by far the most memorable1 and was the means of developing that precious gift of ministry to which he had been called from his youth4 ,the extracts from his ,diary which are given below speak of this visit1 and most instructively describe the time and manner in which he first received his gift1 as well as the weight which the approaching exercise of it brought upon his mind4 #e mo4 #bg4--,sarah ,lamley and ,ann ,fairbank lodged six nights with us1 and ,i accompanied them to ,dirtcar and ,wakefield4 ,i can acknowledge their innocent and agreeable company has been truly profitable to me1 and has united me very closely to their spirits in tender sympathy4 #g mo4 #cj4--,such a load of exercise prevails over my spirit1 that it requires some extra exertion to support it with my usual cheerfulness of countenance4 ,if ,i go into company1 ,i find no satisfaction2 for ,i cannot appear pleasant in the society of my friends1 feeling it irksome to discourse even on matters of common conversation4 ,from the feelings which have attended my mind1 it is evident that the cloud is at present resting on the tabernacle1 and ,i never saw more need for me to abide in my tent4 ,and ,o that patience may have its perfect work6 for there is much to be done in the vineyard of my own heart1 before ,i can come to that state of usefulness which ,i believe the ,great ,husbandman designs for me4 ,the secret language of my heart is1 ,may his hand not spare nor his eye pity until he has subdued all in me which obstructs the progress of his divine work6 #cast4--,i trust ,i was once more favored1 in meeting this morning1 to put up my secret petition in humble sincerity to the ,shepherd of ,israel1 that he would be graciously pleased to help my infirmities4 ,in the afternoon meeting ,i thought the petition was measurably answered2 for towards the conclusion the rays of divine light so overshadowed my mind as to induce a belief that ,i should be assisted to overcome that spirit of opposition which has too long existed to the detriment of my best interests1 if there was only a willingness to abide under the forming hand4 #h mo4 #a4--;,i now feel freedom to give a short account how it was with me under this concern from its commencement down to the present time4 ,i remember well1 about the year #ahjd1 when in my father's house at ,blacker1 once being in my chamber1 in a very serious1 thoughtful frame of mind1 receiving an impression that if ever ,i came to receive the truth which ,i was then convinced of1 to my everlasting benefit1 ,i should have publicly to declare of the gracious dealings of ,divine ,goodness to my soul4 ,the impression passed away with this remark deeply imprinted in my mind1 that if ever a like concern should come to be matured1 ,i should date the first intimation of it from this time4 ,i was apt to view it for a long1 time as the mere workings of the enemy on my mind1 and when it has come before my view1 ,i have often secretly said1 ,get thee behind me1 ,i will not be tempted with such a thing4 ,by these means ,i put it from me1 as it were1 by force1 not thinking it worthy of notice and often praying to be delivered from such a gross delusion4 ,at other times it would come with such1 weight on my spirit1 that ,i could not avoid shedding tears1 and acknowledging the power which accompanied the revival of so important a matter2 and was led to query1 ,if there is no real intention of a heavenly nature1 why am ,i thus harassed8 and ,o the fervent sincerity in which ,i desired that the right thing might have place1 and if it was wrong1 that ,i might be enabled to find a release in ,his time who had appointed the conflict6 ,and ,i do believe1 could ,i then have come at a perfect resignation to the divine will1 ,i might have been brought forward in a way which would have afforded permanent relief to my own mind2 but such was my dislike to the work1 that ,i suffered myself to be lulled into a state of unbelief as to the rectitude of the concern4 ,thus many outward circumstances transpired1 and some years passed over1 with my only viewing the matter at a distance1 until ,he who first laid the concern upon me was pleased to bring it more clearly home to me1 and seemed at times to engage his servants1 both in public and private1 to speak very clearly to my condition4 ,and although ,i had a concurring testimony in my own mind to their declarations1 yet ,i had always an excuse to flee unto by secretly saying1 ,it may be intended for some one else2 until the ,most ,high was graciously pleased1 by the services of his sincere handmaids1 ,sarah ,lamley and ,ann ,fairbank1 in their family visits to ,friends of ,barnsley1 as mentioned last ,fifth ,month1 to speak so clearly to my situation in their private opportunity with us1 as to leave no room for excuse2 but ,i was forced to acknowledge1 ,thou art the man4 ,indeed1 ,sarah ,lamley was led in such an extraordinary manner1 that ,i had no doubt at all but that she was favored with a clear and fall sense of my state4 ,she began by enumerating the many fears which attended the apostles in their various situations2 how that ,satan had desired to have some of them that he might sift them as wheat in a sieve2 but1 added she1 ,i have prayed for thee1 ,peter1 that thy faith fail not1 and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren4 ,and how it was with ,moses when the ,almighty appeared to him in a flame of fire in the bush1 and that it was not until the ,most ,high had condescended to answer all ,moses' excuses that he was angry with him1 and even then he condescended to let him have ,aaron1 his brother1 to go with him for a spokesman4 ,also how it was with ,peter when the threefold charge was given him to feed the lambs and the sheep4 ,it is not enough1 said she1 to acknowledge that we love the ,lord1 but there must be a manifesting of our love by doing whatsoever he may command4 ,methinks ,i still hear her voice1 saying1 ,and ,o that there may not be a pleading of excuses1 ,moses-like6 ,thus was this valuable servant enabled to speak to my comfort and encouragement1 which ,i trust ,i shall ever remember to advantage2 but ,o that ,i may be resigned to wait the appointed time in watchful humility1 patience1 and fear6 for ,i find there is a danger of seeking too much after outward confirmations1 and not having the attention sufficiently fixed on the great ,minister of ministers1 who alone is both able and willing to direct the poor mind in this most important concern1 and in his own time to say1 ,arise1 shine2 for thy light is come4 #ab mo4 #bb4--,my poor mind has been so much enveloped in clouds of thick darkness for months past1 that ,i have sometimes been ready to conclude ,i shall never live to see brighter days4 ,should even this be the case ,i humbly hope ever to be preserved from accusing the just ,judge of the earth of having dealt hardly with me1 but acknowledge to the last that he has in mercy favored me abundantly with a portion of that light which is said to shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day4 ,we shall leave for the next chapter the relation of his first offerings in the ministry1 and conclude this with a striking passage which we find in the ,diary for this year4 ,john ,yeardley was all his life very fond of the occupations of the garden4 ,a small piece of ground was attached to his house at ,barnsley1 which he cultivated1 and from which he was sometimes able to gather spiritual as well as natural fruit4 ,under date of the #bbnd of the ,seventh ,month1 he writes3-- ,a very sublime idea came suddenly over my mind when in the garden this evening4 ,it was introduced as ,i plucked a strawberry from a border on which ,i had bestowed much cultivation before it would produce anything2 but now1 thought ,i1 this is a little like reaping the fruit of my labor4 ,as ,i thus ruminated on the produce of the strawberry-bank1 ,i was struck with the thought of endless felicity1 and the sweet reward it would produce for all our toils here below4 ,my mind was instantly opened to such a glorious scene of divine good that ,i felt a resignation of heart to give up all for the enjoyment of such a foretaste of endless felicity4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,from ,,his ,,entrance ,,on ,,the ,,ministry ,,in #ahae1 ,,to ,,his ,,commission ,,to ,,reside ,,in ,,germany ,,in #ahbj4 #ahae4--;,after the long season of depression through which ,john ,yeardley passed1 as described in the last chapter1 the new year of #ahae dawned with brightness upon his mind4 ,he now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed2 and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner4 #a mo4 #e4--,the subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that ,i thought ,i could almost have publicly declared it2 but not feeling that weight and certainty which ,i had apprehended should accompany the performance of such an important act1 ,i was afraid of imparting that to others which might be intended only for my own instruction2 and so it has ended for the present4 ,but ,i am thankful in hoping that ,i am come a little nearer to that state of resignation which was so beautifully exemplified by our great ,pattern of all good1 who when ,he desired the bitter cup might pass from ,him1 nevertheless added1 ,not my will1 but thine be done4 ,and if ,i am at all acquainted with my inward feelings1 ,i trust ,i can in some degree of sincerity say that my heart desires to rejoice more in the progress of this state of happy resignation1 than at the increase of corn1 wine1 or oil4 ,he first opened his mouth in religious testimony in the ,first ,month of this year4 ,the occurrence seems to have taken place in his own family2 it yielded him a precious sense of the ,divine ,presence4 ,he began to preach in public a few months later1 but not without another struggle against the heavenly impulse4 ,the friendship which ,joseph ,wood entertained for ,john ,yeardley strengthened with revolving years4 ,when he visited ,barnsley1 he was accustomed to lodge at his house2 and writing to him in the year #ahaa1 about a public meeting which he felt concerned to hold1 he says1 ,i can with freedom write to thee1 feeling that unity with thy spirit which preserves us near and dear to each other1 and in which freedom runs4 ,in the ,fourth ,month of this year1 when ,joseph ,wood received a certificate to visit some of the midland counties1 ,j4,y4 felt desirous of setting him a little on his way4 ,on the #adth1 he says1 we went to ,woodhouse1 where we had a meeting1 and my friend was enabled to speak very closely to the states of many present4 ,when in the meeting1 ,i felt a very weighty exercise to attend my mind with an intimation publicly to express it4 ,but this exposure ,i dared not yield to1 under an apprehension that it might be wrong in me1 considering the occasion on which ,i had come out2 but truly ,i left the place under a burden which ,i was scarcely able to bear4 ,it was on the #bjth of the ,fourth ,month that he began to speak in public as a minister of the ,gospel4 ,he thus records the event3-- ,i felt myself in such a resigned frame of mind in our little week-day meeting1 that ,i could not doubt the time was fully come for me to be relieved from that state of unspeakable oppression which my poor mind had been held in for so many years past4 ,soon after ,i took my seat1 my mind became unusually calm1 and the presence of the ,most ,high seemed so to abound in my heart and spread over the meeting1 that after some inward conflict ,i was unavoidably constrained publicly to express it1 in nearly the following words3 ,i think ,i have so sensibly felt the precious influence of divine love to overshadow our little gathering1 that ,i have been ready to say1 ,it is good for us to be here2 or ,i might rather say1 ,it is good for us to feel ourselves under the precious influence of that protecting power which can alone preserve us from the snares of death4 ,this first public act of submission to the divine will was done with as much stability of mind and body as ,i was capable of2 and ,i thought the ,friends present seemed sensible of my situation and sympathized with me under the exercise4 ,i trust the sweet peace which ,i afterwards felt was a seal to my belief that ,i had been favored with divine compassion and approbation in the needful time4 ,in the ,fifth ,month ,john ,yeardley attended for the first time the ,yearly ,meeting in ,london4 ,he describes the business as very various and instructive1 but bewails his own condition as that of one starving in the midst of every good thing4 ,it seemed at times1 he says1 as though ,satan himself was let loose upon me1 and permitted to try my faith and patience to the utmost2 but ,i hope the conflict had its use in teaching me to know that it is not by might1 nor by power1 but by the ,lord's ,spirit1 that we are enabled to prevail4 ,this was the commencement of another season of spiritual poverty4 ,in reading a few of his memoranda during this time1 many a ,christian traveller may see his own mourning countenance reflected as in a glass4 #aa mo4 #h4--;,i have for a long time felt so depressed in spirit1 and so inwardly stripped of every appearance of good1 that ,i have often secretly had to say with tried ,job1 ,o that ,i were as in months past1 as in the days when ,god preserved me6 #afth4--,death and darkness are still the covering of my poor mind1 and ,i am ashamed to acknowledge that ,i have for months past sat meeting after meeting a victim to the baneful consequences of wandering thoughts1 scarcely being able to recollect myself so much as to ask excuse of ,him who sees in secret4 ,in these times of deepest desertion ,i am selfish enough to feel a longing desire for a ray of light or a smile from the countenance of ,him1 under whose banner ,i have many times sat with the greatest delight in days that are past4 ,o1 how hard it is to regain divine favor when once sacrificed through the sorrowful act of disobedience6 ,o may ,i sit as in dust and ashes1 and1 with the noble resignation and spirit of a true1 dedicated follower1 say1 ,i will patiently hear the indignation of the ,lord1 because ,i have sinned against him6 ,nevertheless1 even in his times of deepest humiliation1 moments of heavenly comfort were interspersed4 #aa mo4 #bc4--;,a more improved meeting than ,i had reason to hope from cross occurrences1 which are too apt to ruffle the unstable mind4 ,daring our silent sitting together1 ,i was comforted in contemplating the many encouraging passages we have left on sacred record2 two of which1 spoken by one of large experience1 were particularly solacing to my exercised feelings3 ,many are the afflictions of the righteous1 but the ,lord delivereth him out of them all2 and ,the young lions do lack and suffer hunger1 but they that seek the ,lord shall not want any good thing4 ,o1 thought ,i1 if we could only procure ,him on our side who has the thoughts of all men in his keeping1 what should we have to fear6 ,we should then be brought to acknowledge that it behooves a ,christian traveller to crave the assistance of ,him who can enable us to suffer with becoming fortitude and resignation all the afflicting dispensations of life1 rather than desire to be preserved from meeting them4 ,the hard mutter which is the subject of the next extract embodies a difficulty that has perplexed many4 ,it is always encouraging to find companionship in doubts and trials1 and perhaps the consideration which pacified the mind of ,john ,yeardley may be helpful to some who are tried in the same way4 ,the passage1 no doubt1 has reference to his own want of better success in business4 #aa mo4 #cj4--,when any circumstance in the common course of life1 which has appeared to turn up in the direction of ,divine ,providence1 has not answered my expectation1 or on deliberate consideration it has not seemed prudent for me to step into it1 ,i have sometimes felt greatly discouraged1 and been ready to conclude1 ,how could this thing be ordered under the direction of best wisdom6 ,but let me ever remember1 ,he who has his way in the whirlwind knows what is best for us2 and were it not for these incitements to an exercise of feeling1 the mind would be apt to lie dormant1 and not be preserved alive in a proper state to prove all things and hold fast that which is best4 ,about the end of the year he was obliged to spend several days in ,london on business4 ,the course of his affairs seems to have been uneven1 and the great city was probably uncongenial to his retired habits4 ,he says3-- #ab mo4 #ae4--;,i do not remember that my feelings were ever more discouraging1 both inwardly and outwardly4 ,when the mind is ruffled about the things of time1 it is hard work to make any progress towards the land of peace4 ,i try to get to the well of water2 but truly it may be said ,i have nothing to draw with4 ,yet even under these circumstances his daily religious practices--those which no competitor for the meed of peace and the crown of glory can dispense with--were not without avail4 #afth4--,in reading and retirement before ,i left my room1 ,i received a little hope that ,i should be preserved in a good degree of patience through the cross occurrences of the day1 which was measurably the case4 ,the life of a ,christian is very much the history of outward and inward trials4 ,how happy it is when these serve only to deepen his experience6 ,the nature of ,john ,yeardley's spiritual trials has been fully shown3 his temporal crosses have also been glanced at2 they consisted mainly of want of success in business1 in which1 indeed1 he was little fitted to excel1 under the keen competition of modern times4 #ahaf4 #a mo4 #d4--;,a new year has commenced1 but the old afflictions are still continued1 both inwardly and outwardly2 for even in temporal affairs disappointments rage high4 ,but ,o what a privilege to sink down to the anchor-hope of divine support6 ,this is what ,i can feelingly acknowledge this evening to be as a brook by the way to refresh my poor and long-distressed mind4 ,o1 how ardently do ,i desire that this season of adversity may be sanctified to me for everlasting good1 and prove the means of slaying that will in me1 which has too long been opposed to the will of ,him who paid the ransom for my soul with nothing less than the price of his own precious blood4 ,the difficulty of making his way in the commercial world increased until the risk of failure began to stare him in the face4 ,the fear of such a result sank him exceedingly low2 but through all he was permitted to keep his footing upon the rock1 and to behold a spiritual blessing under the guise of temporal adversity4 #gth4--,surely it is a mark of divine favor to feel the supporting hand of my heavenly ,father underneath1 to bear up my drooping spirits in this time of adversity4 ,i think ,i was never more sensible of his powerful arm being made bare for my deliverance2 and yet1 unaccountable to tell1 ,i am almost afraid to trust in him4 ,o1 my soul1 wherefore dost thou doubt1 when thou feelest the glorious presence of thy ,redeemer's countenance to shine upon thee8 ,in the meeting this morning1 he continues1 my mind was profitably exercised in contemplating the following subject4 ,when our dear ,lord was about to perform the miracle of feeding the multitude1 he commanded them to sit down upon the grass4 ,they were undoubtedly hungry1 and this might create in them too great an anxiety to be satisfied in their own time2 but that all things might be done in order1 and without interruption1 they were commanded to sit down and wait the disposal of their food from the bountiful hand of their great ,master4 ,in looking at the subject1 ,i thought it a lively representation of the state of mind we ought to labor after1 when favored to feel hunger and thirst after righteousness2 not frustrating the design of the ,most ,high by being too anxious to be filled in our own will and way1 but patiently waiting the time of ,him who giveth to all their meat in due season1 and that which is most convenient for them4 ,and what greater privilege could we desire than to be fed at the ,lord's table8 #ith4--,as my precious wife and ,i were consoling each other this evening1 she remarked that the dispensation we were now suffering under was probably in answer to our prayers4 ,this brought strikingly to my remembrance a secret petition which ,i have frequently put up in the most fervent manner ,i have been capable of1 when deeply lamenting my unsubjected will2 ,i have even cried out aloud1 ,o make me willing2 do1 ,lord1 make me willing1 make me willing6 ,o then may ,i submit to the means1 if for this end they are appointed1 and resign my all1 body1 soul and spirit1 into the hands of ,him who gave them2 and may ,i patiently endure the swelling of ,jordan in a manner that will enable me to bring from the bottom1 stones of everlasting memorial4 ,after this he was led for a while by the ,good ,shepherd into the green pastures and beside the still waters4 #ast mo4 #ae4--,our ,monthly ,meeting at ,wakefield1 and a heavenly meeting it was4 #bith4--,i left home for a journey into the north on business4 ,i had many precious seasons of retirement as ,i rode along1 and ,i humbly trust my soul has been enabled to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance with her ,beloved1 in such a way as will not easily be erased from my remembrance4 ,notwithstanding the deep and varied experience he had passed through1 his unwillingness to expose himself as a preacher of the gospel was still strong1 and sometimes obstructed the performance of his duty4 #h mo4 #bj4--;,joseph ,wood had a public meeting at ,pilley4 ,i felt something on my spirit to communicate to the people in the early part1 but thinking the meeting was not sufficiently settled to receive it1 ,i reasoned away the right time2 another did not offer during the whole meeting for me to relieve my poor mind1 so ,i brought my burden home with me1 which indeed proved such as ,i really thought ,i should have sunk under4 ,the severe stripes1 as he terms it1 which he received on this occasion at length produced a willing mind4 #i mo4 #aj4--;,i went with my dear wife to attend the burial of my cousin ,joseph ,watts at ,woodhouse1 and was at the meeting there on ,fourth-day the #aath4 ,it was largely attended by relations and friends4 ,i felt so sensibly the danger that some present were in of trifling away the reproofs of conviction1 that ,i could not forbear reviving the language which was proclaimed to the ,prophet ,jonah1 when he had fled from the presence of the ,lord and was fallen asleep in the ship1 ,what meanest thou1 ,o sleeper1 arise1 call upon thy ,god4 ,after commenting a little on the subject1 ,i sat down under great solemnity which seemed to cover the meeting1 and ,i can thankfully say the fruit of obedience was sweet to my taste4 #ab mo4 #a4--,went to meeting this morning with a fearful apprehension lest ,i should have to expose myself in that which is so contrary to my natural inclination4 ,and so it proved2 for ,i had not sat long1 before ,i was made willing to express what rested weightily on my mind1 and that was the case of ,gideon1 when the angel appeared to him under the oak as he threshed wheat4 ,i commented a little on the subject1 which afforded me great satisfaction and joy4 ,in the following entry1 notwithstanding the tardy obedience which it records1 we find his commission as one of the ,lord's watchmen sealed upon his mind4 #ahag4 #d mo4 #g4 ,in meeting yesterday morning ,i was enabled publicly to relieve myself of a little matter which had been a burden on my mind for two or three meetings past1 in which ,i had felt pretty smartly the rod which1 is held over the head of the disobedient4 ,in this instance1 human nature seemed stubborn in a double degree1 but after it was over ,i felt my peace flow as a river4 ,methinks ,i now hear this language proclaimed in the secret of my heart3 ,i have made thee a watchman unto the house of ,israel2 therefore hear the word at my mouth1 and give them warning from me4 ,o what an important charge6 ,may ,i duly consider the weight of it1 and so watch over my own conduct1 in thought1 word and action1 that ,i may not be pulling down with one hand that which ,i may be endeavoring to build up with the other4 ,if ,i am to be an instrument in the hand of the ,almighty1 may he graciously condescend to prepare and sharpen the arrows he may see meet to shoot through the medium of his poor servant1 so that they may sink deep1 wound the hypocrite1 and comfort the pure divine life in the hearts of his children4 ,a few weeks after this1 ,john ,yeardley attended a remarkable meeting held by ,joseph ,wood1 in which they were made to sit in heavenly places in ,christ ,jesus4 #d mo4 #bi4--;,i attended another public meeting appointed by ,j4,w4 at ,middletown1 about ten miles from here4 ,when ,i entered the town ,i felt very flat1 and was ready to say1 ,the fear of the ,lord is not in this place2 but after the meeting was gathered1 ,i soon found what poor creatures we are1 to judge of these things without waiting for best direction2 for ,i think it was the most extraordinary time ,i ever knew4 ,my friend bore a long and powerful testimony1 to the tendering of many present4 ,if ,i ever forget it while in my natural senses1 ,i fear ,i shall be near losing my habitation the truth2 for it was as if heaven opened1 and the ,most ,high poured down his blessed ,spirit in an unbounded degree4 ,all this time his business affairs went on more and more adversely2 and although he never failed punctually to meet all his money engagements1 his want of success led in this year to a change of residence to ,bentham4 ,three months before he left ,barnsley he writes3-- ,surely there is a vein for the silver1 and a place for gold where they fine it4 ,pecuniary difficulties seem as if they would eat up every green thing2 but ,i hope and trust that ,he who has often said1 ,peace1 be still1 will so regulate the heat of the furnace that ,i may be able to bear it with becoming patience1 until there be nothing left in me but what resembles the pure gold fit for the ,master's use4 ,when ,i reflect on what my poor mind has passed through for more than two years past1 ,i am convinced nothing short of that ,arm which brought the ,israelites through the ,red ,sea could have supported me4 ,and ,o1 should he ever loose my hands1 that ,i may serve ,him freely1 may ,i never forget the many covenants made with ,him who has so often heard and answered my prayer when in deep distress6 ,through the assistance of some of his ,barnsley friends1 an offer was made to him of a situation in a flax-spinning mill at ,bentham1 which was then or had lately been the property of ,charles ,parker1 a minister in the ,society of ,friends4 ,he accepted the offer2 and an extract from a letter to his wife1 when on a journey1 will show the motives under which he acted in this important step4 ,hawkshead1 #f mo4 #bh1 #ahag4 ,,my ,,very ,,precious ,,dear1 ,when ,i wrote thee last1 my time and feelings would not permit me to say much on our impending prospect of leaving ,barnsley2 but since then this very important subject has obtained my most serious and weighty consideration1 and ,i am now free to communicate to thee my feelings1 in order that thou mayest weigh them duly and compare them with thy own while we are separated4 ,in the first place1 in taking such a step1 we must be reconciled to sacrifice our present comfortable home1 our relations and friends--in short1 all that may seem near and dear to us as to the outward4 ,with respect to our spiritual prospect1 ,i must confess1 if any service is designed for me in the ,church militant1 ,i have sometimes apprehended it might be within the compass of our present ,particular and ,monthly ,meetings2 but should this be ordered otherwise in best wisdom1 ,i trust ,i shall be relieved from the oppressive feeling1 and in a short time see my way clear4 ,on the other hand1 if this change takes place1 we have a probability of a comfortable living1 and of being relieved from the extreme anxiety attendant on trade1 when the whole responsibility rests on our own shoulders4 ,h4,r4 one of the firm who had offered to employ him seemed rather desirous for me to come4 ,if we should agree1 he wants me to go over directly to lay down plans for a few weavers' houses1 and to make other arrangements to save time until we could remove4 ,i don't much like the situation of the house in the town1 but ,i think another might be had if required4 ,they have a nice one in ,low ,bentham1 with a good garden attached1 which would be at liberty in next ,fifth ,month2 this would be a pleasant walk from the mill by the water-side all the way1 which might be useful to my health after being confined in the warehouse1 and much nearer to the meeting4 ,it is a very small meeting indeed2 there are only about two female ,friends2 but1 should we be in the right place1 the smallness of the number would not preclude our access to the divine spring4 ,i don't know how we shall come on with the thread trade1 but it seems as if we were to be done out with both thread and linens1 for there is scarcely any thing selling with me on this journey4 ,john ,yeardley and his wife removed to ,bentham in the ,eighth ,month1 #ahag4 ,bentham is a considerable village on the north-west border of ,yorkshire1 a few miles from the foot of ,ingleborough2 and it was at that time1 according to the division of the county adopted by the ,society of ,friends1 comprised in the ,monthly ,meeting of ,settle4 ,after a season of deep spiritual poverty1 during which he found no place for the exercise of his gift1 ,john ,yeardley began to speak in ministry in the little meeting to which he now belonged4 ,on recording the circumstance he remarks3-- ,thus does a gracious ,father lead on his children step by step1 baptizing them first into one state and then into another1 in order to qualify them to drop a word in season for the comfort of others4 ,little did ,i think under the recent buffetings of the ,enemy1 that ,i should ever have had to open my mouth again in the way of declaring the everlasting goodness of a gracious ,redeemer4 ,this memorandum was made a few days after the occurrence to which it refers1 on his return from ,settle ,monthly ,meeting1 and is accompanied the record of a fresh unfolding to his mental eye of the need of gospel laborers1 and of his own vocation to the work4 ,in my return ,i had rather an unusual opening into the state of society1 and the great want of laborers therein2 and querying with myself1 ,by whom shall the ,lord send8 ,i thought ,i felt the weight and power of the everlasting gospel upon me to preach1 so that ,i was willing to say1 ,here am ,i2 send me4 ,o the importance of this language6 ,may the same ,spirit1 which ,i trust raised it in my heart preserve me in every state to the end of time6 ,amen4 ,the extract which follows treats of the same subject1--the calling and exercise of the ministry4 ,from this1 and from the whole tenor of what has been extracted from the ,diary1 will be seen in what his ministry consisted1 and what was the call and the power which was required in every successive exercise of it4 ,may it serve as a word of caution and instruction to such as are disposed to reduce this heavenly gift to a mere effort of ,christian good-will1 or to consider the exercise of it as placed1 whether in regard to time or subject1 at the disposal of the minister4 ,it will be observed how ,john ,yeardley1 in after life so abundant in word and doctrine1 and so catholic in his ideas and sympathies1 received his vocation as a divine gift immediately from above1 and served in it an apprenticeship altogether spiritual1 and apart from human learning or instruction4 #aj mo4 #bf4--;,i have been very much instructed to-day in reading and reflecting on the #cgth chapter of ,ezekiel4 ,when the prophet was asked if the dry bones could live1 he was wise enough cautiously to answer1 ,o ,lord ,god1 thou knowest2 but when he was commanded to prophesy unto them1 and say1 ,o ye dry bones1 hear the word of the ,lord1 this was hard work1 yet there was no conferring with flesh and blood4 ,no reasoning from probabilities1 nothing but an implicit faith and dependence on the divine power which was then upon him1 could have enabled him to do it4 ,o what an instructive lesson6 ,when the poor instruments may feel so weak and the state of things so low1 that there may not be the least probability of good arising1 it is enough if they can only do the will of their great ,master1 and be enabled to say with the holy prophet1 ,i prophesied as the ,lord commanded4 ,john ,yeardley did not take his actual farewell of ,barnsley until the end of the year4 ,the reflections which he has recorded on leaving his home of so many years are very characteristic of the man3-- #ahah4 #a mo4--,the ,twelfth ,month was spent at ,barnsley in settling my affairs4 ,just before ,i left ,bentham for that purpose1 ,i was exceedingly unhappy at the idea of leaving my home1 friends1 c4 at ,barnsley1 and thought the parting feeling would be almost more than ,i could support4 ,i was enabled to pray fervently to the ,father of spirits1 that he would be pleased to afford me strength to bear the change with ,christian fortitude1 and resign all to the disposal of his divine will2 and thankful ,i am to relate1 he so answered my request that ,i could leave the place to which ,i had been so long attached without a sigh4 ,i have no doubt my removal1 without consulting more of my friends1 will appear strange to many4 ,this ,i could never feel liberty to do2 nor could ,i make any person living acquainted with my entire motive1 but my precious wife4 ,whatever may be the opinion of others1 this is a matter which rests between me and my ,god2 and ,i often think it a favor that we are not accountable to man1 who views too much the outside appearance1 while ,he with whom we have to do looks at the heart4 ,after ,i had left ,barnsley ,i went to ,pontefract1 to spend a few days with my friends there1 where my poor lass had been for a week4 ,i don't know that this time was unprofitably spent2 but this ,i know--it never requires more care and watchfulness to be preserved in a seasonable frame of spirit than when the mind is set at ease to enjoy the company of a few intimate friends4 ,we are too apt to get our thoughts dissipated1 and thus our conversation becomes less seasoned with grace than it would be if the girdle of truth were kept tightly bound4 ,the next entry notices a remarkable interview which1 he had with a woman ,friend from ,america3-- #aeth4--,this day a meeting has been held at the desire of ,hannah ,field from ,north ,america4 ,i stepped down to see her at ,j4 ,stordy's2 and in the few minutes we were together1 before she took leave1 she addressed herself to me in a very feeling manner4 ,although she was an entire stranger1 she spoke so pointedly to my state of mind1 and expressed the reward of faithfulness in such encouraging terms1 that my feelings were in nowise able to resist the power which attended1 but ,i was forced to acknowledge it as a nail fastened in a sure place4 ,amongst some letters addressed by ,elizabeth ,yeardley to ,susanna ,harvey of ,barnsley1 is one in which mention is made of the visit of ,hannah ,field to ,bentham2 and1 although the passage does not relate to the private interview described above1 it is interesting as the reminiscence of a remarkable woman4 ,bentham1 #b mo4 #b1 #ahah4 ,we have been favored lately with a visit1 unexpected but highly acceptable1 from that great minister1 ,hannah ,field1 from ,america4 ,she very much resembles ,sarah ,lamley2 and when she began1 it seemed as if one had been informing her of the state of the meeting4 ,her discourse began with the parable of the ,ten ,virgins1 which was very beautiful but awful4 ,addressing herself again1 she was very consolatory and affecting4 ,she is tall and inclined to embonpoint2 her age fifty-three4 ,in the ,third ,month of this year1 the ,monthly ,meeting from which he had recently removed1 that of ,pontefract1 recorded its approval of his ministry4 ,it is not usual for meetings to do this in the case of one who has gone to reside elsewhere4 ,the practice at that time was1 in ,yorkshire at least1 in issuing a certificate of removal for a ,friend who had begun to exercise the ministry and was still under probation1 to notice the fact of his preaching1 without pronouncing a judgment upon it4 ,but when the usual document of removal was asked for at the ,monthly ,meeting1 on behalf of ,john ,yeardley1 the meeting paused upon the words which noticed his offerings in the ministry1 and solemnly resolved then and there to give him a full certificate as a minister in unity1 and to recommend him as such to the ,quarterly ,meeting4 ,it happened that men and women ,friends were together1 the latter remaining whilst ,joseph ,wood laid a concern for some religious service before the joint meeting4 ,john ,yeardley remarks on this act of his late ,monthly ,meeting3-- ,the concurrence of my friends with my small offerings cannot but feel comfortable and encouraging to a poor timorous creature like me2 but the awful consideration of ranking among the servants who speak in the ,lord's name humbles me to the dust4 ,surely those who are designed to minister before the ,lord in his holy temple ought to bear the inscription of holiness upon them4 ,the means by which this inscription1 is obtained is so painful to flesh and blood that we are always ready to shrink from the operation4 ,when we have borne the furnace heated to a certain degree1 we are ready to fancy nothing but pure gold remains2 until the refining hand sees meet to administer fresh trials1 then we are ready again to cry out1 ,if it be thy will1 let this cup pass by4 ,in the ,sixth ,month he joined ,joseph ,wood and ,william ,midgley of ,rochdale1 in visiting some neighboring meetings4 ,of ,kendal1 which was one1 he says it appeared to him as if a remarkable revival was taking place in those parts2 and he concludes his short account of the journey with an acknowledgment of the satisfaction he felt in having given up to this little service4 ,joseph ,wood in his diary relates the same visit more at large4 ,we have extracted the account of that portion of it in which ,john ,yeardley was engaged1 and believe the reader will find it interesting in several respects4 #ahah4 #f mo4 #aj4--,reached my beloved friend ,john ,yeardley's house1 in ,bentham1 about half-past eight o'clock1 where we took up our quarters1 and where we were favored with a renewed feeling of that love which had many times nearly united our spirits together4 ,on the #aath we spent this day very comfortably with these long-beloved and truly valuable friends1 and in the evening ,lad a public meeting appointed for ,friends and people of other societies in their meeting-house in ,bentham1 about a mile and a half from their house4 ,we walked thither1 it being very pleasant through the fields4 ,the meeting began at half-past six1 and held two hours and a quarter4 ,a pretty many who usually attend meetings1 and a great concourse of people of other societies1 attended1 that the meeting-house1 both above and below stairs1 was well filled1 and several were in the passage and in an adjoining room4 ,a precious solemnity mercifully overshadowed us1 whereby the minds of many were prepared to receive what the ,lord was pleased instrumentally to communicate to the many different states2 and ,o that they may individually profit thereby6 for sure it was a time of favor unto many4 ,i had a very long testimony to bear therein1 first from ,isaiah lviii4 #a1 #b4 ,john ,yeardley held a pretty long time next1 from ,john ii4 #d4 ,i next1 from #a ,cor4 xiv4 #ai4 ,on the #abth we set out for ,wray in ,lancashire1 five miles1 ,john ,yeardley being our guide1 taking his wife and ,ann ,stordy along with him in a taxed cart4 ,we had a very pleasant ride thither1 down a beautiful valley1 through which the river ,wenning runs2 had on our right hand a line view of ,hornby ,castle1 now in part gone to decay4 ,got to ,wray about half-past ten1 and went to the meeting1 which began at eleven o'clock4 ,twenty-three persons attended1 one of whom appeared to be of another society4 ,i sat therein for a considerable time in a very low state1 and feeling a concern to stand up1 ,i gave up1 although in great weakness3 different states opened and were spoken to in the authority of the gospel2 and ,i had a long testimony to bear from ,luke xv4 #h4 ,john ,yeardley had a pretty long time next1 from ,lam4 iii4 #bf2 afterwards ,i was concerned in prayer1 and felt truly thankful for the renewed mark of divine favor1 and secretly rejoiced that my lot was cast here4 ,on the #acth ,john ,yeardley accompanied ,joseph ,wood to ,kendal4 ,it was with difficulty1 says ,j4,w41 we got into the town for the crowd of people2 the ,parliament being dissolved1 and a new election of members about to take place2 and there being an opposition in this county2 ,henry ,brougham1 the favorite candidate of the people1 against the ,lonsdales4 ,they were waiting his arrival in the town to canvass for votes4 ,after tea ,i went to ,thomas ,wilson's2 his house was nearly opposite the inn where ,henry ,brougham put up4 ,when he arrived the populace took his horses from the carriage1 and hurried him into the town1 and to the inn1 four flags flying and a band of music went before him4 ,after he alighted he went into an upper room1 and addressed the largest multitude of people that ,i ever saw collected1 from the window1 for about an hour1 in a very impressive manner2 and so great was the crowd in the street that many fainted4 ,all was quiet1 and1 after he had done1 they separated in a becoming manner4 ,on the #adth we attended their meetings in ,kendal4 ,the forenoon meeting began at ten o'clock4 ,it is large1 and was pretty open and satisfactory4 ,i had a long testimony to bear therein1 first1 from ,john xv4 #ad4 ,john ,yeardley had a pretty long time next4 ,he opened from these words3 ,o thou1 the ,god of ,abraham1 ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 manifest thyself that thou yet reignest in ,israel4 ,i next1 from ,proverbs ix4 #ab4 ,after visiting several other meetings1 ,joseph ,wood came to ,lancaster1 where he was again met by ,john ,yeardley4 ,on the #bast we attended both their meetings in ,lancaster4 ,the forenoon meeting began at ten o'clock4 ,when we got there we were agreeably surprised to find dear ,john ,yeardley1 who had walked this morning fifteen miles to meet us4 ,the meeting was large of ,friends1 and it proved a time of renewed visitation unto many who were afar off1 and of encouragement to those who were nigh4 ,i had a very long testimony to bear therein1 from ,matt4 xxii4 #ab4 ,john ,yeardley had a short but very acceptable time next1 from ,esther iv4 #ad4 ,afterwards ,i was concerned in prayer4 ,elizabeth ,yeardley speaks of this visit in one of her letters3-- ,j4,y4 went to ,lancaster1 though the day was unfavorable4 ,he trudged on foot to meet ,joseph ,wood1 and got in good time for the meeting1 fifteen miles distant1 and returned home the same evening4 ,j4 ,w4 was very much favored all the time he was in those parts2 he really appears endowed with astonishing powers4 ,the same letter affords a glimpse of the social position1 which ,john and ,elizabeth ,yeardley occupied at ,bentham3-- ,we are very quiet1 have kind neighbors1 a very pleasant habitation1 and little society1 plenty of books both of the religious and amusing kind1 and leisure to meditate on the one thing needful1 which is to fit us for that place to which we are fast hastening3-- ,for who the longest lease enjoy ,have told us with a sigh1 ,that to be born seems little more ,than to begin to die4 7#acth of ,seventh ,month1 #ahah47 ,john ,yeardley1 no less than his wife1 found in ,bentham a seasonable retreat from the harassing cares of the world4 ,a memorandum made in the autumn of this year shows that the doubts with which he was perplexed on the subject of his removal from ,barnsley1 were entirely dispelled1 and that the change in his abode and position had been the happy means of relieving him from the load of anxiety which once seemed ready to crush him4 #ahai4 #i mo4 #ae4--,the tender1 merciful ,father who shelters our heads in battle has covered mine when many things were hot upon me4 ,he has provided a retreat for me until the fury of the oppressor be overpast4 ,i have often wondered at the cause which drove me from my former residence1 but ,i now begin to see pointedly the hand of ,providence bringing me to this place of quiet retreat4 ,should ,he who has brought me thus far see it to be for my good to set me on the banks of deliverance1 may ,i have no desire to live for anything but to sing his praise6 ,after being recognised by the ,church as a minister1 he was again tried with a season of spiritual desertion2 and this phase in his religious history1 with his reflections upon it1 and the holy resolution and hope with which he concludes1 may be useful in strengthening the faith of others under similar circumstances4 #aj mo4 #d4--,o what a stripping time have ,i had since ,i wrote last6 ,my pen would fail to set forth the inward desertion ,i have experienced for months past1 so that my poor mind is almost worn out with waiting and watching in the absence of the ,bridegroom of souls4 ,my enemy seems to have set up his throne in me1 and leads my wandering thoughts captive at his pleasure4 ,i have no weapons of my own to fight him with1 and it seems as if ,infinite ,goodness had refused me the grant of that armor which ,i have before experienced the means of putting my adversary to flight4 ,for what end this may be ,i know not1 but the suffering time is hard to the natural part4 ,if ,i am left to perish1 ,o may it be in praying1 trusting and believing in my ,redeemer's love6 and if ,i am not suffered to behold again the brightness of his glorious countenance here on earth1 may ,i be favored with it shining on me in heaven6 ,at the commencement of this year1 #ahai1 apprehending himself required to pay a religious visit to the families of ,friends in ,barnsley1 he consulted ,joseph ,wood on the subject1 who encouraged him not to be afraid to pursue the path which had been opened before him4 ,in relation to this prospect of service1 ,j4,y4 has the following pertinent remarks on the ministry3-- #b mo4 #ai4--;,if ,i am suffered to go1 may the humble spirit of ,jesus go with me1 and put a word in my heart that may prove as a sword in my hand1 with which ,i may fight his battles6 ,this is the only way in which his servants can minister so as to reach the witness in the hearts of his children4 ,we might speak on subjects which might seem right and fit in themselves1 but it is as our hearts come to be acted upon immediately by the ,spirit of truth1 the same principle which prepares us to utter sound words1 prepares also a counterpart in the minds of others to receive them4 ,thus it may be said we become one in spirit and truly edified together in the love of the ,gospel4 ,in order to perform the visit1 ,j4,y4 had1 in the good order in use amongst ,friends1 to receive the concurrence of his ,monthly ,meeting4 #c mo4 #aj4--,was at the ,monthly ,meeting1 where ,i mentioned to my friends my prospect of visiting ,barnsley1 and obtained their sympathetic concurrence1 with a copy of a minute expressing their full unity and approbation4 ,my feelings on the occasion were very different from what ,i had anticipated4 ,a divine solemnity appeared so to cover the minds of all present1 that the enemy was trodden under foot1 and not a fear was suffered to approach4 ,what condescending goodness of a tender ,father to his weak children6 ,some interesting notice of this service1 and of the journey which he made to perform it1 is contained in his ,diary4 #acth4--,the evening before ,i set off1 ,i was earnestly engaged in supplicating for divine protection both inward and outward2 and an assurance was given me that it should be granted1 and in a manner so clear as ,i had no right to expect4 ,these words were as if spoken distinctly in my outward ears3 ,a hair of thy head shall not be hurt4 ,in the confidence of this promise ,i went forth1 and found it mercifully made good2 for though ,i was overturned in the mail on the road1 a hair of my head was not hurt1 and not so much as a fear was suffered to come near4 ,on the #ahth1 after visiting all the families1 he attended the ,week-day ,meeting1 where he had to review his labors1 and to address the assembled ,friends nearly in these words3--,in the course of my little proceedings among my friends in this place1 ,i have sometimes been baptized for the dead1 while at other times ,i have been made to rejoice in the resurrection of life3 ,i hope this is a language my friends will understand4 ,after this he preached to them on the case of ,nicodemus1 saying that there may be a time when our ,heavenly ,father1 in his tender compassion for our infant state1 permits us to come to ,jesus by night or in secret2 yet when he is pleased to say1 ,arise1 shine1 for thy light is come1 and the glory of the ,lord is risen upon thee1 danger will betide us if we then flinch from an open confession4 ,some time after he had finished1 a woman ,friend rose and uttered a few words4 ,she had never before been able to overcome the force of her natural fears4 ,in noticing this circumstance1 ,j4,y4 says he does so because1 before he went to ,barnsley1 he asked that if his small services were acceptable1 the ,most ,high would give him a sign1 by owning his labors with his sensible approbation1 and making him an instrument to help forward his work in the hearts of his children4 ,on another occasion1 in allusion to a similar occurrence1 he has the following reflections3-- ,the ,jews require a sign1 and the ,greeks seek after wisdom2 but we preach ,christ crucified4 ,i am like the two former1 because ,i dare even to ask a sign and to seek after wisdom2 but to be like the latter is what ,i covet most sincerely--to preach ,christ crucified1 not only in words1 but in life and conversation4 ,if ,i err in sometimes asking for a sign1 ,i trust it will be forgiven1 because it is done in the simplicity of my heart1 to know my ,father's will1 and we have examples of this having been granted to the worthies in times of old4--7#ab mo4 #h47 ,in the ,twelfth ,month of #ahai1 ,john ,yeardley attended the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,york1 and has some religious service on the way4 ,his account of this little journey is preceded by some instructive reflections on his own infirmities and lack of ready obedience4 #i mo4 #ae4--;,i feel exceedingly discouraged at my own obstinacy in not keeping more humble1 watchful1 and attentive to the inward monitor4 ,i am sensible loss is sustained in a religions sense by giving way too much to an airy disposition4 #ab mo4 #ab4--,when ,i consider the many years which have elapsed since ,i first enlisted under the ,lord's banner1 ,i find cause deeply to reproach myself for want of a more early and implicit obedience to the divine will2 the want of which1 ,i fully believe1 has been the means of plunging me into seas of trouble and years of perplexity4 ,i fear the time lost will never be redeemed4 ,o1 should ,i ever have to warn others to beware of the rock on which ,i have split1 surely it may be done through heartfelt experience indeed6 ,and as the glorious light of the sun begins mercifully to verge from under the cloud1 ,o1 may ,i never1 never forget the sacred covenant made in the days of my deep distress1 that if the ,lord would loosen my bonds1 then would ,i serve him freely4 #beth4--,i went to ,thornton to ,r4,w4's1 and next day to ,lothersdale ,meeting1 accompanied by ,d4,w4 and some other part of ,r4,w4's family4 ,the forepart of that meeting was very trying1 at which ,i did not wonder1 if we might judge from a previous feeling2 for ever since the prospect of this little visit presented to my view1 ,i felt a load on my spirit which ,i could not by any means cast off4 ,on entering the place1 ,i thought1 when our dear ,lord sent forth his disciples1 he commanded them to take neither purse nor scrip2 and that if this state of poverty of spirit was any badge of discipleship1 some of us might claim to wear it4 ,the language of the weeping prophet came also before me--,o that my head were waters1 and mine eyes a fountain of tears1 that ,i might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people4 ,it was hard work for me1 a poor stripling1 to have to intimate such close things2 but the conclusion was easier to the natural part1 ,i having to address a few to whom the language seemed to go forth1 of ,mary1 the ,master is come1 and calleth for thee4 ,i went from thence to the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,york1 which was thinly attended4 ,the meeting for worship seemed a cloudy season2 however a little matter impressed my mind which ,i was thankful in being enabled to get rid of1 though hard to flesh and blood1 it being the first time my voice has been heard in this ,quarterly ,meeting in ministry4 ,the meeting for business was long and tedious1 being protracted four and a half days by an appeal4 ,it was disagreeable in its nature1 but was conducted in a way to afford information and instruction to the minute observer of men1 manners and things4 #ahbj4--,our first extract from this year's diary contains a short but beautiful reflection3-- #b mo4 #ah4--;,i am convinced it would be better for us to live more in the inward spirit of prayer2 we should live in nearer union with the ,father of love2 receive more of his heavenly embraces2 the heart would be prepared to know more of his holy will1 and receive power to perform it4 ,when ,john ,yeardley left ,barnsley he commenced a correspondence with his brother ,thomas1 which lasted until the death of the latter1 ,j4,y4's letters have been preserved1 and supply us with much that is valuable in his character and ,christian experience4 ,the following extract shows the power of sympathy which he possessed towards those with whom he was entirely intimate3-- #d mo4 #bd1 #ahbj4 ,thy affectionate letter ,i received with pleasure1 though some parts of its contents penetrated the deepest recesses of my heart1 and excited in me every tender sympathetic feeling of a brother and a friend4 ,i rejoice that thou hast found freedom to speak so candidly the undisguised language of thy heart2 to me it seems like a voice from the dead1 because ,i conceive it to be the voice of that awakened principle in thee which1 as in many others1 may have been held too long in captivity through the predominance of the surfeiting cares of the world4 ,whenever thou inclinest to unbosom to me thou mayest do it with freedom and in confidence1 for1 be assured1 if thy complaints cannot meet with relief1 they will at least meet with a welcome reception and a heartfelt condolence2 for ,i could have no claim to the least of the ,christian virtues1 if ,i were destitute of a feeling regard for the sufferings of a friend1 and especially a brother4 ,a few months afterwards he was again called upon deeply to sympathise with his brother4 ,the occasion this time was the perplexity in matters of business in which ,thomas ,yeardley was involved4 ,he expressed his feelings in a letter in which he not only gives the soundest ,christian counsel1 but also shows how he was himself indebted to the same maxims for the preservation of his honor and of his spiritual life and usefulness4 ,the firm and practical manner in which the subject is treated render his remarks of permanent value4 ,bentham1 #h mo4 #g1 #ahbj1 ,,my ,,dear ,,brother1 ,thy affectionate letter of the #bdth ,i have received1 and need not tell thee how sensibly ,i am concerned for thy present situation4 ,i do hope thou wilt not lose sight of the object thou hast now in view1 to get relieved in some way from the excessive load of business which presses upon thee1 for we can none of us carry fire in our bosoms too long without being burnt4 ,we shall not be justified in the sight of ,him with whom we have to do1 if we do not endeavor to place ourselves in such a situation as will best answer the end for which he has designed us4 ,it would convict us of a very weak and erroneous idea of a ,supreme ,being1 to suppose that he could not or would not prosper our endeavors with equal success in a more restricted way of trade1 when our motives are purely to serve him faithfully4 ,surely1 ,he who cares for the sparrows will not suffer us to fall to the ground without his notice4 ,thou wilt be ready to say it is an easy matter to speak of these things on paper2 but believe me1 my dear brother1 ,i know a little of what ,i say4 ,there was a time when ,i was as extensively engaged in business1 according to my means1 as you are now4 ,i have had large sums of acceptances to provide for1 with nothing towards them but what was in the uncertainty of the drapers' hands4 ,when ,i have set out on a journey ,i have had to take the distressing fear along with me1 that if ,i failed of getting in almost every shilling that was due to me1 ,i failed in paying my acceptances4 ,add to this1 the painful prospect of losing my property until ,i could not pay my just debts1 and then mention a situation which would place an honest mind in a greater degree of perplexity4 ,o6 had it not been for the preserving hand of my gracious ,redeemer1 ,i had never lifted up my head above the waters which were ready to overwhelm me4 ,in the midst of all this ,i received a firm conviction1 that if ,i wound up as speedily as circumstances would admit1 ,i should measurably be safe2 but if ,i suffered the impression to pass away disregarded1 ,i might be hurled along with the stream and never more be able to recover myself4 ,it seemed as if my eye was fixed on a star which shone quite on the other side of the waters2 and ,i was thus enabled to wade through1 without1 knowing what course to take when ,i got to the other side4 ,i do not mention this as being in the whole applicable to thy case2 but as a fellow ,christian traveller towards the celestial city1 ,i earnestly intreat thee1 in the love of the gospel1 never to consider thyself on a level1 or at liberty to act in full scope1 with the man of business1 who thinks himself created to pursue the things of time without being responsible to his ,creator for endeavoring to reach a situation in life which would enable him to prepare for eternity4 ,thou wilt not be long at a loss what to do if thou dost not overlook the secret motive in thy own breast4 ,do not grieve at losing a little of what thou hast2 it will come again1 if for the best1 and may bring the double reward of peace4 ,if thou attendest to that directing ,hand which has hitherto preserved thee as a monument of thy ,heavenly ,father's mercy1 thy victory is already sure1 though thou mayst not know it4 ,it is not for the test1 consequently not permitted1 that we should always see our way4 ,were this the case there would be no exercise of faith4 ,the servant of the prophet was blind as to the power which preserved them1 when he saw a host of the enemy encamped against them3 he cried out1 ,alas1 my master1 how shall we do6 ,but his master answered1 ,fear not2 for they that be with us are more than they that be with them2 and the prophet prayed that the young man might be made to see4 ,and when his eyes were opened1 what did he see8 ,why1 he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about them4 ,the ,lord's chosen people are continually encircled with these chariots of fire1 otherwise it would not be possible to be so mercifully preserved from harm4 ,should it be insinuated to thee that thou art not of this chosen race1 let me tell thee1 we become children of the ,most ,high as soon as he has raised in us a desire to serve him1 and we become willing to abide under his protecting wing whatever changes may take place in our own feelings during the operation of his holy hand upon us4 ,nothing is more important in the life of a ,christian than the manner in which he turns to account the opportunities for serving his ,lord which continually spring up before him4 #f mo4 #bc4--;,going last evening to ,wenington1 to repeat my ,french lesson1 my friends there asked me to call with them on a sick person2 feeling quite free to do so1 ,i went with them4 ,on sitting quietly by the bedside1 a little matter came before me1 which was communicated from these words3 ,affliction cometh not forth of the dust4 ,on my return home1 ,i could not but reflect on the necessity of having our bow strung1 and being always alive to the interest of souls1 and endeavoring to imitate the example of our great ,master1 whose whole life was employed in continually going up and down doing good4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,from ,,his ,,commission ,,to ,,reside ,,abroad ,,in #ahbj ,,to ,,his ,,removal ,,to ,,germany ,,in #ahbb4 ,in #ahbb ,john ,yeardley went to reside in ,germany4 ,as his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life1 and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career1 we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country4 ,by means of his ,diary we can trace the early appearance and growth1 if not the origin1 of the strong ,christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of ,europe1 and especially amongst the ,german people4 ,the first hint concerning his desire to go abroad is contained in the account of a dream1 under date of the #bnd of the ,ninth ,month1 #ahah1 regarding which he felt much disappointed1 because he could not recollect the names of the places in ,germany about which he had in his dream been interested4 ,the next year 7the #aith of the ,fifth ,month7 he had a second dream on the same subject1 in which he supposed his friend ,joseph ,wood was about to go on a religious mission to the ,continent1 and he brought out his ,atlas to find the places for him4 ,on being asked if he meant to accompany him1 he said he was not prepared to answer at present4 ,in the relation of a third dream1 which he had the next year 7the #beth of the ,eighth ,month1 #ahbj71 the locality to which his mind was attracted is first indicated4 ,pyrmont and ,minden1 he says1 rested very closely with me1 and to them ,i felt bound4 ,it might not have been worth while to have made allusion to these dreams1 which ought perhaps to be rather as the continuation or echo of his thoughts than as their original source1 but for the deep importance which ,john ,yeardley himself attached to them4 ,he considered that by them was first made known to him the divine will respecting his future course2 and that his longing desire to recover the name of the forgotten locality of the first dream was answered in the last4 ,it can admit of little doubt that the same conviction of their more than common significance1 which led him to cherish as sacred the remembrance of these night-visions1 helped to form and sustain his resolution in carrying out the project with which he connected them4 ,just before the occurrence of the last dream1 his faith in the heavenly source of the invitation which1 whether waking or sleeping1 he had received1 to go over and help his ,christian brethren on the ,continent1 was confirmed by a prophetic message from ,john ,kirkham1 who1 in the course of his religious travels1 again visited ,yorkshire4 #h mo4--,our dear friend1 ,john ,kirkham1 from ,earl's ,colne1 ,essex1 slept at our house on ,second-day1 the #gth1 and had a meeting with our few on ,third-day4 ,how wonderfully was he enlarged2 and ,i could not but admire how he was favored to speak to the states of some present4 ,i could set my seal to every word he uttered1 and say1 ,this is the very truth4 ,before he left us he had a select opportunity in our family1 and said a great deal stout being faithful to our own vision4 ,he seemed to answer a question in my mind as fully as ,i had any right to expect2 for ,i had almost asked it as a sign that if ,i were not deceived in my vision he should be led to speak on the subject4 ,he said emphatically1 ,we cannot be faithful to the vision of another man1 we do not know it except it be revealed to us2 but we must be ,,faithful ,,to ,,our ,,own ,,vision4 ,on the #ith ,i accompanied him to the ,monthly ,meeting at ,settle1 and ,i once more desired that1 if my feeling in former times had not deceived me1 this servant of the ,lord might be led to speak on the same subject2 and indeed he scarcely said anything else but what had the strongest bearing on my request4 ,what encouraging favors do ,i receive at the hands of so good a ,master6 ,a few months later we find the charge to foreign labor renewed1 with intimation of the wide field in which he would have to work2 an intimation which was amply verified in his future travels4 #aa mo4 #bf4--;,at meeting something involuntarily entered my mind like this1 ,i will make thee a preacher of righteousness to many nations4 ,i felt not only a desire to be made willing to be sent1 but also a desire to be prepared4 ,a few days after noting this impression he thus communes with himself on this topic1 which now began to absorb the greater portion of his thoughts4 #ab mo4 #c1 ,first-day4--,as ,i walked alone to the meeting this morning1 ,i thought within myself1 ,what can be the cause that ,i so often feel drawn in spirit towards the land of ----8 ,my thoughts have now for a long time past so frequently and so involuntarily revolved on the subject that ,i begin to be very jealous over them1 and to query whether it is the workings of self-imaginations4 ,if this is the case1 ,o that ,i may be relieved from them4 ,but however unaccountable my feelings may be1 a secret love towards some unknown souls in ---- is so strong at times1 that if ,i had wings ,i should for my own inward peace visit them in body as ,i now do in spirit4 ,it seems as if my spiritual eye saw in those parts what we may call a seed 7the seed of the kingdom sown in the heart7 that wants to take root downwards and spring upwards1 but which is almost choked with the tares of superstition4 ,are there not scattered up and down in ----1 many whose souls are verging from under the clouds of thick darkness1 and from under the bonds of idolatrous superstition1 towards that glorious liberty which is brought to light by the gospel8 ,something in me secretly craves an opportunity to tell those precious creatures that the time appears near at hand when this glorious gospel light will shine so clearly that they will discover a ,saviour in the secret of their own hearts2 and it is to him 7,i could tell them7 that they must look for the perfection of their salvation4 ,should there be anything of the right savor in my heart concerning this matter1 ,i humbly hope that in due time it will be brought to maturity1 and my way made plain and easy--plain1 so that ,i cannot possibly mistake the pointing hand of divine wisdom1 and easy1 so that when ,i hear the command ,i may be enabled to obey4 ,a very instructive time at meeting4 ,the subject abovementioned glanced in my view1 and with it the ,dover-failing objection1 ,if ,i am at all apt to teach1 can it or will it be required of me to leave those here and others in this land who have need of instruction8 ,this objection was immediately answered in a way which ,i never before experienced4 ,they have1 besides many teachers1 the unerring light of ,jesus in their own hearts unto which they know they ought alone to look for direction4 ,and if they neglect or overlook the means in themselves1 it is not in my power1 a poor instrument1 to do them any good4 ,so it may be said of others to whom ,i may apprehend myself called4 ,it all revolves on this single and important point1--,what is the divine will concerning me8 ,if ,i can only know this and am enabled to do it1 all will be well4 ,in the ,autumn he attended ,liverpool ,quarterly ,meeting1 an occasion which was one of the most memorable seasons of his life4 ,his narrative of it is very characteristic3-- #i mo4 #ai4--,my dear wife and ,i left home to attend ,liverpool ,quarterly ,meeting4 ,through mercy we arrived safe there1 but ,i1 as usual when from home1 felt very low and poor in spirit1 and was ready to call in question my coming to the place4 ,for although ,i received1 as ,i thought1 a proper signal before ,i left home1 yet one or two circumstances occurred to discourage me from going1 which ,i pressed through with some firmness2 however1 such was my uneasiness the first night in ,liverpool1 that ,i was very desirous1 if my being there was in right wisdom1 something might turn up to convince me that ,i had not done wrong in leaving home4 ,and blessed be the name of ,jesus1 ,i had not been long in the first meeting 7their ,monthly ,meeting the day before the ,quarterly17 before ,i was perfectly satisfied4 ,there were present ,willett ,hicks and ,huldah ,sears from ,america1 and ,mary ,watson from ,ireland4 ,in the early part of the meeting my mind was engaged in meditating on--,god will enlarge ,japhet and dwell in the tents of ,shem1 and so it proved4 ,the silence was broken by ,w4 ,hicks with these words3 ,great men are not always wise1 neither do the ancients understand wisdom4 ,others present were much favored1 and the meeting ended in heavenly harmony4 ,after it was over ,i found to my surprise and joy1 my brother and sister from ,barnsley1 whom ,i had expected to come to ,bentham to accompany us to ,liverpool1 and their not coming to ,bentham first was one of the causes which had discouraged me in leaving home2 for ,i once had concluded1 in my wavering1 to leave my going for their determination1 thinking if they came it would be the means of getting me off1 if not1 ,i should give it up2 but it so fell out that they took the nearest way to meet us there1 without writing us word1 and it would have been a great disappointment had ,i not been there4 ,i should not have written so much about a seeming trifle but to show the necessity of firmness in doing what is pointed out1 unless some reasonable cause prevents4 ,now to the opening of the ,quarterly ,meeting for worship1 which was like the day of ,pentecost1 when the place was filled with a rushing mighty wind from heaven4 ,the first stream of ministry flowed again through ,w4,h41 who appeared from these words3 ,in the last day1 that great day of the feast1 ,jesus stood and cried1 saying1 ,if any man thirst1 let him come unto me and drink4 ,it was indeed applicable2 for all seemed athirst1 and were invited and admitted to drink of the waters of life freely2 those who were afar off drew nigh1 and those who were near were enabled to acknowledge the might of ,him who had called them to his footstool1 and crowned them with his presence4 ,huldah ,sears and ,mary ,watson were also much favored in testimony4 ,what opened on my mind to express was this3 ,god speaketh once1 yea1 twice2 yet man perceiveth it not4 ,i thought we were bound to acknowledge that our ,god still reigned in ,israel1 and was condescending to speak to his people4 ,immediately afterwards ,m4,r4 appeared a long time in supplication1 and then ,h4,s4 both very powerfully2 so that goodness seemed to rise higher and higher1 until we swam in divine life4 ,this blessed1 heavenly meeting will be remembered by some to the latest period of time4 ,after this event ,john ,yeardley speaks of being favored with more enlargement of love towards the members of his small meeting2 and also of having1 when attending a public meeting at ,wray with ,joseph ,wood1 to kneel down in prayer for the congregation4 #aj mo4 #bj4--,to my humbling admiration1 he writes1 ,i had in the conclusion to kneel down and call on the name of the holy and high ,god of the whole earth1 that he would be pleased to continue the blessing which he had already condescended to pour down on our heads4 ,this is a most awful act of worship3 ,i trust the intimation to it was attended with proper weightiness of spirit4 ,this meeting was a remarkable season1 and is thus described in ,joseph ,wood's journal3-- ,bentham1 #aj mo4 #bj4--,we ,j4,w4 and ,james ,harrison set out for ,wray1 our beloved friend ,john ,yeardley being our guide4 ,we called by the way at ,thomas ,barrow's1 of ,wenington ,hall1 and drank tea2 then proceeded to ,wray4 ,there were but few ,friends here1 but they have a very large ancient meeting-house1 and my concern being principally towards the inhabitants1 and proper information thereof being given1 abundance attended2 the meeting-house both above and below stairs was pretty well filled2 and their behavior was deserving of commendation4 ,the ,lord's presence eminently crowned the assembly1 and the truths of the gospel were largely and livingly declared amongst them1 and it was a time of extraordinary favor to many4 ,i had first a long testimony to bear therein1 from ,luke iv4 #da4 ,a pretty long time of silence then ensued1 and great was the solemnity which appeared to cover the assembly4 ,after which ,john ,yeardley stood up and said1 ,some were ready to say there was no worship without words1 but from the precious solemnity which he believed had covered many minds since the former communication1 he was ready to conclude many were feelingly convinced to the contrary4 ,he was then pretty largely led forth in opening the advantage of silently waiting upon ,god4 ,i a pretty long time next1 from ,isaiah liv4 #aa1ac4 ,james ,harrison next1 from ,matt4 xiii4 #dd4 ,john ,yeardley was next concerned in prayer4 ,the meeting held about two hours and a half4 #bast4--,about the middle of the day my companion 7,j4,h47 called upon me1 and betwixt twelve and one o'clock we left here for ,lancaster1 ,thomas ,barrow being our guide1 and his wife1 ,charlotte ,russell1 and ,emma ,hodgson1 accompanying us4 ,emma ,hodgson is the daughter of a clergyman of ,rochdale3 she had been some time on a visit at ,thomas ,barrow's and went with the family to the meeting at ,bentham when we were there1 and was much reached and tendered therein2 and attending the meeting at ,wray last evening she declared after her return that she was fully convinced of the truth4 ,returning to ,john ,yeardley's diary for this year1 we find some passages from which profitable instruction may be gathered4 #aa mo4 #h was the ,monthly ,meeting at ,settle2 my dear love and ,i both attended4 ,to me it was a poor low season2 if there were any good1 ,i was too much like the heath in the desert1--,i knew not when it came4 ,in addition to this1 it felt as if ,i had to mourn over the barren state of some others4 ,o1 how ,i dread the state of a lukewarm ,quaker6 ,may ,i ever be preserved from this sorrowful state of a lukewarm ,quaker6 ,i believe it is often the means of bringing a damp over our solemn assemblies4 #ab mo4 #g4--,query4 ,what is the most likely means for me to adopt to approach nearer to holiness8 ,answer4 ,to spend more time in retirement silently to wait upon ,god4 ,the more conversant ,i am with him1 the more ,i shall know of his will and receive power to do the same4 ,to do the will of the ,almighty is the way to perfect holiness4 ,the nearer acquaintance we cultivate with him1 the stronger will become the ties of his affection4 ,the more devoted we are to him1 the more confidence will he repose in us4 ,catching then a glimpse of the glorious calling of the ,gospel minister1 he breaks forth in the following strain3-- ,if ,i am ambitious in anything on earth1 it is to be eminently useful in ,his cause4 ,i can say with the wise man1 ,i ask neither riches nor honor1 except the honor which cometh from doing the will of ,god2 but ,i do ask for an understanding heart4 ,i trust ,i can say in the deepest sincerity that ,i could renounce1 if they were in my power1 the riches and honor of ten thousand earthly worlds in purchase of a double portion of that holy unction which rested on ,elisha's spirit4 ,these are bold sayings1 but my ,saviour tells me that as there is no limitation to his goodness to grant1 so there is no limitation in asking of him for the gift of his ,holy ,spirit4 ,but then what manner of man ought this to be on whom shall be conferred such great honor6 ,surely it must be left to ,himself to prepare the vessel before he pours in the oil4 ,we have already made an extract from the diary of the #crd of the ,twelfth ,month in connection with ,john ,yeardley's call to visit ,germany4 ,the same diary supplies us with the description of a spiritual opening for the benefit of others with which he was favored in the same meeting4 ,in my minute for ,first-day last ,i mentioned its being an instructive meeting to me4 ,towards the conclusion a simile of this kind arose and spread before my view3 ,as wax when melted by the fire or the candle is then only capable of receiving the impression of the stamp put upon it1 so also are our minds only capable of receiving impressions of divine good when our spirits are melted and contrited before the ,lord4 ,as these seasons are not at our command1 it appeared to me to be of the highest importance for us to endeavor to preserve and improve them as the best means of testifying our gratitude to the great ,donor4 ,the impression which the above contemplation made on my spirit proved like a morsel of bread to my soul1 which ,i found ,i could not conceal1 though ,i struggled hard to eat it alone1 it seeming so insignificant to hand to others2 but at length ,i gave up1 and felt it to be a time wherein some among the few present were melted as wax before the fire1 and had a portion of divine goodness afresh imprinted on their minds2 and my spirit craved that they might not prove as the morning cloud and as the early dew that goeth away4 ,on the #gth of the ,twelfth ,month ,elizabeth ,yeardley was suddenly prostrated by an alarming attack of illness1 from which1 however1 she soon rallied1 though she never entirely regained her previous state of health4 ,possibly her husband alludes to this afflictive occurrence in the following memorandum3-- #ab mo4 #aj4--;,how varied is our passing along in this vale of tears6 ,first-day last was a day of brightness1 and this day has been one of comparative death and darkness4 ,i have been made to know something of the saying recorded by the prophet1--,who is among you that feareth the ,lord1 c41 that walketh in darkness and hath no light4 ,this has appeared to be my portion this day1 and ,i find it hard work to trust in the name of the ,lord and stay upon my ,god4 ,some further remarks in his diary for this day turn upon the subject of the ministry1 and the passage he quotes shows how deep and heart-searching is the work of preparation for an enlarged and effectual gospel ministry1 whatever be the denomination among men to which the preacher belongs3-- ,in the course of reading the life of ,mary ,fletcher ,i find much deep instruction and encouragement4 ,many of her remarks have proved like a goad to spur me on in the way of holiness4 ,an extract made by her from ,dr4 ,doddridge's life aptly speaks the language of my heart1 when in my silent breathing to the ,almighty ,i am led to crave an enlargement of my gift in spiritual things3-- ,there must be an enlargement of soul before any remarkable success on others2 and a great diligence in prayer and strict watchfulness over my own soul previous to any remarkable and habitual enlargement in my ministry2 and deep humiliation must precede both4 #ahba4--,the first entry in the diary of this year turns upon the ever-present subject of his going abroad1 and is penned under feelings of the deepest solemnity4 ,it is followed the next day by another on the great duty of self-examination4 #a mo4 #b4 ,this day ,i have felt singularly impressed with a desire to be more devoted to my ,maker4 ,i believe it is his will that ,i should be more given up to serve him2 and if spared with life and strength1 my few remaining days must be spent in his cause4 ,a presentiment of this kind has for some time past prevailed with me2 and from the calm1 awful1 and weighty manner in which it is at times brought over my spirit1 ,i am induced to think it cannot be the mere phantom of the imagination4 ,the prospect of a temporary residence on the ---- seems rather to increase than otherwise4 ,how it may terminate1 or the time when to move1 is yet uncertain to me4 ,o1 how the prospect humbles me6 ,i trust ,i can1 in some degree say1 with the good old patriarch1 that his ,god shall be my ,god1 and if ,he will only give me bread to eat and raiment to put on1 ,i desire to serve him4 #a mo4 #c4--,this day ,i am thirty-five years old4 ,whether ,i may be spared as many more1 or whether ,i may only survive as many months1 weeks1 days or hours1 as ,i have now lived years1 is altogether in the breast of ,him who has hitherto preserved me as a monument of his mercy4 ,how awful the consideration6 ,to think that we may be called to give an account at any hour of the day1 and not frequently to examine the state of affairs between us and our ,god1 is complete infatuation4 ,strange as it may seem1 as it regards myself ,i stand condemned4 ,i am sensible sufficient attention is not paid to the important work of self-examination4 ,o that this fresh year may produce fresh vigilance6 ,in the ,second ,month1 ,ann ,jones1 accompanied by her husband and ,isabel ,richardson1 visited ,bentham on a religious mission4 ,ann ,jones had much service1 both in public and private4 ,what she had to declare to ,john ,yeardley in particular was very remarkable1 and reminded him of the discourse of ,sarah ,lamley in #ahad4 ,he says2-- ,she said a good deal which so struck home to my feelings1 that ,i have not been so deeply reached in the same manner since dear ,sarah ,lamley visited families at ,barnsley4 7,letter to his brother47 ,in the ,third ,month he found it to be his duty to attend some meetings of ,friends in going and returning from the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,leeds4 ,in his diary of the #adth of the ,third ,month he speaks of making the necessary application to the ,monthly ,meeting for its sanction1 and1 in that and some succeeding entries1 records his feelings on the occasion1 and the help which he received by the way4 ,this was new work to me2 how ,i was humbled before ,i could be made willing to mention my concern to my friends6 which was done in such a faltering manner that ,i believe many sympathized with me4 ,when ,i had received the meeting's approbation1 ,i was thoughtful how ,i should get most conveniently on my way4 ,after our meeting ,i received a letter from dear ,s4,s41 saying that he had felt a prayer raised in his heart1 that ,i might be helped in my undertaking by ,him from whom best help comes1 and that he was most easy to propose accompanying me on my way in his gig4 ,a very agreeable companion he proved to be1 and for this little act of dedication he shall not lose his reward4 ,i left home on ,first day1 the #beth1 for ,newton1 over the ,fells4 ,there fell much rain the day before1 which swelled the waters so that my wife and ,i became very thoughtful how ,i should get over the river to ,newton1 over which there is no bridge4 ,i thought that should ,i be favored to get over safe and dry ,i would take it as a sign for good in the journey2 and so it was in mercy granted2 for when ,i came to the water-side1 ,i met a man on horseback who let me ride his horse over4 ,this was in a wild part of the country1 with not a house near4 ,simple as this may appear to some1 ,i could not but acknowledge in it a providence for which ,i was thankful4 ,at ,newton1 where ,i expected to meet only three or four1 more assembled than the larger end of the house would hold4 ,i was met by dear ,d4,w4 from ,stockton2 ,i could not but think we looked like two poor striplings before a great army4 ,i should have sunk under my fears1 had ,i not been enabled to get down to that ,power which can bear up above the fear of man4 ,in the afternoon ,i went to ,thornton1 and sat down with the family4 ,this was a precious season1 and it felt doubly so from our having been on the barren mountains1 both literally and spiritually4 ,i went next morning1 accompanied by ,d4,w41 to ,lothersdale4 ,this was also a good meeting3 ,i had reason to believe the ,god whom ,i was endeavoring to serve had answered my prayer in sending his angel before to prepare the way2 ,i seemed almost borne off my feet by the power of ,divine love4 ,we dined at ,s4,s4's2 and after dinner ,i could not quit the room without expressing what ,i felt towards him1 which melted us all into tears4 ,s4,s4 joined me1 and we went to ,skipton to be at the meeting at five o'clock4 ,before we came there ,i felt such a sense of poverty that it seemed as if my spiritual life was going to be taken from me2 and even when ,i got to meeting1 the same feeling remained1 which introduced my spirit into a state of suffering not easily to be conceived4 ,on our sitting down ,i felt there was something on the mind of ,s4,s41 and ,i feared lest1 by suffering the reasoner to prevail1 he should be unfaithful2 but he expressed a few words which seemed as the key to the treasury4 ,i went that evening to ,addingham1 and had a meeting next morning1 where ,i sensibly found a little strength3 we seemed to sit under our own vine and fig-tree1 where none could make us afraid4 ,we lodged and dined at our kind friend ,j4 ,smith's1 in whose family ,i had something given to me to minister4 ,from ,addingham they went to the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,leeds1 where ,john ,yeardley received intelligence of the sudden decease of his beloved friend ,joseph ,wood4 ,j4,w4 had been engaged in testimony and supplication in the meeting at ,highflatts on ,first-day morning1 and was taken unwell during the evening1 and died in a few hours4 ,after the ,quarterly ,meeting ,john ,yeardley went to attend the interment1 and on his way had a meeting with the ,friends at ,barnsley4 ,it was1 he says1 a favored time1 and we were humbled and instructed together4 ,we went to ,highflatts to tea2 when ,i got to the place where the remains of my dear friend were laid1 ,i stood silently by the coffin in tears1 saying in spirit1 ,if it be thy mantle ,i am designed to wear1 may ,i receive it with humility1 reverence and fear6 ,this feeling awfully impressed my mind1 because my dear friend had said more than once to me1 ,if ,i have any place in the body1 ,i bequeath it to thee4 ,the meeting was very large and was a precious season2 the occasion on which we were met seemed to give wings to our spirits to fly upwards4 ,this spring ,elizabeth ,yeardley's disorder began to assume a serious form4 ,a short memorandum from her hand discloses in a touching manner her state1 both physical and spiritual4 #c mo4 #bi4--,regard not distant events3 this uneasiness about the future is in opposition to the grace received4 ,this sentence from my old favorite1 ,fenelon1 was much blest to my spirit this evening1 when ,i had foolishly been thinking about future sufferings4 ,o1 sufficient for the day is the evil thereof4 ,perhaps a few rolling suns may1 through the merits and mercies of my ,lord1 see this poor worm translated to his ,paradise4 ,the first direct allusion to anxiety on her account which appears in her husband's diary bears date the #eth of the ,fifth ,month4 ,her debilitated state seems to have been the cause of their deferring to a future day their contemplated removal to ,germany1 which was otherwise to have taken place about this time4 ,in the summer of this year he was himself laid for some weeks upon a bed of sickness1 with a complaint of the stomach4 ,he viewed this time of suffering as profitable in assisting his resolution to undertake the religious mission to which his mind was still continually directed4 ,in a letter to ,thomas ,yeardley1 of the #ast of the ,ninth ,month1 he says1 ,such is my stubborn will that ,i am not to be effectually pleaded with1 until ,i am brought down into the valley of ,jehoshaphat1 or judgment4 ,his wife1 who was too ill to leave her chamber1 has a memorandum respecting her husband's illness1 under date of the #bith of the ,eighth ,month4 ,it seems to have been the last which her pen ever traced4 ,since ,i wrote1 my dear husband has had an awful attack2 but the ,lord has again been merciful in restoring him to ease once more4 ,yesterday 7may the ,lord enable us to keep covenant7 we laid our ,isaac on the altar4 ,o1 to be wholly our kind1 our ,heavenly ,master's1 who cares to provide for us1 for soul and body2 who takes nothing from us but what he knows would harm us1 and gives us a hundred-fold of that which is good in lieu4 ,prior to this time ,john ,yeardley had not confided to his brother the thought which so long had occupied his mind4 ,in the letter just referred to he speaks of it as an important concern which had long been the companion of his secret thoughts by day and his visions by night1 and says3-- ,it now seems to be approaching so near a state of maturity that ,i feel freedom to communicate it to thee4 ,for about three years past ,i have had an increasing apprehension that it would be required of me to take up a temporary residence among those who profess with ,friends on the other side of the water1 particularly with the few in the neighborhood of ,minden and ,pyrmont1 and probably at some time with those in the ,south of ,france4 ,but my visit is likely to be paid in a way different from any that have been made before4 ,i have never seen that the nature of my concern would require any document from the ,quarterly or ,yearly ,meetings2 neither do ,i think it would answer my present views2 because the secret language of my heart has been for many months past1 ,go dwell among them1 go dwell with them4 ,i should be in want of some employment1 and the first thing that presents to my view is to offer my services to a few of my friends in the yarn and flax trade2 articles which are largely imported into ,yorkshire1 and which seem to be the natural production of the country1 within the circle where ,i should be likely to reside4 ,his brother's answer to this letter was most consoling and encouraging3 in reference to it he says1 it seemed with him as it was with ,peter in the prison1 when the angel smote him and the irons fell off4 ,and ,o1 he adds1 that ,i may be willing1 now that a little light begins to shine1 to gird myself1 bind on my sandals1 cast my garment about me1 and follow my ,lord1 thinking no hardship too much to endure for so good a ,master4 7,diary1 #i mo4 #ba47 ,although in reality not far from her end1 his wife's state had not as yet excited immediate alarm4 ,on the #bcrd of the ,ninth ,month ,j4,y4 writes3-- ,my precious ,e4,y4 is yet so weak that there is a probability of its being an obstacle in the way of our removal2 but there is this consolation1--if the work be of the ,lord he will not frustrate his own design2 if it be not his doing we must submit to have the whole overturned4 ,in a few days he became aware of her critical state4 #i mo4 #bi4--,the indisposition of my dear wife has taken such an alarming turn that ,i yesterday began to have serious apprehensions as to the issue4 ,i have watched with her night and day1 and my prayers have been unceasing for her restoration1 ,i trust not without a due reverence to the divine will4 ,but ,i did not feel as though nature could give her up until yesterday1 when as ,i stood retired by the bed-side of my dear lamb1 endeavoring to feel after resignation1 ,i gave her up as fully as human nature1 through divine aid1 was capable of4 ,then it sprang in my heart1 ,where is the man that can offer up an ,isaac8 ,he shall go for me1 and ,i will send him4 ,there seems a spark of hope that even now1 when the knife is lifted up1 the voice may yet be heard1--,lay not thy hand upon the lad1 for now ,i know that thou fearest me4 ,my precious dear has been to me in my late exercise a never-failing instrument of strength1 comfort1 and encouragement3 in general her faith has been much stronger than my own4 ,should it please ,heaven to restore her1 ,o that there may be an increased desire that it may be for no other cause1 but that her heart1 her hands and her feet1 may unite with mine in sounding forth our ,redeemer's praise1 if required1 even to the ends of the earth4 ,the following entries record the last hours of the dying ,christian wife1 and the feelings of her bereaved husband3-- #aj mo4 #be4--,last night we expected my dear lamb would have sunk away4 ,how the awful event is to terminate is known only to ,him on whose bosom ,i trust she has always rested2 for in no other place could she be preserved in the state of peace which she appears to possess4 #bith4--,a most awful morning2 my dear lamb is no more6 ,she sweetly fell asleep in the bosom of her ,saviour1 at one o'clock this morning4 ,the closing scene was perfect ease and peace4 ,from the first of her illness she seemed aware how it would terminate1 and was perfectly resigned4 ,during our being at ,bentham she has often said it was a place provided by ,providence to afford her that religious retirement she had long desired1 and which she took the most scrupulous care to improve4 ,when in health she would tell me of late that perhaps she might be taken away in order to set me more fully at liberty to do the ,lord's work4 #aa mo4 #ah4--,this day two weeks was the solemn ceremony of committing to the silent dust the remains of my very precious and dearly beloved ,elizabeth4 ,i had dreaded the day very much2 but through prayer1 mixed with a degree of faith1 which was mercifully granted1 ,i was wonderfully supported4 ,in the meeting ,i felt the divine influence so near1 and so to prevail over my spirit1 that ,i was constrained publicly to thank the ,father of mercies for his goodness4 ,this day ,i visited1 perhaps for the last time1 the place which encloses the cold relics of one so dearly beloved2 and as ,i stood weeping over the grave1 it sprang in my heart1 ,she is not here but 7she7 is risen4 ,what an unspeakable consolation to be enabled to leave the dust behind1 and hold sweet communion and converse with the spirit4 ,ever since her departure it feels as though her spirit had never left me1 but was hovering and fluttering around me to administer comfort on every afflicting occasion2 and ,o1 saith my spirit1 that this precious feeling may remain with me for ever4 #ab mo4 #bj4--;,i feel to lament the loss of my dear lamb more than ever1 at least so far as ,i dare4 ,no one but myself knows the comfort which the late awful event has deprived me of2 but ,i no sooner remember the hand which administered it than all complaining is hushed into silence1 and ,i am made to rejoice that she is so safely deposited where trouble cannot reach4 ,from this moment ,john ,yeardley felt himself quite free to pursue the path of duty which had been opened before him1 viz41 to go and reside in ,germany4 ,in the ,eleventh ,month he left ,bentham to sojourn awhile with his brother1 and on the #ith of the ,first ,month1 #ahbb1 he received a certificate of removal from ,settle ,monthly ,meeting1 addressed to the ,friends of ,pyrmont and ,minden1 which certified that he was a member of the ,society of ,friends1 and a minister well approved by the church4 ,before we pursue further the sequence of events1 two passages from the diary may be here transcribed1 which could not have been inserted in the order of time without interrupting the narrative4 ,the first of these conveys a lesson of practical wisdom1 and exhibits the method by which the writer was able to succeed and to excel in what he undertook4 ,it is the true comprehension and resolute acting upon maxims such as these1 which makes so much of the difference between one man and another4 #ahba4 #g mo4 #b4--,no man can excel in everything2 therefore it is highly important for each mind to consider attentively for what it is calculated1 and what end it is designed to answer by him who created it4 ,as secular affairs are often more expedited by a judicious arrangement1 than by hard doing indiscriminately at the mass2 so will undertakings of superior importance be more advantageously attained by keeping a single eye1 and looking for best direction to make a proper selection of what ought to be done and what ought not to be done4 ,i was long too much wavering on this head1 to my great loss2 but ,i now hope it is become a settled point1 find ,i have clearly seen for what service ,i am designed in the church militant here on earth2 therefore1 through the assistance of divine grace1 ,i hope to pursue nothing but in subordination to this main design4 ,for a little mind to aim at great things would be to thwart the whole2 but to endeavor to be faithful in small things1 seems to be the way to attain the end4 ,from the other entry we shall extract only a few words1 but they are words fraught with deep instruction3-- #i mo4 #g4--,without holiness no man shall see the ,lord4 ,without purity of heart we cannot see the pointing of the ,divine ,finger4 ,on the #ahth of the ,second ,month1 ,john ,yeardley attended ,pontefract ,monthly ,meeting1 held at ,wakefield4 ,it was1 he says1 a precious season2 ,i felt my friends very near to me in spirit1 and expressed to them in tenderness and love what lay on my mind2 and in the conclusion the power and goodness of the ,most ,high were so awfully felt that ,i could not forbear kneeling down to offer him thanks1 and to supplicate that he would he pleased once more to bind up the breaches in the walls of our ,zion1 and grant that when we were separated one from another we might never he separated from his presence4 ,i now begin1 he continues1 to feel very anxious to set forward for my destination on the other side of the water4 ,what an awful situation mine appears to be6 ,o that faith and patience may be granted equal to the occasion6 #ahbb4 #b mo4 #bf4--;,i never read in my dear lamb's diary but it feels to season my heart with good4 ,it is as though her writings were impregnated with a degree of sincerity and resignation which1 were so eminently the characteristics of her innocent spirit4 ,o1 ,i repeat it1 that my precious ,saviour may be pleased to appoint her angel spirit to be my guardian through life1 until ,i shall be joined with her in heaven and we both unite in singing his praise4 ,about this time his brother1 ,thomas ,yeardley1 began to exercise the ministerial office4 #c mo4 #c4--;,attended ,woodhouse ,meeting1 which was to me a very trying one4 ,my brother ,thomas spoke the feeling of my heart in something like these words3--,they come unto thee as the people cometh1 and they sit before thee as my people1 and they hear thy words1 but they will not do them4 #c mo4 #ah4--,this day was held the ,monthly ,meeting at ,barnsley4 ,the ,testimony concerning our much-esteemed friend ,joseph ,wood was read and signed by the meetings at large4 ,when ,i consider the legacy1 so to speak1 which this dear friend used to say he should bequeath to me1 this language seems to prevail in my heart3--,moses my servant is dead2 now therefore arise4 ,as ,i was with ,moses1 so ,i will he with thee2 ,i will not fail thee1 nor forsake thee4--,joshua i4 #b1 #e4 ,this is an awful consideration2 but why should any despair8 ,may not the faithful mind say1 ,this ,god is our ,god2 he will be our guide1 even unto death4 ,i desire most sincerely to be kept in humility1 whatever the probations may be which are necessary to fit me for the design of ,him who hath given me life1 breath and being4 ,on the #b;d of the ,fourth ,month he quitted ,barnsley1 accompanied by his brother ,thomas4 ,i think it a favor indeed1 he says1 to be relieved from a doubting mind as to whether ,i should go or stay2 for ,i can truly say that1 let the result prove what it may4 ,i go with an undivided heart4 ,elizabeth ,dell had a meeting at ,pontefract this day1 where ,i met her2 it was a very satisfactory meeting1 and it was pleasant to meet with several ,friends here whom ,i did not expect to have seen again4 ,the parting opportunity with ,e4,d4 has left a savor on my mind which ,i hope will not soon be forgotten4 ,before he left ,england he opened negotiations with several mercantile houses1 who gave him orders for linen yarn from ,germany4 ,at ,hull he writes3 #d mo4 #ab4--,my detention here1 waiting for a fair wind to ,hamburg1 has not been unpleasant2 my friends are exceedingly kind1 but my feelings in a religious sense have been rather depressing4 ,his heart was full of serious thoughts in anticipation of the voyage1 which was then more formidable than it is now2 but the joyful hope of a glorious immortality1 if death should be suffered to overtake him1 bore him up above his fears4 #adth4--,may ,i be preserved in a holy reliance on the ,arm of strong ,power for help4 ,o ,lord ,god1 who is a strong ,lord like unto ,thee1 or to thy faithfulness round about ,thee8 ,thou rulest the raging of the sea3 when the waves thereof arise1 ,thou stillest1 them4 ,o may it please him to carry me in his bosom1 and protect me from the dangers of the sea4 ,but should it please him to permit that ,i go down to the bottom1 may ,i be fully resigned in humble confidence that ,i shall again arise to shine brighter with him in everlasting glory4 ,amen4 ,we shall conclude this chapter with a few extracts from ,elizabeth ,yeardley's letters1 which well depict her character and experience2 and with a copy of the weighty and pertinent testimony regarding ,joseph ,wood which was issued by ,pontefract ,monthly ,meeting4 99 99 99 99 99 #g mo4 #ac1 #ahah4--,the broad way seems more and more crowded1 while the road to ,zion is thinly scattered with poor wayworn travellers2 each1 or nearly so1 of the former living as if there were to be no hereafter1 and earth was to be their eternal home4 ,i have thought that as our ,blessed ,redeemer's arms were extended wide on the cross to embrace perishing sinners1 so do these short-sighted mortals extend their arms and their wishes in grasping unsubstantial vanities1 and that craving one of ,mammon1 the most fascinating of all1 as it increases with age4 #i mo4 #bd1 #ahai4--;,i hope by what ,i have felt of the keen arrow of adversity piercing the heart1 it will teach me1 when ,i see it wounding any of my fellow-mortals1 to endeavor to soothe1 if ,i have nothing else in my power towards healing the wound4 ,let thee and me be determined1 in the name of the holy ,jesus1 to follow him and not look on others4 ,he is leading us into the pure green1 ever green1 pasture of humiliation1 where the sheep of his pasture love to lie4 ,i own the road is not very pleasant2 the descent is rugged1 and many times the poor traveller is ashamed of being seen hobbling down by his former acquaintance2 but when once within the sacred enclosure1 the sweet air that breathes humility hushes all stormy passions to rest4 ,i read and read again of all those holy folks being divested of self1 and anxiously do ,i desire to be so too1 but by the marks they lay down ,i am very far from that attainment4 ,however1 ,he who said1 ,let there be light1 and there was light1 can add this to the rest of his inestimable blessings showered on my unworthy head4 #d mo4 #ad1 #ahbj4--,we are sometimes led to expect pity from people where we think we have a sort of claim1 and here we often feel disappointed4 ,persons at ease cannot feel for the sensations of pain in others1 any more than prosperity can feel the seasons of adversity4 ,couldst thou have a look into the houses and bosoms of the inmates of most in ,b4 or other places1 thou wouldst find a something sorrowful1 a burden the possessor would be glad to be quit of4 ,let us1 then1 go forward with hope1 and endeavor to be truly thankful for the many mercies showered on our heads1 who have not rendered as we ought that gratitude so greatly ,his due4 ,o look at the bulk of the population in ,england1 whose children are looking up to them for a meal1 and they have it not for them2 and then let the tear of thankfulness fall4 ,to be thankful is to feel a spark of heavenly flame2 to be thankful is to increase the blessing already poured forth4 ,o that ,i possessed more of this blessed spirit2 for truly it is angelic6 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,testimony of ,pontefract ,monthly ,meeting concerning ,,joseph ,,wood1 deceased4 ,this our esteemed friend was born at ,newhouse1 near ,highflatts1 within the compass of this ,monthly ,meeting1 on the #bfth of the ,fourth ,month1 #agej4 ,his parents1 ,samuel and ,susanna ,wood1 members of our ,society1 were concerned for the best interest of their children4 ,in his youth he gave way to some of the vanities incident to that period of life1 but when approaching manhood he was happily brought under the restraining power of ,truth1 and often humbled in deep inward exercise4 ,once being in the fields in the night season1 he exclaimed1 ,lord what shall ,i do1 or whither shall ,i go8 ,the answer in the secret of his own heart was as intelligible as if spoken to his outward ear1--,whither wilt thou go1 ,have not ,i the words of eternal life8 ,soon after this he attended a neighboring meeting1 when a ministering ,friend1 who was a stranger1 stood up with the words which he had received as an answer to his inquiry1 and enlarged upon the subject in a manner suited to his tried state of mind4 ,in the year #aggi1 in the twenty-ninth year of his age1 was his first appearance in the ministry1 in great fear and broken-ness of spirit3 but being obedient to the manifestations of truth1 he experienced an advancement therein1 and was a good example1 adorning his profession by a circumspect life4 ,his testimony was not with the enticing words of man's wisdom1 but in demonstration of the ,spirit and of power4 ,neither was he forward to offer his gift1 patiently abiding in the deep till he felt the holy fire burn4 ,he was at times led in a plain close manner to the unfaithful professors of truth1 but had the word of consolation to the rightly exercised1 unto whom he was indeed a nursing father4 ,he was especially useful to such as the ,lord was gathering from the barren mountains of an empty profession to the knowledge of the truth1 and he was frequent1 in solemn supplication for these1 and for the awakening of those who were at ease in ,zion4 ,his heart being enlarged in gospel love1 he was anxious for the salvation of all1 and was frequently engaged to appoint meetings amongst those not in profession with us4 ,for this service he was eminently gifted1 and his ministry on these occasions was often attended with the powerful baptizing influence of the ,spirit1 to the convincement of many4 ,he was concerned to impress on the minds of his friends the necessity of a due attendance of week-day meetings1 believing that such as were negligent in this duty never experienced an attainment to the state of strong men in the truth4 ,that our dear friend was zealous for the proper support of discipline in our religious body was sufficiently evident from the part he took in the exercise of it in his own ,monthly ,meeting2 for active service in this important branch of church government he was eminently gifted4 ,in the course of his religious labors1 he visited the meetings of ,friends generally in most of the ,quarterly ,meetings in ,england1 and many meetings within the principality of ,wales2 and divers of them repeatedly4 ,during the latter period of his life1 feeling his bodily strength decline1 he was anxiously desirous that no service required of him should be omitted4 ,his zeal increased with his years1 and he became more abundant in labor for the promotion of the ,christian cause4 ,in a memorandum made about a year before his death1 he writes1 ,this day ,i attained the seventieth year of my age4 ,may the remainder of my days be so devoted to the ,lord's service1 as1 when the solemn message of death is sent1 ,i may have nothing to do but to render up my accounts with joy6 ,in the last ,monthly ,meeting he attended1 he expressed amongst us that he had seen in the vision of life that day1 that there were of the youth there present those who1 if they were faithful and kept in their innocency1 would become instruments of good1 and finally would shine as the stars1 for ever and ever4 ,the day before his death1 the first day of the week1 he appeared in his own meeting at ,highflatts1 in a powerful testimony1 beginning with these words of ,moses to ,hobab3 ,we are journeying unto the place of which the ,lord said1 ,i will give it you4 ,come thou with us1 and we will do thee good2 for the ,lord hath spoken good concerning ,israel4 ,in the course of his testimony he had in strong terms to urge the necessity of a preparation for an awful eternity4 ,in the afternoon of the same day he complained of a pain in his breast and arms1 but was not considered in danger4 ,he retired to bed at his usual hour2 but he slept little1 and quietly departed about five o'clock the following morning1 the #bfth of the ,third ,month1 #ahba2 and was buried at ,highflatts the #cast of the same2 7many ,friends and others attended the meeting on this solemn occasion1 which was eminently owned by the presence of the ,great ,shepherd of ,israel27 aged seventy-one years1 a minister about forty-two years4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,his ,,first ,,residence ,,in ,,germany4 #ahbb-bd4 ,john ,yeardley left ,hull on the #adth of the ,fourth ,month1 and arrived at ,hamburg on the #bast4 ,for the purpose of attending the ,exchange1 and of becoming acquainted with the language1 he hired a lodging in the neighborhood of the city1 where he remained for some weeks4 ,writing to his brother1 under date of the #bcrd of the ,fourth ,month1 he says1-- ,in the neighborhood of ,hamburg1 lodgings are not easily obtained for so short a time as a month4 ,we succeeded in procuring a room three miles from the town1 at ,eppendorf1 in the house of three young women1 sisters4 ,it is a charming walk1 mostly over the fields4 ,it is quite a cross for me to go on ',change2 but as it is the only place for information1 ,i must submit to it1 my visit to this place being for instruction in the language and mode of conducting business3 but1 from what ,i have yet seen1 it will be quite the best for me to proceed into the interior of the country in a few weeks4 ,what his reflections were when he found himself actually an inhabitant of the land where for so long a time he had mentally dwelt1 will be seen by the following entry in his ,diary4 ,the maxim with which it concludes may be said to be the motto which he inscribed on his shield for the remainder of his life4 ,this morning ,i am thankful to feel something of a peaceful serenity to cover my mind1 and am well contented in being placed on this side of the ,german ,ocean4 ,i consider it an unspeakable blessing that ,i do not feel so much as a wish to return1 until the time may come that ,i can see clearly that it is right for me so to do4 ,should ,i not be favored with health and strength to do what ,i have sometimes thought designed for me before ,i set my foot in this land1 or should my ,heavenly ,father see meet to cut short the work in righteousness and not permit that ,i ever see my native country again1 his gracious will be done4 ,i leave this as a testimony that none need to fear his rightly sending forth those who ask and rightly wait for his counsel4 ,i do not know why ,i should thus write3 ,i trust it proceeds from a resigned heart2 and ,i will add1 for fear ,i should never have another opportunity1 that ,i should wish all to know who have known me1 that ,i have no reason to doubt the rectitude of my crossing the water with a prospect of a residence in this country1 and that should time with me now close1 ,i die in peace with my ,god1 and in that love for mankind which believes every nation to be our nation1 and every man our brother4--7#f mo4 #h47 ,the next day's diary consists of a short but earnest prayer4 ,first-day morning1--,o1 gracious and most merciful ,father1 be pleased to strengthen my hands for the work that is before me2 be pleased to give me the power of speech2 be pleased to give me thy word1 with power to publish it to those whose hearts thou shalt be pleased to prepare for the reception of it4 ,the family with whom he lodged at ,eppendorf strongly engaged his religious sympathy4 ,i spent1 he says in his diary of the #hth of the ,seventh ,month1 about nine weeks at ,e4 in a very agreeable manner with the family of three young women4 ,the one who is the mistress of the house is very seriously inclined4 ,she told me she had read a play-book giving a description of our ,society in the character of one of its members1 and ever since she had had a particular desire to see one of us1 and that she could not but admire with thankfulness that she had been gratified in having one to reside under her roof4 ,she had heard of ,thomas ,shillitoe's being in ,hamburg2 and when ,i told her he was now in ,norway1 she asked me his business there1 ,i told her that our ,friends had sometimes a desire to visit their brethren and other religiously-disposed people in foreign lands1 and that such was his errand4 ,she replied1 ,yes1 and ,i believe it is also yours3 this is ,gospel love indeed2 while so many here will not think for themselves1 you come so far to visit and help them4 ,in saying this she was overcome with tears4 ,john ,yeardley left ,hamburg on the #bnd of the ,seventh ,month1 and arrived at ,pyrmont on the #eth4 ,writing to his brother1 he says3 ,i have now had a specimen of ,german travelling4 ,thou wilt be sure ,i was very bold to set off quite alone except the driver1 but it proved far easier than ,i had anticipated4 ,instead of having a conveyance to seek when ,i got over to ,harburg1 there was a man on the steam-packet who offered to take me in his carriage1 and the whole of my packages1 to ,pyrmont4 ,a great part of the country between ,harburg and ,hanover is very dreary and barren1 much resembling ,bentham ,moor2 but the road is much worse1 being in many places not less than eighteen inches or two feet deep in sand4 ,when we came near ,celle and ,hanover1 the country became quite different1 being very fruitful1 and the prospect charming4 ,nearly all the way from ,hanover to ,pyrmont it is beautiful travelling1 and the road mostly good4 ,pyrmont and the scenery in the surrounding neighborhood is beautiful beyond description4 ,at ,eppendorf he had been cheered by a visit from ,benjamin ,seebohm and ,john ,snowdon1 from ,bradford1 who informed him that a committee from the ,yearly ,meeting were on their way to ,pyrmont4 ,this was to him most welcome news1 and the ,friends reached ,pyrmont almost as soon as he did2 but though their company was so cordial to his mind1 their presence did not relieve him from the burden of religious exercise which he began to feel on behalf of the members of the ,society in that place1 as soon as he took up his residence amongst them4 ,diary4--#g mo4 #af4--,the ,committee from the ,yearly ,meeting--viz41 ,josiah ,forster1 ,joseph ,marriage1 and ,peter ,bedford--have visited the families of ,friends here1 and attended the ,preparative ,meeting which was held on ,first-day last4 ,things here appear to be very low every way among those who profess with us2 yet there are a few sincere-hearted to whom ,i already begin to feel closely united in spirit4 ,from the time of my arrival until ,first-day last1 ,i do not remember ever to have been more oppressed in mind4 ,i could1 if ,i dared1 almost have wished myself in ,england again1 for ,i feared ,i should not be able to obtain any relief4 ,i went to meeting on ,first-day in fear and trembling2 but1 as is sometimes the case1 it proved better than ,i had expected4 ,when we are stripped of all help but what comes from the ,lord alone1 it is then that he delights most to help us4 ,through the acceptable assistance of my friend ,b4 ,seebohm1 ,i was enabled to communicate what came before me1 and the great dread which ,i had always had of speaking through an interpreter was mercifully removed1 for which ,i was truly thankful4 ,the three ,friends were favored most instructively to labor in the meeting for business4 ,they are now gone to ,minden2 ,i feel tenderly united to their spirits in much love4 ,john ,yeardley's residence was at ,friedensthal1 a hamlet about a mile from the town of ,pyrmont4 ,in a letter to his brother he thus describes the situation of the place1 and his own comfortable accommodation3-- ,my mother inquires as to my mode of living1 and if ,i have comfortable accommodations4 ,please to tell her that ,i am provided for in a way which is exceedingly agreeable to me4 ,i have a large airy sitting-room with three windows1 and a bed-room adjoining1 situated1 on one side1 under the shelter of a wood1 and the other opens to a beautiful and romantic dale4 ,the mode of cooking is just as ,i would wish it2 ,i am only anxious sometimes that my very kind friends of the house are too much concerned for my help and comfort4 ,it seems scarcely possible to find an outward situation more suited to my wishes4 ,when ,i have studied in the house1 ,i take my books in suitable weather into the wood1 and there walk and read and think4 ,it is true ,i am sometimes very flat for want of company2 but if ,i incline to go to ,pyrmont1 they are always pleased to see me1 and would willingly have me always with them4--7#b mo4 #ag1 #ahbc47 ,very soon after his arrival at ,pyrmont1 ,john ,yeardley entered into active service in behalf of the gospel4 ,in what religious state he found the people towards whom he had so long been attracted in spirit1 and how he was enabled to preach to them the word of life1 is exhibited in several entries in his ,diary4 #g mo4 #ba4--,the ,two-months' ,meeting was held at ,minden2 ,i went1 along with several of my friends from here4 ,the first sitting was very large1 many coming in who do not usually attend4 ,it was a very solid meeting2 ,i thought there was the good savor of an honest-hearted few to be felt among a mixed multitude4 ,such was the sweet1 peaceful satisfaction ,i felt after this meeting1 that ,i almost said in my heart1 ,this is enough to repay me for setting my feet in ,germany4 ,these are precious seasons1 yet ,i always recur to such in fear1 and rejoice with trembling2 for in the midst of the ,lord's goodness to his children one seems to be falling on one hand1 and another on another2 so that the language seems to be1 ,will ye also go away8 and truly we shall never be able to stand if we look not for help to ,him who has the words of eternal life4 ,about this time ,thomas ,shillitoe arrived in ,germany1 in the course of his religious visit on the ,continent2 and ,john ,yeardley1 on his return to ,pyrmont1 united with him in a visit to the families of ,friends belonging to that meeting4 #h mo4 #ac4--,my feelings are this morning deeply discouraged4 ,i am entering on a visit to the families here with my dear friend ,t4,s41 whose company ,i have had since the #bcrd ult4 ,this service is to me a very important one4 ,it is an easy matter to say to a brother or a sister1 ,be comforted1 be strengthened2 but it is no light matter to dip so feelingly into the state of our fellow-mortals1 as to feel as though we could place our soul in their soul's stead1 in order that they might be strengthened and comforted4 #h mo4 #bj4--,the visit has been got over to our great satisfaction4 ,in some sittings1 deep exercise and mourning2 in others1 cause of rejoicing over the precious seed of the kingdom1 which is alive in the hearts of some4 ,there seems to be a remarkable visitation once more extended1 especially to the youth4 ,in conjunction with ,thomas ,shillitoe he proposed to the ,friends1 as only one meeting was held on ,first-days1 to have one in the evening for religious reading1 holding it at ,friedensthal in the summer1 and at ,pyrmont in the winter4 ,the proposal was immediately complied with1 and the institution proved a valuable auxiliary to the edification of the members4 #h mo4 #be4--,the reading meeting this evening has been a precious season2 ,o1 how all spirits were melted together6 ,may the blessing of the ,lord rest upon this humble endeavor as a means of bringing us nearer to himself4 #bhth1--,our ,english ,friends ,benjamin ,seebohm and ,john ,snowdon have taken their departure4 ,i feel a little solitary1 but ,i think it a great favor to be preserved from a wish to go with them2 nothing will do for me but entire resignation to the ,lord's will and work4 ,little did ,i think when ,i left my home in ,england1 that a work of this sort awaited me in ,germany2 indeed1 ,i came blind in the gospel2 ,i knew nothing2 but now ,i see such a field of labor if ,i am faithful3 how shall it ever be accomplished8 ,o1 prepare me1 dearest ,lord1 for without thy heavenly hand to assist me ,i must faint4 ,o1 may ,i ever seek thy counsel2 and be thou pleased to lead me step by step1 and give strength according to the day4 #bith4--,to-day ,i have for the first time expressed a few sentences in broken ,german in our little meeting4 ,i do not know whether they might be very clearly understood1 but ,i hope the attempt to do what ,i conceived to be the ,lord's will1 will be accepted by him4 ,o1 that he may he pleased to give me the power of speech6 ,in the ,ninth ,month he went to ,hanover with ,thomas ,shillitoe1 who had a concern to see the authorities regarding the observance of the ,first-day4 ,they did not meet with much success in their object2 but they made the acquaintance of ,pastors ,gundel and ,hagemann1 the latter nearly blind and very grey1 but truly green in the feeling sense of religion1 and who rejoiced in his heart to find a brother concerned to reform those things which had long laid heavy on his mind4 ,the two friends travelled together to ,minden1 where they parted1 and ,john ,yeardley returned to ,pyrmont by ,bielefeld4 ,the neighborhood of this town1 he says1 is remarkably fine4 ,there is a very high hill1 partly formed by nature1 and partly by art1 from which we can see quite round1 without any interruption1 even into ,holland4 ,here1 from the appearance of the bleach-grounds1 ,i could fancy myself in ,barnsley4 ,but1 as ,sarah ,grubb says1 ,i can have no pleasure in fine prospects2 my mind in these journeys is always too much exercised with matters of a more serious nature4 ,in the latter part of the month ,john ,yeardley went again to ,minden1 to unite with ,thomas ,shillitoe in a visit to the families of ,friends4 ,they commenced their visit at ,bueckeburg1 where they had a remarkable interview with the family of the ,kammer-rath ,wind1 which is related at length in ,t4 ,s4's journal 7vol4 i41 p4 #chh74 ,the place which seems in these visits to have engaged ,j4,y4's sympathies the most strongly was the village of ,eidinghausen4 ,we had1 he says1 a very favored meeting in the room where their meeting is usually held4 ,in the sitting in the evening1 with the family where we lodged1 many of the neighbors came in1 who seemed to have no wish to leave us4 ,i thought of the words of the dear ,saviour1 when seeing the multitudes he had compassion on them1 because they were as sheep having no shepherd4 ,truly these have no outward shepherd who cares much for their spiritual interests4 ,i felt my heart much warmed in gospel love towards them1 and we invited them to give us their company again next day1 which most of them did4 ,in this meeting there was something expressed so remarkably suited to the states of some present1 that after it was over a woman confessed it had been as was declared1 that she herself was one to whom it belonged2 and she gave us a short relation how it had been with her in former days4 ,the love which these simple1 honest-hearted creatures manifest towards us does away with all distinctions and the difference of language4 ,o1 that ,he who teaches as never man taught may be pleased to guide them and bring them to himself that there may be one shepherd and one sheep-fold4 ,all our toils in this weary land will not be too much if we can he made the instruments of helping only one poor soul on its way ,zionwards4 #aj mo4 #h4--;,i returned yesterday evening from ,minden1 with a thankful heart1 to come again to my quiet and romantic habitation in ,peacedale4 ,the strong fortifications which are made1 and now making1 around ,minden1 give it an appearance of gloom and oppression which is scarcely to be borne4 ,o1 how uncomfortable do ,i feel when within its walls2 but in its neighborhood there are a few friends to whom ,i am tenderly united in spirit4 ,he concludes this entry with an allusion to the homely and even hard manner of life to which many of these were accustomed4 ,to some of our ,friends in ,england who are dissatisfied with their outward situation1 ,i would say1 ,come and see how these live on the ,continent4 ,the #bith of the ,tenth ,month was the anniversary of his wife's death4 ,his diary for this day is an affecting transcript of his feelings on the occasion4 ,the shock which my earthly happiness received this day twelvemonths has been1 this evening1 piercingly renewed in the recollection of almost every minute transaction which accompanied the awful event of the closing moments of my precious lamb4 ,for truly like a lamb she lived1 and was well prepared to become an angel-spirit4 ,o1 happy spirit1 thou art at rest2 then why should ,i mourn thy loss8 ,surely ,he who knows the weakness of our frame will forgive1 for he himself gave us the example in weeping over those he loved4 ,the ,almighty has been very good to me2 he has put it in the hearts of those with whom ,i reside to care for me with an affectionate interest4 ,o1 for greater diligence1 that the day's work may keep pace with the day4 ,what shall ,i do1 but pray for more strength to be made able to do all that may be required of me4 ,i never saw the advice of our dear ,saviour more necessary for myself than at the present time1 ,be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves4 ,soon after this he had a return1 of his complaint in the stomach1 which caused him to exclaim-- ,we are indeed but dust and ashes2 how quickly the slender thread may be cut1 and reduce this frail tabernacle to that state of earthly composition from which it was formed4 ,but the spiritual part in us must have an abiding somewhere for ever2 this is the awful consideration which ought continually to affect our hearts4 ,is it not a strange infatuation to rank the moments of affliction among the evil events of our lives1 when these may prove the very means of bringing back our wandering feet to the path which leads to everlasting life8 ,he then reviews his own situation1 his calling and his work4 ,it is often the consideration of my heart1 ,what has brought me into this country8 what have ,i done8 what am ,i doing8 and what have ,i to do8 ,the enemy is not wanting to distress my poor mind on the point of these four important queries4 ,but to the first ,i can answer1 ,an humble submission to what ,i believe to be the leadings of ,divine ,wisdom4 ,to the second1 through the assistance of never-failing love1 ,i have done what ,i could and have found peace4 ,to the third1 ,i am desirous through divine aid to do what ,i can2 and to the fourth1 which refers to the future1 ,i must commit it into the hands of the ,judge of the whole earth1 who alone is able to guide my feet in the sure path4 ,i feel in the present moment desirous to keep eternity continually before my view1 and to let outward things hang more fully on the dependence of ,him who suffers not a sparrow to fall to the ground without his notice4 7#aa mo4 #cj47 #ab mo1 #a4--,the reading meeting this evening has been a precious time4 ,our spirits have been much tendered in reading some account of the lives and deaths of our worthy ,friends recorded in ,sewel's ,history4 ,tears so overpowered the reader and the hearers1 that the reading was at times obliged to be suspended until we had given relief to our feelings4 ,in addition to this meeting1 ,john ,yeardley established another for the young1 to be held on ,fourth-day evening1 in which they might improve themselves in reading1 and acquire a knowledge of the principles of the ,society1 with other branches of useful information4 ,the young women were to bring their work2 and it was his delight to interrupt the reading with religious instruction1 and such remarks as a father makes for the improvement and gratification of his children4 ,we see him here for the first time in a character in which he was well known to the present generation in various parts of ,england1 viz41 as an instructor and guide of the youth4 ,in noticing in his ,diary the formation of the ,youths' ,meeting at ,pyrmont1 he comments with pleasure on the innocent cheerful manners of his audience1 and on the advantages which might be looked for from this kind of social intercourse4 ,the last entry in this year records an occasion of near approach to the throne of grace in prayer in the little congregation at ,pyrmont4 #ab mo4 #bi1 ,first-day4--,a most remarkable season of divine favor in our evening assembly4 ,the awe which ,i had felt over my spirit the whole of the day1 and not feeling freedom to break my mind in the meeting in the morning1 induced me to look to the evening opportunity with fear and trembling1 which indeed is always the case when ,i feel the ,master's hand upon me4 ,the most solemn act of worship1 that of public supplication1 so powerfully impressed my mind1 that ,i believed it right to yield to the motion1 which ,i humbly trust was done in due reverence and humility of soul4 ,our spirits were so humbled under feelings of good that it seemed as if the secrets of all hearts were presented before the throne of grace1 to ask forgiveness for former transgressions1 strength to serve the ,most ,high with more acceptance1 and to be finally prepared to reign with him in glory4 ,o how these seasons of refreshing will rise up against us in the great day of account1 if we are not concerned to improve by them6 ,grant1 dearest ,father1 that ,i may experience a nearer and stronger tie to do thy will more perfectly2 and let it please thee to remember those in this place and this land for whom my spirit so often secretly mourns and prays4 ,the ,diary of #ahbc opens with a profound and solemn reflection4 #ahbc4 #a mo4 #d4--;,for want of faith we are too much inclined to serve ourselves before we are willing to serve the ,great ,master1 thinking we may be able to do much for him afterwards1 when it will more accord with our situation in life4 ,but1 alas6 this time may never come2 if we thus put by the acceptable season1 our lives may close with our only having performed very imperfectly the part which had been designed for us in the ,church militant4 ,painful would be the sting when appealing to the ,judge of the earth1 in a moment when we no longer possessed the capability of serving him1 should the declaration be1 ,thou hadst a desire to serve me when in health and strength1 but thou wished first to serve thyself4 ,my time was not then thy time1 therefore thy time is not now my time4 ,a letter to his brother1 written in the summer of this year 7#f mo4 #i71 gives a description of the mode of bleaching in use in ,germany1 which will1 we believe1 be interesting to the ,english reader4 ,john ,yeardley says3 ,wilt thou not be surprised when ,i tell thee that ,i am about to commence yarn-bleaching8 ,thou mayst be sure there is a pretty certain prospect of considerable advantages1 with not much risk1 to induce me to make the attempt4 ,the advantages are threefold--safety1 expedition and cheapness4 ,the first consists in the simplicity of treatment and safety of the ingredients1 no chemical process being made use of2 the second arises from the heat of the climate2 the last is easily accounted for from the low price of labor and the cheapness of the raw material1 which is produced in abundance in the neighborhood4 ,in the country around1 for a very considerable distance1 almost every family make their own linen2 they grow or buy the flax1 spin the yarn and get it woven1 and either bleach it themselves or send it to others who have better conveniences in water1 c4 ,as the spring commenced1 ,i noticed these little bleaching-plots wherever ,i went1 and often wondered that the color was so good4 ,knowing that such people could not possibly be at any great expense or risk in the operation1 ,i concluded it must be done by dint of time and labor1 supposing that the yarn and cloth must lie at least a few months on the grass2 but1 on inquiry1 ,i was surprised to find it was made quite white in three weeks or a month4 ,to make a further proof1 ,i sent two bundles of yarn to two different places to bleach2 it is now returned of a very good color and perfectly strong1 though it has been in blenching only a month and two or three days1 and although the greater part of the ,fifth ,month has been unfavorable for bleaching4 ,as to any risk of the yarn being tendered1 it is quite out of the question2 it seems to be done by the operation that nature points out4 ,i have found a very convenient place ,for the purpose of making trial2 there is plenty of good clear water4 ,there is a prospect of having honest workpeople1 and at very reasonable wages--not more than #f;d4 or #h;d4 a day2 there are many honest creatures to be had at these wages who have nothing in the world to do4 ,from the first of my leaving ,england1 ,i had no expectation of being liberated from this country before the expiration of about four years1 and ,i have always been desirous that something should turn up that would afford me support by suitable employment2 so that what ,i have now in view does not seem to clash with my former prospects4 ,it is 7he adds with affectionate feeling7 a source of great consolation that ,i can always unbosom my mind so freely to thee2 and ,i consider it among the greatest blessings ,i enjoy1 that thou hast never yet failed of being made an instrument of support to me1 and my prayer is that thou mayst never lose thy reward4 ,pyrmont is one of the oldest watering-places north of the ,alps4 ,the inhabitants are very much dependent on the visitors who resort thither during the three summer months1 and amongst whom may frequently be reckoned some of the first families in ,europe4 ,this year1 #ahbc1 the ,prince and ,princess of ,prussia 7the present ,regent of ,prussia and his consort7 were there1 and one ,fourth-day morning attended the ,friends' ,meeting4 ,the meeting-house stands in one of the allees1 and although its position is not central1 it is sufficiently public to be an object of attraction to the curiosity of strangers4 ,a memorandum under date of the #ahth of the ,sixth ,month records the royal visit1 and ,john ,yeardley's spiritual exercise on the occasion4 #f mo4 #ah4--,to-day the young prince and ,princess of ,prussia1 with the ,princess their mother1 and the ,hofmeister1 have been at our ,fourth-day meeting4 ,they entered with such seriousness on their countenances that ,i felt my spirit suddenly drawn towards them in love1 and a secret prayer was raised in my heart for their everlasting good4 ,feeling the influence of divine love to increase1 ,i believed it right to kneel down1 and in brokenness of spirit ,i expressed what had opened on my mind1 which afforded me peace2 and ,i hope good to others was imparted1 although ,i may say through the unworthiest of instruments4 ,for truly ,i have for some time been as in a state of death and darkness1 owing to my unwatchfulness4 ,o what would ,i give for more circumspection1 that ,i might be more prepared to receive the word1 and when command is given1 publish the same4 ,but1 unworthy creature1 ,i often deprive myself and others of seasons of good through my negligence and barrenness4 ,when will the time come when ,i can say1 all earthly things are under my feet1 and the cause of religion and virtue rules predominant in my heart6 ,lord1 hasten the day2 and preserve my feet in thy path in the midst of many snares2 and rather let me die than be suffered to do anything which would dishonor thy gracious and holy ,name1 and the profession ,i am making of thee before the world4 ,loose my bands1 and enable me to say in sincerity of heart1 ,i am willing to serve thee freely4 ,with the cause for self-condemnation1 which is alluded to in this entry was no doubt connected the neglect to keep up his ,diary2 no entry occurs for more than five months previous4 ,it was probably much more difficult in the position which he occupied in ,germany to maintain a spirit of watchfulness and self-recollection than among his more experienced ,friends in ,yorkshire4 ,there is an allusion to this in an entry of a little later date4 #g mo4 #h4--,my mind feels a little more gathered than it has been for some time past2 but the little outward difficulties which are continually arising have a great tendency to disperse the best feelings4 ,i think it is almost the greatest lesson that we have to learn1 to stand so fast in times of trouble as not to suffer loss4 ,if we would so conduct ourselves that the change of times and seasons should not have such an unfavorable influence on our minds1 this would be one great point gained2 it would enable us to meet the difficulties of the day in a better state to combat with them4 ,but if daily trials abounded of a nature the most likely to retard his spiritual progress1 we shall see that ,he who had appointed his lot1 provided in his faithfulness the needful corrective1 and by the discipline of filial fear in the ministry of the word1 kept him safe in his sanctuary4 ,the attendance of visitors at the meeting-house was often numerous1 although it was seldom that they remained during the whole time of worship4 ,meetings of this kind were very trying to ,john ,yeardley's faith and feelings2 but sometimes they were seasons of heavenly blessing such abundantly to make amends for past humiliation4 #g mo4 #f4--,to-day the small meeting-house and passage were quite filled with strangers1 and ,i was told many went away who could not get in1 and some remained under the windows4 ,no creature on earth knows what my poor mind suffers when ,i go to meeting under such circumstances4 ,many whom curiosity brings in the expectation to hear words may some times be disappointed1 but ,i hope there are some whose intentions are sincere1 and who are desirous to be informed the way to ,zion4 ,i hope strength was afforded me to preach ,christ crucified4 ,o that the ,lord may support me in these very trying seasons1 and take from me the fear of man1 and fill my heart with a holy fear of offending ,him whom ,i humbly trust ,i am desirous of choosing to be my ,lord and ,master4 #g mo4 #bg4--;,bless the ,lord1 ,o my soul1 and all that is within me bless his holy name4 ,notwithstanding my many seasons of poverty and inward distress1 the foregoing language is sometimes put into my heart on my return from our meetings1 which are1 in the bathing season1 almost always crowded with strangers4 ,their manner of coming in and going out during the time of worship is exceedingly disturbing1 and yet ,i cannot but admire the stillness which prevails when anything is delivered4 ,the help which ,i at times experience in these trying seasons is wonderful in my eyes4 ,when ,i am concerned to stand up in ,his dread and fear1 what have ,i else to fear8 ,this fear would always cast out the fear of man which ever brings death2 and yet so weak am ,i1 that after all these precious helps and comforting times1 ,i tremble when the meeting-day comes again lest1 ,i should fail in doing the ,lord's will4 ,such is my fear before ,i can rise to my feet in meetings that ,i say with ,samson1 ,be with me this once more that ,i may bear testimony to thy name2 then1 if it be thy will let me die for thee1 and ,i will not think it too much1 to suffer4 ,o that ,he would be pleased to enlarge his gift in my heart1 and he unto me mouth and wisdom1 and give me tongue and utterance to declare his name unto the nations4 #g mo4 #cj4--,our ,fourth-day meeting to-day has been a precious heavenly season4 ,much more weightiness of spirit appeared to exist in the strangers who attended1 and consequently more stillness4 ,i had not long taken my seat before ,i believed it right to stand up with the words of the apostle1 ,awake to righteousness and sin not1 for some have not the knowledge of ,god3 ,i speak this to your shame4 ,the women's side was nearly full of richly-clad females2 they bore the marks of worldly distinction1 and were indeed as fine as hands and pins could make them4 ,but the tenderings of divine love reached the hearts of some among them in a particular degree4 ,i felt such a nearness of spirit towards them that ,i had great openness in speaking of the things which came before me4 ,after meeting they very willingly accepted of some books4 ,one of them was much reached1 and went into the little plantation to weep4 ,another went to her to comfort her2 but she replied1 ,go from me and leave me alone4 ,we may truly say with the apostle that ,god is no respecter of persons1 but those who fear him and work righteousness will be accepted of him1 to whatever nation1 kindred1 tongue or people they may belong4 ,all distinctions of religious sects and party spirit are laid aside when our hearts become prepared to embrace each other in true ,christian love4 ,i do believe the ,lord's work is begun in the hearts of many in this land2 and the fervent prayer of my spirit is that he may be pleased to carry it on to perfection1 and that we may live to see the glorious day when righteousness shall cover the earth as the waters cover the channels of the sea4 ,o ,germany1 ,germany1 what does my heart feel on account of thy inhabitants6 ,it seems as if ,i could tread thy soil for the remainder of my days if ,i could only be made the instrument of helping on their way those scattered ones who are athirst for the sincere milk of the word of life4 ,one of the females who visited our meetings came to the school room on ,seventh-day1 and requested the favor of having a few books to peruse and circulate4 ,she said she was from ,osnabrueck1 and that there were a number of people in that place who had a great love to the ,friends of our ,society4 ,such opportunities afford the means of circulating a knowledge of the truth to those whose hearts may be preparing to receive it2 and if such are only awakened to seek after the ways of holiness1 although they may never come to be of our number on earth1 they will he found among the number of the saints in heaven4 ,the bathing-list this season already amounts to #bejj persons1 in which number there are many who are desirous to inquire the way to ,zion4 ,it is much to be desired that the peculiar advantages which ,pyrmont affords for spreading in the different parts of the ,continent books illustrative of our religious principles should be judiciously embraced1 particularly as there appears such an openness to receive them4 ,i can truly say ,i have been thankful that my lot has been here this summer1 and ,i trust ,i have not flinched from doing what ,i believed to be required of me4 ,in his letters to his brother1 ,john ,yeardley makes frequent mention of his mother4 ,in the ,ninth ,month he heard of her being seriously ill1 and he thus writes in reference to her state1 in a letter elated the #bith of the ,ninth ,month3-- ,the state of my dear mother's health is truly alarming2 but as ,i have received no further account from thee1 ,i am flattering my poor panting heart with a comfortable hope that she may have taken a turn for the better1 and will yet live to see the hour when we shall once more embrace each other in my native land4 ,if she should be taken away without my being permitted to see her again1 it would be a cup which ,i could not tell how to drink4 ,this brings poignantly to my remembrance one of the most trying hours of my life1 and yet the support then received was wonderful4 ,as ,i rode along the road in the course of this summer on a journey of business1 my dear mother was brought to my remembrance in such a very remarkable manner1 that ,i seemed to have a spiritual interview with her2 and she was brought so near to my feelings1 that ,i thought it probable ,i should never see her again until we met in eternity4 ,i scarcely know how ,i felt1 but it was as if my spirit accompanied hers into the regions above4 ,i noted down the circumstance when ,i got home2 for it had made such an impression on my mind1 that ,i should not then have been surprised to have heard of her departure4#a ,the following instructive remarks occur in the ,diary about this time3-- #aj mo4 #bg4--,my retirement and reading this morning has been more tendering to my spirit than for a long time past4 ,i read and considered the institution of the ,passover1 when the ,israelites were led out of ,egypt2 and it appears clear to me that the sprinkling the door-posts with the blood of the lambs1 as commanded1 was a type of our ,saviour's blood which was shed for our transgressions1 and that we must be saved by his becoming our paschal lamb4 ,as the destroying angel only passed over the doors and preserved those who had received the mark1 so can we only be saved by being willing to apply the blood of our dear ,saviour to wash and cleanse us from our sins4 ,what a beauty there is in the connection of ,scripture truths when we read them with a simple heart prepared to receive the right impression which may be opened6 ,the ,friends of ,minden and the little company of awakened people at ,eidinghausen1 who on his first coming to ,germany had taken so firm a hold of ,john ,yeardley's mind1 continued to excite his religious sympathy1 and he again visited them in the latter part of this year4 7,minden47--,on ,seventh-day last1 the #ast of the ,eleventh ,month1 ,i left home in company with some of my dear ,pyrmont friends to attend the ,two-months' ,meeting1 and to spend a few days with my dear friends of this place4 ,i lodge with ,frederick ,schmidt1 and feel myself perfectly at home4 ,it is a most orderly and agreeable family1 consisting of himself1 daughter1 and housekeeper2 and the time passes pleasantly away when ,i am only enough concerned to improve the opportunities afforded by this good man's company4 ,he was one of the first in this place who was convinced of the religious principles of ,friends1 and his beginning was small both in temporals and spirituals4 ,i cannot but admire how his endeavors have been prospered4 ,he remarked the other evening in conversation1 that it was of great advantage to the ,friends to persevere in their outward callings1 and not to jump 7us he expressed it7 out of one thing into another4 ,this would be the means of establishing their credit as men of business4 #aa mo4 #g4--,sarah ,grubb mentions#b that when she visited ,minden1 she met with great kindness and attention from a councillor of the place1 who on their leaving accompanied them a little way out of the town to an inn1 where he had provided coffee1 and had invited a few of his friends to take leave of them4 ,this was at the house of my worthy host ,frederick ,schmidt1 who then kept the inn at ,kuckuk1 and had for some time been under deep religious impressions4 ,he related to me that her discourse in the meeting she had ,lad in the town had affected him1 and yet he could not give her his hand1 but went into the garden to weep2 but after she had got into the carriage and driven from the door1 she suddenly made a stop1 came again into the house1 and asked for him4 ,he being called1 she had a remarkable opportunity with him2 she told him she believed the ,lord had a work for him to do in this place1 and that he would have to stand foremost in the rank1 and when the time came he must not flinch from doing what his ,master would require4 ,this has in a remarkable manner been fulfilled to the present day1 and affords an encouraging example to the poor tried servants of the ,lord to be faithful to apprehended duty4 ,although they may not live to see the effect of their labors1 yet their ,lord and ,master will not leave himself without a witness in the hearts of his people2 praised be his name4 #adth4 ,since ,thomas ,shillitoe and ,i visited ,eidinghausen1 there has been a remarkable revival to a sense of religion2 a number come together in a sort of society every ,first-day afternoon1 to read1 sing1 and pray for the edification one of another4 ,as all things have a beginning1 this may perhaps prove a step to a more perfect way of worship4 ,i had long felt inclined to visit the meeting in ,eidinghausen1 and had looked towards accomplishing it from ,minden4 ,i went there on the #ith inst41 and my intention to be there being known a few days before caused many of these awakened people to attend the meeting so that the little school-room was quite full1 and many stood in the passage4 ,i was truly thankful to be amongst them1 for it proved a most satisfactory season4 ,they are a rustic set of folks1 but have each a soul to save or to lose1 and all souls are of equal value in the sight of the ,judge of the whole earth4 ,lewis ,seebohm kindly gave up his time to attend me as interpreter1 for ,i still prefer help of this sort when it can be done through one who is so feelingly capable4 ,i often feel as a poor wandering stranger in a strange land1 and yet ,i dare not complain4 ,the goodness of the ,lord is great towards me2 he opens the hearts of those whom ,i am concerned to visit1 to receive me into their hearts and houses1 so that it affords me great freedom in speaking to them on serious subjects relating to their best interests1 both spiritual and temporal4 ,i am convinced if we mean to be useful to a people of a strange land1 all must be done in a spirit of love and humility2 with the weak we must be willing to become weak2 only we must be on our guard and not flinch from our well-known testimonies4 ,the reflection contained in the passage which follows is of deep significance1 and the lesson it conveys is one which the ,church has as much need to learn now as at any former period4 #aeth4--,we find recorded in the writings of our ancient ,friends that occasionally a few words spoken in the course of common conversation made a deep impression on the minds of those to whom they were addressed4 ,the cause must have been that they lived in a more retired state of mind1 and were consequently better prepared to feel the smallest of good impressions in themselves1 and were also more attentive to embrace every opportunity of improving the minds of others4 ,i fail in this respect2 ,i do not live enough in what may be truly called a spirit of prayer4 ,i must be more watchful over my thoughts1 words and actions1 and improve my seasons of retirement2 for there is no other way of preservation than by waiting and praying for a renewal of spiritual strength4 ,john ,yeardley then reverts1 as he so often does1 to the love of souls in ,germany1 which was the means of causing him to leave his native land1 and which he says had not diminished during his eighteen months' residence among them4 ,to these thoughts he adds some considerations regarding the temporal condition of the ,society of ,friends there1 on account of which he was often very solicitous4 ,the situation and welfare of the ,society here have long occupied the warmest feelings of my heart4 ,i am of the mind1 with other ,friends who have visited these parts1 that there is a precious hidden work begun in the hearts of many in ,germany1 who suffer under oppression1 on account of the many discouraging circumstances which have existed among them1 and which yet prevail1 to the great hindrance of the ,lord's work4 ,there are causes for which no human remedy can be prescribed4 ,i have often said in my heart1 ,if the ,lord help them not1 vain is the help of man4 ,much has been done for them by our dear ,friends in ,england1 and much still remains to be done1 in order that they may be preserved together and not become dispersed as though they had never been a people4 ,the effectual means of help seems yet to fail1--that of putting the families in the way of helping themselves by suitable employment4 ,the families who live in the neighborhood of ,minden1 mostly on small parcels of land1 have until now got on with a tolerable degree of comfort1 by cultivating their land in summer and spinning yarn in winter2 but now the depression is so great that if they could be put into the way of earning threepence a day1 they would embrace it with thankfulness4 ,i have been very diffident in proponing any plan for their assistance1 knowing that some former proposals have failed of accomplishing the end4 ,but ,i have consulted with those who are best acquainted with their situation1 and we think it safest for them to continue their own employment of spinning yarn1 and endeavor to mend their trade by placing it on this footing4 ,they must spin such an article as ,i can make use of in sending it1 with what ,i buy from other people1 to my friends in the linen business in ,england4 ,i am to give them a little higher price than they can elsewhere obtain1 and those who have no flax of their own must have a little money advanced to purchase some1 which they must repay in yarn4 ,when the yarn is disposed of in ,england1 and a profit on the same can be obtained1 it must be distributed among them as a premium to encourage industry and good management in producing a good article4 ,if this does not answer1 ,i cannot see any thing at present that will4 ,how far this scheme was put in practice we are unable to say1 but we believe it was not accompanied by any successful result4 ,in the next entry he speaks of the advantage which he derived from keeping a diary4 #aa mo4 #ag4--;,i was this evening accidentally induced to read over a few of my former memorandums2 and it humbled my spirit to retrace the dealings of my merciful ,father with me4 ,i am glad that ,i have from time to time penned down a few remarks by way of diary1 although it has been done interruptedly and very imperfectly4 ,it proves a means of enabling me to see a wonderful concurrence in the ways of ,divine ,wisdom which has led me in a way that ,i knew not1 and hitherto preserved me through the mercies of his love3 praise be to his ,name now and for ever4 ,amen4 ,after his return from ,minden he accompanied ,john and ,william ,seebohm1 who were going on a journey of business to ,leipzig4 ,they went by way of ,brunswick and ,halberstadt1 and returned by ,nordhausen and ,eimbeck4 ,in this tour through the heart of ,germany1 ,john ,yeardley made many observations on the state of agriculture1 the cities1 and the character of the people4 ,of the last they met with several curious traits1 some of them sufficiently annoying4 ,on many great roads1 says ,j4,y41 there is a summer and a winter way1 running parallel to each other1 with a rail across1 on which is a notice that the way is forbidden by a fine of #f;d4 or #h;d1 for each horse1 that the traveller may know when to take the summer or the winter road4 ,we stopped on the way they were not far from ,wolfenbuettel to give our horses a little bread1 and our coachman drove to the side of the road to make way for carriages to pass4 ,but he had inadvertently gone over the setting on of the road2 and the roadmaster came to us1 and told us we must not feed our horses there1 as it was not allowed to drive over the stones on the side1 under a penalty of three shillings per horse4 ,the evening of the same day we fed our horses at an inn1 and walked before1 leaving the man to follow us4 ,i and my young friend ,w4,s4 sought the cleanest part of the way by walking in the course made for the water1 which was green and clean2 but so soon as we came by the inspectors1 who are mostly employed on the road1 one of them told us we must mind for the future and keep the right footpath1 or pay #f;d4 each4 ,this ,i considered as an infringement of ,english liberty1 and was ready to reason with him on the subject2 but ,i reflected that ,i was a stranger1 and that it is always better and more polite to submit quietly to the regulations of the country in which we live1 than bring ourselves into difficulty through incivility or contention4 ,in returning from ,leipzig1 ,j4,y4 and his friends committed a more serious offence against the pragmatical regulations of the ,german ,states4 ,on our journey homewards we had much perplexity with some cloth1 c4 which ,j4,s4 had bought in ,leipzig to bring to ,pyrmont4 ,this arose from want of better information respecting the laws of the ,prussian territory4 ,they are exceedingly strict as to duties4 ,all kinds of wares are allowed to pass through the country at what may be called a reasonable excise2 but those travellers who have excise goods with them must preserve a certain road1 called the ,zoll-strasse4 ,it was our lot to miss this road2 for apprehending ourselves at liberty to pursue what road we pleased1 we took another way4 ,but we found our mistake when we came to the place where the duty is paid2 for we were informed we had taken the wrong road1 and that transit duty could not be received2 we must either pay the full excise as when goods remain in the ,prussian territory1 or return back until we came again into the ,zoll-strasse4 ,it took some time to consider which was best to be done4 ,to be sent about we knew not whither1 and on roads scarcely passable1 would prove a serious inconvenience2 and on the other hand it was exceedingly mortifying to pay for such a trifle so enormous an excise4 ,the officer was very civil1 but told us it was not in his power to do otherwise4 ,we concluded it would be best and cheapest to pay dearly for our error rather than be retarded on our journey4 ,we had a regular receipt for what we paid1 but inadvertently departing again from the appointed way1 we were in danger of paying the full duty a second time1 or having the goods taken from us4 ,so much for travelling with excise goods4 ,early in #ahbd1 ,john ,yeardley returned for a few months to ,england4 ,he had ingratiated himself so thoroughly into the esteem and love of his ,pyrmont friends1 that his departure even for a short time was the signal of lamentation through the whole meeting4 ,on the #aath of the ,first ,month he had a farewell meeting at ,friedensthal1 which was attended by almost all his friends4 ,with his parting blessing he had some counsel to impart4 ,i have so much place1 he says1 in their minds1 that whatever ,i say1 either in counsel or reproof1 is always received in love4 ,such a scene ,i never witnessed2 the dear lambs all wept aloud2 we were indeed all melted together4 ,may the ,shepherd of ,israel never leave them nor forsake them1 and may they become willing to follow his leading4 ,i can truly say that on their behalf my pillow has been often wet with my tears4 ,on the #crd of the ,second ,month1 he left ,friedensthal1 accompanied by a young ,friend whom he was to conduct to a temporary residence in ,england1 and in whose religious welfare he was deeply interested4 ,while waiting in ,hamburg for a vessel1 he felt keenly his solitary situation in the world4 #b mo4 #i4--;,i think ,i never felt poorer in spirit and more discouraged than at present4 ,it seems as if visiting my native land had no cheering prospect for me4 ,if it were right in the divine sight ,i could almost wish to spend the whole of my life in solitude2 but ,i must be willing patiently to suffer1 and endeavor to fill the place appointed for me on this stage of action4 ,a vessel sailed for ,england the day before their arrival at ,hamburg1 a circumstance which at first made him regret he had not used more expedition on the way4 ,but he immediately recollected it might he for the best that he was left behind4 ,this proved to be the case2 for the vessel with which he would have sailed1 meeting with contrary winds and dark weather1 ran aground1 and was obliged to put back1 and when ,j4,y4 left the ,elbe she was lying in ,cuxhaven harbor4 ,they landed at ,hull on the #aith4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,from ,,his ,,return ,,to ,,england ,,in #ahbd1 ,,to ,,the ,,commencement ,,of ,,his ,,first ,,continental ,,journey ,,in #ahbe4 ,on setting foot again in ,england1 the dejected state of mind which had accompanied him on the journey returned with renewed force4 #b mo4 #ai4--;,i do not know how to describe my feelings in landing on my native shore3 ,i feel a poor discouraged creature4 ,may ,he who knows the sincerity of my heart be pleased to strengthen my poor mind1 for ,i feel almost overwhelmed with fears and difficulties4 ,still deeper was his emotion on visiting again the home of former days4 #b mo4 #bj4--,left ,hull1 and came by way of ,selby and ,wakefield to ,barnsley4 ,i felt my heart exceedingly burdened before ,i reached the place3 it seemed as if all the bitter cups ,i had drunk in former times were going to be handed to me afresh4 ,this may not be1 perhaps1 altogether on my own account4 ,there is at times a fellow-feeling with others2 and on my reaching this place1 ,i soon felt my spirit dipped into sympathy with some of my dear connexions1 who are not without their trials4 ,a few days afterwards1 in allusion to the religious service of ,elizabeth ,h4 ,walker of ,west ,chester1 ,u4,s41 in a public meeting for worship at ,barnsley1 he says3-- ,i do not really know what is the matter1 but ,i fear ,i am going backwards from all that is good4 ,when ,i look at the usefulness of others1 ,o what an insignificant1 useless being ,i appear6 ,this lowly opinion of himself1 however1 was not to serve as an excuse for idleness1 and it was proposed to him to bear ,elizabeth ,walker company in a religious circuit in some of the midland counties1 previous to the occurrence of the ,yearly ,meeting4 ,he accepted the proposal2 and they travelled together through part of ,staffordshire1 ,warwick1 ,worcester1 and ,oxfordshire1 visiting the meetings of ,friends1 and sometimes inviting the attendance of the public4 ,the dispirited state of mind which ,john ,yeardley had brought with him from ,germany accompanied him on this journey1 and on the #cjth of the ,fourth ,month he writes3-- ,i walked last evening in the fields1 in a solitary frame of mind1 being very low in spirits on many accounts4 ,my own unfaithfulness deprives me of strength to cast off my burden as ,i go along2 consequently ,i grow weaker and weaker1 which is indeed diametrically opposite to growing stronger and stronger in the ,lord4 ,lamentable case6 ,o for a alteration for the better6 ,fifth-day1 the #fth of ,fifth ,month1 at ,sibford4--,this is a pretty large meeting1 and there are a good many sweet-looking young folks4 ,the lovely countenances of such are always refreshing to me1 and it is not much wonder if ,i have a little more openness for labor1 winch was the case in this place4 ,but in general ,i sit and bemoan my own uselessness4 ,i have been a burden to myself in this little journey1 in fearing ,i might be so to my friends2 but ,i ought to be very thankful that they do not seem to think me so1 but are desirous to encourage me4 ,i think if it was otherwise1 it would be more than ,i could bear4 ,in the ,fifth ,month1 he attended the ,yearly ,meeting in ,london4 ,at the ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 an unusual number of certificates were granted for religious service abroad4 ,these various concerns drew from him the following reflections3-- ,as ,i sat under the weighty consideration and disposal of these subjects1 ,i felt a degree of rejoicing to spring in my heart1 that there are still members who hold the promotion of the cause of righteousness in the earth dear to the best feelings of their hearts4 ,it is indeed cause of heartfelt gratitude that the ,divine ,master is directing the feet of his messengers not only to the borders of this isle1 but also into distant parts of the earth4 ,during the ,yearly ,meeting ,john ,yeardley lodged at ,william ,allen's1 at ,plough-court and ,stoke ,newington1 and was introduced to several ,friends with whom he had not before been acquainted4 ,the acquaintance which ,i have made with many dear and valued ,friends in the neighborhood of ,london has1 ,i hope1 been a little strength to me in the best things4 ,it is truly pleasant to be treated with such genuine kindness2 but it is nothing for the soul to build upon1--we must look for a more sure foundation than the favor of the great and good4 ,elizabeth ,h4 ,walker had a meeting with the younger part of the ,society in ,london and the neighborhood4 ,in noticing this meeting ,j4,y4 has some discriminating remarks on the exercise of the ministry4 ,during this as well as many other meetings for worship1 ,i sat under religious exercise1 but could seldom believe it required of me to take part in the public ministry4 ,i often think1 when many exercised brethren and sisters are present2 there would be a danger of interrupting the true gospel order1 if all were not careful to wait on the ,great ,minister of the ,sanctuary4 ,if we patiently abide under the rightly baptizing power1 what we may apprehend preparing in our hearts for utterance may often be delivered by others1 and we only have to say1 as it were1 ,amen4 ,we may also be brought into a right willingness to speak in the ,lord's name1 and still be excused2 this may be1 perhaps1 a preparation of an offering which may be called for at another place4 ,o the importance of knowing the word rightly to be divided1 and when and where the offering is required6 ,a part of ,elizabeth ,walker's errand in coming to ,europe was to visit the ,friends in ,germany2 mid it was proposed that ,john ,yeardley should take charge of her and her companion1 ,christiana ,a4 ,price of ,neath1 on his return to ,pyrmont4 ,they went together through ,essex and ,suffolk1 having meetings on their way2 but at ,ipswich it appeared that ,c4,a4 ,price's health was unequal to the journey1 and ,elizabeth ,walker proceeded to ,hull to cross the water from thence with another company of ,friends who were bound for the ,continent4 ,j4,y4 was thus left to proceed alone to ,pyrmont1 and he sailed from ,harwich on the #aith of the ,sixth ,month4 ,when in ,suffolk he went to ,needham to see dear ancient ,samuel ,alexander4 ,i had1 he says1 long known this fatherly man by name and person1 but had had no acquaintance with him until now3 his company and conversation were exceedingly pleasant and instructive to me4 ,in the evening ,i took a walk in a large plantation which he had himself planted when young1 and had now lived to see afford him a comfortable retreat4 ,john ,yeardley was taken ill when in ,suffolk1 and on settling down again in his quiet home at ,friedensthal he writes3 #g mo4 #ae4--;,i am drinking salt-spring-water1 and my health is mercifully restored4 ,the air of this country seems to suit my constitution better than that of ,england4 ,time is very precious4 ,i think1 to keep a more correct journal of what ,i do each day might be very useful1 by inducing a more narrow scrutiny how each hour is spent2 for ,i know not how many more may be allowed me to prepare for eternity4 ,to this resolution he did not adhere4 ,with the exception of two short entries in the same month1 he wrote nothing in his diary for the remainder of the year4 ,the difficulties of his position1 perhaps a lack of sufficient employment1 and the want of that instant watchfulness without which the disciple is ever prone to stray from his ,master's side1 seem to have again produced1 as they did twelve months before1 a season of spiritual famine4 ,his own gloomy condition did not1 however1 altogether disable him from sympathizing with others4 ,in a letter to his brother of the #dth of the ,eleventh ,month he says2-- ,i have of late been in such a low tried state of mind1 that ,i have been discouraged from writing thee1 under an apprehension ,i should say nothing that would afford thee any satisfaction in reading4 ,but though ,i may not have it in my power to relieve thee1 ,i hope it will not be unpleasant to thee to know that thou art still more dear and near to me than ever thou wast in the times of more apparent outward prosperity4 ,it is a high attainment to know how to set a right value on perishable things1 and it requires no small degree of fortitude to bear the depression of apparent temporary adversity1 in that disposition of mind which becomes the character of a true ,christian4 ,although1 according to our apprehensions1 the storm may last long1 yet it most assuredly will blow over1 and then greater will be our peace than if we had never known a tempest4 ,on resuming his ,diary1 which he did in the ,first ,month of #ahbe1 ,john ,yeardley gives an account of the events which happened to him during the previous few months4 ,in the ,seventh ,month #ahbd1 ,thomas ,shillitoe and ,elizabeth ,h4 ,walker came to ,pyrmont1 and to the latter ,j4,y4 gave his assistance in various religious engagements4 ,after her departure he again visited ,minden1 with the neighboring villages of ,eidinghausen and ,hille4 ,his visit to the last-named place 7#a mo4 #ac1 #ahbe7 was marked by a singular circumstance4 ,finding a sudden draft in my mind to be at the reading meeting in ,hille1 to begin at two o'clock1 there seemed but little time2 however1 proposing it to my dear friend ,john ,rasche1 he was quite willing to accompany me1 and driving quickly we came in due time4 ,when the meeting was over1 the ,friends told me they thought it very remarkable that we should come unexpectedly on that day1 and that what was communicated after the reading was particularly suited to the state of a woman ,friend present1 who was laboring under the temptation that she had committed the unpardonable sin1 and could find no rest day or night4 ,i could not prevent them from expressing their thankfulness for such a mark of ,providential interference1 in this way to afford the poor woman a little relief and encouragement4 ,four days afterwards1 having then returned to ,friedensthal1 ,j4,y4 adds3--,since our visit to ,hille1 the person above-mentioned is dead6 ,the depression under which ,john ,yeardley labored1 from the loss of that comfortable presence of his ,lord which had been almost from his youth as a lamp shining continually upon his head1 seems to have reached its lowest point in the early part of this year4 ,under date of the #bdth of the ,second ,month he says3-- ,i have this morning once more been enabled to pour out my sorrowful spirit before the ,father of mercies in a way that has afforded me some relief and encouragement4 ,in bitterness1 and1 ,i may almost say1 in agony of soul have ,i spread before him some of those circumstances which have been a cause of unspeakable distress to me for many months past1 and rendered me unfit for almost every service1 temporal or spiritual4 ,thou knowest1 ,o gracious ,father1 ,i long to have my ways and steps regulated by thy holy will4 ,therefore ,i beseech thee1 have mercy on my faults1 and blot out from thy remembrance all my sins1 and everything wherein ,i have in weakness offended thee2 and be pleased to give me strength to become more perfectly and lastingly thine4 ,o how sensibly do ,i feel my own weakness1 and that without thee ,i can do nothing1 not for a moment preserve my own steps4 ,in the midst of his discouragement his mind was directed towards the accomplishment of another part of the commission which had been entrusted to him before he left ,england4--viz41 to sojourn for a time amongst the ,friends in the ,south of ,france4 ,accordingly1 early in the ,third ,month he went to ,minden1 and laid before the ,two-months' ,meeting1 his intention of going to ,congenies for this purpose1 and also of seeking a religious interview with some serious people in the neighborhood of ,cologne4 ,this information1 he says1 was received by my friends with much sympathy and1 ,i trust1 weightiness of spirit1 and ,i felt a little strengthened by the expression of their feelings and unity with me in this concern4 ,a certificate of their approbation was ordered to be drawn up4 ,no creature on earth knows how this prospect humbles me4 ,i always think ,i am dealt with in a remarkable manner1--somewhat different perhaps from others4 ,notwithstanding all the seemingly insurmountable difficulties which stand in the way1 and which are far too numerous to particularize1 my peace is connected with my obedience4 ,what will be the result ,i know not2 the way appears not yet quite clear us to the time of departure4 ,o ,lord1 favor me to wait on thee for the spirit of discernment not to step forth in the wrong time4 ,the obedience which he practised in committing himself in simple faith to this religious prospect prepared the way for a temporal blessing1 as well as for the return of inward joy4 ,he little knew1 when persecuted by the ,accuser of the brethren1 and mourning over the weakness of his own corrupt nature1 that his ,lord was about to provide for him a congenial and helpful companion1 in the room of her whose loss had left him solitary in the world4 ,without this timely sacrifice of his own will1 it could not have been so easy for him to make the journey to ,france in the way in which it was done1 and which was the means of bringing about the union which shed so much comfort on the remainder of his life4 ,between two and three months after the meeting at ,minden1 he received the information that ,martha ,savory1 accompanied by ,martha ,towell1 was about to pay a religious visit to the ,friends at ,pyrmont and ,minden4 ,he had been introduced in ,london to ,martha ,savory as a minister of the gospel1 and one who had been abroad in its service1 but his acquaintance with her seems to have been slight4#c ,on receiving this intelligence he writes3-- ,the prospect of seeing a few dear ,friends from my native land would be cheering1 but ,i am really so cast down that ,i seem as if ,i could not1 and almost dare not1 rejoice in anything4 ,may this low proving season answer the end for which it is permitted6 ,as he apprehended the ,friends who were coming from ,england might require a guide1 ,john ,yeardley went to meet them at ,rotterdam4 ,his journey1 and the singular coincidence of ,martha ,savory's concern with his own1 are described in a letter to his brother1 written after his return from ,holland4 ,friedensthal1 ,pyrmont1 #g mo4 #ad1ahbe4 ,,my ,,dear ,,brother1 ,on my return from ,holland ,i received thy long and very interesting letter4 ,martha ,savory and her companion ,martha ,towell are now acceptably with us4 ,they expect to spend two or three months with us1 and then we have some prospect of going in company to the ,south of ,france4 ,as this has fallen out in a rather remarkable manner1 it may not be amiss just to explain it to thee4 ,we were entire strangers to each other's concern2 but as soon as my friends in ,london heard of my prospect from the copy of the minutes of our ,two-months' ,meeting and of my certificate1 dear ,william ,allen wrote to me desiring a more particular description of my views1 time of departure1 c41 and mentioned at the same time ,m4,s4's concern1 which had already passed the ,quarterly ,meeting1 and it was fully expected she would be liberated by the ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders to visit ,pyrmont and ,minden1 and afterwards1 if suitable company offered1 proceed to some parts of the banks of the ,rhine1 ,switzerland1 and ,congenies1 in the south of ,france4 ,i wrote to ,w4,a41 and explained to him my prospect1 which was to visit a few individuals in the neighborhood of ,cologne and pass through ,switzerland to ,congenies4 ,i then received a letter from our dear friend ,m4 ,savory1 stating that she and ,w4,a4 had been much struck with the remarkable coincidence in our views2 our prospects being to the same places and in the same way2 and that it seemed in the pointing of ,truth for us to join in company4 ,fifth mo4 #bfth1 ,i left ,friedensthal to visit my friends in ,minden and its neighborhood2 and after spending about two weeks there1 ,i felt very much inclined to give our friends the meeting at ,rotterdam4 ,i set off1 accordingly1 the #gth of the ,sixth ,month1 and travelled seven days through a desert country to ,amsterdam1 ,i went almost one half of the way by water1 across the ,zuider ,zee from ,zwolle to ,amsterdam4 ,after spending a few days in ,amsterdam1 ,i went1 with ,j4,s4 ,mollet1 who is the only ,friend in that city1 to ,rotterdam1 where we met with ,m4,s4 and ,m4,t4 ,thomas ,christy1 junior1 had accompanied them1 from ,london4 ,m4,s4 had letters of recommendation to many persons in ,amsterdam1 whom we visited2 and though some of them were first-rate characters in the place1 it is surprising with what affection and kindness they received us4 ,j4,s4 ,mollet accompanied us to ,pyrmont4 ,an account of his journey1 both going and returning1 is also contained in ,j4,y4's diary3 it presents some additional notices which claim a place here4 ,before leaving ,minden for ,rotterdam1 he twice visited ,eidinghausen1 and saw some young men who were under suffering because of their refusal to serve in the militia4 ,one in particular 7he says1 in writing up the diary71 a sweet young man1 at this moment may be in torture4 ,o1 how ,i feel for him6 ,my soul breathes to the ,almighty ,father of mercies on his account1 that he may he strengthened to endure all with patience for the sake of his ,lord1 who has given him a testimony to bear against the spirit of war and fighting4 ,at the conclusion of the second meeting at ,eidinghausen1 he says3-- ,the meeting was fully attended1 and ,i afterwards dined alone in the schoolroom with a light heart4 ,i thought ,i could say1 ,after the work is done1 food tastes sweet4 ,at ,rotterdam1 ,john ,yeardley and his companions made the acquaintance of a very interesting missionary student1 who believes he has a call to go on a mission to the ,greeks1 and is waiting for an opening3 his name is ,guetzlaff4 ,at ,amsterdam1 a letter from ,guetzlaff introduced them to the priest of the ,greek church in that city1 ,helanios ,paschalides1 a man of child-like spirit1 and long schooled in affliction1 who had become awakened to his own religious wants1 and who believed himself called to return to ,greece and instruct his countrymen4 ,these two interviews are memorable1 as being1 probably1 the commencement of the strong interest which ,j4 and ,m4,y4 evinced in the ,greek people1 and which issued1 years afterwards1 in a religious tour in that country4 ,at ,zeist1 where there is a settlement of ,moravians1 the ministers1 finding the ,friends desired to convene their members in a meeting for worship1 readily consented4 ,the meeting1 writes ,j4,y41 was more fully attended than we had expected4 ,there is much sweetness of spirit to be felt about these people1 but a want of stillness4 ,i thought some of the hearers were prepared to see further than their teachers1 and the time may yet come when some may be drawn into a more spiritual worship4 ,we left them a few tracts1 and they kindly gave us a few little boots of theirs4 ,it is remarkable in what a spirit of love they received us4 ,the ,friends reached ,pyrmont on the #ast of the ,seventh ,month1 and shortly afterwards made a visit amongst the members from house to house in that place1 and at ,minden4 ,on the #bhth they visited a number of seriously awakened persons at ,lenzinghausen1 who felt the necessity of spiritual worship1 and to whom their hearts were much enlarged in gospel love4 ,walking in the garden1 writes ,john1 ,yeardley1 in a very solemn and solitary frame of mind before the meeting1 ,i had such a feeling as ,i scarcely ever remember to have had before4 ,i thought ,i saw1 as in the vision of light1 as if a people would be gathered in that neighborhood to the knowledge of the truth4 ,it appeared to me to be in the divine appointment that our dear ,m4,s4 was come to visit ,germany1 and a large field of labor seems to be appointed for her in this land if she is faithful4 ,the next two months were occupied with various religious services1 public and private1 not omitting meetings at ,eidinghausen and ,hille1 where1 as on former occasions1 ,j4,y4 found his heart to go out towards the people with strong emotions of ,christian love4 ,about #aej attended at the former1 and #cjj at the latter place4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,his ,,first ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahbe-f4 ,the time was now come for ,john ,yeardley and ,martha ,savory to pursue their journey to the ,rhine1 ,switzerland and ,france4 ,they left ,pyrmont on the #aath of the ,tenth ,month1 #ahbe1 and beside ,martha ,towell1 were accompanied as far as ,basle by ,william ,seebohm as interpreter4 ,every member of the party wrote in one way or other an account of the journey1 and we have availed ourselves of these various sources in the following narrative4 ,passing through ,paderborn1 they arrived at ,herdecke on the #acth4 ,regarding his feelings in this place ,john ,yeardley writes3-- ,this morning ,i was greatly dejected1 and fearful we might find none of the people whom we were seeking4 ,as ,i was walking pensively outside the town1 ,i recollected what ,i once read in ,cecil's ,remains1--that a way may suddenly open before us when we the least expect it4 ,this was now to be verified2 for after we had entered the carriage with the intention of going to ,elberfeld1 and while we were waiting for a road-ticket1 ,i accidentally fell into conversation with our hostess1 and making inquiry for people of religions character1 learnt that there were a number of such in the neighborhood4 ,the ,friends alighted1 and sent for a member of this little society who resided in the town4 ,he informed them that a meeting was held at ,hageney1 about six miles distant1 at the house of a pastor named ,huecker4 ,being disposed to visit this pastor1 they took their informant with them as guide1 turned their horses in the direction opposite to ,elberfeld1 and drove along a very bad road to his house4 ,they found him occupied in teaching some poor children4 ,he told them that their visit was opportune and remarkable1 for that he had been denounced as a delinquent before the ,synod of ,berlin1 which had sent him a string of questions on doctrine and church-government4 ,he had returned a reply to the questions1 and was then waiting the determination of the synod1 whether he was to be displaced from his cure or not4 ,the ,friends examined his answers1 and were well satisfied with them3 the worship which he and his little flock 7about thirty in number7 practised was of a more spiritual character than that of the national church4 ,martha ,savory expressed her deep sympathy with him in his difficult and painful situation1 and ,john ,yeardley also addressed him in words of consolation and encouragement4 ,at ,elberfeld1 where they arrived on the #aeth1 they met with several interesting persons4 ,one of these1 a young pastor named ,ball1 became greatly endeared to them4 ,he informed them that when he had been severely tempted1 he had found support and deliverance in silent waiting on the ,lord4 ,another was ,pastor ,lindel1 who resided at some distance from the city1 in the ,wupperthal2 he had been brought up a ,roman ,catholic1 had seen many changes1 and suffered not a little persecution4 ,he took them to see a neighbor1 an aged man1 weak in body1 but strong and lively in spirit4 ,this man told them he was present at a meeting at ,muehlheim held by ,sarah ,grubb1 about thirty years before2 and that1 although ninety years old1 he recollected the words with which she concluded her discourse3 ,by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples1 if ye have love one to another4 ,this love1 say the narrators of the occurrence1 was felt amongst us on this occasion1 and at parting the good old man gave us his blessing4 ,they quitted ,elberfeld on the #aith1 and proceeded to ,duesseldorf1 where the reception they met with was equally open and gratifying4 ,they spent an evening at ,kaiserswerth with ,pastor ,fliedner1 who was occupied in vigilantly guarding a little nock of ,protestants surrounded by unscrupulous ,romanists4 ,he evinced much interest in the management of prisons1 and was endeavoring to introduce improvements in that of ,duesseldorf3 he had met with ,martha ,savory in one of her visits at ,newgate4#d ,the next day they went to ,duesselthal1 and inspected the institution there4 ,the ,count ,von-der-,recke conducted them himself through every department4 ,his countenance1 says ,john ,yeardley1 evinces the magnanimity and kindness of his heart2 it is remarkable and precious that so young a man should dedicate his whole time and fortune for the benefit of the orphan and the destitute4 ,at ,creveldt1 the next town where they stopped1 ,pastor ,molinaar and his wife1 who were ,mennonists received them in a very cordial manner3 the latter had seen ,thomas ,shillitoe at ,amsterdam4 ,j4,y4 relates several visits which these worthy persons and some of their ,christian friends paid to them at the inn4 #bbnd4--,in the evening ,pastor ,molinaar came1 with his wife and some friends1 to tea4 ,they inquired very narrowly respecting our principles4 ,pastor ,m4 turned the conversation on women's preaching1 and1 after some explanation1 appeared to be pretty well satisfied with our views on this subject4 ,the ,mennonists hold strongly to the use of ,water ,baptism1 and the pastor and his wife defended this practice1 the latter with much earnestness4 ,but when we had unfolded our sentiments1 and ,william ,seebohm had read a passage from ,tuke's ,principles1 the pastor1 seeing that we aimed only at the spiritual sense1 acknowledged that he had often queried with himself whether the usage could not properly be dispensed with1 and said that he intended still further to examine the question4 ,our certificates were then read2 and after we had conversed on our church discipline1 the company separated in mutual love4 ,the ,friends inquired of the ,mennonists whether any of their ,society would incline to sit with them on the ,first-day evening4 ,our friend1 ,martha ,savory1 told them we could not promise that anything should be uttered1 seeing this could only take place through the immediate operation of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,at the appointed time there assembled about fifty persons4 ,after a short conversation they seated themselves1 and when we had sat awhile in silence1 ,m4,s4 found herself moved to address them in a feeling manner1 ,w4,s4 interpreting2 and ,i relieved my mind in ,german as well as ,i was able4 ,before we separated1 ,pastor ,molinaar rose1 and in the name of the rest expressed his heartfelt satisfaction1 adding that he hoped we should remember them for good1 as they should not fail to pray for our preservation4 #bdth4--,we told ,pastor ,m4 that it would be agreeable if he and any others of his friends who wished to take leave of us would come to the hotel4 ,at seven o'clock1 instead of a few as we expected1 there came about thirty4 ,the ladies seated themselves quite sociably1 and took out their work1 but were evidently prepared to lay it aside in the hope of having another religious sitting4 ,but as we believed there were those present who had come from too great a desire to hear words1 we were on the guard not to satisfy this excited inclination2 and the evening was spent in agreeable conversation4 ,before we separated1 however1 we thought it well to read our ,yearly ,meeting's ,epistle1 which was acceptable to all4 ,pastor ,m4 especially was pleased with the part about church-discipline1 and said he considered it of real advantage that the epistle had been read in that company1 as there were several young women present who might receive benefit from it4 ,feeling attracted towards the inhabitants of ,muehlheim on the ,ruhr1 the ,friends again turned out of the direct road and crossing the ,rhine a little beyond ,duisburg1 arrived in the evening at ,muehlheim4 ,they found a company of ,separatists in the neighborhood of the town1 some of whom they visited2 and the next day they passed over the ,ruhr1 and1 with the assistance of a school-master1 convened a meeting for worship4 ,at the time appointed nearly three hundred persons assembled1 mostly of the poorer class4 ,they were seated in a large school-room1 the men on one side and the women on the other1 waiting in silence4 ,they had a good meeting1 and at the conclusion the auditory expressed their unwillingness to part1 and their desire that those who had ministered to them should visit them again4 ,on the #bgth1 after calling upon some descendants of ,gerhard ,tersteegen1 our ,friends proceeded through ,duesseldorf to ,cologne4 ,they were disappointed of finding in the neighborhood of this city1 that company of religious people on whose account they had felt much interested1 and of whom they had heard that they held principles like the ,quakers1 and were as obstinate in them as they are4 ,they did no more here than call upon a few serious persons in the city1 and then went forwards to ,neuwied1 hoping there to hear of them4 ,at ,neuwied1 besides becoming acquainted with the ,moravian preachers and others1 they were called upon by some of the ,inspirirten1 who invited them to their meetings4 ,they attended one of these2 but1 being dissatisfied with the manner of the service1 and not finding relief for their spiritual exercise1 though the opportunity of speaking was offered without reserve1 they in turn invited the company to meet with them the next morning after the manner of ,friends4 ,the meeting was held to mutual satisfaction1 and one of the leading men amongst the ,inspirirten expressed the hope that it would be blessed to them2 for he was1 he said1 sensible of the want of less activity and more of silent waiting in their religious assemblies4 ,the society to which these people belonged divided in #ahah into two branches1 after an awakening which took place that year2 those who separated believing it to be incumbent upon them to lead more self-denying lives1 and dwell more closely under the influence of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,this new connection was the people of whom our ,friends had heard2 and they learnt that they had retired to a place called ,schwartzenau1 near ,berlenburg1 a small town at the eastern end of the barren hilly region known as the ,sauerland4 ,the distance of this place from ,neuwied is considerable1 and the roads amongst the worst in ,germany2 but ,john ,yeardley and ,martha ,savory apprehended they could not peacefully pursue their journey without attempting to visit them4 ,accordingly they left ,neuwied on the #ast of the ,eleventh ,month1 and proceeded to ,montabauer4 ,the road led them at first amongst some of the choicest scenery of the ,rhine2 but after a while they left the river and struck into the interior of the country1 in a north-easterly direction4 ,the next day they passed through a place where1 a few months before1 a ,diligence had been robbed4 ,the robbers1 who had been taken a fortnight after the offence1 were then1 as they were informed1 in ,limburg gaol1 and were to be hanged the next day4 ,they were ten in number1 all members of one family4 ,at ,burbach they met with an ,english landlord1 thirty-five years resident in ,germany2 he was delimited to see his fellow-countrymen1 and exerted himself to give them the best entertainment his house afforded4 ,the country they passed through was very hilly1 and overgrown with forest2 now and then a solitary dwelling was seen in the bottom of the deep valleys4 ,on the #crd they came to ,siegen1 an ancient and antique town on the side of a high hill1 looking1 as one of the party observed1 as though they had reached the end of the world4 ,and1 indeed1 it seemed almost like the end of the civilised world2 for they were informed that the road from thence to ,berlenburg was in such a miserable condition that they could take their carriage no farther4 ,they resolved1 however1 to make the attempt1 and providing themselves with a tandem horse 7vorspann7 and a guide1 and sending on their luggage1 they set forth on the way to ,letze1 a village where they proposed to lodge2 but the waters were abroad from the overflow of the rivers1 and the road being extremely narrow1 and the ruts deep1 they made very slow progress4 ,sometimes the way was so impracticable that they had to take the carriage through the woods which skirted the road4 ,darkness and rain coming on obliged them to halt for the night at ,netphen1 and seek shelter in the humble dwelling of a woman1 who at first took alarm at the unexpected appearance of so many strangers4 ,the account which the guide gave respecting the travellers dispelled her fears1 and she did what she could by hospitality to make up for the scantiness of her accommodation4 ,she gave them also some information respecting the ,inspirirten1 whom they were on the way to visit1 speaking favorably of them4 ,the next morning1 before they started1 they were able to offer her spiritual good in return for her temporal kindness1 ,john ,yeardley ministering to her condition under religious exercise2 and they trusted his words found entrance into her soul4 ,on the #dth they pursued their way1 up hill and down1 the carriage sometimes becoming so firmly fixed in the narrow deep ruts1 that it was necessary to take out the horses1 and for the men of the party1 with the assistance of passers-by1 to lift it over to more even ground4 ,at length they arrived at ,erndebrueck1 and drove to an inn2 but not finding their luggage1 they went to another1 and while they were preparing to start for ,berlenburg1 ,william ,seebohm went to the ,custom-office to show the ticket of clearance they had received on entering the ,prussian territory at ,burbach4 ,this ticket should have obviated all delay attendant on the examination of the luggage2 but it happened1 most unfortunately1 that the custom officer was the landlord of the inn they first came to4 ,their leaving his house without taking refreshment was1 in his eyes1 an unpardonable offence1 and on ,william ,seebohm presenting to him the ticket1 his countenance and language betrayed the passion which raged in his breast4 ,he declared their trunks should be examined in the strictest manner2 and when they represented the necessity they were under of speedily pursuing their journey1 and desired him to despatch the business as quickly as possible1 he replied by detaining them until they were obliged to send back the horse and guide1 and consent to pass the night under his roof4 ,he then demanded their passports1 and finding they had not been vise'd at all the towns through which they had passed1 and that the travellers had departed from the route described in them1 he sent for a gendarme1 and placed them under arrest4 ,they were not allowed to take anything from their trunks without being watched by the gendarme2 and when they took out a letter of recommendation1 written by ,dr4 ,steinkopf to the clergyman of the place1 whom they had requested to call upon them1 the gendarme insisted on first reading it4 ,on their expostulating with the landlord at being treated in this manner1 instead of making a direct reply1 he strutted up and down the room1 repeating continually1 ,ja1 ja1 ja1 ja6 they shall know what they went away from my house for1 and that there is a custom-office here4 ,the ,friends took their evening meal1 as is usual in ,germany1 in-one of the sleeping-rooms--that which had been allotted to ,martha ,savory and ,martha ,towell4 ,into this chamber1 when they had eaten1 the landlord brought a party of eight or nine men to take their supper4 ,after supper the men smoked1 and some of them did not even refrain from showing their ill-breeding in a more disagreeable way4 ,william ,seebohm overheard the landlord and the gendarme say to each other1 ,these people are travelling this way to visit the ,separatists1 and strengthen them in their religious opinions2 but we will disappoint them4 ,the next morning they were favored with a short season of solemn communion1 in which they were given to believe that the ,name of the ,lord would be their strong tower4 ,their liberation1 in fact1 was near2 for their envious jailor1 finding probably no excuse for longer detaining them1 suffered them to depart1 but sent the gendarme to guard them as far as ,berlenburg4 ,the man proved to be an excellent guide1 and being eager to bring them to the magistrate of that town1 where they could be more effectually checked in their schismatical object1 he was very useful in shouldering the carriage when they came to a stand in the miserable roads4 ,the town of ,berlenburg presented a dismal spectacle1 the greater part having recently been burnt down2 so that they had some difficulty in making their way through the ruins4 ,they were subjected to no delay at the ,custom-house1 but1 before being allowed to go to an inn1 were conducted by the gendarme to the ,castle1 to be examined by the ,landrath1 or magistrate4 ,while ,john ,yeardley and ,william ,seebohm were taken into the justice-chamber1 ,martha ,savory and ,martha ,towell remained in the carriage1 where they were presently surrounded by a crowd1 who gazed with astonishment at their equipage1 no such vehicle having been seen in the town for many years1 and probably never any persons in such attire4 ,being weary of waiting1 and anxious to know the result of the examination1 they left the carriage and ascended to the magistrate's room4 ,they were politely received1 and arrived just as he had concluded the examination and was declaring the ,friends entirely free from1 the requisitions of the law4 ,the letters of recommendation which they presented were very helpful in procuring this result4 ,at the ,landrath's request1 they stated the object of their journey1 and the reasons which had induced them to deviate from the route described in the passports1 of all which he caused a note to be taken4 ,at the conclusion he politely dismissed them with the salutation1 ,go where you will1 in ,god's name2 and the abashed and disappointed gendarme was obliged to imitate his superior and make them a parting bow4 ,the magistrate referred them to two of the citizen1 for information regarding the ,separatists1 but remarked that he considered a visit to ,schwartzenau at that critical moment would not be without danger4 ,one of the persons on whom the ,landrath recommended the ,friends to call was the ,inspector of the ,lutheran or ,state ,church of the country2 and on the #fth1 which was ,first-day1 after a time of worship in their own apartment1 they received a visit from this personage4 ,wishing to act with entire openness1 they informed him of their desire to see the ,separatists1 and invited him to accompany them4 ,he gave them the names of several with whom they might freely have intercourse4 ,as the interview proceeded mutual confidence increased1 particularly after reading their certificates2 and the ,inspector expressed himself gratified with the liberality entertained by ,friends towards people of other religious persuasions4 ,it snowed all the next day1 and the roads were deep in water1 so that ,m4,s4 and ,m4,t4 remained in-doors2 but ,j4,y4 and ,w4,s4 walked to ,homburgshausen1 a village about a mile and a-half from ,berlenburg1 to call upon an aged man1 a ,separatist of the old connection4 ,he had heard of their arrival1 and was overjoyed to see them2 he looked upon it as a providential occurrence that they should have been sent there at that juncture4 ,his forefathers1 he said1 had been settled there many years1 and had hitherto enjoyed liberty of conscience2 but now he feared they were about to be deprived of that privilege4 ,before the ,friends left ,berlenburg1 he called at their inn with several more of his society2 he appeared to be a truly pious man1 and looked1 they say1 exactly like a good old ,friend4 ,he declared himself to be fully convinced of the value of silent worship1 but said that their people in general were not prepared to adopt it2 however they rejected outward baptism1 and the use of the bread and wine1 and refused to bear arms4 ,he had been many times summoned before the magistrates to be examined upon his religious belief4 ,on one of these occasions the ,landrath asked why he did not take the bread and wine1 and why he did not have his children baptised4 ,he answered that if he was to conform to these ceremonies it would be as though he had received a sealed letter in which nothing was written4 ,he and his people were solicitous with the ,friends to have a meeting with them2 but the minds of ,john ,yeardley and his companions were pre-occupied with a desire first to see the ,new ,separatists1 who were then under persecution1 and they did not think it proper to accede to the request4 ,in reply to a message which they sent to some of the new society1 they received1 through a young woman 7for the men were afraid to come to the inn71 a pressing invitation to visit some of them who lived in a retired spot called ,schellershammer1 not far distant4 ,they immediately accepted the invitation4 ,the road1 which was impassable for a carriage1 was covered with mud and water4 ,they were received into a very humble dwelling by a pious young man and his family1 with whom also they found some of the ,new ,separatists from ,schwartzenau4 ,on4 sitting down with this company the restraining presence of the ,lord was felt1 under which they remained for some time in silence4 ,then the poor people opened to them their situation with humility and freedom4 ,the young man above-mentioned had just drawn up a statement of their religious principles1 which had been sent to the authorities4 ,this statement he showed to the ,friends1 as also a letter to the ,king of ,prussia1 which had been prepared by one of their ministers1 but which1 from its lofty assumption of prophetic authority1 they could not approve4 ,these people called their ministers1 ,instruments2 and they had fallen into the specious error of attributing to their effusions1 whether spoken or written1 equal authority with the ,holy-,scriptures4 ,on other points their principles resembled those of ,friends2 as the disuse of outward ceremonies and of oaths1 and their testimony against war4 ,it was on these accounts that they were persecuted4 ,they appeared to dwell under the cross of ,christ1 and to live in much quietness of spirit4 ,under the existing circumstances the ,friends did not feel bound to appoint a general religious meeting with these people4 ,they contented themselves1 therefore1 with unfolding their sentiments in conversation1 giving them books1 and before they left ,berlenburg1 addressing them by letter1 in which they enlarged particularly on the subject of the ministry4 ,they also left some copies of their ,friends' books with the old society2 and both parties declared their belief that the visit they had received was in the order of ,divine ,providence1 and took leave of them in love and confidence4 ,the friends quitted ,berlenburg on the #ith of the ,eleventh ,month1 and proceeded towards ,frankfort4 ,after a day's journey over bad roads1 they were glad to find themselves once more on the chaussee4 ,they arrived on the #aath at ,frankfort1 where they called on a few pious individuals1 but stayed a very short time in the city1 being desirous of visiting some ,old and ,new ,separatists at ,lieblose near ,gelnhausen1 about twenty-four miles from ,frankfort4 ,the next morning they accordingly went to ,gelnhausen1 and had social interviews with members of both associations1 but failed to make use of the opportunity they had of holding a meeting for worship with the ,old ,separatists1 which they afterwards regretted4 ,they then went forward to ,raneberg1 about six miles distant1 to see the ,instrument who wrote the letter to the ,king of ,prussia which was shown to them at ,schellershammer4 ,they found him a young man1 inhabiting an apartment in a lonely castle1 romantically situated on a high hill4 ,the access to the spot was through a forest1 and by a very bad road4 ,whatever prejudice in regard to him they might have imbibed from the style of his letter was at once dispelled by his appearance2 his look was so humble1 so devoted1 and with such extreme sweetness of countenance4 ,john ,yeardley and ,martha ,savory conversed with him a long time2 he did not rightly comprehend the nature of the ,christian ministry1 but he listened calmly and patiently to all they had to say4 ,they left some books with him1 and received some in return1 descriptive of the awakening which gave rise to the division in the society of ,inspirirten4 ,he was then about to set out on foot to pay a religious visit to the members of his own profession in various parts of the country2 when at home he worked at his trade1 which was that of a carpenter4 ,the party retraced their steps to ,hanau1 and the next day pursued their way southwards4 ,they passed through ,darmstadt and ,heidelberg to ,pforzheim4 ,here they called on ,henry ,kienlin1 whom they found a ,friend in principle and practice1 and who had given many proofs of his fidelity to his principles by the persecution he had endured from his relations1 and the pecuniary loss he had suffered for refusing to comply with ecclesiastical and military demands4 ,he was a man of station and influence in the town4 ,he had not previously had personal acquaintance with any members of the ,society of ,friends1 but had read many of their writings4 ,he accompanied the travellers five miles out of the town to a little flock of ,separatists1 who had not yet obtained religious liberty1 and to whom it was forbidden under a severe penalty to attend meetings held by strangers4 ,on the visiters entering the house of one of them1 a number presently collected2 and as they stood together1 a solemn feeling pervaded the assembly1 and ,john ,yeardley was moved to address them in gospel testimony4 ,henry ,kienlin followed1 explaining the principles of ,friends clearly1 and giving them some suitable advice4 ,they were laboring under the want of discipline and organization1 and of some one properly to represent their case to the government4 ,some of them called the next day at ,pforzheim1 to see the ,friends again before they left4 ,the next place where they halted was ,stuttgardt1 to which city ,h4 ,kienlin gave them his company4 ,here they visited ,queen ,catharine's ,institution1 a school for the training of girls in reduced circumstances1 as teachers1 c41 where #agj young persons were being educated4 ,they were also introduced to a number of pious individuals1 and among them to ,pastor ,hoffmann of ,kornthal1 whose excellent institution they were unable at this time to visit4 ,an appointment had been made for them to meet at ,basle ,louis ,a4 ,majolier of ,congenies1 who was to serve as their guide and ,french interpreter through ,switzerland and ,france1 and they felt obliged on being informed of this appointment to pursue their journey more quickly than they otherwise would have done4 ,returning to ,pforzheim1 they stopped at ,muehlhausen1 where they called on ,mueller1 minister of a congregation1 consisting of #agj persons1 who had separated a few years before from the ,catholics4 ,this young man received them with openness and affection1 and before they parted1 ,john ,yeardley had something to say to him under religious exercise1 which he received in the love in which it was spoken4 ,from ,pforzheim they went direct to ,basle1 through ,freiburg4 ,on their arrival they were much disappointed to find that ,louis ,majolier had waited for them many days1 and hearing no tidings of them1 had returned to ,geneva1 supposing they had gone on to that city by another route4 ,at ,basle they were introduced to many pious persons1 conspicuous among whom was ,blumhardt1 inspector of the ,mission-house1 who behaved towards them as a loving and kind father in ,christ4 ,he encouraged them in their concern to have a religious meeting with the students4 ,the meeting took place in the evening when the young men were collected for supper and devotion2 they received the word which was preached to them in gospel love1 and manifested towards our friends no small degree of tenderness and affection4 ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,we had reason to believe there are among them many precious young men who are preparing for usefulness4 ,the grounds on which this place is conducted are different from most of the kind4 ,none are sent out but those who can really say they feel it to be their religious duty to go to any certain people or country4 ,a sweet young man1 who was extremely attentive to us1 ,charles ,haensel1 is since gone to ,sierra ,leone to teach the poor negroes1 from a conviction of duty4 ,one day during their sojourn1 ,c4 ,haensel took them to a meeting for worship1 held in the house of ,c4 ,f4 ,spittler4 ,j4,y4 says1 we sat until they had performed part of their worship1 and then the leader signified to the company that a few ,friends from ,england were present1 and told us that if we had anything to offer we had full liberty to do so4 ,silence ensuing1 dear ,m4,s4 found herself constrained to address them in a way suited to the occasion2 ,i was also enabled to express what came before me4 ,they afterwards expressed their thankfulness for the opportunity4 ,from ,basle ,william ,seebohm returned to ,pyrmont1 and the ,english ,friends1 hoping that they might meet ,louis ,majolier at ,berne1 went forward to that city1 but were again disappointed4 ,although they were anxious to reach ,geneva as quickly as possible1 the attraction of gospel love towards ,zurich was so strong that they could not continue their journey until they had visited that city4 ,they arrived there on the #bnd of the ,twelfth ,month4 ,the state of their own feelings and the refreshing ,christian intercourse which awaited them are thus described in the ,diary3-- ,first-day1 we sat down to hold our little meeting4 ,it was to me a low time1 but ,i still thought the hand of divine help was near to comfort us1 and before the close dear ,m4 ,s4 was drawn into supplication in a way which expressed the feelings of all our hearts4 ,after this season of spiritual refreshment1 we called on ,professor ,gessner1 who1 with his wife and family1 was truly glad to see us4 ,being near dinner-time1 we could not stay long2 but their daughter offered to accompany us to her aunt's this afternoon1 and accordingly came to our inn1 and went with us to ,miss ,lavater1 who1 with ,gessner's wife1 is a daughter of the pious author ,lavater4 ,she received us with open arms1 but spoke only ,german1 or at least but very little ,french1 so that ,m4 ,s4 conversed with her in ,german4 ,she spoke of ,stephen ,grellet with much interest and affection3 he lives in the remembrance of all in this country who have seen and known him1 as well as ,william ,allen4 ,how pleasant it is to find that such devoted instruments have left such a good savor behind them6 ,wherever we follow dear ,stephen1 his presence has made a sufficient introduction to us2 but ,i regret exceedingly my own incapability of being sufficiently useful in these precious opportunities which we meet with3 but1 as we often say in our little company1 ,this is like a voyage of discovery2 and our humble endeavors1 however weak1 may have a tendency to open the way for others who may be made more extensively useful1 should such ever be led to visit the solitary parts where we have been4 ,we were invited to drink tea this afternoon by our friend ,gessner1 and on a nearer acquaintance found this a precious family2 his wife is a sweet-spirited person1 and their daughters pious young women4 ,one of them1 in particular1 ,i thought not only bore the mark of having been with her ,saviour1 but a desire was also expressed in her countenance to abide with him3 may ,he who has visited her mind draw her more and more by the cords of his love and preserve her from the evil which is in the world6 ,when tea was ended1 we dropped into silence1 and ,pastor ,gessner offered up a prayer from the sincerity of his heart1 and it was evidently attended by the spirit of divine grace and life4 ,afterwards dear ,m4,s4 and ,i expressed what was on our minds2 ,i interpreted for her as well as ,i could1 and ,i hope they understood it4 ,we were all much tendered in sympathy together1 and ,i think the visit to this family will not soon be forgotten3 we took leave of them in the most affectionate manner1 they expressing sincere desires for our preservation4 ,on their return to ,berne they met with some pious ladies3 ,one of whom1 says ,john ,yeardley1 spoke ,german with me1 and entered pretty suddenly on the subject of the bread and wine supper1 or sacrament4 ,she seemed to have lost sight that there is a spiritual communion which the soul can hold with its ,saviour1 and which needs not the help of outward shadows2 but it is remarkable when our reasons for the disuse of such things are given in simplicity and love1 how the feelings of others become changed towards us2 they then see we do not refuse the administration of them out of obstinacy1 but from a tender conscience4 ,on the #hth they drove to ,lausanne1 and the next day to ,geneva4 ,john ,yeardley has preserved1 in his diary of this part of the journey1 a little anecdote of ,french character which naturally struck him the more forcibly from his having hitherto been conversant only with the phlegmatic temperament of the ,germans4 ,the coachman1 it should be said1 was of that nation4 ,on the road between ,nyon and ,geneva a little incident occurred which showed us the liveliness of the ,french temperament4 ,a man got up behind our carriage1 and our coachman very naturally whipped him down4 ,the man followed us quietly for a while1 but at length his wounded dignity overcame his patience1 and he came up to our coachman and began to speak furiously on the impropriety of his having whipped him4 ,finding he could make nothing of one who understood not what he said1 he addressed himself to our friend ,martha ,towell1 and said he knew he had done wrong2 but the coachman should have told him to get down1 which was customary in their country1 and not to have whipped him4 ,m4,t4 was prepared to appease his wrath by a mild reply1 which eased the poor man very much2 otherwise ,i think we should have had more trouble with him2 but he seemed to be quieted1 and said1 ,teach your coachman to say1 in ,french1 descendez4 ,they reached ,geneva just in time to prevent the departure of ,louis ,majolier3 ,who1 says ,martha ,savory1 was indeed rejoiced to see us after all his anxiety4 ,but1 she continues1 great as was our mutual satisfaction at meeting1 ,i am inclined to think it would have been better if this plan had never been proposed1 as it was a means of preventing some movements which might have tended much to our relief2 and his mind was in such an anxious state about home that he could not give himself to anything that might have opened at ,geneva or ,lausanne 7to which ,i expected to return71 but begged us1 very earnestly1 to return with him to ,congenies1 as soon as possible4-- 7,letter to ,e4 ,dudley47 ,they found the religious world at ,geneva in a state of convulsion4 ,the secret poison of infidelity1 says ,j4,y41 has a good deal sapped the principle of real religion2 and the clergy of the ,established ,church have preached a doctrine tending to ,socinianism4 ,a few young ministers have boldly come forth and separated themselves1 and are determined1 in the midst of persecution1 to preach ,christ and him crucified4 ,some of these seem to have gone to the opposite extreme1 for they hold too strongly the principles of predestination4 ,it is a remarkable time in this neighborhood1 as well as at ,lausanne1 where many are awakened to seek more after the substance of religion4 ,at ,geneva they formed a friendship with several persons1 among whom were ,pastors ,moulinier and ,l',huillier1 and ,captain ,owen1 an ,englishman4 ,with the last-named they were united in close bonds of religious affection2 they were enabled to administer to his spiritual wants1 and he was forward to render them assistance in every possible way4 ,the journey from ,geneva to ,nismes was tedious1 occupying more than a week4 ,on approaching ,nismes1 ,john ,yeardley says1 the beautiful olives and vineyards1 together with the wild rocky aspect around1 form a pleasing sight2 and to see them pruning1 digging and dunging about the trees1 reminds one of the relations of ,scripture history4 ,at ,nismes they went to see the amphitheatre3-- ,from the top of which1 says ,j4,y41 we had a view of the city and the surrounding neighborhood1 which is indeed beautiful4 ,the great number of olives1 vines1 fig-trees1 c41 excite a train of ideas pleasing and indescribable4 ,in travelling through ,switzerland ,john ,yeardley had been often brought into a low state of mind1 and on approaching ,congenies1 the final object of the journey1 his heart was stirred to its depths4 ,it is very instructive to observe what were his feelings in reaching a place to which his mind had been1 so long directed4 ,the road1 he says1 was better1 and the outward prospect a little enlivening2 but it is not easy to describe the feelings my mind was under in approaching a place which has so long occupied my thoughtfulness to visit4 ,the prospect is discouraging1 but ,i must be content and sink down to the spring of life1 which can alone make known the objects of duty and qualify for their fulfilment4 ,in the midst of all my spiritual poverty a stream of gratitude flows in my heart to the ,father of mercies1 that he has been pleased to preserve us in many dangers1 and bring us safe to this part of his heritage2 and if it should be his will that ,i should have nothing to do but to suffer for his name's sake1 may he grant me patience to bear it4 ,martha ,savory's feelings on the same occasion were also those of deep gratitude for the preservation experienced during their journey1 united1 she says1 with an humbling sense of many omissions and great unworthiness1 yet of help having been mercifully administered in the time of need4--7,letter of #b mo4 #aj1 #ahbf47 ,edward ,brady was spending the winter at ,congenies for the sake of his health1 and his society was a source of no little comfort to ,john ,yeardley2 who1 however1 still1 frequently labored under spiritual depression4 ,before dinner1 he writes under date of the #bcrd of the ,twelfth ,month1 we took a walk to ,m4,s4's windmill1 from whence we had a fair view of ,congenies and the neighborhood1 which is of a wild description4 ,on reflecting on the place and circumstances connected with it1 my mind was filled with various ideas1 but none of them of an encouraging nature4 ,his discouragement was increased by ignorance of the language1 and1 with his accustomed diligence1 on the morrow after his arrival he commenced learning ,french4 ,on the recurrence of his birth-day1 which was nearly coincident with the beginning of the year1 he says3-- ,i am once more entered on a new year of my life1 ,i fear without the last having been much improved2 and to form resolutions of amendment in my own strength can avail me nothing4 ,may ,he who knows my infirmities assist me to overcome them and to become more useful in his cause4 ,my discouragement still continues2 ,i don't feel those refreshing seasons which ,i have often experienced in times past2 the pure life is often low in meeting1 and ,i am not so watchful and diligent to improve my time and talent as ,i ought to be4 ,i often feel as one already laid by useless1 and the language of my heart is1 ,o that ,i were as in days past6 ,soon after their arrival at ,congenies1 ,martha ,savory met with a serious accident4 ,thinking a ride would be beneficial to her health1 when the rest of the party drove one afternoon to ,sommieres1 she accompanied them on horseback4 ,she had not a proper saddle1 and her horse being eager to keep up with the carriage set off downhill at so rapid a rate as to throw her to the ground4 ,the cap of one knee was displaced by the fall1 and1 although she soon recovered so as to be able to walk1 the limb continued to be subject to weakness for some years4 ,as soon as ,m4 ,s4 was sufficiently recovered1 she and her companions visited the ,friends at ,congenies and the neighboring villages from house to house1 and also assembled on one occasion the heads of families1 and on another the young people of the ,society4 ,in reviewing a part of this service ,john ,yeardley says3-- #c mo4 #f4--;,it has been a deeply exercising time1 but has tended much more to the relief of our minds1 at least as regards myself1 than ,i had anticipated4 ,from the discouraged state of mind ,i passed through for the first few weeks at this place1 ,i expected to leave it burdened and distressed1 but am thankful to acknowledge that holy help has been near to afford relief to my poor tossed spirit1 and ,i have cause to believe it is in divine wisdom that ,i am here4 ,on the #acth of the ,third ,month they took leave of their friends at ,congenies to return to ,england1 being accompanied by ,edward ,brady1 and during part of the journey by ,louis ,majolier4 ,by the way they had some religious intercourse with ,protestant dissenters at a few places2 but at ,st4 ,etienne1 where they had expected to remain a fortnight1 they found the door nearly closed to their entrance2 a company of pious persons in this town were at that time so nearly united with ,friends as to bear their name4 ,these1 says ,john ,yeardley1 in a letter1 are now reduced to about twenty in number4 ,they have suffered and still suffer much persecution from the ,roman ,catholics4 ,they are forbidden by heavy fines to meet together1 except in very small companies4 ,we met them several times in their small meetings to much comfort2 there are a few among them who have stood firm through the heat of trial1 and these are precious individuals4 ,the priests are exceedingly jealous4 ,on our arrival in the town we held our little meeting with1 these pious people on ,first-day morning2 the priest came to the house of the woman ,friend where we had been to demand who we were and where we lodged1 and said it was we who had caused them to err1 and he would convince us in their presence that we were not only in error ourselves1 but had led them into error also4 ,but we saw nothing of him1 and left the place in safety1 which we considered a great favor2 for such has been their rage that they have dared to shoot at some missionaries who have been in the neighborhood 7,letter to ,thomas ,yeardley1 #d mo4 #ai47 ,the rest of the journey through ,france was in general dreary1 the external accommodation being bad1 and the consolation of spiritual intercourse very scanty4 ,at ,arras1 however1 they were refreshed by the company of a ,protestant minister1 a liberal and worthy man1 who had to stand alone in a large district of weak-handed ,protestants among strong-headed ,catholics4 ,arriving at ,calais1 ,martha ,savory and ,martha ,towell1 with ,edward ,brady1 crossed over to ,england1 leaving ,john ,yeardley to follow at a later period4 ,on the #adth of the ,fourth ,month he writes3-- ,my dear companions left for ,england4 ,i watched them from the pier until ,i could bear to stay no longer1 and then returned sorrowfully to my quarters1 and soon repaired to the little retired lodging we had engaged for me in the country1 where ,i spent a few days in learning ,french1 c4 ,in taking a retrospect of our long journey ,i feel a large degree of peaceful satisfaction in having been desirous to fulfil 7though very imperfectly7 a religious duty2 and these feelings of gratitude excited a wish that the remainder of my few days might be more faithfully devoted to the service of my great ,lord and ,master4 ,the little lodging of which he speaks was a retired chamber on the garden-wall2 and having left it for a few days to go to ,antwerp with the carriage and horses which they had used on the journey1 on his return it had already acquired1 in his view1 something of the character of home4 ,the beautiful green branches1 says he1 modestly looking in at the window1 give me a silent welcome2 and the little birds chirruping in the garden1 which is my drawing-room and study4 ,i cannot but acknowledge how grateful ,i feel in being permitted to rest in so quiet a retreat1 shut up from many of those anxious cares which have perplexed the former part of my life4--7,diary1 #d mo4 #bg47 ,the last few words of this memorandum may seem at first sight to refer to his temporary seclusion from the world in his little hermitage at ,calais2 but there is little doubt that they have a wider significance1 and contain also an allusion to his anticipated union with ,martha ,savory4 ,the prospect of this union seems to have sprung up during the journey1 and to have become matured before they separated at ,calais2 and the effect of it was1 amongst other things1 to set him free from the necessity of pursuing business any longer as a means of livelihood1 and to ensure to him a provision sufficient for his moderate wants4 ,on the #abth of the ,fifth ,month1 ,john ,yeardley left ,calais for ,london4 ,at the inn in ,calais1 a little incident occurred1 the relation of which may be useful to others4 ,a serious ,frenchman1 who was going on board the same packet1 was struck with my not paying for the music after dinner1 and was much inclined to know my reason1 believing my refusal was from a religious motive4 ,at a suitable opportunity he asked me1 and confessed he had felt a scruple of the same kind1 and regretted he had not been faithful4 ,this slight incident was the means of making me acquainted with an honest and religious man1 as ,i afterwards found him to be4 ,how important it is to be faithful in very little things1 not knowing what effect they may have on others6 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,his ,,marriage ,,with ,,martha ,,savory4 #ahbf-bg4 ,during his stay in ,london1 ,john ,yeardley attended the ,yearly ,meeting1 and the ,annual ,meetings of the ,school1 ,anti-slavery1 and other ,societies1 with which he was much gratified4 ,soon after the termination of the ,yearly ,meeting1 he went into ,yorkshire to see his mother4 #f mo4 #ac4--;,i left ,london in the mail for ,sheffield1 and on the #adth slept at my dear brother ,thomas's at ,ecclesfield1 who took me on the #aeth1 to ,barnsley4 ,i was truly thankful to be favored to see my precious mother once more4 ,on the #aith1 ,i attended the ,monthly ,meeting at ,highflatts4 ,it is not easy to describe the various thoughts which rushed into my mind on seeing so many ,friends whom ,i had known and loved in former days4 ,the meeting was a much-favored time1 although we felt the want of some of the fathers and mothers who are removed4 ,in the next entry there is an allusion to the disastrous commercial panic by which this year was distinguished4 #g mo4 #bd4--;,have been very low and deserted in mind for a long time past4 ,it is a time for the trial of my patience1 and yet ,i have many favors for which ,i ought to be truly thankful4 ,it is a precious privilege to be relieved from the commercial difficulties which at present abound in the trading world4 ,may it be my lot ever to keep so1 if consistent with the divine will4 #h mo4 #ba4--,monthly ,meeting at ,wooldale4 ,the meeting was exceedingly crowded with strangers2 there was not room in the house to hold all who came4 ,i had been very low all the morning1 and to see such a number of people at the meeting sunk me low indeed4 ,i was enabled to turn inward to ,him from whom help alone comes2 and blessed be his holy ,name1 he did not forsake me in the needful time1 but was pleased once more to give strength and utterance to communicate what came before me4 ,my certificates from ,germany and ,congenies were read and accepted1 and many ,friends expressed much unity and sympathy with me on my return to them1 which was a comfort and strength to me4 ,on the #ast of the ,ninth ,month1 he again went to ,london4 ,during his stay in the city1 he took the opportunity of visiting the ,industrial ,schools at ,lindfield1 founded by ,william ,allen2 a kind of institution which always engaged his warmest sympathy and approbation4 ,with the new turn which was given to the course of his life by his betrothal to ,martha ,savory1 it is not surprising that he should have considered his residence abroad to be brought1 in the order of ,divine ,providence1 to a natural termination1 and that he now turned his attention to taking up his abode again in his native land4 ,in selecting a place of residence1 he seems to have had no hesitation in making choice of the neighborhood of ,barnsley2 the spot1 as the reader may remember1 which seemed to him1 when he was obliged to remove to ,bentham1 as that which had the first claim upon his gospel services4 ,the state of his mind1 whilst preparing his intended residence at ,burton1 the same village where he used to attend meeting in his early days1 may be seen by the following memorandum3-- #i mo4 #bf4 ,at ,york4--,it was a large ,quarterly ,meeting4 ,living ministry flowed freely1 and ,i thought even poor me was a little refreshed3 but ,i have been for a long time in a deplorable state1 in a spiritual sense4 ,since the ,quarterly ,meeting1 my time and thoughts have been much occupied in fitting up our intended residence at the cottage at ,burton2 and ,i may truly say1 ,i have been cumbered about many things1 which1 ,i think1 has kept my mind in a poor1 barren state4 ,o the many weeks that ,i have had to sit with my mouth in the dust to bemoan my own inward misery6 ,my conflict of mind has been increased by the trying state of my precious mother's health4 ,my attendance on her in this poorly state1 and at this season of the year1 when ,i lost my poor dearest ,bessie1 reminded me strongly of my dear departed lamb4 ,before his marriage with ,martha ,savory was accomplished1 he was called upon to attend the deathbed of his mother1 and to follow the remains of his father to the grave4 #aa mo4 #af4--,on the #crd ,i left the cottage1 and took my luggage to go from ,barnsley by the coach to ,london4 ,stepped down to take leave of my dear mother1 but found her so weak that ,i could not at all think of leaving her2 and was indeed glad that ,i did not go1 for the dear creature continued to grow weaker and weaker till a quarter past three o'clock on ,seventh-day morning1 #dth of ,eleventh ,month1 when she peacefully breathed her last4 ,she was fully sensible to the close1 and also fully sensible that her end was near4 ,her precious remains were interred at ,burton on the #gth1 after a meeting appointed for the occasion at ,barnsley4 ,in her room1 before we left ,redbrook where she had resided1 ,i was enabled to petition the throne of mercy for a little help and strength through the remainder of the solemn scene1 which1 ,i think1 was in a remarkable manner granted4 ,after having paid the last tribute of affection and duty to our endeared parent1 fourteen of our dear friends and relations dined with me at the cottage4 ,it is remarkable that the opening of our residence should be in this awful manner2 but we were much comforted in feeling in the midst of all our sorrow1 the greatest degree of peace and quietude on the solemn occasion4 ,on ,fourth-day1 being the day after we had taken leave of our precious mother's remains1 ,i went with my brother and sister to see our poor dear father1 who had been ill in bed about two weeks4 ,we arrived about seven o'clock2 but1 to our great surprise1 about an hour before we reached the place1 our beloved father had fallen asleep1 never to wake more in this world4 ,this was indeed awful1 but the ,judge of the earth must do right4 ,we attended the interment on ,first-day1 the #abth4 ,the meeting-house at ,woodhouse was pretty full1 and a good and tendering meeting it was4 ,it felt hard work to labor among a number of worldly-minded people2 but ,i have learned to consider it one of the greatest of privileges to be appointed to service1 even though attended with suffering4 ,since this time my poor mind has felt more tender and more susceptible of good4 ,o that it may continue1 and that ,i may remain humble and watchful for the time to come1 and live prepared for that awful change which ,i4 know not how soon may be sent to my dwelling6--7#aa mo4 #af47 ,on the #ahth he pursued his journey to ,london1 and on the #bast1 at ,gracechurch-street ,monthly ,meeting1 he presented his intention of marriage with ,martha ,savory4 ,in a private interview at ,elizabeth ,dudley's1 he writes1 ,richard ,barrett and ,e4 ,dudley expressed their full unity with our intended union1 in terms of much interest and encouragement4 ,on the #acth of the ,twelfth ,month the marriage took place at ,gracechurch-street ,meeting-house4 ,the time in silence1 says the ,diary1 was very solemn1 and acceptable testimonies were borne by ,william ,allen and ,elisabeth ,dudley4 ,after meeting we adjourned to the ,library to take leave1 where a stream of encouragement flowed to us from several of our dear friends1 which felt truly strengthening4 ,about twenty of our friends and relations dined at ,a4,b4 ,savory's at ,stoke ,newington4 ,the day was spent1 ,i trust1 profitably1 and on parting1 about seven o'clock1 we had a comfortable time1 and something was expressed by my ,m4 and self1 and dear ,w4 ,allen4 ,after taking a very affectionate leave1 we posted on to ,barnet4 ,my brother ,thomas and ,j4,a4 ,wilson took us up the next morning2 and we four came down in the coach to ,sheffield1 and the nest day to ,ecclesfield to dinner1 and arrived at our humble cottage the #aeth of the ,twelfth ,month1 ,i trust with thankful hearts4 99 99 99 99 99 ,it is appropriate to give in this place some account of ,martha ,savory's character and ,christian experience4 ,that our notice is brief and incomplete1 is owing to the loss of most of her own memoranda1 and of the letters she addressed to those with whom she was on intimate terms4 ,she possessed1 it will be seen1 an intellectual character and disposition1 as well as an experience1 very different from those of her husband4 ,it does not follow1 however1 that this dissimilarity was a hindrance to their joint service in the gospel1 any more than to their social harmony and love4 ,it may be1 on the contrary1 that ,martha ,savory's quickness of understanding and of feeling1 the readiness with which she apprehended the sentiments and condition of others1 her conversancy with the allurements of city life1 and the perils of unbelief from which she had been rescued1 fitted her in a peculiar degree to be her husband's helper in the ministry1 especially in their travels on the ,continent4 ,she was born in ,london in #agha1 and was the daughter of ,joseph and ,anna ,savory4 ,to an active and vigorous understanding she united a strength of will which would brook little control1 together with much energy and fearlessness2 and the propensity to follow the vain inclinations of the unregenerate heart displayed itself in an indulgence in much that was inimical to the restraints of ,christian principle4 ,her disposition was generous2 all her emotions were ardent1 and were seldom subjected to the discipline of a corrected judgment4 ,there were1 however1 various occasions1 even in her very early years1 when1 through the visitations of heavenly love1 her mind was forcibly aroused to a conviction of the need of redeeming grace4 ,she was particularly impressed by the preaching and influence of ,william ,savery1 whose home in ,london was at her father's house4 ,in some memoranda of this period1 she remarks1 ,frequently in the meetings appointed by him1 ,i was greatly wrought upon by his living ministry2 and notwithstanding that she subsequently wandered far from the way of peace1 there is good ground to believe that the remembrance of those truths which had penetrated her heart through the instrumentality of this gospel messenger1 was never altogether effaced4 ,being naturally endowed with a lively imagination and a taste for literature1 she sought to suppress the upbraidings of conscience in intellectual pursuits1 and employed much time in the composition of verses that were merely a transcript of visionary and romantic ideas1 afterwards published under the title of ,poetical ,tales4 ,this volume obtained but a limited circulation2 for1 soon after it had issued from the press1 the conviction that it had been an unhallowed and unprofitable exercise of her understanding was so impressed upon her spirit1 that1 although the sacrifice was considerable1 she caused all the unsold copies to be destroyed4 ,it is interesting to observe how1 in later years1 this talent for metrical rhythm1 which had been so misapplied1 became consecrated1 as were all her faculties1 to the promotion of piety and virtue4 ,during the long period in which her mental energies were thus misdirected1 a cloud of darkness enveloped her spirit4 ,she had1 when about nineteen years of age1 imbibed sceptical views in reference to the truths of revealed religion2 and as she seldom read the ,holy ,scriptures1 and was almost a stranger to their sacred contents1 her imagination pictured an easier way to escape from the power and the consequences of sin than in that self-renunciation which the ,gospel enjoins4 ,in some memoranda of her experience1 she says1 in reference to the snares by which her mind was entangled3--,i was led to a love of metaphysical studies1 and fancied ,i discovered1 with clearness1 that human vice1 and consequently human misery1 sprang from ignorance of the nature of virtue1 and that if mankind would become instructed they would become good2 and that it was only necessary to behold virtue in its native beauty1 to love it and to practise it4 ,o how fallacious was this reasoning6 ',the world by wisdom knows not ,god2 the natural man receives not the things of the ,spirit of ,god1 for they are foolishness to him1 neither can he know them1 because they are spiritually discerned4' ,at length1 however1 when1 in #ahaa1 ,martha ,savory had completed the thirtieth year of her life1 she became deeply impressed by the conviction that she was wandering on the barren mountains of doubt and error2 and through the renewed visitation of divine love1 the light of the ,sun of righteousness again shined into her heart1 and its humbling influence brake the rock in pieces4 ,some circumstances occurred that were instrumental in promoting this great change4 ,she was introduced into frequent communication with some honored servants of the ,lord1 particularly with the late ,mary ,dudley1 and her daughter ,elizabeth4 ,an attack of indisposition prostrated her bodily strength1 and afforded opportunity for serious reflection4 ,whilst from this cause confined to her chamber1 a young person 7,susanna ,corder71 with whom she was only very slightly acquainted1 but to whom she was ever afterwards united in an intimate and confidential friendship1 was attracted to visit her4 ,the interview was a memorable one2 the overshadowing wing of goodness and mercy being permitted to gather their spirits under its blessed influence4 ,on her recovery from this illness1 ,martha ,savory paid a short visit to her new friend1 which afforded an opportunity for the manifestation of continued deep ,christian interest2 and1 on her quitting the house1 ,susanna ,corder put into her hand a copy of the ,olney ,hymns4 ,when she had proceeded a few steps towards home1 she opened the book1 and without noticing even the title1 instantly cast her eyes on the lines1 ,the rebel's surrender to grace1 commencing-- ,lord1 ,thou hast won2 at length ,i yield2 ,my heart1 by mighty grace compelled1 ,surrenders all to ,thee2 ,against thy terrors long ,i strove1 ,but who can stand against thy love8 ,love conquers even me4 ,she was deeply affected by the remarkable application of the whole of the hymn to the experience which she was then passing through2 she could not refrain from weeping1 and to avoid the observation of passersby1 she walked through secluded streets1 giving vent to her emotion2 and she afterwards repeatedly expressed her belief that there was1 in this apparently casual incident1 a divine interposition and guidance2 for1 said she1 every word of that hymn appeared as if purposely written to describe my case1 so that ,i could scarcely read it from the many tears ,i shed over it4 ,it is no exaggerated picture4 ,she now spent much time alone1 almost constantly reading the ,bible2 and so precious was the influence that operated on her spirit1 whilst thus employed1 and so wonderfully were the blessed truths of the gospel unfolded to her understanding1 that1 as she expressed it1 every page of it seemed1 as it were1 illuminated4 ,sustained by the joy and peace of believing1 she was enabled to follow in faith the leadings of the ,holy ,spirit1 and1 through divine strength1 to become as a whole burnt sacrifice on the altar of that gracious ,redeemer1 who had1 in his rich mercy1 plucked her from the pit of destruction4 ,having had much forgiven1 she loved much1 and shrunk not from the many and deep humiliations which were involved in such a course of dedication to her ,lord4 ,even her external appearance strikingly bespoke her altered character4 ,there had always been in her countenance an expression of benevolence1 but it had not indicated a gentle or diffident mind4 ,in her demeanor and personal attire1 she had conspicuously followed the vain fashions of the times2 but now1 humility1 with a modest and retiring manner1 marked her conduct2 everything merely ornamental was discarded1 and the softening1 effect of a sanctifying principle imparted to the features of her face a sweetness which1 impressing the beholder with a consciousness of the regenerating power that wrought within1 was1 to more than a few of her acquaintance1 both arousing and instructive4 ,she changed her residence from ,finsbury to the borough of ,southwark1 and settled near her friend ,susanna ,corder1 with whom she united in the formation of a philanthropic association1 ,the ,southwark ,female ,society for the relief of sickness and extreme want4 ,the late ,mary ,sterry1 and several other estimable members of ,southwark meeting1 together with benevolent individuals among the different religious denominations of the district1 soon joined them1 and the society became a highly influential channel through which assistance has been variously rendered to many thousands of the indigent poor2 and it still continues1 though with a reduced scale of operations1 to be an important source of help to the sick and destitute4 ,martha ,savory devoted to this work of mercy much time and personal exertion2 but a more important service was also designed for her4 ,she felt constrained to give evidence of her love to ,christ by a public testimony to the grace which had been vouchsafed to her through ,him who is the way1 the truth1 and the life4 ,deep were the conflicts of spirit which she endured ere she could yield to this solemn requirement1 but sweet peace was1 she says1 as she records the sacrifice1 the result of thus acknowledging her gracious ,lord4 ,this step1 she continues1 appears to me to involve the greatest of all possible mental reduction1 but ,i reverently believe it was necessary for me1 and mote1 perhaps on my own account than on account of others2 for1 without this bond1 and the necessary baptisms attending this vocation1 ,i should have been in danger of turning back1 and perhaps altogether losing the little spiritual life which has been mercifully raised4 ,she adds a fervent petition for preservation and guidance1 and that1 by whatever means1 however suffering to nature1 the vessel might be purified1 and fitted for the ,master's use4 ,she first spoke as a minister in the year #ahad4 ,the humiliation and brokenness of spirit which marked these weighty engagements1 were felt by many1 especially among her youthful friends1 to be peculiarly impressive1 as tokens of the soul-cleansing operations of omnipotent love1 and as an awakening call to yield to the same regenerating influence4 ,she was acknowledged as a minister by ,southwark ,monthly ,meeting1 in the year #ahah1 when she had reached the age of #cf2 and in #ahba1 with the cordial approval of the meetings of which she was a member1 she commenced that course of missionary labor in the gospel1 to which she was subsequently so much devoted4 ,her mission1 on this occasion1 was to ,congenics1 where1 and in the surrounding villages1 she remained twelve months4 ,a letter to one of her sisters1 written a few years after her marriage1 so fully represents her religious sentiments1 and the doctrine she was concerned to preach and maintain1 that it may not improperly conclude this outline of her mental and religious character4 ,burton1 #acth of ,twelfth ,month1 #ahcj4 ,i read thy remarks1 my endeared sister1 on the present state of things amongst us1 with much interest1 from having had corresponding feelings frequently raised in my own mind in this day of general excitement on religious subjects4 ,it remains to be a solemn truth that nothing can draw to ,god but what proceeds from him2 and whatever may be the eloquence or oratory of man1 if it be not the gift of ,god1 and under his holy anointing1 which always has a tendency to humble the creature and exalt the ,creator1 it will in the end only scatter and deceive4 ,it has long appeared to me that true vital religion is a very simple thing1 although from our fallen state1 requiring continual warfare with evil to keep it alive4 ,it surely consists in communion1 and at times a degree of union1 with our ,omnipotent ,creator1 through the mediation of our ,holy ,redeemer4 ,and seeing these feelings cannot be produced by eloquent discourses or beautiful illustrations of ,scripture1 but by deep humiliation and frequent baptisms of spirit1 whereby the heart is purified and fitted to receive a greater degree of divine influence2 seeing it is produced by daily prayer1 by giving up our own will1 and seeking above all things to do the will of our ,heavenly ,father1 surely there is cause to hope that those who are convinced of this1 and who have tasted of spiritual communion through this appointed means1 will never be satisfied with anything however enticing which1 if not under the influence of the ,holy ,spirit1 may well be compared to sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal4 ,i am far from confining this influence to the ministers of our little ,society1 but assuredly believe that those who are brought under the immediate teachings of the ,spirit1 under every profession1 will be more and more convinced that they cannot preach to profit the people1 in their own will and at their own command2 and that as true and spiritual religion prevails they must in this respect come to us1 and not we go to them4 ,yet still it is certainly a day of much excitement1 and of danger especially to the young and unawakened1 and there never was a time when the members of our ,society were more loudly called upon to watch unto prayer both on their own account and on account of others1 humbly to implore1 not only that the ,holy ,spirit may not be taken from us1 but that a greater effusion of it may be poured upon us as a body1 that so we may all be made and kept alive in ,him in whom is life1 and the life is the light of men4 ,i believe this would be much more our experience1 if the things of this world were kept in subjection by fervent daily prayer and the obedience of faith1 which remain to be the means pointed out by our gracious ,redeemer1 of communion with the ,father through ,him4 ,what can be more pure than the profession we make to be guided by the ,holy ,spirit8 and if we really are so1 we shall be concerned to maintain this daily exercise of heart before the ,lord1 and yet become what ,i reverently believe is his gracious will respecting us1 and all under every name who are thus guided and have become living members of the ,church of ,christ1 even that we should be as lights in the world1 or a city set upon a hill which cannot be hid4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the dwelling which ,john and ,martha ,yeardley occupied was on the highest ground in the village1 commanding a wide and cheerful prospect1 and overlooking1 on the western side1 the valley of the ,dearn and the conspicuous town of ,barnsley1 which1 notwithstanding the smoke that envelopes it1 stands out in fine relief on the opposite hill4 ,their cottage adjoined the ,friends' burial-ground2 and just on the other side of the wall reposed the remains of ,frances ,yeardley1 on the site formerly occupied by the meeting-house4#e ,the house1 says ,martha ,yeardley in a letter to her sister ,r4 ,s41 is warm and comfortable1 though at best what ,londoners would esteem a poor place4 ,we feel quite satisfied with it2 and when we get our garden in order1 and a cow and a few chickens1 it will be equal to anything that ,i desire in this world4 ,to-day the snow has disappeared1 and ,john is very busy with his garden4--7#a mo4 ,i1 #ahbg47 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley did not remain long idle in their new position4 ,in the ,first ,month1 #ahbg1 they received a minute for visiting the meetings in their ,monthly ,meeting2 and in the ,second ,month they commenced a tour amongst the meetings in some other parts of ,yorkshire4 ,these duties occupied them until the #aith of the ,fourth ,month4 ,we may extract from the ,diary recording the former of these engagements1 a brief note of their visit to ,ackworth ,school4 #a mo4 #bj4--,lodged at ,j4 ,harrison's4 ,on ,first and ,second-day evenings had some time of religious service with the young people at the school1 and felt much united in spirit to this interesting family4 ,on ,fourth-day1 ,robert ,whitaker accompanied us to ,pontefract1 and we were comforted in his company1 for we felt poor and weak--much like children needing fatherly care4 ,among ,john ,yeardley's notes made during the more general visit1 we meet with a memorandum which may be taken to mark a stage or era in his ,christian experience4 ,the daily record of religious exercise and feeling which is so useful to many in the hidden season of tender growth and preparation for future service1 is less likely to be maintained--and1 it may be1 less necessary--in the meridian of life1 when the time and strength are taken up with active labor4 #c mo4--,i could write much as to the state of my mind1 but have of late thought it safer not to record all the inward dispensations which ,i have to pass through4 ,i feel strong desires to be wholly given up to serve my great ,lord and ,master1 and that ,i may above all things become qualified for his service2 but the baptisms through which ,i have to pass are many1 and exceedingly trying to the natural part4 ,nothing will do but to rely wholly on the ,divine ,arm of ,power for support in pure naked faith4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,second ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahbg-bh4 ,,part ,i4--,,germany4 ,after ,john and ,martha ,yeardley had visited their friends at home1 their minds were directed to the work which they had left uncompleted on the continent of ,europe2 and1 on their return from the ,yearly ,meeting1 they opened this prospect of service before the assembled church to which they belonged4 7,diary7 #f mo4 #ah4--,were at the ,monthly ,meeting at ,highflatts1 where we laid our concern before our friends to revisit some parts of ,germany and ,switzerland1 and to visit some of the descendants of the ,waldenses in the ,protestant valleys of ,piedmont2 and1 on our way home1 our friends and some other serious persons in the ,islands of ,guernsey and ,jersey4 ,our dear friends were favored to enter most fully and feelingly into our views1 and under a precious solemnity1 a general sentiment of unity and concurrence spread through the meeting1 which constrained them1 7as the certificate expresses it7 to leave us at liberty1 accompanied with warm desires for our preservation4 ,hearing the certificate read brought the concern1 if possible1 more weightily than ever upon me1 and a secret prayer was raised in my heart that we might be enabled to go through the prospect before us to the honor of ,him who has called us into his work4 ,they attended the ,quarterly ,meeting in the latter part of this month1 and returned by way of ,ackworth1 where1 says ,john ,yeardley1 ,we had a comfortable parting with dear ,robert and ,hannah ,whitaker1 in their own room4 ,e4,w4 has passed with us through the deeps1 and has indeed been a true spiritual helper to us under our weighty exercises of mind4 ,on the #hth of the ,seventh ,month they set out1 and on the #agth attended the ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders in ,london4 ,the ,morning ,meeting was a precious and refreshing time to our poor tried minds4 ,there was a very full expression of near sympathy and entire unity with us in our intended religious service4 ,it is a strength and encouragement not only to have the concurrence of our friends1 but also to know that we have a place in their prayers for our preservation and support in every trying dispensation4 ,on the eve of their departure from ,london1 a circumstance occurred of a very disagreeable character4 ,the shop of their brother1 ,a4,b4 ,savory1 in ,cornhill1 was broken open2 many valuable articles were taken1 and their travelling trunks1 which had been left there1 were ransacked4 ,although their loss was trifling1 the annoyance of such a contretemps may easily be conceived4 ,j4,y4 says3-- ,it is far from pleasant thus to be plundered of any part of our property2 but ,i consider it as much the duty of a ,christian to bear with becoming fortitude the cross-occurrences of common life as to be exercised in religious service4 ,they left ,london on the #bbnd1 for ,rotterdam4 ,on their arrival1 a disastrous occurrence happened which gave a shock to their feelings4 ,the manner in which ,j4,y4 mentions the event evinces his tenderness of mind in commencing a long journey1 in which his vocation was to be to sympathise with the poor and afflicted4 ,since we landed safely on shore a circumstance has occurred which has brought a gloom over us4 ,one of our shipmen being busy about the sails1 part of a beam fell from the top-mast and struck him on the head4 ,he never spoke more1 but died instantly4 ,he has left a widow and two children1 not only to weep for him1 but also to feel bitterly his loss in a pecuniary way4 ,we intend to recommend their situation to some of our benevolent friends in ,london4 ,my heart is much affected in having to commence my journal on a foreign shore by recording such an afflicting event4 ,and1 as it regards ourselves1 how much we have which calls for thankfulness that we have so mercifully escaped4 ,from ,rotterdam they directed their course to ,pyrmont1 passing through ,gouda1 ,utrecht1 ,arnheim1 and ,muenster2 at the last place they were laid by from the heat and weariness4 ,they reached ,friedenthal on the #dth of the ,eighth ,month1 and ,john ,yeardley makes the following reflections on re-entering his ,german home3-- ,as ,i find myself again in this country1 many thoughts of former days spring up in my mind4 ,since ,i was last here ,i have passed through much2 nevertheless the ,lord has guided my steps1 and ,i have cause to give ,him thanks4 ,they visited ,minden and the little meetings around1 bestowing much labor on them2 but at ,pyrmont1 to suffer1 rather than to do1 was their allotted portion4 ,it sometimes seems to me1 writes ,j4,y41 that we have in this place little to do and much to suffer4 ,i am often cast down1 and have to sit in silence and darkness4 ,this state of mind is an exercise of faith and patience1 through which much may be gained if it is turned to right account4 ,of the ,two ,months' ,meeting1 he says3 ,on the whole a favorable time4 ,but ,i am not without my fears that the little ,society in this place will lose ground1 in a religious sense1 if more faithfulness is not manifested in little things4 ,soon after their arrival in ,germany they turned their steps towards the north-west corner of that country1 and the borders of ,holland4 ,the object of this journey was to visit some places on the shores of the ,north ,sea1 near ,friesland1 where the inundations of #ahbe had caused great desolation1 and where a new colony had been formed by the government from among the ruined families4 ,this little journey was so emphatically1 an act of faith1 and the course of it lay so much through a part of ,europe seldom visited by travellers1 that we shall transcribe the diary of it without much curtailment4 #i mo4 #d4--;,having for sometime felt an impression to visit ,friedrichgroden and other places on the store of the ,north ,sea1 near the confines of ,east ,friesland1 we set out from ,pyrmout in company with our dear friend ,louis ,seebohm1 travelling with extra-post in our own carriage4 ,we found this a pretty expeditions way of travelling for this country1 being able to make about fifty-five ,english miles a day4 ,between ,oldendorf and ,bueckeburg1 we experienced a remarkable preservation from danger4 ,our postillion being a little sleepy1 had not sufficient care of the reins1 and the horses suddenly turned off towards an inn1 but missing the turn1 instantly fell into a deep ditch1 one horse quite down1 and the other nearly so2 the carriage wanted only a few inches further to go1 and then it would have come upon the horses1 so that a few plunges must have upset the whole concern4 ,we sprang instantly out1 and set the quiet animals free4 ,the man was so frightened he could scarcely step from1 the box4 ,the whole affair did not last more than a few minutes1 when we were on our way again1 with great cause for thankfulness to the ,preserver of our lives4 ,the driver was so honest in acknowledging his fault1 that ,i gave him his trinkgeld1 and our friend ,l4 ,s4 gave him some advice4 ,we got well on through ,minden to ,diepnau and lodged there4 ,next morning set out about seven o'clock1 and that day travelled late to reach ,oldenburg1 which we accomplished at about one in the morning4 ,next morning we were in a dilemma which way to take to find our place of destination4 ,the landlord was kind in sending out several times to gain information1 but in vain3 at length there came into the room a deaf and dumb man who frequented the house1 and who1 when he knew our inquiry1 immediately wrote down the particulars of the place1 and explained it by signs on the table4 ,we left two books for this intelligent man for his kindness1 and set forward4 ,dined at ,varel1 and had two poor tired horses and an awkward driver to ,jever4 ,we gave him several severe lectures without much effect2 at length we came to a small inn on the road1 where he made a stand1 and said he could go no further without two more horses1 which we really believed was true1 for if he had not got them we must have stuck in the sand4 ,the horses being procured we got to ,jever about eleven o'clock4 ,here was a good inn1 and we rested pretty well2 but in the morning discouragement took hold of my spirits in a way that ,i have seldom experienced4 ,i was ready to conclude we were altogether wrong and out of the way of our duty2 but forward we must now go to see the end of this exercising journey4 ,the country about ,varel and ,jever is remarkably fertile in pasture4 ,the cows handsome1 rolling in abundance of grass1 and pretty much the whole country had the appearance of ease and plenty2 in ,varel we saw the poor-house1 a building capable of containing #djj persons1 and only four individuals were there4 ,the inhabitants live in simplicity1 but also in the general ignorance and indifference as to religion4 ,i was exceedingly low in mind on the way1 but felt once more that we were in our right place1 and my precious ,m4 ,y4 encouraged me by saying we should not go there in vain4 ,on opening the ,bible1 ,i was comforted in turning to ,psalm lxxviii4 #ab-ad4 ,after having thus travelled some days1 as it were in the dark1 we arrived at ,friedrichen ,siel1 near ,carolinen ,siel1 in which neighborhood1 on the border of the ,north ,sea1 lie ,friedrichgroden1 ,new ,augustengroden1 and ,new ,friedrichgroden4 ,it is a tract of land gained from the sea of about ten or twelve hundred acres1 banked round in three divisions1 and made arable1 on which are built about twenty farmhouses1 which form almost a new world4 ,this land is the property of the government2 a small sum is paid on entering1 and a yearly ground-rent1 and then it is the property of the purchaser for ever4 ,as soon as we stepped on the banks of one of these grodens1 and ,i set my eye on one of these retired abodes1 ,i felt no longer at a loss where we should go or what we should do4 ,it opened suddenly on my mind as clear as the sun at noon-day1 that we must remain here a day or two and visit these new settlers in their dwellings4 ,accordingly we drove to the inn at ,carolinen ,siel4 ,on asking for a map of the surrounding country1 one was put into oar hands containing a plan of the places which had suffered so severely by the floods in the spring of #ahbe2 which rendered those people much more interesting to us4 ,after dinner we commenced our visit1 and called on a young man and his sister who live on one of the farms1 and have about seventy acres of land4 ,they received us with a hearty welcome1 and entered into friendly conversation4 ,the house was one of the first on ,new ,augustengroden1 built in #ahaf1 swept down by the water in #ahbe1 and rebuilt the same year4 ,he was an intelligent young man1 and answered many inquiries which we made4 ,finding the distance might be too great to walk1 next morning we procured horses1 and started about seven o'clock1 taking from our small stock of books one for each family4 ,we commenced intercourse with them by first interesting ourselves about their families and domestic concerns1 not unmindful of every suitable opportunity to turn the conversation on the subject of religion1 which is too much neglected by most of them4 ,they are of the ,lutheran profession2 but the church being at some distance1 they do not regularly attend4 ,most of them have as many as six children1 and some eight1 with fine countenances4 ,we felt deeply interested1 particularly for the mothers1 some of whom are tender-spirited1 amiable women1 and wept much in the opportunities we had with them4 ,their late afflictions have made on some a deep impression1 and it was a time when1 ,i trust1 such a visit might be of advantage4 ,in the floods1 several had their houses swept away2 and one lost thirty-six head of cattle1 and had to drag his children out of the water naked1 and take refuge on the tops of the houses4 ,but the most touching case was that of a man who lost his wife and five children1 his father1 mother1 and servants4 ,they were sent away in a waggon1 as a means of escape2 but the waggon was swept away by the torrent1 and all perished4 ,the husband1 who was left alone in the house1 got to land on some boards1 part of the wreck of the house1 and expected to find his family safe2 what must have been his feelings when he found they had all perished in the deep6 ,we felt truly prepared to sympathise with them1 and think they were sensible of our visit being in the sincere love of the ,gospel4 ,their kindness towards us exceeded description4 ,in going from house to house1 one of them seeing us in the field1 and not knowing our errand1 thought we had missed our way1 and came running almost out of breath to set us in the road4 ,when he found that our visit was intended to him1 he seemed overjoyed1 and conducted us to his home and his interesting wife4 ,his name is ,friedrich ,fockensllammen4 ,he soon showed us all that was in his house and barns2 and ,i may say he was equally ready to tell us all that was in his heart4 ,we could not get away without taking coffee with them4 ,having felt much towards seeing them together1 the way seemed open to propose to this man to have a meeting4 ,he readily undertook to consult with a few others2 and he came to our inn next morning with another1 when he said1 the good work must have a small beginning1 and although he himself was quite willing1 the others did not see the necessity of it1 or were too cautious4 ,this person told us that1 with respect to temporals1 they could never have got forward again in the way they had done1 had it not been for the kind and effectual assistance received from ,england4 ,after an interesting conversation with these two1 we parted in much affection4 ,my ,m4,y4 drew up a short epistle1 which was signed by us all1 and forwarded to them3 this was an entire relief to our minds4 ,understanding the fair was to commence on ,first-day morning1 we found it necessary on ,seventh-day evening to seek fresh quarters4 ,the ,first-day is worse kept in the territories belonging to ,hanover than in any part of the ,continent that ,i have seen1 and the greatest religious ignorance prevails there4 ,the cause may rest with the ,government in giving too much power to the ,church3 the ecclesiastics are fond of keeping in their own hands all things relating to religion1 and will not suffer the light to shine that the people may see for themselves4 ,the ,edict of ,stade has lately been renewed1 prohibiting religious meetings2 no unauthorised persons 7as they call it71 are permitted to preach or hold meetings1 on pain of imprisonment2 all foreign missionaries to be immediately sent beyond the boundaries4 ,the settlement we were visiting was partly in ,hanover1 and partly in ,oldenburg4 ,besides these colonies on the reclaimed strand of the ocean1 ,john ,yeardley had another object in undertaking this journey1 which was to inspect the ,industrial ,colony at ,fredericks-,oort1 in the province of ,drenthe1 in ,holland4 ,towards this place the party now directed their way4 ,between ,wittmund and ,aurich 7continues ,j4,y47 is a moor called ,plagenburg1 about six ,english miles square1 on which are some of the poorest mud-huts ,i ever saw4 ,people who intend to settle here from any part receive a grant of land for ten years free1 and afterwards pay a yearly ground-rent of about five shillings an acre4 ,the idle and burdensome poor are also sent here2 and by this means the whole neighborhood is relieved from poor-rates1 except for the support of a few individuals who spin1 c41 in the poor-house4 ,we were informed that near ,norden there is a colony for thieves and gipsies1 who are sent to this place and compelled to build themselves huts and cultivate the land4 ,they are strictly watched by the police1 and severely punished when they attempt to go away without leave4 ,we had a long and tedious ride1 through deep sand1 to ,leer4 ,on our arrival we made inquiry about ,fredericks-,oort1 but could obtain no intelligence1 nor could we find it on the maps which we borrowed for examination4 ,this was very discouraging2 for ,i had hoped1 if it was right for us to go1 we should find some one to give us certain directions to it4 ,i slept but little1 and next morning set again to work1 and found there was a ,jew in the town who travelled much in ,holland4 ,i desired he might be sent for2 he came1 and immediately gave us directions where to find the places we wanted4 ,i ought not to omit remarking the comfortable feeling that ,i was favored with1 riding from ,wittmund to ,aurich on the way to ,leer4 ,in reflecting in stillness where we had been and what we had done1 ,i felt not only peace and inward satisfaction1 but thankfulness filled my heart that we had been thus far enabled to do what we believed to be in the way of our duty4 ,this ,scripture language passed through my mind3 ,blessed are ye that sow beside all waters1 that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass4 7,isa4 xxxii4 #bj47 #aath4--,left ,leer about eleven o'clock in the morning1 and expected to arrive at ,assen at eleven or twelve at night1 but to our great disappointment we travelled the night through1 and only reached ,assen at seven next morning4 ,at ,wehndam on our way we rested the horses4 ,our friend ,l4,s4 went for an hour to bed1 and my ,m4,y4 and self sat in the carriage and would have slept1 but there came so many admirers of our vehicle that we could not sleep for their almost continual remarks about its elegance1 convenience1 c4 ,this part of ,holland is fruitful2 the houses are clean and neat2 and the dress of the women very singular4 ,their caps have a plate of silver or gold on each side almost like a helmet1 and sometimes very costly4 ,at the inn at ,nieuweschans on the borders of ,germany and ,holland1 the cook had one of these golden helmets which had cost about #aej florins4 ,in these flat countries they have no spring water2 the land lies so much below the sea that all is impregnated with salt4 ,rain water is used for drinking1 and the method of preserving it is in a deep reservoir lined with boards and puddled with clay4 ,i was surprised to find it kept good so long3 it is seldom known to go bad4 ,one of the farmers on the ,grodens drew water out of his well and handed me a glass to drink2 it had a yellowish tinge1 but except this ,i never saw clearer and have seldom tasted pleasanter spring water1 and the beat tea ,i ever drank was made from rain water so preserved4 ,one thing which contributes to its quality is the great surface of tile which it has to run down1 and which tends to filter it4 ,the mode of manuring the land is similar to that practised in ,brabant1 and the produce proves that it is excellent2 for no better meadows1 or corn land in a higher state of cultivation are to be seen than in some parts we have lately passed through4 ,the cows1 when fresh in milk1 are milked three times a day1 by which means more milk is obtained than in the common method2 any one wishing to make a fair experiment of this must try it not for two or three days only1 but for a week or ten days4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley found the institution at ,fredericks-,oort of a deeply interesting kind4 ,it was ,established by private benevolence to improve the condition of the poor1 and to relieve the country from beggars1 and was commenced in #ahah4 ,the poor families which are placed there are employed1 some in manufacture1 some in cultivating the soil1 and every means is made use of to encourage industry and provident habits4 ,when our friends visited the colony1 it comprised #bijj souls1 including the staff by which the institution is worked1 and which is necessarily numerous4 ,they thought the method of instruction in use in the schools excellent1 and found that religious liberty was strictly respected4 ,from ,fredericks-,oort they went on to ,ommershaus1 where is the poor-house and penal colony belonging to the former institution4 ,thirteen hundred beggary1 orphans1 and criminals were then in the colony4 ,how much1 remarks ,j4,y41 such an institution is wanted in ,england2 every inducement is held out for improvement in civil society1 and a most effectual check placed against vice and idleness4 ,the travellers fared badly in ,holland1 and they were rejoiced to set foot again in honest ,germany1 where they know how to use strangers with an honest heart4 ,they returned through ,bentheim and ,osnabrueck1 and arrived at ,pyrmont on the #aith4 ,here they spent ten days in resting1 and in preparing to pursue their journey through ,south ,germany4 ,on ,first-day1 the #cjth1 they took leave of their friends4 ,first-day1 says ,john ,yeardley1 was a solemn time1 both at meeting and at the reading in the afternoon2 ,i hope both my ,m4,y4 and ,i were enabled to clear our minds4 ,in the evening we took an affectionate and affecting leave of them all2 it was to me particularly trying4 ,i could not refrain from weeping much4 ,not much occurs in the diary to claim attention1 until they reached ,friedberg1 not far from ,frankfort4 #aj mo4 #g4--,sat down to our little meeting1 after breakfast1 and reading1 on ,first day morning4 ,it was to us both a season of deep feeling4 ,my dear ,m4,y4 was so filled with a sense of our own weakness1 and the ,almighty's goodness towards us in a wilderness travel through a dark country1 that she knelt1 and was enabled to pour forth a heart-felt supplication for a precious seed of the kingdom in the hearts of the people among whom we were2 and also that ,he would in his tender mercy remember us his poor instruments1 and in the right time cause light to break forth on our path1 preserve us in the way we ought to go1 and make us willing to suffer for the sake of his suffering cause3 to which my heart said1 ,amen6 ,at ,frankfort they formed acquaintance with ,j4,h4 von ,meyer1 ex-burgomaster of the city1 a learned and pious man1 who had made a new translation of the ,bible into ,german1 and had stood firm for the cause of real ,christianity in the midst of much declension4 ,in the afternoon they drove to ,offenbach to see ,j4,d4 ,marc1 a ,christian ,jew1 who had earned experience in the school of suffering4 ,he said1 amongst other things1 that he could never preach but when he believed it to be his duty1 and then he could declare only what was given him at the time2 this he considered to be the only preaching that could profit the hearers4 ,his views on the inutility of water baptism were so decided1 that when converted ,jews asked him to administer to them this rite1 he told them he could not recommend it1 for it would do them no good4 ,he gave them many names of awakened persons in the ,palatinate3-- ,where1 says ,john ,yeardley1 there is still a lively-spirited people who hold meetings for religious improvement2 perhaps the descendants of those who were visited by ,w4 ,penn in former days4 ,the next day they returned to ,frankfort1 and made the acquaintance of ,pastor ,appia1 a ,piedmontese1 who1 with his wife1 was very friendly2 and when he heard that they had left their own land to visit his native country1 marked out a route for them1 and gave them letters of introduction4 ,when ,i am with such good people1 observes ,j4,y41 in relating their interview with ,appia1 ,i am always uneasy in my mind that ,i am not more worthy4 ,may the ,lord strengthen me6 ,on the #ajth1 they went to ,darmstadt1 where they met with several enlightened ,christians4 ,one of these1 ,leander van ,ess1 had been a ,roman ,catholic priest2 and although a zealous promoter of ,christianity in the face of persecution1 and favored with a more than ordinary degree of spiritual light1 he had thought it right not altogether to forsake that communion1 but remained amongst the ,romanists to do them good4 ,he had translated the ,new ,testament for their use4 ,at parting with his new friends he embraced them1 gave them his blessing1 and wished them a prosperous journey4 ,i felt myself1 says ,j4,y41 comforted and strengthened by this visit4 ,on the way to ,heppenheim1 he continues1 7to which place they next directed their course71 ,i felt quiet1 in mind1 and was once more assured that we were in the way of our duty4 ,as ,i thought of the difficulties which might await us1 these words were brought to my remembrance1 ,touch not mine anointed1 and do my prophets no harm4 ,crossing the ,rhine1 at ,mannheim1 they stopped1 on the #abth1 at ,duerkheim1 where they became acquainted with ,ludwig ,fitz1 a man of a frank and inquiring disposition4 ,for three years1 writes ,j4,y41 he has held meetings in his house2 in the commencement he had to suffer no little persecution4 ,on his entering our room he observed that it was the ,lord who had thus brought us together4 ,i have scarcely been half an hour with you1 he said1 after a while1 but it seems as if ,i had known you for seven years4 ,he1 with his wife and daughter1 took us to call on a ,mennonist1 a pious man1 who holds firmly by ,baptism and the ,supper4 ,he soon began to speak on these points4 ,i replied to what he said as well as ,i could1 maintaining that in ,scripture there are two baptisms spoken of2 that1 as the soul of man is spiritual1 it can be reached only by that which is spiritual1 and that therefore ,i did not see the necessity of maintaining that which1 is outward4 ,he said he desired to possess the former1 and not to neglect the latter4 ,as to the ,supper they both advanced is proof of the observance being good1 that often1 whilst using it1 they experienced inward joy and refreshment4 ,i said we must not limit to a certain time or place this joy in the ,lord1 as if the use of the ,supper only were the cause of it4 ,the gracious ,lord is ready at all times to sup with us1 and to refresh the sincere and cleansed soul1 and make it joyful in him4 ,we took leave of each other in love2 ,i said we did not travel for the purpose of turning people from one form to another1 but with the desire only that they might all be brought nearer to the ,lord4 ,it was pleasant to me that ,fitz's wife was with us2 during the conversation she remained still and weighty in spirit4 ,we inclined to attend the evening devotion at ,fitz's1 but prefaced our request with the hope that they would not be offended if we did not take part in their observances4 ,this was immediately granted2 and ,fitz said1 ,i feel that your spirit is true and sincere1 and ,i have unity with it4 ,when their service was ended1 we asked them to remain a while in silence1 and ,i trust may say we were enabled to utter what was required of us in testimony and supplication4 ,in ,duerkheim there are eleven converted ,jews1 who dare not meet except in secret for fear of the rabbins4 ,one night the rabbins attempted to take away their bibles and other books1 but they received a hint of their intention1 and sent the books to ,fitz's house4 ,one of them1 a servant girl1 as soon as she heard that some ,christian friends were come into the town1 went to ,fitz's1 and took up one of the books we had given him4 ,she read a little in it hastily1 put it in her bosom1 and ran home4 ,her curiosity and love of the truth impelled her to come to our hotel1 and wait unobserved in the hall to catch a glimpse of us as we came out4 ,we felt much for these awakened ones of ,abraham's offspring2 their oppressed condition rested much upon our hearts2 but as we had no opportunity of conversing with them1 ,i wrote a few lines from ,friedelsheim to the young woman1 and sent them with some books by ,fitz1 who accompanied us to that place4 ,tuke's ,principles finds much entrance among the awakened ,jews4 ,travelling through ,spires1 ,carlsruhe1 and ,pforzheim1 they came on the #afth to ,stuttgardt1 where they found ,henry ,kienlin1 of ,pforzheim1 who1 as the reader will remember1 had won so large a place in their love and esteem on their former journey4 ,he not only1 says ,john ,yeardley1 professes our principles1 but bears a clear and fearless testimony for them4 ,his wife is of the same mind with him1 although she does not yet show it in the simplicity of her dress4 ,on the #ahth1 we set out in company with our good friend to ,ludwigsburg to see the prison4 ,there are about #fjj prisoners1 of both sexes1 for the most part employed in labor4 ,order and cleanliness prevail1 and the food is good4 ,the governor1 ,kleth1 is a worthy1 pious man2 he himself reads the ,holy ,scriptures to the prisoners1 and endeavors to promote their spiritual improvement4 ,when we entered a room in which were a number of men1 they rose1 and stood serious and quiet as though they expected we should address them2 and for a short time the love of ,god was felt amongst us in an impressive manner2 but nothing was given us to utter4 ,it will be recollected that when ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were at ,stuttgardt in #ahbf1 they met with the ,pastor ,hoffman1 and that they desired to visit the institution at ,kornthal1 of which he was the director1 but were obliged to forego this visit in order to hasten forward to ,basle4 ,they now prepared to discharge this debt of ,christian love4 ,kornthal is situated four miles from ,stuttgardt2 it was founded in #ahai by dissenters from the ,moravians and ,lutherans1 and consisted in #ahbe of about seventy families4 ,j4 and ,m4,y4 went there on the #aith4 ,we were received1 says the former1 in a brotherly manner by the ,director ,hoffman4 ,on entering the room we were informed that their pastor had died the night before2 but instead of sorrow there seemed to be joy4 ,this society holds it for a religious duty to rejoice when any of their members are favored to enter a state of endless bliss4 ,this is religious fortitude which but few possess1 but ,i believe it is with them sincere1 for in going over the institution with the ,director1 ,i observed they spoke of it as a matter of holy triumph4 ,no meeting was held with the members of the establishment during this visit2 it was left for ,j4 and ,m4,y4 to attend the usual evening assembly on ,first-day1 the #bast2 and they were informed that it would be an occasion on which any present who were moved by divine influence might freely relieve their minds4 ,at three o'clock1 ,j4,y4 writes1 we set off to ,kornthal under most trying feelings2 ,i do not know when ,i have suffered so much from discouragement4 ,on account of the death of the pastor1 many were come to attend the interment which was to take place the next day4 ,this caused the meeting to be large2 not less than #gjj persons were present1 and among them six or seven pastors4 ,the service commenced with a few verses2 the first words were these3-- ,holy ,spirit come unto us1 ,and make our hearts thy dwelling-place4 ,i can truly say ,i was awfully impressed with their meaning1 and a secret prayer rose in my heart that it might be experienced amongst us4 ,after the singing1 a silence truly solemn ensued1 and ,i intimated that ,i felt an impression to say a few words4 ,when ,i sat down our kind friend the ,director summed up the substance of what ,i had said1 and repeated it in an impressive and becoming manner4 ,he did this with the idea that some present who only understood ,low ,german might not have clearly got the sense2 however1 we were told afterwards that they had understood every word that ,i had said4 ,hoffman generously acknowledged to the hearers that what had been delivered was strictly conformable with ,scripture doctrine1 and that he united most fully with it4 ,next morning the children being assembled for religious instruction1 at the conclusion ,i requested they might remain awhile1 and ,i had a few words to say to them1 which was a relief to my mind4 ,hoffman asked if they had understood2 they almost all answered1 ,ja1 ja1 ja4 ,this visit has afforded an opportunity of our becoming acquainted with many serious characters out of the neighborhood who were come to the interment2 many of them felt near to me in spirit4 ,hoffman's wife is a precious1 still character2 there is much sweetness in her countenance4 ,all received us heartily in ,christian love2 it felt to me as if it were the night before one of our ,monthly ,meetings1 and ,i was at a ,friend's house1 so much freedom was to be felt4 ,the inn is kept by ,hoffman2 they would make us no charge1 saying love must pay all4 ,we were most easy to make a present to the box for the institution1 but they would have refused it1 saying feelingly1 ,travellers like you have many expenses4 ,the cause for ,j4,y4's peculiar discouragement in the prospect of this meeting was the want of an interpreter4 ,any one who knows the difficulty of public speaking or continuous discourse in a foreign language1 will comprehend the anxiety which he felt when he saw no alternative but that of committing himself to preach in ,german4 ,though very familiar with the language1 he never completely overcame the want of early and of thoroughly grammatical instruction in that difficult and intricate tongue4 ,it was with feelings of this kind that he penned the following memorandum before going to ,kornthal3-- #ahth4--,extremely low in mind and in want of faith4 ,no creature can conceive what ,i suffer in the prospect of having to speak in a foreign tongue in a religious meeting4 ,at ,stuttgardt they took leave of their endeared friend1 ,henry ,kienlin4 ,it is1 says ,j4,y41 hard to part2 but every one must follow his calling1 and mind only the direction of the ,lord4 ,on quitting ,stuttgardt1 ,john ,yeardley makes a few remarks regarding the religious state of ,wuertemberg4 #bbnd4--,wuertemberg is a favored land4 ,in ,feldbach1 three hours from ,stuttgardt1 there are about #hjj ,christian people who hold meetings in each other's houses3 some of them belong to the ,kornthal ,society4 ,years ago1 many emigrated to ,america and ,russia1 to gain religious liberty2 now it is granted them by their own ,government4 ,on the #bbnd1 they journeyed to ,tuebingen1 where they visited the worthy ,professor ,streundel4 ,he was surprised and shy when we entered1 as if he wanted to say1 ,the sooner you take leave the better4 ,but as soon as he knew where we came from1 his countenance changed1 and he received us heartily4 ,he had his wife called--a very polite person4 ,he asked many questions as to our church discipline1 c42 the order of our ,society pleased him much4 ,he had undertaken the study of divinity from an apprehension of duty1 and said that it was only by the assistance of the ,holy ,spirit we could be made instrumental in the ministry4 ,on the #beth they came to ,wilhelmsdorf1 on the ,lake of ,constance1 where is a branch of the ,kornthal ,association4 ,they found the director a man of great simplicity1 but of inward worth4 ,he was1 continues ,john ,yeardley1 six years in ,kornthal1 and seems to be sensible of the importance of the situation he fills1 and of his incapability to be useful to others unless assisted by divine grace4 ,he read our certificate attentively1 and said1 in a weighty manner1 ,yes2 one ,lord over all1 one faith1 one baptism4 ,we found they have no regular preacher1 but meet for worship every evening and on ,first-day mornings4 ,we were desirous of seeing them together1 and they were pleased to find such was our intention4 ,the bell was rung1 and in a few minutes the whole colony assembled1 about two hundred1 with children4 ,much liberty was felt in speaking among them2 and some of them appeared to be sensible of the value of true silence1 and from whence words ought to spring2 many shed tears under the melting influence of divine love which was so preciously to be felt amongst us4 ,we took an affectionate leave1 well satisfied in visiting this little company1 to strengthen them to hold up the cause of their ,lord and ,master1 in the midst of darkness4 ,within about thirty ,english miles there are none but rigid ,roman ,catholics1 not one ,evangelical congregation4 ,at our departure my wife said3 ,these words arise in my mind for thy comfort3 ,thy faith hath saved thee2 go in peace4 ,at the inn where we stopped at ,wilhelmsdorf1 we were spectators of an occurrence rarely to be seen4 ,among the laborers who dined there1 the one who had finished first read a chapter from the ,bible to the rest4 ,when all had done eating1 one offered a prayer2 and then all went quietly back to their work4 ,this practice shows at least the sincerity of their hearts4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,the ,,second ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahbg-bh4 ,,part ,,ii4--,,switzerland4 ,on the #bgth of the ,tenth ,month ,john and ,martha ,yeardley crossed the ,swiss frontier to ,schaffhausen1 where their presence was welcomed by several pious persons4 ,amongst these were a young woman1 ,caroline ,keller1 who from a religions motive had altered her dress and manners to greater simplicity1 and ,john ,lang1 ,principal of the ,united ,brethren's ,society4 ,in a social meeting convened on the evening of their arrival1 ,j4,l4 directed the conversation to the principles of friends1 and ,j4 and ,m4,y4 explained the views held by the ,society on silent worship1 the ministry1 and the disuse of ceremonies4 ,the ,french language1 says ,j4,y41 was difficult to me2 but by the grace of ,god ,i was helped1 and they were quite ready to seize the sense of what we endeavored to convey4 ,the love of ,god was felt among us1 and the ,principal said1 at parting1 that he had not before been so impressed with our views4 ,i sent him ,tuke's ,principles1 and he told me yesterday he was attentively studying it4 ,my dear ,m4,y4 told me it had been given her to believe we were in our right place1 and that we were called by religious intercourse to bear witness for our ,lord and ,master and his good cause4 ,i am afraid1 he remarks in a letter in which he describes their service at ,schaffhausen1 ,i am afraid thou wilt think me too minute in my details2 but really when ,i enter into the feeling which accompanied us in these visits1 it seems as if ,i could scarcely quit it4 ,they spent the #bith at ,schaffhausen in close ,christian communion with two pious families4 ,to ,c4,k4 particularly1 at whose house they dined1 they felt so nearly united1 that they scarcely knew how to part from her4 ,we have cause to be thankful1 says ,j4,y41 for our visit to ,schaffhausen2 but if we were more faithful we should be more useful4 ,our friends were quite inclined for us to have had a meeting with them1 but we were too fearful to propose it4 ,o vile weakness6 ,on the #cast they saw the ,agricultural ,school for poor children at ,beuggen4 ,amongst the boys were twelve young ,greeks1 who were being instructed in ancient and modern ,greek1 and in ,german4 ,they had been sent to ,switzerland by the ,german missionaries1 and most of them had been deprived of their parents by the cruelty of the ,turks4 ,it was the intention of their benefactors that they should return to ,greece to enlighten their countrymen4 ,their religious instruction was based simply upon the ,bible1 without reference to any particular creed4 ,in the ,greek school1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 we observed a serious man about thirty years of age1 who had the appearance of a laborer1 learning ,greek4 ,this was a little surprising1 and led us to inquire the cause4 ,the inspector readily gratified us3 and gratifying indeed it was to hear that this poor man had given up his work of ship-carpenter1 from pure conviction that he was called to go and instruct the poor ,greeks at his own expense4 ,he is intending to spend the winter in learning the modern ,greek1 and to proceed in the spring to ,corfu4 ,he intends to provide for his own living by working at his trade1 and he will take for instruction about four boys at a time1 and as soon as he has brought them forward enough1 set them as monitors over others4 ,some time ago two young men were sent out by the ,bible ,society to ,corfu2 but before they reached the place of their destination they were deterred by the missionaries on account of the unsettled state of the country1 and dared not proceed further for fear of losing their lives4 ,it is remarkable that1 at the juncture when these two young men were turned back by discouragement1 this poor man should receive the impression to go to the same place4 ,we desired to have an interview with him1 and he was instantly sent for to the ,inspector's room4 ,after a few remarks which opened for us to make to him1 he confessed he had no peace but when he thought of giving up to this feeling of duty1 and that when he looked towards going he felt happy in the prospect of every hardship4 ,it was remarked that1 as this call was made from above1 the great ,master alone could guide his steps2 he appeared fully sensible from whom his help must come4 ,he is beloved by his employers1 and has an excellent certificate from the pastor1 of his moral and religious character4 ,on the #bnd of the ,eleventh ,month they went to ,zurich1 and the same day drove out over a very bad road to ,pfaeffikon to visit the ,herr von ,campagne4 ,we had a cold wet journey1 but the good old man gave us a hearty welcome to his house4 ,he is seventy-six years of age4 ,he asked us pleasantly how we came to think of visiting an old man who was on the brink of the grave4 ,he had heard much of ,friends1 and wished1 he said1 to become personally acquainted with some of the ,society4 ,he is a most benevolent character1 but we could not unite with all his religious views2 he does not think it necessary to meet for religious worship2 in short1 his principles are much the same as those held by ,jacob ,boehmen4 ,we slept at his house1 and next morning returned to ,zurich1 where we called on our particular friend ,professor ,gessner and his family1 and we rejoiced mutually to see each other again4 ,in the afternoon they called on ,pastor ,koch1 tutor to the young ,prince of ,mecklenburg1 who was at that time in ,switzerland1 and the next morning1 ,first-day1 as they were holding their little meeting for worship1 the ,prince himself1 with ,herr ,koch and the ,herr von ,brandenstein1 gave them a visit4 ,the ,prince spoke ,english2 and ,j4,y4 says3-- ,i had a strong impression to speak to him in a serious way1 which ,i was enabled to do at some length4 ,on parting he held me with both his hands in mine1 and said1 ,i thank you1 sir1 for your kind and instructive communication2 ,i shall never forget it so long as ,i live4 ,a little before twelve o'clock1 he continues1 came our kind young friend1 ,hannah ,gessner1 to accompany us to the ancient and worthy ,bishop ,hess4 ,he is in his eighty-seventh year1 but lively in spirit and active in mind4 ,he is uncommonly liberal in his religious opinions1 and his enlarged heart seemed to overflow with ,christian love towards the followers of ,christ under every name4 ,he treated us as a father1 and ,i felt instructed in being in his company4 ,he gave us his portrait as a token of respect and friendship4 ,in the evening we took tea with ,professor ,gessner's sister1 ,lavater1 in company with seven of the professor's daughters and sons1 who are all serious persons4 ,after some conversation on the order and ministry of our ,society1 it was proposed by dear ,hannah1 through her aunt1 whether we would like to have a ,meeting or the ,scriptures read4 ,after a portion of ,scripture had been read silence ensued1 in which my dear ,m4 ,y4 and ,i said what was on our minds in testimony and supplication4 ,it is a time of precious visitation to some of them4 ,we felt sweet unity with ,pastor ,gessner1 and believe him to be a gospel minister4 ,on parting he took me in both arms1 and said1 in such a feeling manner that the words went to my very heart1 ,the ,lord bless thee1 and put the words of his wisdom into thy mouth4 ,on the #fth they went to ,berne1 and the next morning they inspected ,fellenberg's institution at ,hofwyl4 ,it is1 says ,john ,yeardley1 what it professes to be1 for education in the fullest extent of the word1 to give to those committed to their care an education suited to their circumstances and their future prospects in life4 ,there is a first-rate boarding school1 for young gentlemen2 a middle school1 for tradesmen1 c42 a boys' and girls' poor school of industry1 for those who can pay nothing4--7,letter to ,josiah ,forster47 ,to ,j4,y4 the most interesting department of this institution was the school of industry for poor children1 in which at that time a hundred boys were clothed and educated4 ,he describes at some length1 and with evident approbation1 the system on which the school was conducted2 but adds1 ,i cannot say much as to religious instruction4 ,from ,hofwyl they proceeded through ,lausanne to ,geneva1 where1 being desirous of improving themselves in ,french1 and the season not permitting them to travel1 they hired a lodging1 intending to remain two or three months4 ,as on their former visit1 they held frequent intercourse with pious persons1 several of them well known in the ,christian world2 such as ,gaussen1 ,bost1 and ,l',huillier4 ,of ,theodore ,l',huillier4 minister of the ,new ,church1 ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,though a moderate ,calvinist1 he embraced us at once on the broad principle of ,christianity4 ,we became acquainted with him two years ago1 but think him now much deeper in the root of real religion4 #aa mo4 #ai4--,we called yesterday evening on our dear friend ,owen1 and met there a pious lady1 ,fanny ,passavant4 ,we had much serious conversation1 ,i hope to profit1 at least to our own minds2 for we were given to see a little the importance of the situation in which we stand1 and the necessity of being1 in our intercourse with these religious persons1 wise as serpents1 and harmless as doves4 #ahbh4 #a mo4 #ac4--,we have had much satisfaction in becoming acquainted with ,ami ,bost4 ,he was one of the first who bore testimony to the light which broke forth in the corrupt church of ,geneva1 and he suffered much in defending the doctrines of the ,new ,church4 ,in ,germany he was1 with his wife and six or seven children1 driven from town to town by the police1 for holding religious meetings in his house1 and for refusing to have his children baptised4 ,his sentiments in the office of the ministry and the appointment of preachers1 are in perfect unison with those of ,friends2 also on the ordinances of the ,supper1 c4 #a mo4 #bj4--;,during the greater part of our stay at this place ,i have felt my mind extremely poor1 but a secret desire and prayer has been maintained to be preserved in patience1 believing it to be as necessary to learn to suffer as to do4 ,and although it is apparently little we can do here1 we have felt repeatedly the assurance that it is the ordering of ,best ,wisdom1 and as such we are well satisfied4 ,after our little morning meeting we went to dine with dear ,captain ,owen1 and spent the remainder of the day with a few religious friends there4 ,when the evening reading was finished1 we had a solemn time under the seasoning influence of divine love4 ,our hearts were too full for any religious communication1 except supplication1 which was offered both by my dear ,m4,y4 and myself4 ,martha ,yeardley also gives an account of this meeting1 and of a visit they paid to the ,female ,prison4 ,before our departure for ,lausanne and ,neufchatel1 a relation of ,mary ,ann ,vernet's kindly attended us to the female prison1 and introduced us to others of the committee2 and in the evening we had a religious opportunity with the few confined there1 during which they evinced much feeling4 ,our interesting companion told us the next morning that she trusted the circumstance would be blessed to them4 ,we had also a very interesting opportunity at ,charles ,owen's the evening before we left1 at which was present1 as often before1 a very precious friend of ours1 of the name of ,fanny ,passavant1 a single woman1 very rich1 yet who lives in great self-denial1 and gives almost all she has to feed the poor4 ,she is what they call in this country a very interior character2 which means one that cherishes the inward life4 ,in her company we often felt baptized together1 and she gave us strong recommendations to some of the same class at ,neufchatel1 who are desiring to learn in the school of ,christ4--7,letter to ,elizabeth ,dudley47 ,at the expiration of their sojourn in ,geneva1 they did not1 as they had expected to do1 proceed to the valleys of ,piedmont1 but1 as the last extract intimates1 turned their steps towards ,neufchatel4 ,the motives which influenced them in this change of purpose are described by ,john ,yeardley1 in a letter to his brother1 of the #aath of the ,second ,month1 #ahbh4 ,in my last to thee ,i signified our intention of departing for the valleys of ,piedmont1 which did not take place4 ,after due consideration of the subject for more than two months1 in a state of humble resignation to be directed aright in this important matter1 we did not feel it press with sufficient weight on our minds to warrant our moving in the face of so much difficulty as is at present in the way4 ,we have always considered our safety in such engagements to depend on taking step by step in the fresh light afforded2 and it is a favor to know when and where to stand1 as well as when to go forward4 ,while the way to ,piedmont was thus for a time obstructed1 a door was set open for them in a part of ,switzerland which they had not yet visited4 ,from ,john ,yeardley's reflections before they left ,geneva1 it would appear that in the discouragement they felt in the prospect of a long journey through ,france1 they were little aware of that plentiful repast of spiritual food which was to be served to them before they would have to cross the ,jura4 ,in looking towards the long journey before us1 writes ,j4,y41 ,i have been much discouraged1 almost fearing to depart from this place without first being favored with more quietude of mind1 which ,i was this morning favored to feel in a greater degree than has been the case for a long time4 ,in my last solitary walk to ,la ,traille1 ,i was led to pray in secret for preservation on our journey1 and almost to ask an assurance of protection1 but received for answer1 ,go1 in faith4 ,on the #bast of the ,first ,month1 they left ,geneva and went forward to ,lausanne1 where they were again refreshed with the society of some spiritually-minded persons4 #bcrd--,we visited several of the pastors4 ,we found ,m4 ,fevaz1 minister of the ,seceders in this place1 very interesting1 humble1 and spiritual4 ,he related to us1 in much simplicity and candor1 that in the commencement of their separation they were strenuous to preach doctrinal sermons1 but now they had been favored to see the necessity of preaching purification of heart through the operation of the ,spirit4 ,called on ---- ,gaudin1 who keeps a boarding-school in a beautiful situation near the town4 ,we had not been long in the company of him and his dear wife1 before we felt much contrited together1 and had a precious religious opportunity4 ,at parting1 the dear man1 with myself1 was quite broken into tears4 ,we left with him1 as well as with the others1 ,judge ,hale's ,testimony to the ,secret ,support of ,divine ,providence1 which we had translated1 and had got printed at ,geneva4 ,on the #bdth they proceeded to ,neufchatel4 ,this was a memorable visit4 ,we soon found cause1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 to believe the ,great ,master had been before us1 to prepare the way in the hearts of many to receive the doctrine he has mercifully enabled us to preach4 ,our dear ,f4 ,passavant had given us a letter of introduction to ,auguste ,borel1 a man of few words1 but of a remarkably weighty and sweet spirit1 who received us with the greatest affection4 ,he has lately separated from the national worship1 and retires in silence in his own chamber4 ,he soon made us acquainted with a few others of a similar turn of mind4 ,martha ,yeardley1 describing the commencement of their religious service in this place1 says3-- ,we were invited to a meeting which we felt most easy to attend1 and my husband was given full liberty to speak if he felt inclined2 but for a while the usual activity of their meetings--such as singing1 commenting on texts with ,calvinistic explanations1 c4--entirely closed our way4 ,but before they separated ,i ventured to request1 in the name of my husband1 that such as inclined would favor us with their company a while longer1 and rest a little in silence4 ,nearly all remained1 and under a solemn covering he addressed the company1 while ,i translated in much fear1 yet ventured at the end to say a few words for myself4 ,several of the company attended us home1 and expressed much satisfaction3 and from this time a door was opened to us at ,neufchatel in a very remarkable manner4 ,they flocked to our inn at all times in the day and in considerable numbers1 many acknowledging1 in the course of very interesting conversation1 that they thirsted for something more satisfying than mere doctrines continually repeated--something that would preserve from evil1 that would cleanse the heart1 that would bring into nearer communion with the ,saviour4--7,letter to ,elizabeth ,dudley47 ,on the #bgth1 continues the ,diary1 ,a4 ,borel conducted us to a meeting with some interior persons1 about three miles from town4 ,it was a time of close exercise of mind1 but ended to satisfaction1 and1 ,i hope1 to the edification and strength of some present4 ,the master of the house1 ,professor ,petavel1 said that never until that evening had he been able to see clearly the beauty and advantage of pure spiritual worship1 contrasted with outward forms4 ,after1 having taken tea with a large company1 our kind guide conducted us through woods and over mountainous and bad roads to a village1 where a large concourse of people were assembled for worship4 ,a schoolmaster was speaking on a chapter which had been read3 we had full unity with what he delivered1 which was accompanied with a power which convinced us that he really preached the gospel4 ,after he had done1 we were introduced as religious strangers from ,england2 and silence ensuing1 opportunity was given for us to express what came before us4 #bhth4--,some of the most interior told us they had long been exercised about spiritual worship1 and had often wished to see some of the ,society of ,friends4 ,on hearing of our intended visit two years ago1 they said if we had come then we should have found them wrapped up in doctrines1 but now they were given to see they could not live on the letter alone1 they must be born again1 and partake of that bread which cometh down from heaven4 ,many of these awakened persons came to our inn at all hours1 and our hearts were filled with love towards them as a cup overflowing2 so that it was given to us to minister to them almost individually as they came to us4 ,on the #bith they went to ,berne1 and the following morning walked over to ,wabern1 where some of ,a4 ,borel's friends resided1 who received them with open arms4 ,after dinner ,m4 ,combe drove us in his car to ,scherli4 ,we alighted at the house of one of the peasant-farmers1 situated quite among the mountains1 with the ,alps fair in view4 ,they received us in the name of disciples with every mark of love and respect4 ,they were more disposed to sit in silence than to ask questions4 ,on my asking if they had seen or heard of any of our ,friends1 in these parts1 one of them1 innocently replied1 ,no2 we do not know anything of your religious principles4 ,i then began to explain them2 and when ,i spoke of our manner of worship1 belief1 c41 and of some of our peculiar tenets respecting ,baptism1 the ,supper1 c41 it is not possible to express their emotion2 their eyes turned first towards one and then towards another1 and seemed to sparkle with joy1 without their uttering a word till ,i had done4 ,these were entirely the principles they held1 and about a year ago they separated from the church1 about twenty in number1 and attempted to meet for religious worship4 ,this was prevented by the police2 for although1 they live in a very remote situation1 they are strictly watched by the pastor1 who wishes to compel them to come to his worship4 ,we were there only an hour or two1 but a number of these innocent-hearted people came flocking to the house1 and immediately settled into a silence truly solemn4 ,we could indeed say our hearts burned with love towards them4 ,two of these young men came to us the nest day1 and spent most of the day with us4 ,one of them1 ,christian ,speicher1 told me he did not know how to express the satisfaction he felt to hear of a body of professing ,christians in a distant land1 who held the same religious principles as they in their isolated situation had been long seeking after and had been made willing to suffer for4 ,during our stay under this hospitable roof ,m4 ,combe's at ,wabern it was an open house for all comers1 and they were not few4 ,our spirits were so united with many of them we did not know how to leave them2 but our great concern was to recommend them to remain with ,him who had so mercifully and powerfully visited them4 ,on the #cast they returned to ,berne1 and the next day called upon a pious chimney-sweeper1 waiting whilst he changed his sooty clothes4 ,we were not a little surprised to hear him of his own accord1 without knowing who we were1 declare the same doctrine as we are concerned to preach4 ,there are a few inward persons who assemble at his house1 and hold the same sentiments4 ,about a year and a half or two years ago1 there was a remarkable awakening in the canton of ,berne1 and a few here and there of a more spiritually-minded sort seceded4 ,there is a ferment to prevent their meeting together1 and to compel them to go to the usual place of worship2 but in vain1 for nothing but spiritual food can satisfy their hungry souls4 ,on their return to ,neufchatel they visited the celebrated school of the ,moravians at ,montmirail1 where1 says ,martha ,yeardley-- ,we soon felt quite at home with a precious1 spiritually-minded man1 the master1 and his agreeable ,english wife4 ,this is an excellent institution1 for females only1 and several ,english are there4 ,we were about seventy in company at dinner1 and much sweet feeling prevailed4 ,the master of this interesting family was delighted to hear something of ,friends to whom he had never before been introduced4 ,at ,neufchatel1 on ,first-day 7#b mo4 #c17 they met large companies in the morning and evening1 and the next morning took leave of their friends in that city1 deeply humbled under a sense of the great ,master's work among them4 ,they went to ,locle under the conduct of ,a4 ,borel1 whose kindness exceeded all description4 ,on the way1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 we took refreshment at a pious man's house in the morning1 and dined at another friend's1 with whom1 we had a precious religious opportunity4 ,it reminded me of the mode of visiting our own dear ,friends in ,england2 we find in the hearts of these visited children of the ,universal ,parent genuine hospitality2 they hand us of all they have in their houses in the name of disciples4 ,at ,locle they were met by ,mary ,anne ,calame1 with whom their hearts became instantly knit in the strongest ,christian friendship4 ,she came before we were well alighted4 ,we had heard much of the character and benevolent exertions of this dear woman but could say in truth the half had not been told us4 ,her countenance is strong and impressive1 her hair jet black1 cut short1 and worn without cap2 her dress of the most simple and least costly kind4 ,her sole desire seems to be to do the will of her ,lord and ,master in caring for #agj poor children1 who are in the institution at bed1 board1 and instruction4 ,the forenoon was spent in looking over the schools and hearing the children examined4 ,the house is a refuge for the lame1 blind1 deaf1 dumb1 and sick4 ,peace and contentment prevail through the whole4 ,this establishment was commenced about twelve years ago with five children1 and has prospered in a remarkable manner4 ,m4,a4,c4 is one with ,friends in principle1 and1 as well as some others of the family1 entirely separated from the usual forms of worship4 ,martha ,yeardley1 in a letter from which we have already quoted1 describes the origin of the asylum4 ,about twelve years since ,m4,a4 ,calame believed herself called to form an institution for orphans and unfortunate children4 ,she associated some others with her for this object1 but having peculiar views on religious subjects1 and more perseverance than her colleagues1 she was soon left nearly alone1 with means entirely inadequate to the increasing demands1 viz41 about three francs yearly from a very limited number of persons4 ,the children daily augmented1 and she dared not refuse admission3 when in necessity she was encouraged to trust from unexpected donations4 ,this increased her faith2 and after some years1 a boys' school was added4 ,in this way the institution has been supported without any regular funds4 ,her faith is still often very severely tried1 but they have never yet been suffered to want4 ,her refuge in times of extremity is prayer1 and it has been in some instances very evidently answered1 so that she has severely reproached herself for daring to doubt4 ,in speaking on this subject she said to me3 ,i am at times much beset with temptations when ,i consider the number ,i have thus collected without any visible or certain means of support2 but how can ,i dare to doubt after so many proofs of the care of the great ,master8 ,he knows our wants2 he knows these dear children have need of food and clothing1 and he provides it for them2 and he knows that all ,i desire is to do his will4 ,on remarking to her the sweet tranquillity and order which reign in these schools1 she said1 ,it is the ,master's work2 they are taught to love him above all1 and to do all for his sake4 ,we felt very nearly united to her and to an intimate friend who resides with her3 they are both what are called deeply interior characters1 and have long withdrawn from the places of public worship1 but fully unite with our views4 ,she is really a very extraordinary character1 extremely simple and cheerful in her manners1 possessing great natural talents1 and evincing in her conducting of the institution1 not only the ,spirit1 but the understanding also4--7,to ,elizabeth ,dudley1 #b mo4 #g1 #ahbh47 ,with ,locle1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley's mission to ,switzerland for this time terminated4 ,they crossed the frontier into ,france1 and made the best of their way through that country1 in order to proceed to the ,channel ,islands4 ,this morning 7#b mo4 #e17 writes ,j4,y41 ,mary ,anne ,calame and her friend ,zimmerling1 with ,a4 ,borel1 accompanied us two leagues to the ferry1 and saw us safe over into ,france4 ,this last parting with friends so dear to us in a foreign land1 was very touching2 our hearts were humbled under a sense of the ,heavenly ,father's love4 #fth4--,passing the custom-house made us late at our quarters1 where they are not accustomed to receive such guests4 ,their curiosity to see and know who we are is very great4 ,to prevent ,french imposition1 my ,m4,y4 was to bargain beforehand for what we had4 ,on asking what the meal would cost1 we were answered they could not tell1 for they did not know how much coffee we should drink4 ,this simple but appropriate reply so amused us that it put an end to our bargaining4 ,i shall not soon forget the sensation ,i felt on passing the river into ,france4 ,i could not forbear drawing the discouraging contrast of quitting those to whom we had become united in the gospel of peace1 in a country the most beautiful that ,nature can present1 with a long journey in prospect through a dreary country whose inhabitants wish only to get what they can from us4 ,these discouraging fears could only be silenced by reflecting that the same protecting ,providence presides over all and everywhere4 ,travelling with their own single horse1 their favorite ,poppet1 the progress they made was necessarily slow1 and they did not reach ,paris till the #aith4 ,after spending a few days in that city1 they proceeded to ,cherbourg1 and arrived there after six days of hard travelling4 ,at this place ,john ,yeardley writes3-- #c mo4 #b4--;,in looking back on our late travels1 a degree of sweet peace and thankfulness covered my mind in the humble belief that our weak but sincere desires to do the great ,master's will was a sacrifice well-pleasing in his holy sight4 ,in looking forward to the dangers we had still to encounter1 ,i was led closely to examine on what our hope of preservation was fixed4 ,should it please ,him who had hitherto blessed us with his presence and protecting care1 to put our faith again to the test1 how we could bear it1 how we should feel at the prospect of going down to the bottom of the great deep4 ,i felt a particular satisfaction that our great journey had first been accomplished2 if this had not been the case it would have been a sting in my conscience4 ,but now an awful resignation was experienced1 and it came before me as an imperious duty to be resigned to life or death2 and the joyful hope resounded in my heart1 ,all will be well to those who love not their lives unto death4 ,the presentiment of danger which this passage describes was speedily fulfilled1 as was also the hopeful promise by which it was accompanied4 ,they were detained at ,cherbourg until the #acth1 waiting for a vessel4 ,leaving port early that morning1 they landed in ,guernsey the next day2 and it was in going ashore that they were exposed to some danger of their lives4 ,john ,yeardley thus relates the occurrence3-- ,i descended first into a little boat1 and standing on the side to take my ,m4,y4 down1 the man not holding the boat secure to the ship1 our weight pushed it from us1 and we plunged headlong into the sea4 ,my dear ,m4,y4's clothes prevented her from sinking1 and she was first assisted again into the boat4 ,i went overhead1 and had to swim several turns before ,i could reach the boat4 ,the salt water being warm1 and the time not long1 we received no further injury4 ,what shall we render unto the ,lord for all his mercies to us1 his poor unworthy servants6 how often has he made bare his mighty arm for our deliverance4 ,in the midst of danger fear was removed from us1 and we were blessed with the unspeakable advantage of presence of mind1 and enabled to use the best means under ,divine ,providence to save our lives4 ,they visited the ,friends and a few other persons in ,guernsey and ,jersey1 and then proceeded to ,weymouth1 and on the #beth to ,bristol4 ,at ,bristol and ,tewkesbury they were deeply interested in the state of the meetings1 and had some remarkable service in both places4 ,taking also ,nottingham and ,chesterfield in their way1 and being well satisfied in not having overrun them1 they arrived at the cottage at ,burton on the #hth of the ,fourth ,month1 having been absent about nine months4 ,in the retrospect1 say they1 of this long and arduous journey1 we have this testimony unitedly to bear1--that the ,arm of divine love has been underneath to support and help us2 and although we have had many deep baptisms to pass through1 especially when we beheld how in many places the fields are white unto harvest1 and were fully sensible of our own inability to labor therein1 yet ,he who1 we trust1 sent us forth was often pleased to raise us from the depth of discouragement1 to rejoice in him our ,saviour4 ,if any fruits arise from our feeble efforts to promote his cause1 it will be from his blessing resting upon them1 for nothing can possibly be attached to us but weakness and want of faith4 ,but1 blessed be his holy name1 he knew the sincerity of our endeavors to do his will1 and has been pleased in his condescending mercy to fill our hearts with his enriching peace4 ,amen4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,home ,,occupations ,,and ,,travels ,,in ,,england ,,and ,,wales4 #ahbh--ahcc4 ,on their return home ,martha ,yeardley was attacked with a severe illness1 consequent probably on hard travelling and bad accommodation during the journey4 ,under date of the #ahth of the ,fifth ,month1 ,j4,y4 writes3-- ,how circumstances change6 ,last ,yearly ,meeting we were in ,london with the prospect of a long journey before us1 and now my dear ,martha is on a bed of sickness1 and ,i have myself suffered2 but through all there is a degree of peaceful resignation in the belief that all is done well that the ,great ,master does1 and that what ,he keeps is well kept4 ,later in the day he thus continues his ,diary3-- ,this has been a day of great trial on account of my dear ,martha being much worse4 ,my poor mind has been distressed at her weak state3 ,i should sink under discouragement1 did ,i not consider that ,he who sends affliction can support in it1 and he who brings low can raise up in his own time1 if it be his blessed will1 to which all must be submitted4 ,in the ,seventh ,month he took her to ,harrowgate1 where her health became very much restored1 and soon after their return they paid a religious visit to ,ackworth ,school and to the families of ,friends in ,barnsley4 ,some of the opportunities at ,ackworth1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 were seasons of much contrition of spirit2 feeling deeply humbled under a sense of ,divine goodness and mercy in restoring this large family to usual health after a time of deep affliction4 ,in the latter part of this year they were much occupied in establishing an ,infant ,school at ,barnsley2 and also in collecting and remitting subscriptions to ,mary ,anne ,calame for her ,orphan ,institution4 ,in acknowledging to ,martha ,yeardley one of these remittances1 ,m4,a4,c4 writes thus3 ,may our ,heavenly ,father render thee a hundredfold what thy charity has prompted thee to do for my numerous family of children2 and may his blessing rest on all those who have contributed to it4 ,we think of you every day1 and we desire to live only to do the holy will of our ,god4 ,your visit has been a testimony of his love towards us2 he has permitted that it should be blessed to us2 for the remembrance of you carries as towards ,him who is the finisher of our faith1 where we mingle with you in the unfathomable sea of the divine mercy4 ,my large family is much blessed2 good and happy tendencies manifest themselves in many1 and in general peace reigns through the house4 ,the assistant masters and mistresses walk more or less in the presence of the ,lord2 the governess ,m4 ,zimmerling especially grows deeper in the divine life3 she is often ill1 but she bears this cross1 by the help that is given her from above1 with much submission and faith4 ,last month we had the pleasure of making a little journey to ,berne and the neighborhood1 to visit our friends there who love you so much4 ,we heard that you had both fallen into the sea1 and that thou wast ill in consequence4 ,thou mayst understand how the wishes of our hearts encompassed thee2 ,i have felt my soul for ever united to thine in the ,lord2 and it seems to me that if my eyes should never again meet thine in this land of exile1 ,i should speedily recognize thee in the happy mansions where the goodness of the ,redeemer has prepared us a place4 ,o1 my sister1 may he bless thee1 may he bless ,john whom he has given thee to accomplish his work2 may he open thy mouth and direct all thy steps1 and give seals to thine and thy husband's ministry1 and make you increase together unto the stature of ,christ4--7#ab mo4 #ad1 #ahbh47 ,the entries in the ,diary at this period are not numerous3 we select from them the following short memorandum3-- #ahbi4 #d mo4 #i4--;,in our usual reading this morning1 ,i was struck with these words3 ,if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask1 it shall be done for them of my ,father which is in heaven4 7,matt1 xviii4 #ai47 ,a fervent desire was raised in my heart that we might unitedly ask for faith and strength to do the will of our ,heavenly ,father1 and that his blessing and preservation might attend all that concerns us4 ,in the ,fifth ,month they attended the ,yearly ,meeting2 and ,john ,yeardley was present at the anniversary of the ,peace ,society4 #e mo4 #ai4--;,attended a meeting of the ,peace ,society1 much to my own satisfaction4 ,it was truly gratifying to hear from those not in profession with us1 such strong and decided sentiments against all war1 as being not only inconsistent with the spirit of ,christianity1 but also contrary to sound policy4 ,i am convinced public meetings are necessary to keep alive public feeling1 as well as to excite individual interest4 ,as it regards myself1 ,i can say1 before attending the meeting ,i felt but little concern with respect to this great question4 ,soon after their return home1 they were comforted by the intelligence that a few of those persons at ,neufchatel who had so joyfully received their gospel message1 had found strength to establish a meeting for worship4 ,this information was contained in a letter from ,auguste ,borel1 from which the following is an extract3-- ,he who tries the heart1 and who knew the sincerity of my desires1 deigned to hear my prayer on the #bdth of ,february1 when1 without any previous understanding1 we met four in number at my house at ten o'clock in the morning4 ,this day is called with us ,torch ,sunday1 and is a day of rejoicing in the world2 and1 if ,i ought to say so1 during my carnal life it was to me a day of true pleasure1 which ,i always looked for with impatience1 because of the great bonfires which are then lighted1 and which are seen from our city1 illuminating every point of the wide horizon4 ,it is my hope that the ,god of love1 in the analogy of the spiritual order of things1 may have kindled in our hearts his sacred fire1 and will condescend to maintain and increase it in time and in eternity4 ,since that time we have continued our meetings without interruption3 our number has not yet exceeded six or seven4 ,we do not force the work1 but1 recognising that it is the ,lord alone who has begun it1 ,i feel daily more and more that ,he alone ought to direct it4 ,a portion of this summer and autumn was occupied by ,john and ,martha ,yeardley with holding public meetings for worship within the compass of ,pontefract and ,knaresborough ,monthly ,meetings4 ,amongst the notices in the ,diary of these meetings1 are the following3-- #h mo4 #af4--;,a public meeting at ,wooldale1 to which name many more people than could get into the house4 ,the ,friends said they never saw so large a meeting in that place4 ,many of those present expressed their satisfaction by saying they could have sat till morning to hear what was delivered4 ,it is an easy matter to become hearers of the word2 but it was the doers of the word that were pronounced happy4 #bcrd4--,meeting at ,otley1 in the ,methodist chapel4 ,it was not very full1 but very solid and satisfactory4 ,the last public meeting in this place was held in silence1 which might probably be the cause of a small attendance on this occasion4 ,it is bard work to bring the people to see and feel the advantage of silent worship3 the time is not yet come1 and perhaps never may4 ,we must be willing to help them in the way pointed out1 and try to strengthen the good in all2 for if they are only brought to the ,father's house1 it matters not in what way or through what medium4 ,in the ,eleventh ,month they returned to the ,monthly ,meeting the minute which had been granted them1 and received at the same time a certificate to visit some meetings of ,friends in the midland and south-western counties4 ,before they left home for this journey1 they received intelligence that ,john ,yeardley's early and intimate friend ,james ,a4 ,wilson was no more4 #aa mo4 #bd4--,my heart1 says ,j4,y41 is pained within me1 while ,i record the loss of one with whom ,i have been for many years on the most intimate terms4 ,he has long had an afflicted tabernacle and a suffering mind1 which1 ,i believe1 contributed to his refinement1 and prepared him for the awful change4 ,he had been recommended to go to a warmer climate1 and had taken up his residence at ,glouchester1 where he died1 which prevented us from attending him in his last moments4 ,he possessed much originality of character1 joined to sincerity and genuine piety2 and ,i doubt not he experienced the fulfilment of this promise3 ,behold1 ,i have caused thy iniquity to pass from thee1 and ,i will clothe thee with change of raiment4 7,zech4 iii4 #d47 ,on the #aath of the ,twelfth ,month they left home1 and during the next two months were closely occupied in visiting various meetings from ,yorkshire to ,devonshire4 ,their service commenced with an encouraging meeting at ,monyash1 in ,derbyshire4 #acth4--,the first meeting we attended was at ,monyash4 ,it was larger than we had expected1 in consequence of strangers coming in1 and proved rather a lively commencement to our spiritual course of labor4 ,on the #adth they held a meeting in the ,potteries1 in a cottage belonging to one of the few ,friends in the place4 ,word having got abroad that strangers were expected1 many of the neighbors came in1 so that the rooms below-stairs were filled3 it was a refreshing time4 ,they found in the woman to whom the cottage belonged a bright example of piety and charity4 ,she has been1 says ,j4,y41 a cripple from her childhood2 but is able to maintain herself by keeping a school for little children2 she is not unmindful1 also1 to help her poorer neighbors out of her small earnings4 ,at ,bristol1 where they arrived on the #ast of the ,first ,month1 #ahcj1 they rested a few days at ,h4 and ,m4 ,hunt's4 ,we had1 says ,j4,y4 much pleasure in being in this family4 ,bristol is the largest meeting we have in our ,society in ,england1 and to me it was a very trying one on the ,first-day morning4 ,i was much cast down after meeting2 but we staid over the ,monthly ,meeting on ,third-day1 which afforded me relief of mind1 and ,i left with as much comfort as ,i could well desire4 ,at ,plymouth ,john ,yeardley found an object of lively interest in ,lady ,rogers' ,charity ,school1 established to fit girls for becoming household servants4 ,he was gratified with the good order1 simplicity1 and economy1 which pervaded the institution4 ,martha ,yeardley suffered much during their journey in ,devonshire1 from the inclemency of the weather2 and a heavy fall of snow on the night of the #agth prevented their leaving ,plymouth at the time intended4 ,in consequence of this1 they hired a lodging1 and employed themselves in visiting the ,friends from house to house1 and in organising an infant school1 which the ,friends had long desired to see established4 ,on their return from ,plymouth they stopped at ,sidcot1 where they spent some time at the ,friends' school4 ,here the subject of offering prizes to children came under the notice of ,j4,y41 and like all other subjects connected with education1 engaged his serious reflection4 ,it would certainly be better1 he says1 if the basis of good actions could be laid in the children's minds on a principle of rectitude and justice1 so that they might be taught to do well from a love of truth1 and not from a fear of punishment or a hope of reward2 but so long as human nature remains unchanged1 a check against the one and an incitement to the other seem to be necessary1 as a help to overcome the evil in the mind1 until that which is good shall become predominant4 ,they returned to ,yorkshire through ,warwick and ,leicester1 and on reviewing the journey ,john ,yeardley has the following reflections3-- #b mo4 #bb4--;,almost all the meetings we attended on this journey of #hjj miles are very small1 except ,birmingham and ,bristol1 and the life of religion is low among the members in general2 which is not much to be wondered at1 when we consider that many of those meetings are constituted chiefly of a few individuals who have had a birthright in the ,society--born members but not new-born ,christians1 without the power or form of religion1 no outward means to excite them to faith and good works4 ,if they neglect the spirit of prayer in themselves1 it is not surprising they should grow cold in love and zeal for the noble cause of truth on the earth4 ,but in the lowest of these meetings there is something alive to visit1 and in going along we felt the renewed evidence that we were in our right allotment in thus going about1 endeavoring to strengthen the things that remain2 and though we have had to pass through much suffering1 both outward and inward1 yet we have also experienced times of rejoicing in doing the will of our ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ4 ,after the ,quarterly ,meeting in the ,third ,month they visited each of the meetings within their own ,monthly ,meeting1 thinking1 says ,j4,y41 a little pastoral care was due to our ,friends at home1 seeing we are often concerned to go abroad4 ,in the ,fifth ,month they went up to the ,yearly ,meeting1 via ,lincolnshire1 taking several meetings in the way4 ,among the subjects which occupied ,friends in their annual conference this year was that of missions to the heathen1 which1 it was proposed by some1 should he taken up by the ,society4 ,the subject1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 was fully entered into1 and the interest was very great4 ,many ,friends spoke their sentiments freely and feelingly1 and the subject was taken on minute to be revived nest year4 ,if this important matter were brought home to each individual of us1 there would be more missionaries prepared and sent forth to labor2 but we love ease and our homes1 contenting ourselves with reading and talking about what is going forward in the great cause of religion and righteousness in the earth4 ,they returned home through the midland counties1 visiting most of the meetings in ,oxfordshire1 and in the parts adjacent2 which they had been unable to do the previous year in returning from the ,west4 ,it was comforting to us1 ,john ,yeardley says1 to be with ,friends in ,oxfordshire1 whom we had so long thought of4 ,many of their meetings are small2 but there are a few individuals among them precious and improving characters1 who1 ,i believe1 are under the preparing hand for greater usefulness in the ,lord's church4 ,with these we were often dipped into near union of spirit1 which sometimes caused the divine life to rise among us to the refreshing of our spirits4 ,in the ,sixth ,month they again left home1 being minded to see how the churches fared in the eastern part of ,yorkshire4 ,the point which most interested them in this tour was ,scarborough1 where they were attracted both by the town itself and by the little society of ,friends4 ,it felt to us1 says ,j4,y41 very much like a home4 ,we lodged at ,elizabeth ,rowntree's1 a sweet resting-place4 7#g mo4 #d47 ,at the same time that they reported to their ,monthly ,meeting the attention they had paid to this service1 they received its sanction to undertake a journey in ,wales4 ,it is truly humbling to us1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 in describing this occasion1 thus to have to expose ourselves1 poor and weak as we are2 but the cause is not our own1 but is in the hands of our great ,lord and ,master4 ,may he help us6 7#g mo4 #ai47 ,they left home on the #gth of the ,eighth ,month1 and spent the #aath at ,coalbrookdale1 in the company of ,barnard ,dickinson and his wife4 ,from thence ,samuel ,hughes accompanied them as guide into ,wales1 and continued with them a week4 ,he proved1 says ,j4,y41 a most efficient helper in this wild country1 knowing the roads well1 and he was kind and attentive to us and our horse4 ,the stages are long and hilly1 and we are often obliged to go many miles round the mountains to make our way from one place to another4 ,the road to ,pales is over the moors2 we scarcely saw a house for miles1 except here and there a little cot1 on a plot of ground obtained as a grant to encourage industry4 ,these little dwellings were generally surrounded by a few acres of well-cultivated land enclosed from the moor4 ,it is much to be regretted that the plan of cottage culture is not more generally promoted2 wherever ,i see it practised ,i view it with pleasure1 as tending to increase the comforts of the poor4 ,on the #aith they attended the ,half-year's ,meeting at ,swansea4 ,a ,committee of the ,yearly ,meeting was present4 ,elizabeth ,dudley was also there1 with a certificate for religious service2 and she and ,john and ,martha ,yeardley1 finding that the errand on which they were come was the same1 resolved to join company and travel together through ,south and ,north ,wales4 ,they were accompanied throughout the journey by ,robert and ,jane ,eaton of ,bryn-y-,mor4 ,as there are very few meetings of ,friends in ,wales1 the chief part of their service was beyond the limits of the ,society4 ,they met with great openness in many places from the ,methodists and other preachers and their congregations4 ,from the notes which ,john ,yeardley made of their religious labors in this journey1 we select several passages4 #i mo4 #ac4 ,aberystwith4--,our first object was to inquire for a place of meeting4 ,we found they were all engaged for that evening1 which detained us here a day longer than we had expected2 but this little detention enabled us to make acquaintance with two of the ,independent preachers1 to whom we became much attached in gospel fellowship1 ,a4 ,shadrach and his son4 ,the father preaches in ,welsh1 and the son in ,english4 ,it was comforting to us to meet with two such pious1 humble-minded ,christians1 laboring diligently to forward the cause of religion4 ,they kindly offered us their chapel for the evening1 and after the meeting they both expressed much satisfaction in having been favored with such an opportunity4 #i mo4 #ae4--,we arrived pretty early at ,machynlleth1 which is a clean little town4 ,we did not know but that we might have proceeded on our journey after having refreshed ourselves and our horses2 but1 ,e4,d4 feeling much interested for the people of the town1 it seemed best to have a meeting with them4 ,i walked out1 and seeing a good meeting-house1 inquired to what persuasion of people it belonged1 and found it was an ,independent chapel1 and that the minister lived about a mile and a half in the country4 ,the prospect of being unable to make the people understand us was discouraging2 for in the streets there was nothing to be heard but ,welsh4 ,however there was no time for reasoning1 it being near twelve o'clock1 and all must be arranged by seven in the evening4 ,after some difficulty we found the preacher1 a kind-hearted pious man1 who readily granted his chapel1 and undertook to act as interpreter should occasion require4 ,this was the only place where we adopted the vulgar mode of giving notice by the town-crier1 so common on all occasions in this country2 but the time was short1 and many of the people were not able to read our ,english notices1 which we generally filled up for the purpose4 ,the meeting was pretty fully attended1 and the people were mostly quiet1 considering there were many who could not understand4 ,when ,e4,d4 sat down the minister repeated in substance what she had said2 for1 not being used to speak through an interpreter1 she declined his giving sentence by sentence4 ,when he had done1 ,i felt something press on my mind towards the poorer classes present1 who ,i was sure could not understand ,english3 so ,i stepped down from the pulpit1 and placing myself by the minister1 requested he would render for me a few sentences as literally as he could4 ,this he did kindly1 and1 ,i believe1 faithfully1 to the relief of my mind4 ,he then addressed a few words on his own account to the assembly and dismissed them4 ,we regretted the want of the native language1 as we could not have the same command over the meeting as would otherwise have been the case4 ,at ,barmouth1 instead of convening the people to hear the word1 they had to exercise a ,christian gift of a different kind--the gift of spiritual judgment4 #i mo4 #ai4--,on entering ,barmouth we thought of a meeting with the inhabitants2 but on feeling more closely at the subject the way did not appear clear2 there was something which we could neither see nor feel through4 ,this power of spiritual discrimination is very precious4 ,how instructive it is to mark our impressions under various circumstances and at different times6 #i mo4 #be4--;,at ,ruthin we obtained information respecting the few individuals at ,llangollen who profess with ,friends1 and set off to pay them a visit4 ,we arrived at the beautiful vale of ,llangollen to dinner1 and alighted at the ,king's ,head ,inn1 at the foot of the bridge1 which afforded us a fine view of the ,dee4 ,there are at present only four or five persons who meet regularly as ,friends4 ,they live scattered in the country1 and are in the humbler walks of life2 but we thought them upright-hearted ,christians who had received their religious principles from conviction4 ,we saw them on ,first-day morning in the room where they usually meet1 and again in the evening at our inn1 and were much comforted in being with them4 ,the room where they meet is in such an obscure situation that we should never have found it without a guide4 ,we thought it right to procure them a more convenient room1 which we did4 #bgth4--,in the evening we had a public meeting in the ,independent ,chapel1 which was crowded2 there is much openness in the minds of the people to receive the truths of the gospel4 ,before the assembly separated1 we proposed to them to establish a school for poor children2 several present their conviction of the want of such an institution1 and the minister was so warm1 in the cause that he proposed their commencing without delay4 #bhth4--,we went to ,wrexham1 and had a meeting in the evening4 ,the notice was short1 but the people came punctually1 and a precious time it was4 ,after it was over several bore testimony to the good which had been extended to them that evening1 and were ready to cling to the instruments1 inviting us to have a meeting with them when we came again that way4 ,this favored time1 at the close of our labors among a people whom ,i much love1 seemed like a crown on our exit from long-to-be-remembered ,wales4 ,my heart was humbled in reverent thankfulness to the ,father of all our mercies1 who had graciously preserved us in outward danger1 and sustained us in many an inward conflict4 ,at ,coalbrookdale they bade an affectionate and gospel farewell to the ,friends with whom they had been so closely united in this long journey1 and returned to ,burton on the #bjth of the ,tenth ,month4 ,in the ,eleventh ,month they made a circuit through ,lancashire1 taking all the meetings of ,friends in course4 ,they found several meetings chiefly composed of such as had joined the ,society on the ground of convincement1 mostly in places where no ministering ,friend resided4 ,in visiting one of these small meetings1 ,john ,yeardley relates a circumstance in the gospel labors of his friend ,joseph ,wood3-- ,we visited a little newly-settled meeting at ,thornton ,marsh1 near ,poulton in the ,fylde4 ,our worthy friend ,joseph ,wood had the first meeting of our ,society that was ever held in this part4 ,it is so thinly inhabited that the ,friends wondered at his concern to request a meeting2 but one was appointed for him at an inn1 ,i think a solitary house2 a good many poor people came1 and it was a most remarkable time4 ,j4,w4 said afterwards he believed there would be a meeting of ,friends in that neighborhood1 but perhaps not in his time4 ,it has now been settled about eighteen months4 ,this journey occupied them about two weeks1 and on returning home ,john ,yeardley makes the following animating remark3-- ,the retrospect of this journey in connexion with that of ,wales afforded a sweet feeling of peace4 ,we were often low and discouraged1 but help was mercifully extended in the time of need4 ,i often wish ,i had more faith to go forth in entire reliance on the ,divine ,arm of power1 for truly in the ,lord ,jehovah is everlasting strength4 ,on the conclusion of this engagement followed a month of quiet but industrious occupation at home4 #ab mo4 #be4--;,a month has been spent in the quiet1 in reading1 writing1 and many other things in course4 ,leisure being afforded1 ,i have spent a good deal of time in reading diligently and attentively the ,holy ,scriptures1 ,i trust to some profit4 ,after this seasonable pause1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were much occupied with a projected change in their place of residence1 which issued in their removal1 in the spring of #ahca1 to ,scarborough4 ,the motive which induced them to make choice of this place1 and the feelings under which the change was accomplished1 are fully unfolded in the ,diary4 ,we have for some time been on the look-out for a change in our residence4 ,inclination would have led us to remain in our own ,monthly ,meeting1 but a strong impression that it might be right for us to remove for some time to ,scarborough1 has remained with us ever since we visited that place in the ,seventh ,month1 and has always stood in the way of our fixing elsewhere1 although very often have we tried to put it from us4 ,we were so desirous to settle at ,c4 near ,pontefract1 that only five pounds a year in the rent saved us from taking the step4 ,it was my prayer at the time1 and always has been1 that we might be rightly directed1 and ,i had a hope that if it was not right for us to go to ,c4 something might turn up to prevent it4 ,and since we could not agree for the house which was offered us in that place1 we concluded to go for a short time to ,scarborough1 and try the fleece there1 under the belief that we should then be enabled rightly to determine4 ,this ,i hope has been the case1 for we had not been many days1 ,i may say hours1 in the town1 before we were fully convinced it was the place for us to settle in4 ,having made trial of ,scarborough1 they returned to ,burton to arrange for their removal1 which took place on the #gth of the ,fifth ,month4 ,we have now seen ,john ,yeardley for many years in the devoted exercise of his calling of a gospel minister4 ,it is instructive to follow him1 as we are able to do soon after his removal to ,scarborough1 into his chamber1 and see how1 when alone with the gracious ,giver1 he was wont to regard the precious gift2 how he lamented that he had not used the talent more diligently2 and how his mind was enlarged to see the grace and power which the ,lord is ready to bestow on those who seek and trust him with their whole heart4 #f mo4 #h4--,the important duty of a gospel minister has this day been brought closely under my consideration4 ,it is most assuredly the imperious duty of those who are called to feed the flock1 to labor diligently for the good of others4 ,with respect to myself1 ,i feel greatly ashamed2 and it has occurred to me that should ,i he cast on a bed of sickness1 or otherwise be deprived of an opportunity of exercising this gift1 it would be an awful consideration1 and cause of deep regret1 that ,i had not better improved the time4 ,the hardness of heart in others1 as well as in one's self1 is difficult to penetrate2 nothing but the power of divine grace can reach it1 and this requires not only waiting for1 but also laboring to overcome the wandering and unsettled thoughts to which the poor mind is subject4 ,merciful ,father1 give me more confidence in the gift which1 thou hast bestowed on me1 and favor me with a greater portion of strength to minister thy word faithfully4 ,who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his ,lord shall make ruler over his household1 to give them their portion of meat in due season8 ,blessed is that servant whom his ,lord when he cometh shall find so doing4--7,luke xii4 #db1 #dc47 ,tenderly mindful of the religious wants of those whom they had lately left1 so early as the ,seventh ,month ,john and ,martha ,yeardley revisited the several congregations in ,pontefract ,monthly ,meeting4 ,they were both humbled and comforted in the course of this visit4 ,we were1 says ,j4,y41 united in sympathy to many dear friends within the circle from whence we have removed1 and ,i was strengthened to labor according to the ability received from day to day4 ,since this little journey1 he continues1 we have been pretty much at home attending the meetings in course in the neighborhood4 ,we are comfortably settled in our new abode1 which feels to us really a home as to the outward in every respect2 and in a religious sense we entirely believe it is our right allotment for the present4 ,in this new halting-place of his earthly pilgrimage1 ,john ,yeardley experienced an increase of freedom1 of spirit1 and of faith and joy in his ,saviour4 #aj mo4 #g4--;,for a few days past ,i have felt my mind raised above the earth and fixed on heavenly things4 ,i desire that the blessed ,saviour may more and more be the medium through which ,i may view every object as worthy or unworthy the pursuit of a devoted ,christian4 ,i humbly trust this quietude of mind is in answer to prayer2 for ,i have long supplicated for a renewal of faith1 and that a little spiritual strength might he given me to rise above the slavish fear of man4 ,my heart was almost sick with doubting2 but on ,fourth-day last a bright hope livingly sprang in my soul that ,i should yet be favored to attain to greater liberty in the exercise of my gift in the ministry1 if ,i were faithful in accepting the portion of strength which is offered4 ,grant that this may be the case1 dearest ,saviour6 #aj mo4 #bc4--,my heart is filled with wonder1 love and praise1 in contemplating the goodness of ,almighty ,god to his poor1 unworthy creatures4 ,when we have done all that is required of us1 we are unprofitable servants2 but how often we come short of doing this4 ,and yet so gracious1 so good1 and so just is our ,divine ,master1 that he suffers not the least act of obedience to lose its reward1 but is continually encouraging and stimulating us to greater devotedness of heart4 ,the persuasion which he and ,martha ,yeardley entertained of the need there was in the ,society for increased means of scriptural instruction1 led them1 soon after they removed to ,scarborough1 to propose the establishment of a ,bible class4 ,the plan was for questions on the ,scriptures1 to be given in anonymously in writing by the members1 and answers to be returned in the same way at the next meeting4 ,the scheme was at that time almost1 if not quite1 a novelty in the ,society1 but it was accepted with pleasure and confidence by the ,friends of ,scarborough1 and the meetings were maintained for many years4 ,there is an intermission in ,j4,y4's diary at this period1 but he makes allusion to the class soon after its establishment in a letter to his sisters ,s4 and ,r4,s4 ,chapel ,house1 #f mo4 #cj1 #ahcb4 ,by way of a relaxation from haymaking this charming morning1 ,i have been again perusing your affectionate notes1 which you were so kind and thoughtful as to forward us by our dear brother and family4 ,i felt the deprivation exceedingly of not attending the last ,yearly ,meeting1 but quite think it may have been all for the best4 ,but ,i will proceed at once to the real object of my now addressing you1 which is to say we cannot be satisfied without your paying us a visit this summer4 ,we think we have much to invite you to4 ,i think you would feel some interest in our ,bible class3 it becomes increasingly instructive and agreeable to all engaged in it4 ,i so highly approve of this mode of ,scripture instruction1 that ,i think the time is not far distant when they will become more general4 ,we meet once every two weeks when nothing intervenes to prevent4 ,the autumn of this year was taken up with a series of public meetings1 mostly in the ,east ,riding1 in the greater part of which ,j4 and ,m4,y4 had the company of ,isabel ,casson of ,hull4 ,in the ,eleventh4 ,month1 at the same time that they returned the minute which had been granted them1 for this service1 they laid before their friends the prospect of more extensive travel in the work of the ,gospel than any they had undertaken before4 ,the time was come for ,john ,yeardley to pay that debt of ,christian love to the benighted inhabitants of ,greece which he had felt to press for years upon his mind2 and at the same time he and ,martha ,yeardley believed it to be required of them to revisit some of the places of their former service1 and to take up their abode for a while with companies of persons whom they should find like-minded with themselves2 and also to perform the unaccomplished duty of visiting the ,piedmontese valleys4 ,considering the extent of country over which they travelled1 the varied nature of their labors1 and the large number of serious-minded and sympathizing persons with whom they were brought into relation1 this journey may perhaps be regarded as the most active and fruitful period of their lives4 ,we are able1 as we have so often been before1 to read their impressions of duty1 and their feelings1 their hopes1 doubts1 and aspirations1 in ,j4,y4's simple and faithful ,diary4 #aa mo4 #g4--,yesterday was our ,monthly ,meeting at ,pickering1 and to me a very memorable one4 ,we stated to our friends the prospect of a visit to some of the ,grecian ,islands and the ,morea1 the ,protestant valleys of ,piedmont1 and some parts of ,germany1 ,switzerland1 and ,france4 ,it is about five years since ,i first received the impression that it would be my religious duty to stand resigned to a service of the above kind4 ,for the last nine months it has not been absent from my thoughts for many hours together4 ,it has cost me not a little to come at resignation2 but my ,heavenly ,father has been very gracious1 and has brought me into a willingness to do his will4 ,if ,i know my own heart ,i have one prevailing desire1 and that is to devote the remainder of my days to his service2 and my prayers are very fervent that he may be pleased to give me faith1 patience1 and perseverance to do and to suffer all that his wisdom may permit to befal me4 ,i am often ready to covenant with him to go where he may be pleased to send1 even to the ends of the world1 if he will strengthen me with his strength1 enlighten me with his light1 guide me by his counsel1 and prepare me for glory4 ,if thy presence go not with me1 carry us not up hence4 ,they left ,scarborough in the ,second ,month1 and spent the time which intervened before the ,yearly ,meeting in social visits in ,london and the neighborhood1 in preparing for the journey and studying the modern ,greek language4 ,nothing1 says ,j4,y41 could exceed the interest which our friends take in doing all in their power to forward our views with respect to the important mission before us4--7#c mo4 #d47 ,a chief desideratum had been to find a ,greek who should accompany them as guide into his native country4 ,ever since1 says ,m4,y41 in a letter of the ,twelfth ,month1 #ahcb1 we have resigned ourselves to this arduous mission1 my dear husband has frequently said1 ',if we are to go into ,greece1 how ,i wish we might find some companion for the journey1 some ,greek to conduct us into his country1 to us altogether strange and unknown6' ,a letter from ,stephen ,grellet to ,william ,allen1 which was sent down to ,j4 and ,m4 ,yeardley1 was the opportune means of supplying this want4 ,it spoke of a ,greek girl then at the school at ,locle1 named ,argyri ,climi1 who was exceedingly desirous of returning to ,greece1 and whose simple and teachable character recommended her at once to their attention4 ,when1 continues ,m4,y41 we came to this part of ,stephen ,grellet's letter1 we were both deeply moved1 believing that thus the way might be prepared before us4 ,they communicated their thoughts on this interesting subject to ,m4,a4 ,calame1 proposing when they visited ,locle to take ,a4 ,climi as their companion into ,greece4 ,during their sojourn in ,london they received a letter from ,a4 ,climi1 written in ,french1 in which that amiable young person signified the pleasure and gratitude with which she accepted their proposal4 ,locle4 #bith of ,april1 #ahcc4 ,excuse the liberty which ,i take of writing to testify my great gratitude for your kind intention to take me with you and bring me back to my country4 ,how could ,i have ventured to hope that ,i should have the happiness of being with such kind and beloved friends4 ,i cannot express the joy ,i felt when ,mademoiselle ,calame made your proposal known to me4 ,how great is the mercy of ,god6 ,how often might he have turned away his face from me and cast me off2 but instead of forsaking me he has looked upon me in mercy1 and shown me that he wills not that sinners should perish1 but that they should have eternal life4 ,was it not he who saved me from the hands of the ,turks1 and brought me to ,switzerland1 and placed me with charitable protectors1 who are never weary of doing me good8 ,and now he has crowned it all1 by giving you to me as guides and protectors in my long journey1 and that ,i may settle again in my own country4 ,your grateful ,,argyri ,,climi4#f ,the meeting in ,london at which their prospect of foreign travel was ratified1 was a time of spiritual favor4 ,with such credentials1 and with a sense of the divine commission and guidance1 clear and unmistakable1 like that which ,john ,yeardley enjoyed1 many may be ready to exclaim1 ,who would not go forth on an errand like this to the ends of the earth6 ,such may be reminded1 for their consolation1 that if the will is laid as an unbroken offering at the foot of the cross2 if all their powers are consecrated to the ,lord1 and his ,spirit is suffered to penetrate and transform every part of their being2 though a field of labor such as that which was appointed to ,john and ,martha ,yeardley may not be appointed to them1 they will1 in an equal degree1 inherit the blessing of doing their ,lord's will1 and may rest in the promise1 ,they that wait upon ,him shall not want any good thing4 #e mo4 #ba4--,yearly ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,third-day morning4 ,our visit to the ,grecian ,islands1 c4 claimed the attention of the meeting4 ,it was a very precious time2 a sweet solemnity prevailed2 several ,friends said afterwards1 they thought they had never known quite so full an expression of unity and encouragement on any former occasion4 ,what a favor it is to have the sympathy and concurrence of the church in such important concerns6 ,my heart's desire and prayers are that we may be preserved humble and watchful1 relying for help and strength on nothing short of our ,divine ,master1 the holy ,head of his own church4 ,whatever may befal us on our intended journey1 ,i wish once more to record my firm conviction that it is the ,lord's requiring1 and come life1 come death1 ,i desire that my heart and soul may be given up fully to follow ,him who laid down his own precious life for my sake1--a poor unworthy sinner4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey1 ,,or ,,the ,,journey ,,to ,,greece4 #ahcc-d4 ,,part ,i4--,,the ,,journey ,,to ,,ancona4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley left ,london on the #bast of the ,sixth ,month1 #ahcc4 ,travelling through ,france they found in the places where they halted more of simplicity and ,christian life than they had expected4 ,in ,paris1 especially1 they were quickly brought into contact with a number of pious persons to whom their society and their doctrine were welcome1 and they visited many benevolent institutions conducted on broad ,christian principles4 ,this was in the early part of ,louis ,philippe's reign1 and under the administration of ,guizot4 ,in reading their account of these institutions1 we are painfully reminded how much the rising tide of religious liberty has been checked and driven back by the bands of priestcraft and arbitrary power4 ,here1 and elsewhere during their journey1 they wrote letters to members of the ,foreign ,committee of the ,meeting for ,sufferings1 descriptive of their religions labors1 from which1 after their return1 a selection was printed for the use of ,friends4 ,besides these letters1 ,john ,yeardley kept his usual ,diary1 which often enables us to add to the narrative1 traits of character and reflections not to be found in their joint epistles4 ,amongst the first persons upon whom they called in ,paris1 were the ,protestant bookseller ,risler1 and ,pastor ,grandpierre3 the former they found to be devoted heart and soul to the diffusion of evangelical religion2 the latter they had known on their former journey1 and he received them as his ,christian friends4 ,he introduced them to ,mademoiselle ,chabot1 a lady who spent her time in translating religious and useful books into ,french1 and had a class of children in the ,first-day school4 ,respecting this lady1 they say3-- ,our introduction to this precious character was much to our comfort4 ,we rejoiced together in contemplating the wonderful work which the ,lord has in mercy begun1 and is carrying on in this great city4 ,on ,first-day afternoons she attends a school1 to which the children of the rich go1 as well as the poor1 to be instructed in the ,scriptures4 ,the young persons in her class learn texts1 and are questioned to see if they thoroughly understand the subject4 ,on our asking whether the children answered the questions from what they had learnt by heart1 she replied1 ,no2 it would be of no use1 you know1 for the dear children to repeat merely by rote2 we want the great truths of the gospel to sink into their hearts4 ,after this visit1 which refreshed our spirits a little1 we called on ,madame ,d',aublay1 sister-in-law to ,brissot1 who was executed in the time of ,robespierre4 ,she is a ,roman ,catholic1 and thinks the groundwork of true religion to be in their church1 but that their customs and the mass are nothing worth4 ,we left her some tracts1 and amongst them one of ,judge ,hale's1 which struck her so forcibly on reading it1 that she followed us to our hotel1 to say how much it was suited to her state of mind4 #f mo4 #cj4--;,after our little meeting this morning with the few friends resident here1 and some others1 we went to the ,protestant ,chapel1 in the ,rue ,taitbout1 to hear the children examined in the ,scriptures4 ,many of the parents were present4 ,the class which we attended was conducted by ,mademoiselle ,chabot4 ,the subject was the crucifixion of our ,saviour1 the #bgth chapter of ,matthew4 ,the children repeated the portion they had learnt1 and then ,mademoiselle ,c4 questioned them in a simple1 sweet1 and instructive manner1 calculated to impress the great truths of ,christianity on their minds4 ,a gentleman examined a class of boys2 and after this course of exercise was finished1 ,de ,pressense gave them a lecture from the ,old ,testament4 ,the subject was the healing of ,naaman1 and the manner of proceeding was simple2 the child called upon stood up and answered pretty much as they do at ,ackworth2 he repeated a few verses directly bearing on the subject1 and the application which was made was admirable4 ,we were really edified in being present4 ,how much this kind of instruction is wanted for many of our poor children in ,england6 ,how delightful it is to see a large room filled with ,roman ,catholic children and parents1 all receiving ,christian instruction together6 ,the ,roman ,catholics no longer object to send their children to ,protestants1 because they know they will be well instructed4 ,the chapel is a beautiful room1 with a circular gallery supported on pillars1 and a dome top2 and it is the identical place where1 only two years ago1 the ,saint ,simonians held forth their doctrines3-- 444444 ,oh reformation rare1 ,the den of modern infidels is become a house of prayer6 #g mo4 #b4--,we had a long walk to the ,rue ,st4 ,maur1 to meet by appointment our kind friend ,de ,pressense to visit the schools for mutual instruction4 ,at this season of the year the children are more busy with their parents than usual2 but in winter there are #bjj boys1 #bjj girls1 and #bjj children in the infant school1 with an evening school for adults4 ,scripture extracts are made use of1 and also the ,scriptures themselves4 ,we were struck with the quiet and good order of all these schools4 ,i have seen very few in ,england where the same stillness is observable4 ,with the exception of some three or four1 all the children are ,roman ,catholics2 and on ,first-days1 particularly in winter1 the room is filled with ,roman ,catholic men and women1 mostly parents of the children1 who come to hear them examined in the ,scriptures and to receive instruction themselves4 ,our conductor showed us the boys' gardens4 ,on the walls were grapes hanging in large bunches1 belonging to the master4 ,the boys are so far from stealing them1 that if they find any on the ground1 they take them to him4 ,of the children who attend at the school1 forty-six are provided with bed1 board1 and clothing1 at a neighboring establishment4 ,one of the most interesting men with whom ,j4 and ,m4,y4 became acquainted was ,pastor ,audebez4 ,he was1 say they1 formerly minister at ,bordeaux1 but received a strong impression that it was his religious duty to come to ,paris4 ,soon after he left ,bordeaux1 a great awakening took place in that neighborhood under the ministry of his successor1 while with himself at ,paris all seemed darkness and discouragement4 ,this induced him to think he had done wrong in removing1 and he was much distressed2 but as he persevered in doing what presented as his duty1 his way for usefulness in this great city opened in a remarkable manner4 ,he first opened the chapel in the ,taitbout1 and then one in the ,faubourg du ,temple1 where his labors have been crowned with success4 ,he told us with great simplicity that he never premeditated or wrote his sermons1 but after reading a portion of ,scripture proceeded to speak from what he felt to impress his mind at the time4 ,he said some of the ministers considered their discourse before delivering it1 and he believed their mode of preaching was also blessed4 ,being accustomed to arrange their thoughts in methodical order1 perhaps such might not perform so well in any other way1 and the people were used to it2 but he preferred speaking from a more spontaneous spring of thought1 though not so well arranged as to theological order4 ,we felt much inclined to hear him for ourselves1 and attended in the ,rue ,st4 ,maur on ,first-day evening2 and we have this testimony to bear1--that we heard the gospel preached to the poor4 ,he first read the #beth ,psalm1 and then part of the ,epistle to the ,romans1 which formed the basis of his exhortation4 ,it reminded me of what ,i have read of the preaching of the early ,christians4 ,my very heart went with his impressive exhortation to believe in the ,lord ,jesus as the only means of salvation1 and of the necessity of bringing forth fruits unto holiness4 #g mo4 #e4--,pastor ,grandpierre came to pay us a visit with four of his missionary students4 ,we had a precious religious opportunity with them4 ,the ,pastor expressed his belief that the power and presence of the ,saviour had been evidently felt among us4 ,the young men were much tendered2 one of them was a grandson of the late ,pastor ,oberlin1 and had been sensibly affected by what ,stephen ,grellet had said in a meeting at his father's place of worship in the ,ban de la ,roche4 ,three of the young men who were in the institution at our last visit to ,paris are now in ,africa4 ,we admire the principle on which this establishment is conducted2 the inmates are not sent out unless they believe it to be their duty to go2 if this be not the case at the expiration of their term1 they return home4 ,on the #gth ,john ,yeardley1 accompanied by ,joseph ,grellet1 brother of ,stephen ,grellet1 visited the ,sabbath-school in the ,rue ,st4 ,maur4 ,martha ,yeardley was indisposed and unable to leave the house4 ,when the classes had finished1 says ,j4,y41 ,de ,pressense proposed to give a lecture on a subject from the ,old ,testament1 and bestowed great pains to make it clear to the infant capacities of the children4 ,i had intimated to my worthy friend a desire for liberty to express what might arise in my mind when he had done1 which was most readily granted1 and after ,i had spoken to the children1 there seemed great liberty in addressing the teachers1 parents and young persons present4 ,there was much seriousness the whole time and a precious sense of divine love was over us4 ,our kind friend1 ,j4 ,grellet1 interpreted for me in an impressive and clear manner4 ,the name of ,mark ,wilks has been for many years identified with the cause of evangelical religion in ,paris4 ,john ,yeardley had an interview with him1 and makes an interesting note in his ,diary regarding his opinions on the state of religious parties at this period4 #g mo4 #i4--,this morning ,i had an interview with ,mark ,wilks4 ,he received me very cordially1 and1 as ,i expected1 ,i found him full of religious intelligence2 he is just returned from a tour in ,switzerland1 and speaks encouragingly of the state of the ,christian church in general4 ,he has resided in ,paris fifteen years1 and of course seen many changes4 ,he assured me that the arm of infidelity is weakening2 nothing like the same exertion is made to spread the vile doctrine4 ,the fact is1 in some degree1 the people are too indifferent to trouble themselves about it1 and would not spend a son for its promotion2 on the other hand1 zealous ,christians are doing all in their power to promote the spread of gospel truth4 ,on the #aeth ,john ,s4 ,mollet1 who had arrived in ,paris after them1 accompanied ,j4 and ,m4,y4 to ,madame d',aublay's4 ,we met1 they say1 several of her relations who professed to be ,catholics1 but were rather of the philosophical school4 ,they were interested in the conversation1 though nothing of a religious nature occurred4 ,madame d',aublay has distributed many of our books and tracts4 ,the next day she took us to see more of her friends1 much of the same character4 ,we have a hope that our drawing some of these to the really ,christian characters may do good1 since each class expressed surprise to hear us speak to them of the other4 ,it will be no small satisfaction if any of our ,society here should be like the mortar to bind parties together1 and weaken prejudice1 that the one true knowledge may increase4 #bast--,attended the chapel at the ,taitbout this morning4 ,heard a discourse by ,pastor ,grandpierre2 he preaches the gospel in its purity1 with much of the right unction4 ,we did not feel out of our place in being present1 and ,i trust it may have its use both on ourselves and others4 ,this kind of ,christian liberty seems to open our way among the people4 ,in the evening we had quite a large meeting in our room2 several of the attenders at the ,taitbout coming in1 together with the ,friends in ,paris4 ,it was1 adds ,john ,yeardley1 a precious tendering time1 and ,i trust strength was given to preach the gospel2 the sick and afflicted were not forgotten by my ,m4 ,y4 ,in supplication4 ,by the sick in the foregoing passage was probably intended ,rachel1 wife of ,dr4 ,waterhouse of ,liverpool1 and daughter of ,david and ,abigail ,dockray4 ,this young ,friend1 who was ill in the neighborhood of ,paris1 was about to be removed to ,england1 but at the very time when the carriage was at the door she was struck with paralysis4 ,this happened two days before the meeting just described1 and ,j4 and ,m4,y4 had hastened to offer their sympathy and aid to her afflicted husband and mother4 ,they deferred their departure from ,paris in order to remain with the family1 and they both took turns in assisting to watch1 by the bed-side of the sufferer4 ,she survived only a few days1 and expired1 in the hope and peace of the gospel1 the day after they quitted the city4 ,we may conclude the narrative of this interesting visit to ,paris with a short reflection by ,martha ,yeardley4 ,i have been renewedly confirmed since being in ,paris that our first religious awakening proceeds from the immediate influence of the ,spirit on the heart of man1 and this is the doctrine preached and maintained by the writings of the truly devoted ,christians in this place1 who are brought to profess living faith in our ,lord ,jesus ,christ as the ,alpha and ,omega1 the ,beginning and the ,end4 ,they found the country on the road to ,nancy very agreeable4 #bith1 evening4--,the white houses among the trees1 and the vines on the hill-sides1 form a picturesque landscape4 ,the reapers were busy in the harvest fields2 and the ground that is cleared of its burdens gives proof of the diligence of the ,french farmer2 the plougher1 if not the sower1 literally overtakes the reaper4 ,in the forepart of the route we saw much wood and water1 hill and dale1 with cattle feeding in the peaceful pastures1 which is a lovely sight4 ,as we advanced towards ,chalons1 it became less interesting1 more flat1 with fewer trees and meadows4 ,everywhere the harvest more forward than in ,england1 but the crops much more light and thin4 ,they entered ,nancy under a feeling of gloom1 and it was some time before they could find relief to their minds2 but by patiently pursuing the paths of intercourse which opened before them1 they were enabled to deposit with some serious individuals their accustomed testimony to the simple spiritual nature of the gospel4 ,in allusion to this trial of their patience ,john ,yeardley remarks3-- ,i cannot1 ,i dare not1 complain1 when ,i think of the difficulties some of our ,friends had to encounter who travelled on the ,continent years ago1 when darkness prevailed to a much greater extent4 ,the want of the language1 c41 which some of them experienced1 must have been very trying4 ,it is to me an unspeakable comfort to be able to understand the language of the country where we travel4 ,travelling by the ,diligence being too rapid for ,martha ,yeardley's state of health1 they hired a carriage and horses to take them to ,strasburg1 and found this mode of travelling less expensive1 as well as much less fatiguing1 than the public conveyance4 #h mo4 #e4--,left ,nancy at #f o'clock in the morning1 and had a delightful journey4 ,i feel particularly peaceful in spirit1 and a degree of resignation pervades my heart to be given fully up to do the will of my ,heavenly ,father4 ,our mode of travelling afforded us an opportunity of calling at ,phalsbourg1 where we found a handful of ,protestants1 about twenty-six families1 mostly ,german settlers4 ,on inquiring for the minister1 we found he was engaged with his class at the college4 ,his wife appeared surprised at seeing such strangers1 thinking from our dress and our speaking ,french1 we were no doubt ,roman ,catholics4 ,we soon perceived the family were ,germans1 and ,i then addressed them in their native tongue1 which immediately1 opened the way to their hearts4 ,nothing would satisfy the good woman but that we must call at the college to see her husband4 ,he was embarrassed on being so suddenly called out of the class1 and appeared a little fearful2 but when he understood who we were1 and our mission1 he became almost overjoyed to see us4 ,there has been a little awakening in this place1 and a desire to obtain the ,scriptures4 ,one of them said1 ,i have been accustomed to smoke tobacco1 but have now left it off1 and ,i will put the money into the box to save for a ,bible4 ,another said1 ,i have been accustomed to take snuff1 but ,i will now save the money for a ,bible4 ,and another said1 ,i have drunk more wine than ,i need2 ,i will take less1 and subscribe for a ,bible4 ,this little account in such a dark place was quite cheering2 for they are surrounded and oppressed by the ,roman ,catholics1 in whose presence they are afraid to speak4 ,on entering ,alsace1 the view of the country was enchanting4 ,we dined at ,sarrebourg1 which appeared at a distance like a town in the midst of a wood4 ,at ,strasburg they were received in an ingenuous manner by some enlightened ,roman ,catholics1 who did all in their power to forward their object2 but it was not until they fell in with the ,protestant ,professor ,cuvier1 that they found the proper channel for the work of the gospel4 ,in few places did they find brighter tokens of inward spiritual religion4 #h mo4 #f4--;,called on ,professor ,cuvier and delivered the letter which ,mark ,wilks had kindly given us4 ,we found the professor an humble-minded ,christian1 kind and affectionate4 ,he conducted us to ,pastor ,majors1 who was born in ,prussia1 and speaks ,german and ,french well4 ,we soon became united to him in spirit4 ,he is one of the inward school1 and a diligent laborer in the ,lord's vineyard4 ,he has been here about three months as pastor of a little handful of ,christians4 ,he is fully sensible of the necessity of a right preparation of heart before acceptable worship can be performed4 ,he said when the people came to their place of worship they were full of the world1 and the word preached did not profit1 because it did not sink into their hearts4 ,i believe he fully comprehends the nature of true silence2 and he is acquainted with many interior persons whom we wish to see in ,switzerland1 c4 ,this dear man was nine months in ,corfu1 preparing to be a missionary there2 but he was taken ill1 and suffered much in body and mind4 ,the way in which he mentioned the wonderful dealings of the ,lord with him was to me very instructive4 ,he told me he had not been sufficiently careful to seek divine counsel before he undertook the mission2 and it had pleased the ,almighty to bring him into the deeps1 and instruct him in the school of affliction2 and he can now most fully acknowledge there is no safety but under the guidance of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,he and a few others have united for the purpose of printing and circulating small tracts1 purely ,scripture extracts4 ,they are now engaged in forming a selection for every day in the year1 from the ,old and ,new ,testament4 ,i accord much with their work2 it is just what ,i have thought of for a long time4 ,pastor ,majors conducted us to ,professor ,ehrmann1 a worthy ,christian1 simple-hearted and spiritually-minded4 ,his two daughters are precious young women2 the older of them recollected to have seen us at ,kornthal1 in #ahbg4 ,she knew us instantly1 and appeared overcome with joy and surprise1 though we could not recollect her4 ,it is no wonder we should have felt so much attraction to this place1 though on entering the town ,i was1 as usual1 extremely discouraged1 and ,i feel unworthy to be employed in the least service of my holy ,redeemer4 ,on the #gth they dined at the ,la ,combes1 a ,catholic family1 who took them to see the ,house of ,correction1 where ,john ,yeardley interrogated the boys in the prison school1 and afterwards addressed them4 ,in the evening they were present at ,pastor ,majors' ,bible-class4 ,it is composed1 says ,j4,y41 of ten young men1 who meet once a week at his lodging1 and he instructs them in the ,scriptures4 ,i rejoiced to meet with them4 ,before the conclusion we had a religious opportunity1 in which ,i was strengthened to express what was on my mind4 ,the pastor offered a prayer in which our hearts truly united4 ,the ,saviour's love was very precious to our souls1 and ,i trust we were edified together in the ,lord4 #hth4--,the ,pastor ,majors called for us to pay a few visits4 ,he is so spiritual and interior in his walk with ,god that it does me good to be in his company4 ,passing along the street1 he said1 ,we will just speak to a man who has been in ,england2 he will be pleased to see you4 ,he was alone in his meal and flour shop1 which is apart from the house4 ,he received us heartily2 and on our coming away he pressed us to go up and speak to his daughters4 ,after hesitating a few moments we went to the room and to our surprise found a little company of young females met to work for the missionaries1 and to read4 ,after sitting a while with them1 one of the girls in much simplicity handed the ,bible to our friend1 and he read a chapter in the ,first ,epistle of ,peter1 which was followed by a ,friends' meeting with these dear young persons4 ,i felt great openness in addressing them1 and thankfulness filled my heart to the ,father of mercies for having given us this casual opportunity of preaching the gospel4 ,in the evening we went to meeting with ,pastor ,m4's flock4 ,he has taken the first floor of a good house1 and appropriates three rooms opening one into another for a meeting-house1 placing his pulpit1 which is on wheels1 in the doorway1 so that when the meeting hour is over he can put the pulpit aside and make the rooms his dwelling4 ,the rooms are fitted with long benches2 the men and women sit separate and enter by different doors4 ,the worship is conducted with much solemnity2 they have for the present discontinued singing4 ,they sat in silence some time at the commencement1 when ,majors offered a short prayer1 and then read and expounded a small portion of ,scripture4 ,when he had finished he introduced us as ,english friends4 ,he had told me previously that if ,i felt anything to say1 ,i had only to intimate it to him4 ,this liberty was acceptable to me1 for ,i had felt much exercise of mind for the people2 and after we had rested some time in silence1 ,i was strengthened to speak with great freedom1 and the power of the ,most ,high was over us4 ,many thirsty souls were present1 who1 ,i believe1 know the value of true silence4 ,the two rooms for the women were crowded1 and the stillness which pervaded was remarkable4 ,a military man addressed me after the meeting1 in ,english1 expressing his great satisfaction and joy in being present2 he is a regular attendant at this place of worship4 ,the pastor said he was comforted and thankful that the ,spirit of the ,lord had been with us1 and divided his word to the state of the people4 ,on the #ith1 ,professor ,krafft and ,pastor ,majors conducted them to the ,agricultural ,school for destitute children at ,neuhoff1 four miles from the city4 ,this well-known institution was founded by a man who had been taken as a child out of the streets1 and whose wife had been brought up in an orphan-house4 ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,the arrangement of the farm-yard1 c41 and the cropping of the land are pretty much the same as at ,beuggen1 near ,basle1 and what is now practised at ,lindfield2 and it is just what we want ,rawden to be--at least what ,i should like to see it4 ,before leaving the premises1 we had the children assembled in the schoolroom1 and held a meeting with them1 with which we were well satisfied4 ,there is a sweet spirit of inward piety in the master and mistress4 ,on ,first-day1 the #aath1 they attended ,pastor ,majors' meeting in the morning1 and in the afternoon appointed a meeting of their own in the same place1 at which some hundreds were present4 ,it was a precious tendering season2 much openness was felt in preaching the word1 and ,i trust many hearts were reached by the power of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,at #g o'clock we held our usual meeting in the room at the inn1 to which came many of our friends2 and ,i trust we were again favored with the presence of the ,divine ,master4 ,to conclude the evening1 we went to ,professor ,ehrmann's1 where we partook of tea1 fruit1 wine1 c4 ,it felt to us a true feast of love4 ,this has been a day of much exercise2 but best help has been near in the time of need1 and ,i feel sweet peace4 ,there is a great awakening in this place2 thirty of the young women are preciously visited4 ,in accompanying them home1 some of them expressed to me that it had been a blessed and happy day1 they hoped never to be forgotten4 ,these dear lambs are near to us in gospel love1 and ,i am glad they have such a minister in ,pastor ,m43 he stands quite alone1 not being connected with any other ,society4 ,in reading of days spent like that which has just been described1 we see in a striking manner what was the nature of that work of the ministry for which ,john ,yeardley was prepared at ,barnsley and ,bentham by so many deep baptisms and sharp trials of his faith and obedience4 ,the stage on which he was called to act was not the most public2 the part which he had to perform was unobtrusive2 but when the value of strengthening the weak1 comforting the afflicted1 and1 above all1 skilfully dividing the word of truth in the anointed ministry of the gospel1 comes rightly to be estimated1 it cannot be said but that the fruit was in some sort commensurate with the power of the call and the extent of the preparation4 ,the next day and the succeeding were occupied by ,john and ,martha ,yeardley in an excursion to the ,ban de la ,roche1 of which the former gives the following account in his ,diary4 #abth4--,in company with ,majors1 we set off at #f o'clock to the ,ban de la ,roche4 ,we had a most delightful drive by the side of the river1 flowing along the fertile meadows3 the hills on each side variegated with trees of almost every color1 and occasional vineyards added to the richness of the scene4 ,after travelling twelve leagues1 we arrived at ,foudai1 where we met with an affectionate and hearty welcome from the whole family of the ,legrands4 ,the two families live together in one house1 with their lovely children4 ,we took tea with them1 and then proceeded up ,steinthal to ,waldbach1 to the house of the late pious ,oberlin4 ,pastor ,raucher's wife and daughter were out when we arrived2 but we spent a little time with the dear old ,louise1 who is lively in spirit1 us to be near her4 ,the pastor's wife and daughter came home in the evening1 and received us with open arms4 ,we spent the night there1 and they accompanied us the next morning to the ,legrands' to breakfast1 about a league in distance4 ,after we had breakfasted1 we requested a chapter might be read1 and then had a precious meeting with them4 ,we were so knit together in spirit1 that we could hardly separate from one another4 ,they accompanied us1 on leaving1 all the way up the hill1 when we again took an affectionate farewell4 ,the conversation of our dear friend ,majors has been to me truly instructive1 and ,i trust our being thus thrown together is in divine wisdom4 ,we have gone very fully into the nature1 of our church discipline1 and have had much spiritual conversation to the refreshment of our souls4 ,we arrived at ,strasburg about #g o'clock1 and ,i attended the class of his young men1 which afforded me once more an opportunity to speak to them of the things that belong to their eternal peace4 ,their religious service in ,strasburg finished with a visit to the family of ,professor ,ehrmann1 in which ,martha ,yeardley ministered to the company1 and they commended one another in solemn supplication to the safe keeping of ,israel's ,shepherd4 ,both the ,german and ,french languages are spoken in ,strasburg4 ,in their religious communications to those who spoke ,german1 ,j4 and ,m4,y4 sometimes availed themselves of the interpretation of ,pastor ,majors1 who they found was never at a loss1 and who said1 ,it is no difficulty for me to interpret for you1 because you say the very things that are in my heart4 ,from ,strasburg they went on to ,colmar and ,muelhausen4 ,the latter place1 particularly interested them1 from the number of persons recently awakened there1 and they held several meetings in the town4 ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,in the whole district of ,alsace there is a great deal of spiritual religion among the different professors2 but in some of the ministers there is great deadness1 or else infidelity4 ,the next halting-place on their route was ,basle4 ,this city1 and the little canton of which it is the capital1 were then in a state of civil war4 ,the great political eruption of #ahcj1 by which half ,europe had been convulsed1 continued to agitate ,switzerland long after it had spent its force elsewhere4 ,on the #crd of the month1 a little more than two weeks before the date at which we are arrived1 a large body of the citizens1 under arms1 went out to reduce the peasants to subjection3 the latter gave them battle amongst the hills and entirely defeated them1 killing #bjj of their number4 ,the ferment was gradually subsiding when ,j4 and ,m4,y4 were in the city4 ,they found the town pretty quiet1 though full of soldiers4 ,a general sentiment seemed to prevail amongst serious persons1 that the judgments of the ,lord were upon the country4 ,poor ,switzerland1 exclaims ,j4,y41 what an awful judgment is come upon thee6 ,is it to be wondered at8 within the last six months they have persecuted and banished twenty ministers from the ,canton of ,basle1 simply because they preached the gospel1 and the unbelieving inhabitants could not bear it4 ,they visited the ,mission-,house1 and held a large meeting there with the students and others2 ,pastor ,majors1 who was present1 from ,strasburg1 interpreting for them4 ,it was1 says ,j4,y41 a season long to be remembered4 ,from ,basle1 they took the ,diligence direct to ,locle1 where they spent two days with ,m4,a4 ,calame's large and interesting family4 ,they were introduced to ,argyri ,climi1 whom they describe as a girl of pensive character and genteel manners4 ,on the #bfth they descended the slope of the ,jura to ,neufchatel4 ,about #e o'clock1 says ,john ,yeardley1 we came in sight of the snow-capped ,alps4 ,i saw them for some time through the trees1 but the sun shone so bright that ,i did not for a moment imagine they were any other than clouds2 but coming out from the wood ,i soon discovered my mistake2 and a most majestic1 sublime sight1 indeed it is4 ,at ,neufchatel they took a lodging a little way out of the town1 by the lake1 and remained there a month1 receiving and making calls and holding meetings for worship at the houses of their friends1 as ,professor ,petavel's1 ---- ,chatelain's1 and in their own rooms4 ,at the close of a day spent in this manner ,j4,y4 says3-- ,i feel this evening a degree of sweet peace1 and a strong desire to become more united to my ,saviour1 who died that we might live4 ,when the mind is fixed on eternity1 how little do all other things appear6 ,lord1 redeem me from the world1 and grant me power to live for thee alone6--7#i mo4 #a47 ,his observations on another similar occasion mark the religious state of the deeply interesting company in this place1 amongst whom they went about in the liberty of the gospel4 #i mo4 #bd4--;,in the afternoon had a long walk with our dear friend ,petavel's family1 quite to the top of the mountains1 from which we had the most delightful view possible4 ,in the evening we took tea with them2 and1 a few others coming in1 we had a religious opportunity before parting4 ,it is extraordinary how great is the desire to hear the word in its simplicity2 they love the simplicity of the gospel1 but probably are not prepared1 as yet1 to hold silent meetings alone4 ,they all say it is remarkable we should be sent among them in this time of war in the land with the message of peace4 ,the little meeting which had been begun by ,auguste ,borel had been discontinued in consequence of his removal into the country4 ,he visited them1 and they found him alive in the truth and full of affection as before4 ,amongst a number of new acquaintances1 one of the most interesting was a ,polish ,countess4 ,she lodged near them1 with her husband and child1 and sent to desire the liberty of calling on them4 ,martha ,yeardley had often longed to become acquainted with her2 and she1 as she told them afterwards1 had felt so strongly inclined towards them when she met them on the promenade that she could not rest without seeking their acquaintance4 ,at the time fixed1 say ,j4 and ,m4,y41 the ,countess came alone1 her husband being unwell1 and asked a few questions respecting our views in travelling4 ,she is a ,roman ,catholic by profession1 but has been brought up in great ignorance of her religion1 and quite in the gaiety of the world4 ,she deeply lamented the state of her unhappy country1 to which a fatality seemed to attach1 and spoke of her own particular trials1 having lost four of her children4 ,whilst we were endeavoring to make her sensible of the mercies which are often hid under the most painful dispensations1 an ,english missionary1 who had been engaged in preaching to many of the ,polish refugees in the country1 came in with ,professor ,petavel4 ,they became much interested for the ,countess1 and in reply to some of her questions1 the missionary explained the truths of the gospel in a clear and satisfactory way4 ,we rejoiced in the unexpected meeting2 several others came in1 and it proved a memorable visit4 ,when again alone with the ,countess she continued her history1 opening her heart to ,m4,y4 with the greatest confidence4 ,in former years1 she said1 she had been drawn to seek the ,lord1 but for awhile affliction seemed to harden her heart1 and she lost the religious impressions she had received2 but now she felt again a desire to become acquainted with her ,saviour1 for she was miserable and felt the need of such a refuge4 #bbnd4--,in the afternoon the ,count and ,countess paid us a visit4 ,he is a man of strong mind1 weary of the disappointing pleasures of the world1 and happily turned to seek comfort in the substantial truths of religion4 ,the ,countess was delighted to find that we were of the same ,society as ,william ,penn1 whose name her father much revered4 ,they desired permission to attend our meeting2 and a little before the hour we called on them1 and they accompanied us to ,professor ,petavel's1 where we had a room quite filled and a good meeting4 ,at the conclusion ,m4,y4 made some apology to the ,countess for the imperfect manner in which the communication was made2 but she replied1 ,it comes from the heart1 and it goes to the heart4 ,after the meeting none seemed disposed to move1 and the ,countess commenced asking questions directing to passages of the ,scriptures1 apparently desirous to confirm the practices of the ,romish ,church1 but sincerely seeking to have the conviction of her own heart confirmed that they were errors4 ,it is not easy to describe the interest which this scene presented4 ,an accomplished ,roman ,catholic lady proposing questions of the deepest moment1 and the learned but pious and humble ,professor ,petavel answering them with the ,bible in his hand1 while a roomful of attentive hearers were1 we trust1 reaping deep instruction4 ,argyri joined them on the #bgth at ,neufchatel1#g and they left that city the same day for ,geneva4 ,here they tarried nearly a fortnight1 were received with much affection by their old friends1 and had a few religious meetings4 ,martha ,yeardley says3-- ,we met with several very interesting persons at ,geneva1 and had three religious opportunities with them2 at the last meeting the number was much increased1 but the place is not like ,neufchatel4 ,the different societies make bonds for themselves and for one another1 so that love and harmony do not sufficiently prevail amongst them4 ,our stay in this place1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 has been a time of distress of mind and perplexity of thought1 arising probably from the great weight and importance of the journey before us1 and the anxiety of providing a conveyance through a strange and dark country4 ,after much difficulty1 we have concluded a written contract with an ,italian voiturier to take us to ,ancona4 ,may our ,divine ,keeper1 in his infinite mercy1 grant us protection and safety1 even in the hands of ungodly men6 ,the journey to ,ancona took them seventeen days2 they crossed the ,alps by the ,simplon1 and traversed ,italy through ,milan and ,bologna4 ,martha ,yeardley touches upon a few points of the journey in a letter to ,elizabeth ,dudley4 ,ancona1 #aa mo4 #d4 ,we had much to do before we could meet with a suitable conveyance1 and at length trusted ourselves with our ,italian coachman1 who could not speak ,french4 ,for a certain sum he was to give us three places in his coach1 and provide us with food and lodging by the way4 ,the other passenger inside was an ,englishman1 who spoke very little ,french and no ,italian1 and another ,englishman outside was in the same situation4 ,we could not but feel ourselves a very helpless company when arriving at the inns1 which were quite of an inferior class1 and little or no ,french spoken4 ,we did pretty well1 however1 till we got to ,milan1 where we rested some days2 and our ,englishmen were exchanged for an ,italian priest who spoke no ,french1 and a ,swiss who was a little useful to us as far as ,bologna2 after this place we travelled five days alone4 ,the inns on this side of ,milan are much worse1 and from the detention of our passports in the towns we passed through1 we were often prevented from reaching the place of destination1 and obliged to lodge at villages1 where we suffered much in the way of food and lodging2 yet through all we were favored to bear the journey much better than ,i expected4 ,my ,j4,y4 was rather poorly for two days1 and ,i was extremely anxious about him2 but the sight of the ,gulf of ,venice seemed to help to restore him4 ,at ,sinigaglia1 a town eighteen miles from this1 they told us that we should just meet the vessel which was to sail on the #cjth4 ,judge then what was our disappointment when1 on arriving at the inn here1 we found that it was gone4 ,this disappointment was a severe trial of their patience2 but they consoled themselves with reflecting that good in some shape might arise out of the seeming evil4 ,ancona1 says ,john ,yeardley1 is beautifully situated on the side of a high hill1 in appearance at a distance a perfect model of ,scarborough4 ,there are in the place a good many ,greeks1 one of whom ,argyri recognised as we inquired at his shop the way to the ,post-office4 ,on returning she made herself known to him1 and he shows us every attention2 he is a fine looking man1 with a countenance as strong as brass4 ,we are comfortably lodged1 with a delightful view of the harbor1 but our hearts are in ,corfu4 ,our young companion1 adds ,m4,y41 is amiable and very quick1 but not of much use to us respecting her native tongue1 which she retains but very imperfectly1 and is not at all fond of speaking it4 ,the houses are high1 and many of the streets narrow and offensive1 for want of cleanliness and from an immense population2 such numbers are continually in the streets1 that there is no quiet or good air in the town4 ,the darkness is extreme1 and the dissipation apparently very great2 the oppression of our spirits at some periods is almost insupportable2 and yet ,i am at times very sensible of the calming influence of divine love1 with a sense that1 having acted to the best of our judgment1 we must resign ourselves to wait for the return of the steam-packet from ,england4 ,when on arriving here we found there were no letters1 and that probably they were sent to ,corfu1 my heart sank within me4 ,we have1 however1 been since cheered by receiving a very kind letter from dear ,robert ,forster2 nothing could have been more in season than this token of remembrance4 ,finding no suitable vessel for ,corfu1 with the assistance of their ,greek friend they hired a lodging1 and gave their time to the study of ,italian and the ,modern ,greek4 ,religions labor was hardly to be thought of2 the government of the town and every public office was under the direction of the ,roman ,catholic priests1 of whom there were more than #djj4 ,however1 they were enabled to hold improving intercourse with some individuals1 mostly ,greeks2 for whom1 says ,martha ,yeardley1 we felt much interest1 and some1 ,i believe1 became attached to us2 we gave them a few books4 ,before commencing with their visit to the ,ionian ,islands1 it will be interesting to glance at the circle of ,friends whom they had left in ,england4 ,from the letters which have been preserved1 we select the following extract3 the first is from the pen of one who may be described as sound in heart and understanding1 of extensive knowledge and large ,christian charity4 ,scarborough1 #aj mo4 #af1 #ahcc4 ,,my ,,dear ,,friends4 ,accept my grateful acknowledgments1 and through me those of all your friends in this neighborhood1 for the copies which ,i have received of your interesting journals4 ,it is indeed a cause of rejoicing to us that you have been so favored in meeting with so many pious persons with1 whom you could hold ,christian fellowship1 and among whom there is strong reason for believing your labors have not been in vain4 ,it is to me very gratifying that you feel and exercise so much ,christian freedom in mingling among persons of various denominations1 whom1 though owing to education and to various circumstances1 they may differ considerably in opinion on subjects of minor importance1 yet conscious of one common disease--that of sin1 and looking for or experiencing the only remedy--reconciliation with ,god through one ,saviour1--you can salute as brethren and sisters in the truth1 and feel your spirits refreshed whilst you enjoy the privilege of refreshing theirs2 and like ,aquila and ,priscilla1 with ,apollos1 are made the instruments1 ,i trust1 of expounding unto them the way of ,god more perfectly4 ,my dear mother thinks that the persons you meet with must be more spiritually-minded than ,christians in this country4 ,they have1 perhaps1 from external circumstances1 experienced deeper baptisms1 and have made greater sacrifices1 than many amongst us have been called upon to make2 and we know that ease and outward prosperity have not been favorable to the interests of the true ,church3 but1 without doubt1 they are exposed to similar dangers to those in this land whose minds have been awakened to the importance of religious truth4 ,after speaking of a journey which he had made with ,samuel ,tuke and ,joseph ,priestman for re-arranging some of the ,monthly ,meetings in the ,west ,riding1 the writer continues3-- ,on the journey ,i received intelligence of the decease of ,hannah ,whitaker2 the account produced a strong sensation in the minds of ,friends generally1 who felt much for our dear afflicted friend ,robert ,whitaker1 and for the loss which the institution at ,ackworth has sustained4 ,i have had a note from ,r4,w41 written evidently under very desponding feelings2 yet he knows where alone consolation is to be sought1 and ,i still cherish the hope that his valuable services will not be lost to the establishment in which they have been so long blessed4 ,we intend to meet as a ,bible class on ,second-day evening3 our number will be small1 but ,i hope we shall persevere4 ,your house and garden look much as usual2 but ,i scarcely like to look at them1 since ,i cannot go to spend such pleasant evenings as ,i used to do there4 ,however1 ,i believe you are in the way of your duty1 and ,i know it would he wrong in me to repine at the loss of your company4 ,i trust you do not forget our poor little company in your approaches to the throne of grace4 ,you are1 ,i believe1 the subjects of many prayers3 ,o that the parties who offer them were more worthy6 ,your affectionate friend1 ,,john ,,rowntree4 ,this letter was endorsed by one from ,j4,r4's mother 7the ,elizabeth ,rowntree whom the reader may remember as the hostess of ,j4 and ,m4 ,yeardley on their first visit to ,scarborough17 from which we extract a few lines4 ,the accounts ,i have received have often helped to cheer my drooping mind1 to hear how many you have met with in various places1 who could sit down with you in worshipping the ,father in spirit and in truth4 ,i have thought of the privileges many of us have had1 yet ,i think many you have met with may make us ashamed of ourselves2 and the desire of my heart has often been that we may be more deepened4 ,john ,rowntree's letter contained the information that ,richard ,cockin1 of ,doncaster1 a ,friend universally known and respected in the ,society1 had been physically disabled by a stroke of paralysis4 ,r4 ,c4 himself wrote at the same time to ,john and ,martha ,yeardley1 describing his affliction1 which he received with childlike resignation as a message of love from a ,father's hand4 ,i have1 he says1 no expectation of getting again to meeting1 and it does not appear probable ,i shall be able again to get down stairs4 ,with respect to the state of my mind1 it was an occasion of grateful admiration to me that such poor unworthy creature as ,i felt myself to be1 should be so favored as to have my will entirely subjected1 as to become resignedly willing either to live or die2 and1 for a time1 the prospect of not continuing long appeared to be most probable4 ,i1 however1 felt no reliance upon anything that ,i had done or could do2 my dependence was entirely upon the unmerited mercy of ,god through ,jesus ,christ4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahcc-d4 ,,part ,,ii4--,,greece ,on the #bast of the ,eleventh ,month ,john and ,martha ,yeardley left ,ancona1 and had a safe but suffering voyage of two days to ,corfu1 the capital of the island of that name4 ,the atmosphere in this place1 writes ,j4,y41 soon after they landed1 is different from ,ancona in every respect4 ,it has to us a feeling of home1 and our minds are clothed with peace and1 ,i trust1 gratitude to the ,father of mercies4 ,what we may find to do is yet a secret to us1 but ,he who has brought us here will in his own time open the way before us4 ,isaac ,lowndes of the ,london ,missionary ,society received us with much affection and kindness1 and his wife and daughter are very desirous to promote our comfort4 ,they took us to see a furnished house in the town1 a part of which will suit us remarkably well4 ,we think it a providential thing to have such comfortable quarters to come to4 ,some extracts from the ,diary and the ,journal letters will show in what kind of service they were engaged during their three months' residence in this island4 #aa mo4 #bd4--;,i went with ,j4 ,l4 to the ,first-day school in the village about a mile from the town4 ,a delightful morning1 and a delightful sight to see about sixty fine ,greek children reading the ,new ,testament in the modern language4 ,their countenances are lovely and interesting1 and their anxiety to hear and answer questions is great2 their aptitude in comprehending the subjects offered to them exceeds all ,i have hitherto seen in any class of children of similar standing4 ,the little group was composed of nearly all girls1 clean and neatly dressed in the costume of the country4 #bgth4--,to-day we received a long visit from ,lord ,nugent1 ,president of the ,ionian ,government1 who had heard of our arrival on the island1 and was anxious to see us4 ,he is very kind and extremely open with respect to his plans for the improvement of the jail1 and for cottage cultivation4 ,he desired me to go and see some unoccupied land without the gate4 #bhth4--,according to appointment we went to the palace1 and were received by ,lady ,nugent with marked simplicity and kindness4 ,we were introduced to ,lord ,l4 and other persons of influence1 took tea1 and spent a most agreeable evening1 and ,i hope a profitable2 for all our conversation was on the subject of bettering the condition of the poor and destitute children4 #ab mo4 #c4--,this morning we received a visit from a roomful of ,greeks4 ,we are desirous to cultivate the acquaintance of the ,greeks as the object of our visit of gospel love4 ,yesterday we were visited by several of the military officers and their wives1 who will ,i hope co-operate with our plans of benevolence4 ,lord ,nugent's taking us by the hand opens the way to all others of rank and standing4 #aath1--,this morning we had a visit from ,dapaldas1 ,greek professor of theology in the university4 ,he is a pleasing and enlightened man1 and speaks ,french well1 which gave us the opportunity of conversing with him pretty freely4 ,i feel to love him much4 ,he is one of the laborers in translating the ,old ,testament4 #acth4--,to-day we have received letters from ,england4 ,many of our beloved friends have been called from this state of being to another world4 ,how much my heart feels humbled2 how unworthy ,i am of the least of the mercies daily received at the hand of a bountiful ,creator4 ,since we have been here ,i have been favored with a strong conviction that we are here in the ordering of ,divine ,providence4 ,what may in time open before us in the way of gospel labor ,i know not4 ,it requires time1 caution1 and much perseverance1 to find a way to the hearts and best feelings of the ,greeks4 ,i greatly desire that we may be found in humble watchfulness and prayer2 and that1 if found worthy to be the feeble instruments of declaring the way of salvation to the natives of these islands1 we may embrace every opportunity to preach repentance towards ,god and faith in our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 for this is the great object for which we have left our native land and all that is dear to us in this world4 #bfth4--,argyri left us and is gone to ,syra4 ,she was very sorrowful1 and the parting to us all was painful4 ,although reserved and timid1 she has become extremely attached to us1 and we trust the three months we have passed together will not soon be forgotten4 ,her company has often been sweet and cheering1 and in our little meetings for worship her heart has not unfrequently been tendered with religious feeling4 ,she is desirous of being useful in schools1 and of making a stand against the many superstitions which prevail1 influencing others by her example1 and through the aid of divine grace leading them to that vital religion in which she was instructed at ,locle1 and which is now a strength and comfort to her own mind4 #ahcd4 #a mo4 #f4--,to-day we received a visit from the young ,count ,francois ,sardina4 ,we had much conversation with him on the subject of the intercession of saints4 ,he could not admit that they practiced the adoration of saints1 they only meant to hold them up as examples of piety and virtue1 and to induce others to follow them4 ,we pointed out to him the importance of taking ,him for our example who spake as never man spake1 and has left us an example that we should follow his steps4 ,this young man is very inquisitive and inclined to be sceptical1 but under all has serious impressions4 ,many of the ,greeks who are not entirely built up in their superstitions are inclined to doubt respecting the truths of ,christianity4 ,we were glad to put into his hand ,j4 ,j4 ,gurney's ,evidences4 #bcrd4--,this evening we had another long visit from the ,count4 ,we entered very fully into ,church discipline1 and left few points of faith and doctrine untouched1 either in his ,church or ours4 ,i do not remember ever to have been more closely questioned2 but ,i think this young person sincere in his inquiries4 ,i believe it is a precious time of visitation to his soul2 he is very amiable and affectionate1 and acknowledges the evils and vanity of the world4 #bgth4--,this evening we have had a long conversation with ,pathanes1 our teacher in the language1 and a deacon in the ,greek ,church4 ,he is much attached to the rites of his own ,church1 but acknowledges the necessity of regeneration4 ,they have a fatal error in the ceremony of baptism1 positively asserting that when the child 7or individual7 has received this1 he is really born again1 and a fit heir of salvation4 ,such is the efficacy which they attach to this ceremony1 that their creed sets forth1 in the most unqualified manner1 that whoever receives not the form cannot enter the kingdom4 ,we could not forbear lifting up our testimony against the injurious effects of such a creed4 #bhth4--,we have had a ride to-day with ,i4 ,lowndes and family across the island1 sixteen miles1 to the sea on the other side4 ,our road led us through a perfect wood of olive-trees1 thickly planted and loaded with fruit4 ,the hills are often variegated with the cypress1 c41 and near to the sea are beautifully romantic4 ,we dined at the fortress of ,paleocastazza1 on the top of a high hill1 on provisions we took with us1--the air good1 and the prospect delightful4 ,this place was formerly a convent2 the church still remains in use1 and we visited two of the old ,greek priests4 ,one of them is ninety-five years old2 he was lying on a dirty hard couch in a miserable apartment2 the other performs the liturgy4 ,i4 ,l4 gave him the book of ,genesis1 which he could read but very indifferently4 ,he was besides extremely cross1 full of complaints of the soldiers who were stationed there4 ,what a proof that to those who are in the gall of bitterness there is no peace1 even in such a remote place4 #b mo4 #a4--;,another long and pleasant visit from ,count ,sardina4 ,he is mild and condescending1 but close in argument ,his mind appears gradually to become impressed with the truths of the gospel2 and ,i trust the notions he has received from sceptical writers are giving way to a hope of salvation through ,christ ,jesus our ,lord4 ,fearful of doing anything to make the members of his own ,church his enemies1 he comes to us by night1--not for fear of the ,jews1 but for fear of the ,greeks4 #ith4--,how often our hearts are ready to sink within us in the midst of this dark and superstitious people4 ,we have now been here nearly three months1 and have not had one opportunity of publicly preaching the gospel4 ,the power of prejudice in favor of their own superstitious rites1 and the overwhelming influence of moral evil1 seem entirely to close our way in this line4 ,we have had much conversation with our friend1 ,isaac ,lowndes1 who has resided on this island thirteen years1 on the subject of publicly preaching the gospel to the people2 and he says that such is their attachment to the ceremonies of their own church that they cannot be prevailed upon to attend the ministry of any other denomination4 ,i4 ,lowndes is a character with whom we feel much ,christian unity1 and his family is like a little lamp shining in the midst of gross darkness4 ,this darkness1 adds ,martha ,yeardley1 is increased by the dissipation of the greater part of the ,english4 ,the military have great influence here1 and their practices tend greatly to demoralize the unhappy people4 ,we have just heard that they have obtained leave of the ,senate to hold a ball in the new school-rooms1 and to break down the partition-wall between them for this purpose1 which will prevent the school from being opened for another month4 ,on the #bcrd ,john ,yeardley continues3-- ,to-day my drooping spirit has been refreshed by six precious letters from ,england1 expressing the interest of our dear friends in our mission2 but oh1 how my heart is humbled in the sense of how little we do4 ,during our stay here ,i have been closely engaged in translating ,judson's ,questions on ,scripture4 ,the correction is nearly finished1 and we propose having a number printed for the school4 ,ignorance of the language was a perpetual hindrance in their way4 ,although they devoted a very large portion of time to acquiring it1 the difficulty was almost insurmountable4 ,they learned to read and translate2 but to converse in ,greek was for a long time almost entirely beyond their power4 ,although to preach and teach the gospel was the primary object of ,john and ,martha ,yeardley's errand1 the temporal improvement of their fellow-men was by no means foreign to their mission2 and we have often seen that plans for the promotion of industry and self-support were to the former objects of peculiar interest4 ,during their residence at ,corfu no small portion of his time was occupied with the establishment of a model farm1 which seems to have been a joint scheme on his part and that of the administration4 ,a grant of land was obtained from the ,senate1 and the prisoners1 with some of the poor1 were set to work to cultivate it4 ,some of the landowners watched the progress of the experiment1 with the intention1 if it should be successful1 of introducing the plan upon their estates4 ,we may conclude this account of their residence in ,corfu with some general remarks on the religious character and condition of the inhabitants4 ,we trust1 say they1 our sojourn in ,corfu may not have been in vain3 if we may only be permitted to prepare the way for the further enlargement of the ,saviour's kingdom on the earth1 we may well be content4 ,preparing the way it may truly be called1 for there is a great deal to be done among a people just emerging from barbarism1 and bringing with them all the fixed habits of ignorance and superstition1 before a door can be opened for the direct preaching of the gospel4 ,their mode of reasoning is strong and wily1 and they ask questions which can only be answered in private conversation and by ,scripture proof4 ,a great means of affording help must be by educating the rising generation and by the diffusion of ,scriptural knowledge4 ,many of the priest are extremely ignorant1 and some of them have only learned by rote the service of their own church in the ancient ,greek2 their knowledge1 therefore1 cannot be founded on their own search for ,scriptural truth1 seeing they have not had the opportunity of examining for themselves4 ,in some instances when we have presented to them the ,new ,testament in the modern language1 they have said1 with a look of anxious gratitude1 ,this is what we want2 we priests teach in the churches what we do not ourselves understand4 ,on the #bfth of the ,second ,month they crossed the sea to ,santa ,maura1 having a delightful passage of eight hours4 ,captain ,mc,phail1 the governor1 a friend of ,william ,allen's1 met them himself with a boat1 and conducted them to his house4 ,he showed them every attention during their short sojourn1 and introduced them to those persons whom they desired to see4 ,they made an interesting call on the bishop2-- ,a nice old man1 who was many years priest in a village in the mountains1 and1 what is a wonder1 he has been promoted on account of his virtuous life4 ,he was a good example in his own village1 and a great promoter of schools4 ,the old man is candid enough to confess that he was happier among his rustic peasants than he is now in more refined society4 ,we gave him the book of ,genesis in ,modern ,greek2 and it was highly gratifying to us to see the surprise and pleasure of his countenance on being presented with an account of the ,creation and works of the ,almighty in his native tongue4 ,we thought the opportunity favorable for proposing the ,scriptures to be read by the clergy in the modern instead of the ancient language4 ,he made no objection1 and appeared to see the great utility which might arise from it4 ,something has been said about the semi-barbarism of the ,greeks4 ,what our friends learned respecting crime and violence1 whilst in this island1 places the manners of the people in a very strong light4 ,nothing can show more strongly the demoralized state of these islands than the frightful acts of cruelty done to the cattle out of pure revenge4 ,one shudders to think of the skinning of beasts alive1 cutting off the ears of asses1 breaking the legs of horses2 yet of these sorts of cruelty not less than #ejj acts have been committed in the last four years1 and the offenders have escaped being brought to conviction6 ,this dark picture is happily relieved by some traits of moral beauty4 ,the narrative of a ride into the mountains of ,santa ,maura1 which ,j4,y4 made under the escort of the governor1 proves to how great a degree virtuous and gentle manners grew and flourished in the remoter parts of this island4 #c mo4 #a4--,this morning we set out for a ride about nine miles up the mountains to a village called ,caria1 which contains about #abjj inhabitants1 and in the surrounding hamlets there are about the same number4 ,about half-past #i o'clock we started2 ,captain ,mc,phail and myself on his two sure-footed horses1 and another ,english gentleman on a fine mule4 ,after we had left the newly-made road1 we pursued a track perfectly unequalled in any part where ,i have travelled2 rugged precipices1 shelving rocks1 and large loose stones1 which assailed the feet of the poor beasts every step they took4 ,however1 for my part1 ,i was well rewarded2 it gave me an opportunity not only of seeing the interior of the island1 but also a specimen of the disposition of the natives4 ,before we reached the village1 ,i observed1 with some surprise1 a tribe of people assembled on the top of the cliffs to see us come in1 and on ascending a few more paces of rock1 we found the children of the boys' school arranged like a little army1 with myrtle branches in their hands to welcome us to their sequestered hamlet4 ,after greeting us with great respect1 they followed us to the country-house of our ,english friend4 ,the mountain multitude waited with patience until we had made our repast1 when a few of the leading villagers were introduced to our room4 ,and what was their request8 ,a school for their daughters4 ,they were asked what they would give towards its support4 ,they answered1 ,whatever we can afford2 we that are able will pay for the poor1 and they shall go free4 ,it was then intimated to them1 that their friends would assist them in establishing a school2 but that they themselves must join in the effort1 and that it would be well to consult together1 and put down their names and the number of children they would send4 ,here the town-crier came forward1 and said he had for the last twenty years cried everything the government wished to be made known in the town1 free of cost1 and he would now go round and cry for the benefit of the school4 ,next came forward the father of the young woman proposed for the mistress1 who it was proposed should be further instructed in the village1 and then sent to the town to learn the system4 ,we asked them if they were sensible of the advantages of a school for girls1 of having them brought up to be good wives1 capable of managing their households1 and able to read the precious things in the ,new ,testament4 ,one of them replied1 ,without instruction what are we8--we are like the beasts4 ,one peasant had been so anxious for his daughter to learn to read1 that he had made interest to send her to the boys' school4 ,when we asked why he did so1 he said1 ,because ,i had no other means1 and ,i wished to have her read the ,new ,testament to us2 now ,i have the advantage of hearing that precious book read to me by my own daughter4 ,it was delightful to witness a feeling like this in a people so uncultivated2 surely the friends of education in ,greece have encouragement to go on and prosper4 ,after this pleasing interview we proceeded to the boys' school1 followed by as many as could get into the room4 ,when the boys had read1 ,i desired that questions might be put to them on what they had been reading1 but soon found that this important mode of instruction was neglected2 the master promised to introduce the questions which we are having printed1 if we would send him the books4 ,on returning to our quarters1 we found among the crowd who were still present1 the three priests1 come1 ,i suppose1 to pay their respects to the governor4 ,we were glad of an opportunity of conversing with them4 ,on asking their opinion as to a school1 one of them said1 in ,greek1 ,it is good1 blessed and honorable4 ,i could not let this favorable opportunity pass without impressing on them1 through ,mc,phail1 the advantage of reading the ,scriptures to the people in the modern tongue which they could understand1 telling them that the book of ,genesis was already printed in ,modern ,greek4 ,they could hardly believe me1 and on my showing them a new copy of this and of the ,psalms1 their eyes sparkled with pleasure4 ,our friend the governor read aloud a portion of ,genesis1 and one of the priests a little out of the ,psalms4 ,the long-robed1 patriarchal looking man said1 ,ah1 this is what we want6 ,we priests read in the churches what we don't understand ourselves1 and how can we explain it to others4 ,they modestly asked if they might have the books for a while2 and when we said they were given to them1 there was a little jealousy who should have them2 this we removed by saying that more should be sent4 ,many of the kind-hearted people accompanied us to the precipice1 and ran before to clear the way2 and1 through divine mercy1 we reached the dwelling of our kind host in safety2 not without a steeping of mountain rain4 ,when the good ,bishop of ,santa ,maura heard the result of our interview with the peasants1 he sent one of his most influential priests with a subscription book for his people to put down their names towards a fund for the schools1 thus promptly giving his sanction to general education4 #c mo4 #b4--;,first-day4 ,after breakfast we read a chapter and held our meeting with ,captain ,mc,phail and his wife1 and felt a little comfort in holding up the standard of religious worship4 ,something was given us to utter1 both in testimony and supplication4 ,the next evening we dined with the governor4 ,it was a state dinner1 given to the judges and persons of rank in the town2 about twenty of us sat down2 the repast was splendid and the dishes innumerable4 ,at the head of the table was ,captain ,mc,phail in full uniform2 on his right our hostess in a rich ,greek dress2 on his left a young lady in the full ,italian style2 my ,m4,y4 and myself were not the least singular in appearance4 ,all was done in good order1 and a sweet feeling prevailed4 #dth4--,we are like prisoners at large1 not being able to leave the island till the steamer returns4 ,captain ,mc,phail has kindly proposed our paying a visit to the continent to see a little colony of the natives who live in wigwams4 ,these people like many others suffered greatly from the ,turks1 and took refuge in ,santa ,maura1 which has excited in them a feeling of gratitude for the protection of their ,english neighbors4 ,about #i o'clock we started in the ,captain's boat1 a family party1 not leaving even the baby at home4 ,we had a pleasant sail of less than an hour1 and found seven ponies waiting for us at the landing-place4 ,the ponies were brought into the sea1 and we mounted the pack-saddles2 some of our company being carried from the boat on men's backs4 ,thus arranged we set out1 one by one1 along the narrow goat-paths1 accompanied by our retinue1 some going before1 and some following with the baggage4 ,we winded our way among bushes of myrtle and mastic till we reached the willow-city4 ,it consists of about sixty perfect wigwams of one room each1 with no other light but what is admitted by the doorway1 four feet high1 with here and there a glimpse that makes its way through the wattles4 ,the people having received notice of our visit had made a general-holiday1 and were all assembled1 with lively good-humor in their countenances1 to greet our arrival4 ,this in the first year that they have been left to enjoy their lands in peace since the destruction by the ,turks of their little town1 which stood at about half an hour's distance4 ,some of them possess property in land and cattle1 and all live on the produce of their own farms1 and produce their own clothing4 ,these simple-hearted people show their good sense by avoiding all lawsuits1 so common among the ,greeks4 ,they choose one upright old man1 with two assistants1 to govern them1 to whose judgment they submit1 and the greatest punishment is to be shut up for two or three days in a solitary room in the convent4 ,the wigwam where we alighted was soon filled with visitors4 ,we were served with coffee by our hostess1--an interesting woman1 with much expression of mildness in her countenance4 ,after conversing awhile with the villagers1 and satisfying their curiosity as well as we could1 ,i thought it a suitable time to bring about the primary object of our visit1 and inquired who among them could read4 ,a young man came forward who had been educated in the school at ,santa ,maura2 we gave him a ,new ,testament1 and he read the greater part of a chapter in the ,gospels4 ,those who were in the room listened with surprise and attention1 and many without looked eagerly in at the doorway to hear what was going on4 ,this was probably the first time they had heard the gospel in their own language4 ,we gave them a few copies of the ,new ,testament and some tracts1 for which they hardly knew how to express their gratitude2 and we requested the reader to continue the practice he had commenced4 ,when this scene of interest was over we took a turn round the other huts4 ,they are situated on the side of the hill1 among myrtles1 and command a delightful view of the valley4 ,we passed by the common oven1 and on looking in saw our dinner preparing4 ,the table was spread in the hospitable wigwam which we first entered1 a clean white tablecloth and napkins on a large board1 with cushions around on boxes for chairs4 ,the repast consisted of a whole lamb1 well roasted1 and two sorts of ,yorkshire-pudding1 one of which was particularly good4 ,this patriarchal repast being finished1 we again went forth1 and visited the convent of ,plija1 distant from the wigwams about ten minutes' walk4 ,many of our new friends accompanied us1 the judge with great solidity of manner leading the way4 ,we passed a beautiful fountain at the head of the glen1 and entered the monastic edifice1 which is built of stone4 ,the abbot1 a fine old man1 met us at the door with a pleasant countenance4 ,he invited us into his cell2 we had to stoop very low to save our heads1 and the door-case was rubbed bright on all sides by the friction of this solitary inmate passing in and out4 ,the hermitage consists of one room with a bed in the corner1 screened by a slight partition2 a lattice-window admitted a peep into the rich and lovely vale below1 and the pure air of the mountain was not obstructed by glass4 ,i had often heard of the ,eastern custom of sitting cross-legged1 but never till now experienced it in reality4 ,we were desired to sit on cushions spread on the floor for our reception1 and were served with the finest walnuts and honey ,i ever tasted2 and while we partook of this hermit-like repast1 there was a precious feeling of good1 and ,i believe we had the secret prayers of the good abbot1 as he had ours4 ,when we presented him with the ,new ,testament1 ,genesis1 and the ,psalms1 he kissed the books and pressed them to his bosom1 expressing his gratitude for the treasure4 ,our next visit was to the habitation of the judge1 which is of the same description as the rest1 where we were served again with coffee4 ,what pleased us was the sweet feeling of quiet which prevailed1 of which ,i think some of them were sensible2 one woman1 our first hostess1 put her hand to her heart and said very sweetly1 ,i love you4 ,they would not let us depart without showing us their ancient custom of taking hold of hands and dancing round1 singing meanwhile a sort of chant4 ,many of them came with us to the water's edge1 and prayers were raised in our hearts for their good1 and thanksgiving to our ,divine ,master for the comfort and satisfaction of the day4 #c mo #h4--,under the hospitable roof of ,captain ,mc,phail we have felt much at home4 ,his wife said our coming had been a blessing to her2 she is near to us in gospel love4 ,the captain accompanied us in his boat to the steamer4 ,from ,santa ,maura they proceeded to ,argostoli1 the chief town of ,cephalonia4 ,we arrived about five o'clock in the morning4 ,the entrance to the town for a considerable distance is like a perfect lake3 the white houses along the side of the harbor1 and the craggy hill with the olives growing out of the rocks1 had a pretty appearance at the break of day4 ,our young ,greek interpreter1 ,giovanni ,basilik1 was with us4 ,we had to call up the inhabitants of the only inn in the place before we could get shelter4 ,at first the host refused to receive our little company1 but after some explanation he consented to arrange the desolate-looking rooms into habitable order4 ,they visited the schools and the prison1 and they received from the ,resident1 ,h4,g4 ,tennyson1 and the schoolmaster and mistress1 a friendly reception2 but the islanders are generally careless of instruction1 and progress of all kinds is slow4 ,from ,cephalonia they traversed the sea to the beautiful island of ,zante4 ,though they had ten men to row1 the passage occupied thirteen hours4 ,contrary wind1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 compelled us to approach the island slowly1 which gave us an opportunity of viewing the villages and scattered houses at the foot of the mountain4 ,the town of ,zante is very long2 the main street has piazzas on each side for a considerable distance4 ,in many of the windows 7,i suppose a ,turkish custom7 there are something like cages1 through which the women peep without being seen1 under the pretence of modesty2 but it is horrid to hear of the wickedness committed in-doors4 ,however1 ,i am glad to find the custom is dying away1 and that the young women are now permitted to walk in public more than they were a few years ago4 ,this island is by far the finest we have visited2 it is very fertile and well cultivated1 and supplies ,england with currants2 but1 like their neighbors1 the people have the character of being immoral1 treacherous1 and revengeful4 ,it is sorrowful to think that1 under the system of picture-worship1 there is scarcely a sin of which the poor ,greek is not guilty to an enormous extent4 ,with ,god all things are possible--he can change the hard heart of man by the power of his ,divine ,spirit2 but1 morally speaking1 it must be some great convulsion that can work a real change in the nation4 ,w4,o4 ,croggon has labored here more than seven years1 and knows not of one conversion among the rich ,greeks--not one attends the service for worship4 ,he is the ,methodist missionary here1 and is called the friend of every man3 he has been a real friend to us4 ,the ,governor and his wife have paid us marked attention4 ,the former took us to see the prison1 which is well conducted1 and the prisoners are classed4 ,we suggested the benefit likely to result from the prisoners being employed1 and ,major ,longley the ,governor intends to introduce basket-making4 ,we have1 in addition to the public schools1 visited several private ones1 and are pleased to find so many children receiving education3 this is really the chief source of hope for improving the morals of the ,greeks1 and dispersing the gross darkness which surrounds this people1 whose long servitude and sufferings under very hard masters have almost driven them back to barbarism4 #agth4--,there was a shock of earthquake1 more violent than has been felt for some years in this place4 ,our room shook almost like a ship at sea2 the walls1 beds1 tables1 and glasses were all in motion1 and the sensation1 while it lasted1 was that of sea-sickness4 ,the noise may be compared to the rolling of a carriage with many horses coming at full speed1 and suddenly stopping at the dwelling4 7,see ,eastern ,customs1 p4 #gh47 ,having thus explored the four principal islands of the ,ionian ,archipeligo4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley turned their course towards the ,morea4 #cjth4--,at #f o'clock in the morning we put ourselves once more at the mercy of the waves of the ,mediterranean1 and had a quick passage of fourteen hours4 ,the landing at ,patras was frightful2 a sudden squall threw us off the shore1 and caused us to lose part of the rudder1 so that we were obliged to get into a very small boat1 which threatened to upset every moment4 ,we were1 however1 favored to land in safety on a projecting rock3 it was nearly dark1 and the whole had a terrific appearance4 ,the plains near ,patras1 once beautifully planted with currants1 olives and vines1 are now perfectly desolate4 ,the castle was in possession1 of the ,turks eight years1 who made continual sallies from it for provision and firewood2 while1 in order to disappoint them1 the ,greeks themselves assisted in the destruction of all vegetation2 so that there is scarcely any green thing to be seen4 ,the old town is a scene of ruins2 the site of the new town is near the sea1 where temporary shops and houses have been erected4 ,it was difficult to find a shelter for the night2 but a kind fellow-traveller assisted us1 and at length we were pressed into a miserable dirty room1 with only a board for a bedstead4 ,at ,patras we had abundance of consultation1 whether to undertake the journey to ,corinth and ,athens by land1 or to encounter the gulf4 ,we concluded to venture on the latter1 and contracted with the captain of a little boat to depart at five the next morning4 ,he deceived us by not sailing at the time proposed2 but we made an agreement with other sailors to go off in the evening1 hoping to get to ,corinth the next morning3 but1 after tossing all night1 we found in the morning the ship had only made twenty miles2 and about mid-day the captain declared he could not get to ,corinth1 and must put into a small port on the opposite side of the gulf1 called ,galaxidi1 and wait for better weather4 ,we were so exhausted as to feel thankful in the prospect of being once more on land4 ,nothing can be more comfortless than these small ,greek vessels2 in the cabin you can neither stand nor lie at full length4 ,after some difficulty in getting on shore1 we were led to the khan1 a very large room with a fire in one corner for boiling water1 and a wine store2 and round the side were benches which served for sitting by day1 and on which the traveller spreads his mattress for the night1 if he has one2 if not1 he must go without4 ,we were desired to mount a ladder to a loft like a corn-floor1 badly tiled in1 and divided into four parts by boards about five feet high4 ,the one division of this place assigned to us had no door1 and when the windows were shut1 which were of wood1 there was no light what shone through the tiling or was admitted between the boards4 ,the place was soon furnished1 for the boy brought us a mat and spread it on the floor1 which was all we had a right to expect2 but as we seemed to be visitors who could pay pretty well1 they brought also a rough wooden table and three wooden stools4 #bnd4--,galaxidi is in ruins1 presenting only mud cottages and temporary wooden houses2 ships also are in building4 #dth4--,this morning we walked among the huts of the town1 and found an old man keeping school near the ruins of his own school-room1 which had been destroyed by the ,turks4 ,it happened to be his dinner-time1 and he was seated cross-legged on a stone1 with a footstool before him1 enjoying a few olives and a morsel of bread4 ,around him stood his ragged pupils1 reading from leaves torn out of old books1 some of which were so worn and dirty that the poor boys could scarcely discover what they had once contained4 ,the weather was by no means warm1 yet we could not wonder at his choosing the open air for the place of instruction1 when we saw his dwelling1 which was a mud hut not quite nine feet square1 with no opening for light but through the doorway4 ,in this hovel he taught his forty scholars when the inclemency of the weather did not permit their being out of doors4 ,the grey-headed father was surprised that his humble company had attracted the notice of strangers2 but1 seeing the interest we manifested in his calling1 he inquired for a ,new ,testament1 which we gladly furnished1 with the addition of some tracts to such of the children as could read them4 ,this sight was gratifying to us as showing a disposition to teach and to learn1 even under the most disadvantageous circumstances4 ,our quarters at the khan became more uncomfortable2 the people were so uncivil they would hardly give us cold water without grumbling4 ,the second night we witnessed one of the most dreadful storms we ever remember to have seen4 ,violent gusts of wind shook our desolate abode1 while the rain poured down in torrents and found entrance in various parts of our apartment4 ,they intended1 as we have seen1 to go to ,athens by way of ,corinth1 and when they were disappointed of sailing to that city1 and thrown upon the opposite shore of the gulf1 they still seem to have supposed it impossible to reach the capital by any other route4 #eth4--,being1 says ,john ,yeardley1 on the contrary side of the gulf1 and thus deprived of helping ourselves by means of horses1 we gave up all hope of reaching ,athens1 and thought we must of necessity return to ,patras4 ,we therefore inquired for a vessel to take us thither2 but never shall ,i forget my feelings of horror while trying to contract with a man for a boat4 ,i said in my heart1 ,o that ,i might be permitted to try the fleece once more in turning our faces towards ,athens4 ,the man was exorbitant in his demands1 and it was too late to reach ,patras without risking the night on the sea4 ,to stay where we were was next to impossible without serious injury1 especially to my dear ,martha4 ,strong indeed was our united prayer for direction and help in this time of distress1 and ever-blessed be the name of our adorable ,lord who heard and answered our prayer4 ,out of the depths of distress a little light sprung up1 and we thought if we could take a boat and cross over to ,scala1 a little port on the opposite side of the creek1 we might then take mules to ,castri the ancient ,delphi1 and if not able to proceed further on our way1 the change we hoped would be use to ,m4,y4 ,we did make the effort1 and were favored to get to ,scala1 where we found only a few scattered mud houses2 but on landing1 there was a change of feeling immediately experienced4 ,we were rescued from ship-builders and sailors1 the vilest of the vile1 and placed among a simple country people4 ,the master of the custom-house1 to whom we had a few lines of recommendation1 invited us to his house and gave us coffee4 ,he provided us with four mules2 three for the interpreter and ourselves1 and the fourth for the baggage4 ,it was about eight miles1 or two and a half hours' ride1 to ,delphi2 and no sooner had we begun to feel the mountain air than my dear ,m4 began to revive4 ,we had to climb precipices where nothing but mules could have carried us4 ,at the foot of the mountain we came in company with two camels1 which was a new sight to us4 ,the situation of ,delphi is the most beautiful that eyes can behold3 mountains of rock1 such as we never before saw1 and in the back ground the far-famed ,parnassus1 covered with snow4 ,the village consists of about one hundred cottages1 some of them built in the rock4 ,we were conducted to one of the best of these rustic dwellings1 and met with a very friendly reception from the inmates4 ,the house consisted of two rooms1 and we were offered the use of one of them2 they furnished us with mattresses laid upon a sort of dresser1 where we slept much better than for many previous nights2 even the hen and her thirteen chickens under our bed did not disturb us4 ,the novelty of the visiters soon brought in several of the neighbors1 who did not leave us1 even while we took our tea4 ,as there was a good feeling1 we thought it well to improve the opportunity1 and inquired who could read4 ,the master of the house1 a sensible man1 said there were only about twenty in the village who know anything of letters1 but that he could both read and write1 for his father was a priest4 ,after tea we produced a ,new ,testament and the book of ,genesis1 and our interpreter read aloud the first two chapters of ,genesis4 ,our host had never seen the ,scriptures in his own language1 and we think we never beheld a countenance more full of delight and intelligence than his was during the reading4 ,after a short explanation of what had been read1 and a word of exhortation1 we thought to close2 but the company were so pleased with hearing the account of the creation and fall of man from the sacred record itself1 that they requested us to read more4 ,i desired them to ask any questions on the subject they might wish2 and the first which our host put was1 ,what kind of tree it was1 the fruit of which ,adam was forbidden to eat8 ,we answered that it was translated in our language apple4 ,he said they thought it was a fig4 ,we told them it might be a fig1 or it might be an apple2 but that the object of the ,almighty was to try ,adam's obedience4 ,they at once agreed to this2 and the master of the house wisely observed1 ,jesus ,christ came to restore to us what was lost by ,adam's transgression4 ,he then said1 ,it would have been better if ,adam1 after his transgression1 instead of hiding himself1 had confessed his sin to ,god1 and begged his forgiveness4 ,we all agreed that it was a natural act for man1 in his fallen state1 to wish to seek excuse1 rather than to confess his sin and repent4 ,we then made some remarks on the prophecy of the ,saviour in the third chapter of ,genesis1 and ability was given us to preach the ,gospel of life and salvation4 ,all hearts seemed touched1 and our own overflowed with gratitude4 ,we may in truth say1 ,our ,heavenly ,father has plucked our feet out of a horrible pit and out of the miry clay1 and set them upon a rock1 and put a new song into our mouth1 even praise to his glorious name4 ,on considering afterwards our situation1 we could not but behold the hand of a gracious ,providence which had led us to this spot2 had we attempted to go by ,corinth to ,athens1 we should as they afterwards learned have been stopped by the waters1 and have missed seeing this interesting people2 but from hence the way was passable1 and only four days' journey by land4 ,after dinner we walked through the village up to the rock4 ,we came to a fountain where several women were washing2 one of them1 a young-looking person1 suddenly left her companions1 and with hasty step and entreating air advanced towards us1 as we supposed to ask something2 but she bowed her head almost to the ground1 and then kissed our hands2 after which she withdrew in a cheerful and diffident manner4 ,the reason of this salutation was1 that the young woman had lately been married1 and it was customary for the last bride of the village to kiss the hands of strangers4 ,the temple of ,apollo once occupied nearly half an acre of ground3 a great many of its marble pillars are still to be seen1 half buried by the plough1 and corn growing over them4 ,about a hundred yards from this temple is the cave in the rock from whence the priestess pronounced the oracle4 ,among the curiosities of this wonderful place1 the tombs in the rocks are not the least remarkable4 ,they are built of the most beautiful white marble2 the entrance is by a large archway1 and round the circle are several recesses in the stone1 one above another1 where the dead had evidently been deposited4 ,they illustrate the history of the maniac dwelling among the tombs 7,mark v4 #c471 for these caves formed a perfect sort of house in which persons might dwell4 #hth4--,we were not able to leave ,delphi on account of the high wind with some rain4 ,in the evening we again enjoyed our ,scripture reading on the hearth4 ,we continued the book of ,genesis1 and our host inquired whether those who died before the birth of the ,saviour were lost4 ,he was informed they were saved through faith in the promise4 ,he had supposed they went into hell1 and that when ,christ came he released them4 ,we asked him if ,enoch1 who walked with ,god and was translated1 could have been sent to hell4 ,of this he knew nothing1 never having read the ,scriptures4 #ith4--,this morning we procured four mules and four men1 and proceeded on our pilgrimage towards ,livadia1 thirty-three miles from ,delphi4 ,our kind host recommended us to the special care of one of the muleteers1 who put his hand to his heart1 and feelingly accepted the trust4 ,we were most of the day winding round ,parnassus1 whose height above us was tremendous4 ,the road was frightful2 over rocks1 waters1 and swampy ground2 we could hardly have believed it possible to pass through the places where our mules penetrated4 ,the muleteer performed his trust faithfully1 rendering us all the assistance in his power4 ,on parting we presented him with some tracts2 he could read1 and was much gratified with the gift4 ,at ,livadia we were badly lodged1 in a smoky room1 and suffered much from extreme fatigue2 but we found ourselves with an interesting family1 to whom we read the ,scriptures1 seated with them on the floor2 and we could not but feel grateful to our ,divine ,master1 for leading us among those who were thirsting to receive the ,holy ,scriptures in a language they could understand4 #ajth4--,we travelled on horses through a comparatively flat country1 despoiled of all its verdure by the ruthless hand of war4 ,the evening was wet2 we reached the once celebrated ,thebes in the dark1 and were glad to take shelter in a smoky room1 in the first house that could receive us4 ,the situation is fine1 but the present town occupies only the part which was the fortress of ancient ,thebes4 #aath4--,this day we had much mountain country to pass through4 ,every tree we could see was either partly burnt or partly cut away4 ,towards the end of our day's travel we went through an immense wood1 difficult of passage1 on leaving which the ,gulf of ,aegina appeared in view4 ,we rested for the night at a little settlement of ,albanians near the coast4 ,we obtained shelter in the cottage of an old woman1 who seemed a little startled at the appearance of strangers1 whose language she could not understand4 ,concluding1 however1 that we had the common wants of nature1 and having no bread to offer us1 she quickly prepared a little meal1 made a cake1 and baked it on the hearth under the ashes4 ,we made signs to be furnished with a vessel in which we might prepare a little chocolate1 our frequent repast under such circumstances2 and1 at length1 a very rough homely-looking pitcher was produced2 but the greater difficulty was to find something in which to boil the milk and water4 ,after waiting till their own soup had been prepared1 we obtained the use of the saucepan4 ,these difficulties overcome1 we enjoyed our meal2 and offered some to a ,greek woman who had walked beside our mules for the sake of company1 on her dreary journey to ,athens2 but she refused1 with thanks1 saying1 ,i am not sick2 for the ,greeks seldom take beverage of this sort1 except when they are indisposed4 ,as the inmates of this homely cottage1 as well as the neighbors1 who usually come in to see travellers of our uncommon appearance1 did not understand ,greek1 we were deprived of the opportunity of reading the ,holy ,scriptures to them1 or of conversing with them on the subject of religion4 ,all that we could do was to prepare for rest1 of which we stood in great need1 having had a very fatiguing ride through the woods to this place4 ,the room in which we had taken shelter was also to be our sleeping-place1 in common with the old woman and her family and the ,greek traveller2 in another part of the room were also a sheep and several other animals4 ,we swept as clean as we could a space in the neighborhood of the quiet sheep1 and spread what bedding we had upon the mud floor1 surrounding it with our baggage1 except our carpet-bags1 which served us for pillows2 and after commending ourselves and the household to the protecting care of the great ,shepherd of ,israel1 we obtained some refreshing repose4 7,see ,eastern ,customs1 pp4 #ag-ai47 #abth4--,we started with tired bones4 ,after a pleasant ride of four hours the ,acropolis of ,athens burst upon our view4 ,the city is beautifully situated in a plain bounded by mountains1 and near to a rich grove of olive-trees1 which has been spared amid the ravages of war4 ,i felt1 says ,john ,yeardley1 low and contemplative2 many and various thoughts crowded into my heart4 ,every foot we set in ,greece1 we ,bee desolation4 ,i can scarcely believe that ,i am in the place where the great ,apostle of the ,gentiles desired to know nothing but ,christ crucified2 and in sight of ,mars ,hill1 from which the same apostle preached to the ,athenians the true ,god4 ,we reached the only inn in the town1 much worn by fatigue and bad accommodation1 yet very grateful for having been preserved from any serious accident during our perilous journey1 and under a precious sense that it was in right ordering we persevered in coming to this place4 ,we introduced ourselves to the ,american missionaries1 ,hill and ,king1 and met with a hearty reception4 ,the schools under their care are the most gratifying sight we have seen4 ,j4 ,hill and his wife have nearly #ejj children on their list4 ,we were much pleased with the arrangements of the schools3 the classification is the best ,i have ever seen1 and the children exhibit intelligence and thirst for instruction4 ,the effect of ,scriptural instruction on the minds of the ,greek children is very gratifying4 ,a young girl whom the directors had taken into the school as an assistant teacher1 entered the family with a mind fortified in the superstitions taught in her own church1 observing scrupulously the feast and fast-days1 the making the sign of the cross before eating1 and the kissing of pictures4 ,the mistress wisely avoided interfering with what the girl considered to be her religious duties2 but after she had attended the ,scriptural reading and the family worship for a short time1 the light of divine truth broke in upon her heart2 and as she embraced the substance of the religion of ,jesus ,christ1 her attachment to the superstitious forms became gradually weakened1 until at length she left them altogether4 ,the mistress one day said to her1 ,i observe you do not keep the fast-days1 nor cross yourself before eating1 nor kiss the pictures4 ,no1 replied the child1 ,i am convinced that making the outward sign of the cross cannot purify the heart from sin2 and as to meat and drink1 ,i read in the ,scriptures1 that it is not that which goeth into the mouth that defiles the man4 #aeth4--,visited the schools under the direction of ,jonas ,king1 of the ,boston mission4 ,he has an academy for young men1 and a school for mutual instruction1 containing together #aej4 ,i think the mode of ,scripture lessons particularly efficient4 ,the instruction given in the schools at ,athens seems more complete than in any we have visited during the journey4 ,j4,k4 has service in modern ,greek three times on ,first-days1 at which some of the young men attend1 along with other ,greeks1 but not many4 ,during our stay in this city we visited many ,greek families1 and distributed among them religious tracts and portions of the ,holy ,scriptures1 and exhorted them to the observance of their religious duties1 often calling their attention to those points in which their own practices are at variance with the doctrine of ,holy ,scripture4 ,the ancient ruins are exceedingly grand1 and raise mingled feelings in the heart not easily described1 but tending to humble the pride of human greatness4 ,we saw the ,temple of ,theseus1 the prison of ,socrates1 the famous ,temple of ,minerva2 but the spot that most nearly interested us was ,mars ,hill1 whose rocky mount was in view from lodgings1 where we sat and conversed together of the ,apostle ,paul preaching the true ,god2 and in the sweet stillness which covered our spirits1 earnestly desired that the pure ,gospel might again be freely preached and received throughout this interesting but desolated country4 ,there are not more than sixty really good houses built in the town2 but1 including great and small1 there may be #aejj dwellings4 ,it is settled that ,athens shall be the seat of the ,greek government2 and the young king1 ,otho1 laid the foundation-stone of the new palace in his last visit to this place4 #ahth4--,being anxious to get to ,patras in time to sail by an ,english packet to ,corfu1 we set off for the port4 ,j4 ,hill met us1 to see us embark in a boat for ,kalimichi4 ,the ,greek sailors have a superstition against sailing at any time but in the night2 but after being deceived by one captain1 we prevailed1 on another to set sail in the daytime1 in the full hope of reaching ,kalimichi the same evening4 ,a favorable gale wafted us on for some time1 but a slight storm coming on1 the cowardly captain ran us into a creek1 and kept us tossing all the night in his open boat4 ,about eight o'clock the next morning we were favored to reach ,kalimichi in safety1 where we procured mules and reached ,corinth to dinner4 ,here there are only a few houses standing in the midst of ruins4 ,we took up our abode at the only inn1 from the windows of which we looked upon the busy scene of a fair4 ,our hearts were not enlarged1 as the great ,apostle's was2 for our spirits were clothed with mourning in contemplating the darkness of the place4 ,many persons to whom we spoke could not read2 and on offering a ,testament to the man of the inn he refused to receive it4 ,we pursued our travels1 and at mid-day met with a trying detention from the muleteer having neglected to obtain a permission4 ,we were at length suffered to proceed1 but arrived late at a miserable khan1 where we passed the night in a loft4 ,this poor place could only furnish two mules and a donkey1 with a man to attend them2 but we were encouraged to hope we should find four horses about two hours further on2 but here we were disappointed1 and could get no horses to proceed4 ,we felt truly destitute1 and took refuge in a loft from the scorching rays of the sun4 ,we had very little food with us1 and saw no probability of quitting our desolate abode till the next day at any rate4 ,thus situated we were endeavoring to be reconciled to our allotment1 when most unexpectedly1 about two o'clock1 we espied a small fishing-boat sailing towards ,patras1 and immediately ran down to the shore1 a considerable distance1 to make signals to the boat-man1 and inquire whether he would convey us to ,vostizza1 a place within a day's journey of ,patras4 ,we directly procured a mule to convey our baggage to the shore1 and descended by a very rough path to a creek where the boat lay to4 ,here we were again detained by the guard making great difficulty in allowing the boatman to take passengers without a permit1 which could only be obtained in the town1 so strict and perplexing are the regulations for travellers under the new government4 ,however1 after detaining us an hour and causing us to lose most of the fair wind1 he suffered the man to take us4 ,we sailed along pretty well for a time1 when the wind suddenly changed1 and the boatman told us we could not get to ,vostizza that night1 but added they would put us on shore where we should be within an hour's walk of it1 and that we could readily find a mule to carry our baggage4 ,this we gladly accepted1 and were soon landed and on our way4 ,although sick and weary on board1 we seemed to receive new strength for our walk1 and arrived at ,vostizza at about eight o'clock4 ,here our accommodation for the night was much like our former lodging2 for this large town has also been1 burned by the enemy1 and presents a scene of ruins4 ,we engaged horses for the next day to convey us to ,patras1 and were a little cheered with the prospect of being near that place of attraction4 ,the man of the house where we lodged could not read1 but informed us there was a school in the town of fifty boys4 ,we saw a person in the next shop writing1 and offered him a ,testament1 which he very gratefully received1 and sent for the schoolmaster1 who seemed much pleased with our offer to send him books and lessons4 ,we also gave books to several we met with1 who began eagerly to read them aloud1 and soon obtained hearers1 so that it became a highly interesting scene3 boys who received tracts from us showed them to others1 and numbers crowded about us1 even to the lust moment of our stay4 ,if we had had a thousand books we could have disposed of them4 ,what a difference between this place and poor ,corinth6 ,our trying journey through ,greece has given us an opportunity of judging of the state of things1 and ,i hope will enable us to relieve some of their wants4 ,it is cause of humble thankfulness to the ,father of mercies that he has preserved us in the midst of many dangers1 and brought us in safety so far back on our way with hearts filled with love and praise4 ,they arrived at ,patras on the #bbnd1 but found that the ,english steamer had sailed two days before4 ,they employed the interval before the sailing of another packet in establishing a girls' school1 which was commenced soon after their departure4 ,at ,corfu they received information of the opening of the school1 conveyed in a letter from the sister of the ,english consul in the following encouraging terms3-- ,i am sure you will be gratified to hear that the school which was established by your benevolent exertions has been opened under the most favorable auspices4 ,the first day we had twenty-two girls2 we have now forty-eight4 ,nothing can exceed the eagerness shown by the children to be admitted1 and their parents seem equally anxious to send them2 with very few exceptions they come clean1 and on the whole are attentive and well behaved4 ,of the forty-eight there are only nine who can read4 ,the little ,corfuot you recommended is first monitor1 and of great use4 ,they reached ,corfu on the #abth of the ,fifth ,month1 and were kindly accommodated at the office of the ,commissary ,ramsay4 ,immediately on our arrival at ,corfu1 our young friend the ,count ,sardina renewed his visits4 ,we saw him almost daily2 our conversations were often truly spiritual2 he opened his heart to us1 and we rejoiced to believe that he had attained to a degree of living faith in his ,redeemer4 ,it will be recollected that their inability to collect the inhabitants in a meeting for worship was a source of discouragement to ,john and ,martha ,yeardley in their former visit to ,corfu4 ,now1 on revisiting this island1 they had the satisfaction of holding two meetings for worship with ,isaac ,lowndes' congregation4 #f mo4 #a4--;,isaac ,lowndes had now obtained leave to hold his meeting for worship in the large school-room1 and ,i felt at liberty to propose having an opportunity to address the congregation4 ,this he gladly accepted1 and gave notice of our intention4 ,it was pretty well attended1 but not full2 a good feeling prevailed4 #aeth4--,we had another meeting with the little company who meet in the school-room4 ,the room was better filled than on the former occasion3 it was a precious season of divine favor2 utterance was given to preach the word1 and ,i trust there were some into whose hearts it found entrance4 ,a few days before we left the island1 ,i4,l4 took us to visit the ,jewish ,rabbi1 who1 though full of argument1 appears extremely dark and bewildered1 dwelling on mysterious words whose interpretation is confined to the rabbinical office4 ,he said they looked for a temporal king1 who should give a temporal kingdom to ,israel4 ,it was a truly painful visit1 and we left him with the desire that he might be instructed even out of his own law1 which1 if properly understood1 would prove as a schoolmaster to bring him to ,christ4 ,after spending about five weeks at ,corfu on this second visit1 they again crossed the ,adriatic to ,ancona4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahcc-d4 ,,part ,,iii4--,,the ,,return ,,from ,,greece4 ,of the numerous letters which ,john and ,martha ,yeardley received from ,england during this long journey1 very few have been preserved4 ,we shall extract short passages from two which came to their hands not long before they left the ,islands4 ,the first is from ,john ,rowntree1 and is dated the #acth of the ,first ,month1 #ahcd4 ,on my own account1 and on behalf of the ,friends of our ,monthly ,meeting1 ,i feel grateful for the information respecting your proceedings4 ,there is some difficulty in satisfying the eager anxiety of my friends to know all that is to be known about your engagements1 and ,i may truly say that the kind interest which you feel about us is reciprocal4 ,often do ,i picture you to myself1 laboring in your ,master's cause1 receiving as fellow-partakers of the same grace all whose hearts have been touched with a sense of his love1 who are hoping to experience salvation through ,him alone4 ,our reading meetings are pretty well attended this winter4 ,we have been reading ,james ,backhouse's journal3 he was still engaged1 when he sent the last account of his proceedings1 in ,van ,diemen's ,land4 ,like you1 he and his companion rejoice at meeting with those to whom1 although not exactly agreeing with us in some respects1 they can give the right hand of fellowship as laborers under the same ,master4 ,like you1 too1 they devote considerable attention to the improvement of schools1 and the improvement of the temporal condition of the poorer classes among whom they labor4 ,in a letter from ,william ,allen1 written the #cast of the ,third ,month1 occur the following words of encouragement3-- ,i have heard1 through letters to your relations and others1 that you have been much discouraged at not finding a more ready entrance for your gospel message2 but really1 considering the darkness2 the sensuality1 and the superstition of the people in those parts1 we must not calculate upon much in the beginning4 ,if here and there one or two are awakened and enlightened1 they may be like seed sown1 and in the ,divine ,hand become instruments for the gathering of others4 ,should you be made the means of accomplishing this1 in only a very few instances1 it will be worth all your trials and sufferings4 ,and again1 you must consider that1 in the performance of your duty1 seed may be sown even unknown by you1 which may take root1 and grow1 and bring forth fruit to the praise of the ,great ,husbandman1 though you may never hear of it4 ,be encouraged therefore1 dear friends1 to go on from day to day in simple reliance on your ,divine ,master1 without undue anxiety for consequences2 for depend upon it1 when he has no more work for you to do1 he will make you sensible of a release4 ,the passage to ,ancona was tedious4 ,we embarked at noon1 and had a long passage to ,ancona of twelve days4 ,we landed on the #bith1 and soon found ourselves occupying an empty room in the ,lazaretto1 without even the accommodation of a shelf or closet4 ,the term of quarantine is fourteen days1 but four days are remitted by the ,pope4 ,the heat is oppressive1 and the mosquitoes annoy us much1 but we are preserved in a tolerable degree of health2 and in taking a review of our visit to ,greece and the ,ionian ,islands1 we are still sensible of a very peaceful feeling1 under a belief that we have followed the pointings of the ,great ,master1 and a hope that the day is not far distant when the way will be more fully opened in those countries to receive the gospel4 ,the preaching of ,john in the wilderness has often appeared to us to be applicable to this people1--,repent1 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 #g mo4 #f4--,we left ,ancona1 and took the route through ,foligno and ,arezzo to ,florence4 ,that part of the ,pope's dominions through which we have passed is highly picturesque2 hill and dale continually1 and the whole country cultivated absolutely like a garden4 ,most of the towns are on the hills1 and nothing can exceed the beauty of their situation4 ,but as to vital religion1 the spirit of those who desire the promotion of the ,redeemer's kingdom1 on the broad and sound basis of common ,christianity1 must be clothed with mourning in passing through this superstitious and illiberal country4 ,what we have seen of ,tuscany is not so fine1 but the appearance of the peasants is much superior4 ,the inns are much more agreeable than we found them on the road from ,geneva to ,ancona4 ,we arrived at ,florence on the #ajth4 ,the persons to whom we had recommendations were absent1 on account of the heat of the season1 except the ,abbot ,valiani1 a spiritually-minded man1 who showed us great kindness4 ,he has refused many advantageous offers of promotion1 choosing to be content with a little1 rather than to be hampered with fetters which ,i believe he thinks unscriptural1 and not for the good of the ,church2 he is of the opinion that it would be better for the common people to have the ,bible1 and to be more acquainted with its contents4 ,he conducted us to see the ,school for ,mutual ,instruction1 founded under the patronage of the ,grand ,duke1 about twelve years ago4 ,the school-room is very large1 airy1 and well lighted2 it was formerly a convent4 ,the system of education differs a little from that practiced in ,england2 but the children1 about #bdj in number1 are apparently under an efficient course of instruction and discipline4 ,the younger boys have a string put round the neck1 which confines them to the place during the lesson1 but ,i observed it did not confine their attention4 ,we were much pleased with the countenance and manners of the director1 the ,abbot ,luigi ,brocciolini2 his heart appears to be in his work1 which is by no means easy4 ,we left ,florence early on the #acth1 and had four days' hard travelling to ,genoa4 ,from ,sestri to ,genoa1 a day's journey1 is by the sea1 and under the mountains1 some of them of a tremendous height1 and beautifully covered with olives1 vines1 and figs3 the houses hang quite on the sides of the mountains amidst the olives2 ,i do not remember to have passed through any country equally picturesque4 ,we had packed as many books and tracts as we well could in our wardrobe trunks1 which were not once opened at the different custom-houses1 but the surplus tracts1 c41 we were obliged to put into a spare box by themselves1 and this box was not suffered to pass the frontier of ,sardinia4 ,the first officer was embarrassed1 not knowing how to act1 and sent a gendarme with us to the bureau of ,sarzana1 the next town4 ,the officer there was remarkably civil1 but told us the law is such that books cannot enter except on conditions to which we could not in our conscience submit4 ,we therefore left them in the bureau1 desiring that they might be made useful3 a person in the office said1 in a half-whisper1 ,these are the books to turn the people's heads4 ,we were glad this loss did not prevent us from distributing others out of our remaining store1 at the inns1 and pretty freely on the road4 ,their object in returning by ,genoa was to visit the valleys of ,piedmont4 ,they reached ,turin on the #aith1 and proceeded on the #bbnd to ,pignerol4 ,from this place they visited most of the valleys1 went into all the families where ,stephen ,grellet had been1 and had frequent religious conversation with the pastors and some of the people4 ,we spent1 says ,j4,y41 five days amongst them4 ,the old pastor ,best died soon after the time that ,stephen ,grellet was there4 ,we met his son1 lately appointed chaplain to the ,protestant congregation at ,turin4 ,he is a young man of talent1 lively and intelligent1 and desirous of being useful in his new sphere of action4 ,he came to us often at our little inn1 and made many inquiries as to the nature of our religious principles2 our conversation mostly turned on the necessity of the assistance of the ,holy ,spirit in the exercise of ,christian ministry4 ,this he fully admitted1 but was not prepared to dispense with the necessity of an academical preparation4 ,i fear that sending the young men to ,geneva for this purpose has not always had a salutary effect4 ,we thought it right to attend their worship on ,first-day morning at ,la ,tour4 ,the congregation consisted of about #ijj clean and well-dressed peasants1 many of whose countenances looked serious4 ,the short discourse of ,pastor ,peyron was orthodox1 and the application impressive and edifying4 ,he afterwards dined and spent the afternoon with us at the widow ,best's1 with several branches of her interesting and pious family4 ,i humbly trust this day was spent to mutual comfort4 ,they were disappointed to find that strangers were forbidden by law to hold public meetings1 or preach in the assemblies of the ,protestants2 and although they met with many pious individuals1 they thought the life of religion on the whole at a low ebb1 and deplored the prevalence of the forms and ceremonies used by the ,church1 of ,england4 ,the schools1 too1 they found to be in a very poor state2 the masters deficient in education and badly paid1 and the schools conducted without system4 ,the ministers showed them great kindness1 and on their quitting ,la ,tour1 ,pastor ,best encouraged them by the expression of satisfaction with their visit4 ,they returned to ,turin on the #bhth4 ,passing over ,mont ,cenis1 they directed their course to ,geneva1 where they arrived on the #crd of the ,eighth ,month1 rejoiced to be once more on the ,english side of the ,alps4 ,on their outward journey their sojourn in this city had been short1 but now they found it needful to make a longer visit1 and were thankful in being permitted to mingle again in intimate communion with those who understood the language of the ,spirit4 ,they paid and received many visits1 and held two religious meetings at their hotel1 at the latter of which about fifty persons were present4 ,one of the most interesting occasions of which they speak was a ,missionary ,meeting1 in which the minister ,olivier unfolded his experience of a divine call to leave his country1 and go abroad on the service of the gospel4 ,the voice which he described as having been sounded in his spiritual ear1 and the manner in which he received it1 must have struck ,john ,yeardley as singularly in accordance with the call to a similar service which he himself had heard so distinctly in his younger days1 and which1 like ,olivier1 he had for a long time hidden in his heart4 #h mo4 #d4--;,in the evening ,i attended the ,missionary ,meeting in the ,chapel de l',oratoire4 ,pastor ,merle d',aubigne opened the meeting by a short prayer1 and singing1 and then gave a narrative of the liberation of the slaves in the ,english colonies1 according to the account received from ,england4 ,pastor ,olivier1 from ,lausanne1 was present4 ,he is about to depart for ,lower ,canada1 and he spoke in a very touching manner of the way in which the mission had first opened on his own mind4 ,when the concern was made known in his heart1 he kept it there in secret prayer to the ,lord for direction1 and whenever he heard what he believed to be the same voice1 it was always--,go1 and the ,lord will go with thee4 ,a real unction attended while he gave us this account2 the way in which he spoke of it resembled the manner of one of our ,friends laying a concern before a meeting3 many hearts present felt the force of his words4 ,his exhortation to the young persons was excellent4 ,pastor ,gaussen concluded the meeting with an address and lively prayer4 ,among the friends with whom they had religious intercourse were ,pastors ,l',huillier1 ,gallon1 and ,molinier4 ,the last was a father in the church to them4 ,after some conversation on the state of religion in ,geneva1 he proposed their sitting awhile in silence1 well knowing the practice of the ,society of ,friends in this respect4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley had each a gospel message to deliver to him1 after which he took them both by the hand1 and offered up prayer for their preservation and the prosperity of the ,society to which they belonged4 ,it was1 says ,j4,y41 the effusion of the ,holy ,spirit1 accompanied with power1 and refreshed our spirits4 ,with ,pastor ,gallon ,john ,yeardley had a long conversation on the principles and operations of the ,societe ,evangelique4 ,i find them1 he says1 more liberal in their views than had been represented1 and their extent of usefulness is already considerable4 ,in their ,academy they instruct young men with a view to their becoming ministers1 missionaries1 school-masters1 c41 as the prospect for their future usefulness may open under the direction of ,divine ,providence4 ,in a place like ,geneva1 such an institution may be well3 while we regard it with some caution lest it should run too high on points of doctrine1 we cannot but hail with peculiar satisfaction such a favorable opportunity of educating young men in the sound principles of ,christianity1 that they may happily prove instruments in the ,divine ,hand to check the spread of infidelity4 ,from ,geneva they went to ,lausanne4 ,their old friend1 ,professor ,gaudin1 took them to see several pastors1 and other pious persons1 and on ,first-day1 the #agth1 he and his family1 with some other serious-minded individuals1 joined them in their hour of worship at the inn4 ,it was1 says ,j4,y41 a time of a little encouragement to our tried minds1 for we had been brought into doubt as to the utility of resting here1 although we had seen1 as we believed1 in the true light1 that we ought to seek out a few who could unite with us in our simple way4 ,on the #ahth they went on to ,neufchatel1 where they were received as before with much affection1 and where they proposed to settle down for the winter1 after making a tour in some neighboring parts of ,switzerland4 ,on the #bjth they went to ,berne1 and hired a lodging1 for the purpose of devoting themselves to religious intercourse with persons of the interior class4 ,as soon as it was known they had arrived1 their acquaintance rapidly increased1 and they found it difficult to receive all who came4 ,one of their first acts was to renew their intercourse with the ,combe family at ,wabern1 where their visit in #ahbh had left a sweet remembrance4 ,they spent a fortnight in ,berne and the neighborhood1 and some passages from ,john ,yeardley's account of this interesting visit may properly find a place here4 ,the continual flow of ,christian sympathy which it was now their happiness to experience1 formed a strong contrast to the dreary spiritual wastes they had traversed in ,italy and ,greece4 ,it was at this time that they contracted or renewed a friendship with ,sophie ,wuerstemberger1 since well known to many other ,english ,friends4 #h mo4 #bd4--;,how greatly ,i feel humbled under the prospect before us in this place2 many thirsting souls are looking to us for help1 and we feel poor and weak2 we can only direct them to ,him from whom all strength comes4 ,o my ,saviour1 forsake us not in this trying hour2 give us the consolation of thy ,holy ,spirit1 and a portion of strength to do thy will6 ,our meeting is appointed for this evening2 enlighten our understanding1 ,o ,lord1 that we may be enabled to instruct the people in the right way4 #beth4--,more came to the meeting last evening than we expected4 ,they were still1 and a good feeling prevailed2 there were those present who knew something of inward retirement with their ,saviour4 ,madame ,combe called yesterday to ask some questions on the ,supper and ,baptism4 ,i believe it would be an advantage to these pious people1 if they were to read and compare one part of the ,scripture with another more diligently4 ,she left us well satisfied with the explanation given to her questions4 ,we never touch on these points1 unless we are asked questions upon them4 ,the various visits received this day have closed with one of no common interest from ,dr4 ,karl ,bouterwek1 a young man from ,prussia4 ,he told as he had received much benefit in the church of the ,dissidents1 but was on the point of separating from them1 because he could not agree in acknowledging they were the only true visible church4 ,after some observations on the ,supper1 c41 we observed that there were individuals in this place whom the ,most ,high was calling into more spirituality and purity of worship4 ,he asked why we thought so4 ,our reasons were given1 and he made no reply2 but a most solemn and precious silence came over us1 which it was beyond our power to break by uttering words4 ,our hearts were filled with love1 and the dear young man went away to avoid showing the feelings of his heart by the shedding of tears4 #bhth4--,took tea at the ,pavilion1 a pleasant country walk of twenty minutes from town1 with ,mad'e de ,watteville and her daughter4 ,she had invited a number of friends to meet us4 ,we passed a couple of hours1 pleasantly conversing1 mostly on religious subjects4 ,it is a little extraordinary1 with what openness some of these dear people speak to us of the state of their minds4 ,when the circle was seated1 we formed a pretty large company4 ,the daughter of ,mad'e de ,w4 whispered to my ,m4,y41 ,are we too dissipated to have something good8 ,we told her it was always good to endeavor to retire before the ,lord in humility of soul4 ,i trust a parting blessing was felt amongst us4 #cjth4--,from #i o'clock till half-past #ab1 we received visits in succession1 ,i think not fewer than fifteen4 ,at half-past #b1 ,mad'e de ,tavel accompanied us to the ,penitentiary prison4 ,for cleanliness and order1 ,i think1 it exceeds all ,i ever saw of the kind4 ,i fear the religious instruction is very superficial2 none but formal prayers and written sermons are used4 #cast4--,attended ,mad'lle ,berthom's ,scripture class1 at the ,institution for the ,destitute4 ,there are eighteen girls in the house to bed and hoard2 it has been established about six years4 ,m4,b4's method of examining the children is the most simple and spiritual of any that ,i have seen2 she has an extraordinary gift for the purpose4 #i mo4 #b4--;,attended the ,monthly ,meeting in the missionary room4 ,many of the company were peasants from some distance4 ,the singing excepted1 it resembled a ,monthly ,meeting for worship in our ,society2 for all had liberty to speak one after the other1 five or six speaking by way of testimony3 the doctrine was sound1 and the way in which they coupled this with their ,christian experience was really excellent4 ,i had much unity with the concluding prayer by ,pastor ,merley4 #bnd4--,the evening was spent at ,mad'e ,w4's1 with a pretty large company4 ---- proposed for a few verses to be sung2 afterwards he read a chapter1 and gave a long exposition1 somewhat dry4 ,when this and a prayer were gone through1 it was late2 neither my ,m4,y41 nor myself1 were able to express what was on our minds4 ,some uneasiness and disappointment were expressed by several2 and two of these dear friends came to our lodgings the next day1 with whom we had a precious time4 ,my ,m4,y4 had to speak a few words to the particular state of ,m4,b41 and at the close she acknowledged1 in brokenness of spirit1 that it was the truth4 ,there is a remarkable awakening in the town and canton of ,berne1 both among those of the higher walks of life and the peasants2 but there is not strength enough to come out of the forms4 ,there are thirty females to one man among those who are lately become serious4 ,from ,berne1 ,j4 and ,m4,y4 proceeded to ,zurich1 arriving there on the #eth of the ,ninth ,month4 ,they spent three days in the city1 chiefly in the company of the ,gessner-,lavater family1 and renewed with the various members of it the intimate friendship of former years4 ,a short passage descriptive of this sojourn is hero appended4 #i mo4 #g4--,we attended the worship of the ,national ,church1 and heard the pious ,gessner4 ,what he said was excellent1 but ,i never enter these places without feeling regret that good ,christians can be so bound by book-worship2 it certainly damps the life of religion in the assemblies4 ,how much we ought to rejoice in being delivered from the forms4 ,i was instructed yesterday evening by hearing a reply of one of the first missionaries of the ,moravians 84 ,he had labored diligently for twenty-five years1 and when asked how many souls had been turned to the ,lord by his means1 he modestly answered1 ,seven4 ,the person expressing surprise at the smallness of the number in so many years1 he replied1 ,how happy shall ,i be to stand in the ,lord's presence at the last day1 and to say1 ,lord1 here am ,i and the seven children whom thou hast given me4 ,we ought to labor in faith1 and not expect to see fruit4 ,the next town where they halted was ,schaffhausen1 like ,zurich1 dear to them in the recollections of past visits4 ,here they examined the school for poor children in the town1 and that of ,buch in the neighborhood4 ,they were delighted with both these institutions4 ,the mistress of the former possessed an extraordinary natural talent for her office2 she was originally a servant1 when1 instead of seeking her own pleasure on the ,first-days of the week1 as other servants did1 she would take a few children to teach them to read and instruct them in the ,bible4 ,their visit to the school at ,buch is described by ,john ,yeardley in ,no4 #aj of his ,series of ,tracts1 ,the ,six ,secrets4 ,on the #acth they went to ,basle1 where they conversed with most of the pastors1 and several other individuals of religious character4 ,serious1 retired persons1 says ,john ,yeardley 7#i mo4 #ba71 frequently come to us and open the state of their minds with great freedom and confidence4 ,if we are of any use to their thirsty souls1 it is the ,saviour's love that draws us into sympathy with them1 and his good ,spirit that enables us to speak a word in season to their condition4 ,as usual1 they visited the ,mission ,house4 ,inspector ,blumhardt informed them that the translation which had been made of ,j4,j4 ,gurney's ,essays on ,christianity1 and of which #bjjj copies were printed1 had been productive of great good2 they had been distributed chiefly among those who were connected with the ,german universities4 ,they remained at ,basle until the #ast of the ,tenth ,month1 and then returned by way of ,berne to ,neufchatel4 ,at ,berne a sudden diversion was given to the current of their thoughts by the intelligence of the death of ,thomas ,yeardley4 ,j4,y4 has left a memorandum of the occurrence1 and of the singular foreshadowing of it upon his own mind which took place at ,zurich4 #aj mo4 #b4 ,berne4--,we found many letters from ,england waiting for us here1 one of which1 from my nephew ,john ,yeardley1 brought the sorrowful intelligence of the sudden and unexpected removal of my dearly-beloved brother ,thomas1 of ,ecclesfield ,mill4 ,this took place on the #fth of the ,ninth ,month1 about #bj minutes past #b1 without sigh or groan1 even as a lamb4 ,these are the expressions of ,j4,y42 he adds several sweet expressions of my precious brother's1 which show that the solemn change to him was a joyful one3 and ,i do believe his tribulated spirit is now at rest4 ,on recurring to the #fth ultimo to see where we were1 and what were the contemplations of my mind1 ,i find we were at ,zurich4 ,that morning the following lines which ,i heard when a child1 and had not repeated for the last twenty years1 came forcibly into my mind3-- ,it's almost done1 it's almost o'er1 ,we're joining them that are gone before2 ,we soon shall meet upon that shore ,where we shall meet to part no more4 ,i not only repeated them to myself the whole of the day1 but even sung them aloud so often that my dear ,m4,y4 said to me1 ,whatever can be the meaning that thou so often repeats these lines8 ,i replied1 ,i do not know that ,i have repeated them for the last twenty years1 but to-day they are continually with me4 ,this can have been nothing but the spirit of sympathy with the soul of my dear departing brother1 for the awful impression of sorrow and solemnity in my mind on that day will never be forgotten2 ,i mourned with the bereaved family without knowing it4 ,my ,m4,y4 had opened her portfolio to begin a letter to our sister ,rachel1 and ,i wrote the verse on a piece of loose paper1 and she slipped it into her papers1 and said to herself1 ,surely these lines are not prophetic of something that is going to happen8 ,last evening she banded me out of her portfolio the piece of paper containing the lines4 ,at ,berne they received also the tidings that the excellent ,m4,a4 ,calame was no more2 the ,christian mother of #bej orphan children was taken from the scene of her labors and the conflicts of time to the heavenly rest in her ,saviour4 ,the following appear to be among the last words which she wrote2 they were no doubt addressed to her faithful companion ,zimmerlin3-- ,in my numerous shortcomings ,i have enough constantly to humble me1 and without being surprised at it1 since evil is my heritage2 but my help is in the ,lord1 who delights in mercy4 ,i have hope also for all my brethren whom ,i love1 whatever name they hear4 ,there are twelve gates by which to enter into the ,holy ,city1 and if they have passed through the great gate1 which is ,christ1 ,i am sure that those who enter from the east1 as well as those who have been brought in by the west1 will be there2 but those who enter with me are better known to me than the rest whom ,i shall meet in that celestial ,jerusalem1 whither my sighs daily carry me1 yet in submission to the heavenly decrees1 desiring only that the will of ,god our ,saviour be done4 ,you think my task is light8 ,ah1 no6 the love which the ,lord has given me spends itself on so many hearts closed to their true interests2 ,i see the hand of the enemy in their souls2 ,i am so often deceived in my hopes1 that my work is watered by my tears4 ,from time to time1 however1 the ,lord gives me hope2 a soul awakes from sleep1 and is kindled into light by the torch of the gospel4 ,and now1 dear sister1 have no longer any esteem or consideration for me2 only let the love of ,christ live in thy heart for me3 the desires of my heart carry you with it to the feet of ,him who is ,love4 ,when they returned home1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley printed a short memoir of this extraordinary woman1 whose name1 though comparatively little known upon earth1 is doubtless enshrined in the hearts of many who still survive1 and shall one day shine with a lustre which the most brilliant of her sex1 whose ambition it is to adorn the court1 the concert or the drawing-room1 will desire in vain to wear4 ,at ,berne ,j4 and ,m4,y4 commenced a ,bible class1 similar in kind to the ,scarborough reunion1 which was continued until their departure1 and was the source of much pleasure and profit to those who attended4 ,before quitting ,berne1 thinking it might perhaps be the last opportunity they should have of meeting with their numerous and beloved friends in that city1 they invited them to join them in worship in their apartment4 ,many1 says ,john ,yeardley1 gave us their company2 much tenderness of spirit was felt1 and through the mercy of ,divine ,love many present were1 ,i trust1 comforted and refreshed4 ,we quitted ,berne on the #cjth4 ,we had become so affectionately attached to many ,christian friends1 that parting from them was severely felt4 ,but what happiness ,christians enjoy even in this world ,i those who love the ,saviour remain united in ,him when outwardly separated4 ,neufchatel1 for the sake of those who resided there1 was equally attractive to them as ,berne4 ,we arrived at ,neufchfatel1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 on ,fifth-day1 and on ,seventh-day 7#aa mo4 #a7 settled into a comfortable lodging on the border of the lake4 ,it feels to us the most like home of any residence we have had during our pilgrimage in foreign lands4 ,our suite of cottage-rooms runs alongside the water1 with a gallery in front1 and the little boats on the lake1 and the mountains in the distance1 covered with snow1 are objects pleasing to the eye4 ,what gives us the most satisfaction is the feeling of being in our right place1 and to meet with such a warm reception from our dear friends4 ,this feeling was succeeded by some religious service of an interesting character1 in reviewing which ,john ,yeardley says3-- #bcrd4--,among those who meet with us1 a little few know how to appreciate true silence1 others are not come to this4 ,but for what purpose are we here8 ,if it may please our ,heavenly ,father to make use of us as feeble instruments of drawing a single individual into nearer communion with the ,beloved of souls1 we ought to be content2 and1 blessed be his ,holy ,name1 his presence is often felt in our hearts4 ,as has been already said1 they looked forward to spending the winter at ,neufchatel4 ,this intention1 and their ulterior project of visiting ,germany in the spring1 were frustrated by the alarming illness of ,adey ,bellamy ,savory1 ,martha ,yeardley's only brother1 the news of which reached them on the #bith of the ,eleventh ,month4 ,this day's post1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 brought us the sorrowful news of the severe illness of our dear brother ,a4,b4 ,savory4 ,the family at ,stamford-hill have expressed a strong desire for us to return1 if we could feel easy so to do1 and seeing that we have pretty much got through what we had in prospect in ,switzerland1 we are1 on the whole1 most comfortable to go direct for ,london1 and leave ,germany for the present4 ,our great ,master is very gracious to us1 giving us to feel sweet peace in the termination of our labors1 and to look forward with hope to seeing our native land once more4 ,the next day was ,first-day2 the parting with their ,neufchatel friends was very affecting4 #aa mo4 #cj4--;,a precious meeting this morning4 ,the presence of ,him who died for us was near1 to help and comfort us2 our hearts were much tendered by his divine love4 ,the taking leave of our dear friends here was almost heartrending4 ,there is a precious seed in this place1 which ,i trust1 is a little deeper rooted since our last visit1 and it is the prayer of my heart1 that the ,saviour may water and watch over it1 and that it may produce abundance of fruit to his praise4 ,they took their departure on the #bnd of the ,twelfth ,month1 and arrived in ,london on the #acth1 travelling through the north of ,france twelve days and six nights4 ,through divine mercy we arrived safe in ,london1 on ,seventh-day evening1 and lodged with our beloved relations at ,highbury1 who received us with all possible affection4 ,our spirits on meeting1 mingled in silent sorrow1 while we were enabled to rejoice in ,god our ,saviour4 ,on ,first-day morning we went over to ,stamford-hill1 and soon were introduced to our beloved brother1 who was perfectly sensible1 but extremely weak4 ,the peace and serenity which we were favored to feel by him was an inexpressible comfort to our sorrowful hearts4 ,a4,b4 ,savory died the next ,third-day evening1 and his remains were interred on the ,first-day following4 #bast4--,this was the day fixed for the solemn occasion of accompanying the remains to the tomb4 ,the body was taken into the meeting-house at ,newington1 and the company of mourners and all present were1 ,i believe1 comforted and edified through the tender mercies of our ,heavenly ,father4 ,j4,j4 ,gurney's communication was particularly precious2 he also paid a consoling visit to the family after dinner4 ,we shall conclude this chapter with some reflections made by ,john ,yeardley1 on reviewing the changes which death had produced in the circle of his relations3-- #ahce4 #a mo4 #ca4--,waking this morning1 ,i took a view of the great ravages death had made in our families2 when this exhortation pressed suddenly and with peculiar force on my heart1--,be thou also ready4 ,my soul responded1 ,thou ,lord1 alone1 canst make me ready4 ,o gracious ,saviour1 who died for me1 be pleased to redeem me from the bond of corruption1 and purify my heart from earthly things4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,from ,,the ,,end ,,of ,,the ,,third ,,continental ,,journey1 ,,in #ahcd1 ,,to ,,the ,,commencement ,,of ,,the ,,fourth1 ,,in #ahdb4 ,during the seven years comprised in this chapter1 the materials which exist for delineating ,john and ,martha ,yeardley's history are meagre4 ,of the numerous journeys which they made in the course of this period1 the record kept by the former frequently consists of a mere itinerary4 ,after attending the ,leeds ,quarterly ,meeting in the ,third ,month1 they returned to their home at ,scarborough1 but soon left it again to be present at the ,yearly ,meeting in ,london4 ,the ,society of ,friends began about this time to be agitated by differences of opinion1 chiefly on points of doctrine4 ,john ,yeardley not only kept himself sedulously free from the spirit of party1 but1 whether from a natural aversion to public life1 or from the fear of exceeding the limit of his own calling and abilities1 he abstained from taking a prominent position1 and left it very much to others to sway the affairs of the ,church4 ,but he was not unmindful of the dangers by which the ,society was assailed1 and he bent the force of his mental vigor and ,christian experience towards the promotion of individual growth in grace and faithfulness to the divine call1 and the diffusion of clear and comprehensive views of ,scriptural truth2 and when the hour came for sympathising with those who were harassed by doubts1 or such as were subjected to trial by the effect of religious dissension1 he was ready1 with his beloved partner1 to share the burden of the afflicted1 to probe the wounds of those who had been bruised1 and to pour in the oil of heavenly consolation4 ,his note regarding the ,yearly ,meeting is short3-- ,the business was of a most important nature1 and sometimes very trying4 ,we had strong proof that many spirits professing to have made long progress in the ,christian life were not enough subdued by the humbling power of divine grace2 but through all1 ,i trust1 our heavenly ,father dealt with us in mercy1 and sent help and wisdom to direct and strengthen his poor tribulated children4 ,on returning to ,scarborough1 he writes3-- ,i humbly trust our hearts are truly grateful to the ,author of all our mercies1 who has granted us once more a little rest of body and sweet peace of mind2 but1 as it regards myself1 ,i must say that inward poverty has prevailed more since my return home than it has done for the last two years of absence4 ,it is well to know how to suffer want1 as well as to abound4 ,want of occupation was not one of ,john ,yeardley's trials1 even when standing1 as he expressed it1 free from any prospect of immediate service1 and feeling much as a vessel not likely to be brought into use again4 ,scriptural inquiry1 the study of languages1 and of the history of the ,church1 watching the progress of religious light and liberty on the ,continent of ,europe1 his garden1 the binding of his books--these were the employments of his industrious leisure4 ,to these must be added the time bestowed on several small publications from his own and his wife's pen 7the latter chiefly poetical71 of which the ,eastern ,customs1 a volume which was the product of their united labor1 and the materials for which were supplied by their journey to ,greece1 is the best known4 ,but there was another object which drew largely on ,john ,yeardley's time during his residence at ,scarborough4 ,this was the unsectarian schools established in the town for the education of the industrial classes4 ,of these the ,lancasterian ,school for girls was his favorite1 and the deep and steady interest which he manifested for the improvement of the children1 as well as the peculiar talent which he evinced for attracting and developing the youthful mind1 are shown in an affectionate tribute to his memory by the late mistress of the school3-- ,for many years he was a visitor at our ,lancasterian ,school1 where it was his delight to impart knowledge to a numerous class of girls4 ,he had a happy method of communicating information4 ,the children used to listen with the greatest attention and delight2 they never wearied of his lessons4 ,scriptural instruction was his first object2 the children were questioned on what they had read1 and it was delightful to watch their countenances whilst he explained portions of ,scripture1 which he frequently illustrated by the manners and customs of ,eastern nations2 and this he did in a way that rendered his teaching valuable1 as he did not fail to make an impression and gain the affections of his hearers4 ,one little girl we had whom he used to call the oracle2 and indeed she was not inappropriately so-called2 for whenever any of the girls were at a loss for an answer1 they invariably turned to her1 and seldom failed to receive a response to their silent appeal4 ,this gifted child died between the ages of sixteen and eighteen2 he was a frequent visitor at her bedside during a lingering illness1 and it was his privilege to see that his labors had not been in vain4 ,i shall never forget him1 not only for the important instruction ,i derived from him1 but also for his valuable assistance4 ,during my labors of more than twenty-five years1 ,i had none to help me as he did4 ,when at home he never failed to visit as every afternoon3 no matter what the state of the weather was--snow1 wind or rain--he was to be seen at half-past two1 with his large cape folded round him1 bending before the blast1 toiling up the hill near the school4 ,so accustomed were we to him that his coming was deemed a matter of course4 ,after our ,scripture lesson a portion of time was devoted to geography1 particularly ,bible geography2 then he would talk to them of places where he had travelled3 his descriptions of the ,ionian ,islands1 the people and the schools he had visited there1 used to be a favorite theme1 and very interesting4 ,in this way our afternoons were passed1 and truly they were times of profitable instruction4 ,he seemed to care less for the boys' school2 he did occasionally visit them1 but the girls were his pets4 ,i have sometimes thought his knowledge of the ignorant and degraded state of the females in ,greece was the cause of his taking so much interest in the education of the females in his own land4 ,in addition to ,j4 ,yeardley's labors at the ,lancasterian ,school1 some of the older girls and a few others who belonged to the school assembled at his house one evening in the week1 whom he instructed in reading and ,scriptural knowledge4 ,some of these still speak with gratitude of the benefit they then received4 ,in the ,ninth ,month of #ahce1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley visited ,settle ,monthly ,meeting1 and ,knaresborough1 under appointment of the ,quarterly ,meeting4 ,on their way thither they took up at ,york their aged and valued friend ,elizabeth ,rowntree of ,scarborough1 who was on the appointment4 ,her company1 says ,j4,y41 was a strength and comfort to us2 she exercised her gift as an elder in a very acceptable manner1 in many of the families we visited1 as well as in the meetings for discipline4 ,this notice is succeeded almost immediately by the record of ,elizabeth ,rowntree's sudden decease3-- ,on the #beth of the ,eleventh ,month1 we were introduced into deep affliction by the sudden removal of our precious elder1 ,e4 ,rowntree4 ,her dependence for salvation was fixed on her ,saviour1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 through the help of whose ,spirit she had been enabled to lead a life of godliness and of usefulness to her fellow-mortals1 and was always concerned to give the praise to ,him to whom it was due1--the ,lord of ,lords4 ,this event1 with the removal of another pilgrim to become an inhabitant of the world of beatified spirits1 and the pressing subject of the divisions in the ,society1 form the topics of the following letter from ,martha ,yeardley to ,elizabeth ,dudley3-- ,scarborough1 #ab mo4 #e1 #ahce4 ,during our long sojourn last spring1 in and about my native city1 my spirit was deeply oppressed1 nor did the conflicts endured appear to produce much benefit either to myself or others4 ,here the way is more open1 and1 although we also deeply feel the effects of the storm which has been permitted to assail our little ,society1 we are more able to endure it2 and desire to abide in our tents1 except when called upon to defend that immediate teaching of the blessed ,saviour1 upon which we depend for our little portion of daily bread4 ,i can truly sympathise with thee1 my beloved ,betsy1 an having to bear more of the burden and heat of the day1 and ,i do fervently believe with thee1 that the more1 as individuals1 we commit and confide the cause to the ,great ,master1 in humble prayer1 the sooner it will be extricated from the perplexities which now harass and distress those who are truly devoted to it4 ,we have deeply to mourn for our endeared and highly valued ,e4 ,rowntree1 suddenly taken from us about ten days since4 ,she and her sister ,r4,s41 from ,whitby1 had spent the preceding evening with us2 she was in usual health1 and sweetly cheerful1 rejoicing that she had been enabled to assist dear ,sarah ,squire in a family visit to ,friends of this meeting1 though she did not sit with her in the families4 ,i heard of her illness and hastened to her2 she appeared sensible but for a very few moments after having been got to bed2 yet was heard begging for patience under extreme agony2 then added1 ,we had need live the life of the righteous1 for it is an awful thing to die4 ,then she suddenly sank into a slumber1 and lay till a little after nine at night1 when her purified spirit was peacefully liberated4 ,we have got through ,pontefract and some meetings in the neighborhood to our comfort1 and on the journey had an opportunity of sitting beside the dying bed of dear ,sarah ,dent1 which was indeed a peaceful scene4 ,she was perfectly sensible1 and so animated that ,i could hardly give up hope of her restoration4 ,but she had not herself the least prospect of life1 and said that1 although she had found it a hard struggle to give up her husband and children1 she had1 through the mercy of her gracious ,redeemer1 attained to perfect resignation4 ,this was about a week before her death1 and we have heard since1 that a little before the close1 she said1 ,the ,lord ,jesus is near1 ,i want you all to know that ,he is near indeed6 ,dear ,ann ,priestman has united with us in visiting this ,monthly ,meeting3 it seems now best for us to remain at home for a short time1 under the bereavement which our own meeting has suffered4 ,in #ahcf they again attended the ,yearly ,meeting2 of which ,john ,yeardley thus speaks3-- ,the ,yearly ,meeting was1 ,i think1 on the whole1 satisfactory1 much more so than many ,friends could look for1 considering the discouraging circumstances under which we came together4 ,the main bent in all the important deliberations on subjects of great moment to the well-being of our small section of the universal church1 was to adhere to the long-known principles of the ,society1 and to turn aside the sentiments of opposing individuals in the spirit of gentleness1 forbearance and love4 ,they visited many meetings in going from and returning to ,scarborough4 ,the most interesting of these visits was at ,thame1 in ,oxfordshire1 which ,john ,yeardley thus describes3-- #f mo4 #ad4--,went in the evening to ,thame1 and had a meeting with a few who have met in the way of ,friends for about five years at ,grove ,end4 ,there are only seven or eight who meet regularly1 but they are often joined by a few others4 ,no notice had been given to their neighbors of our coming1 but on seeing us go to the meeting many followed2 the room was quite filled1 and a precious meeting it was4 ,their hearts are like ground prepared for the good seed of the kingdom4 ,the nature of spiritual worship was pointed out1 and testimony borne to the teaching of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,this little company reminded us of many such which we met with in foreign countries1 particularly in ,switzerland and ,germany4 ,we had a good deal of conversation with ,william ,wheeler1 who was one of the first to meet in silence4 ,he was a leader in the ,wesleyan congregation1 and became uneasy with giving out hymns to be sung with those whose states he knew did not correspond with the words4 ,he would then sometimes select a hymn most suited by its general character to the company2 at other times he would leave out a few verses1 and select others which he thought might be sung with truth by the whole congregation2 but the thing became so burdensome that he was obliged1 for conscience' sake1 to leave it altogether1 and sit down with a few others in silence4 ,at first they met with opposition1 and even persecution1 from persons who came to their meeting to disperse them4 ,on one of these occasions a few rude young men had banded together to beset them the next meeting-day1 and disperse them4 ,w4,w4 was strongly impressed that it was right for him to proclaim an awful warning to some--that the judgments of the ,almighty awaited them1 that eternity was nearer than they were aware and he wished them to consider and prepare for it4 ,one of the disturbers was taken suddenly ill1 and died before the next meeting-day2 which produced such an effect on the others that they never more molested the little company in their worship4 ,in reviewing this journey1 ,j4,y4 says1 under date of the #beth of the ,sixth ,month3-- ,i trust my faith is afresh confirmed in the gift of the ,holy ,spirit to lead in the way of religious duty1 and to give strength to do ,his will4 ,lord1 grant that the remainder of my days1 whether few or many1 be entirely devoted to the holy cause of endeavoring to promote the ,saviour's kingdom on earth4 ,in #ahcg1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were occupied with making circuits in the service of the gospel through several counties of ,england4 ,they were attracted to ,lancashire1 which they visited in the autumn1 by the peculiar state of some meetings in that county1 an extensive secession having taken place not long before4 ,the difficulties which they had to encounter on this journey are represented in a letter from ,martha ,yeardley to her sisters1 written at ,manchester the #dth of the ,ninth ,month1 #ahcg4 ,i do not recollect that1 in my little experience1 ,i ever had more preparatory exercise of mind to pass through2 and ,i believe it has been the same with my dear ,j4,y4 ,we have1 however1 in many of our visits1 been much comforted under the belief that those who remain firm in the testimonies given us to bear are in a more lively state1 and more banded together1 than has been the case heretofore1 and that1 through the mercy of our holy ,head and ,high ,priest1 there is a renewed visitation to many4 ,in the public meetings1 of which we have had many1 there has been a rather remarkable openness to receive the truths of the gospel1 united with our view of the spirituality of this blessed dispensation4 ,we approached this place in deep prostration of spirit2 and truly we feel that all the previous baptism has been needful1 in order to enable us in any degree to perform our duty here4 ,there has been a sore rending of the tenderest ties1 and the wounds are not yet healed4 ,there are a few who entertain ultra views1 and their over-activity tends to keep up excitement in those who are wavering and have not yet left the ,society3 this makes it very difficult for moderate people to stand between them1 and calls for very deep indwelling with the blessed source of love4 ,on the other hand there are1 ,i fear1 very many who rejoice in the delusive suggestions of our unwearied enemy--that the cross of ,christ is not necessary--that they may speak their own words and wear their own apparel1 and still be called by the name of ,him who died for them4 ,i think we never have had more to suffer than in some of the meetings we have attended1 from a disposition1 perhaps in some degree on both sides1 to criticise ministry3 still there are1 ,i believe1 many precious individuals among the young and middle-aged who are under the forming hand for usefulness4 ,there is indeed a loud call for laborers in this large and mixed meeting2 and we are ready to weep over the vacant seats of those who have deserted their post1 and1 ,i greatly fear1 are seeking to warm themselves and others with sparks of their own kindling4 ,another letter from ,m4,y41 written at the conclusion of this journey1 supplies a few more traits of the ,christian service into which they were led in the course of it4 ,scarborough1 #aj mo4 #g4 ,we remained nearly a month in our lodgings at ,manchester1 receiving and paying visits1 some of which were very interesting4 ,dear ,h4 ,stephenson and family were extremely attentive1 and her daughter ,hannah was our constant guide in that large place4 ,we spent ,first-day at ,rochdale1 and in the evening a large number of young ,friends took tea with us1 between thirty and forty4 ,this has mostly been the case on ,first-days1 both at ,manchester and elsewhere1 and these opportunities have tended to our relief4 ,after this we bade farewell to ,lancashire1 under feelings of thankfulness which ,i cannot describe1 for having been mercifully helped and preserved through such a warfare4 ,in the autumn of #ahci they again travelled southwards1 directing their steps through the eastern counties of ,england1 and ,london1 ,surrey1 and ,hampshire1 to the ,isle of ,wight1 where they spent five weeks exploring its coasts and corners1 in search1 not of the naturally picturesque1 but of the beautiful and hopeful in the moral and religious world4 ,they returned home by ,bristol and ,birmingham4 ,so attractive to their spirits was the ,isle of ,wight1 that the next year they repeated the visit1 going thither after the ,yearly ,meeting4 ,in the ,seventh ,month they attended the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,alton1 and on their return to ,newport were accompanied by ,elizabeth and ,mary ,dudley and ,margaret ,pope4 ,they remained in ,newport and the vicinity several weeks1 during which time1 amongst other engagements1 they conducted a ,scripture class with some young persons three evenings a week4 ,in a letter dated the #bgth of the ,sixth ,month1 ,j4,y4 says3-- ,my dear ,martha feels deeply for the ,unitarians in this place2 we sometimes think the way may open for us to help them a little4 ,their great stumbling-stones are1 the want of clearness in the mystery of the oneness in the ,godhead1 and of faith in the practical influences of the ,holy ,spirit1 as operating on the heart of man4 ,our morning reading opens a suitable door of communication for those whose curiosity prompts them to seek our company4 ,in company with ,elizabeth ,dudley they hold several public meetings at various places on the island4 ,they have left no record of this service1 but we have a notice of the meeting at ,porchfield1 in a letter from ,e4,d4 ,the meeting was very satisfactory1 sweet and refreshing to our spirits4 ,the road was rough and hilly4 ,we were behind time1 and our friends being punctual1 the house looked full when we got there1 though more followed1 until not only within but outside the walls there was a crowd of orderly1 attentive people4 ,many of them were happily acquainted with the power of religion in their hearts1 and prepared for spiritual worship4 ,the assembly was composed of various denominations from a straggling village and more remote habitations4 ,the chapel was built many years ago1 by a pious man1 now above eighty years old1 who was with us1 and who enjoys to have the place used by any who from love to ,christ and the souls of men are attracted to visit them4 ,the simplicity and openness to be observed and felt that evening was a comforting indication of freedom from party spirit1 and those vain disputations which in so many instances keep ,christians at a distance1 and mar their individual peace as well as usefulness4 ,before they left ,newport1 they provided1 with the help of several friends1 suitable accommodation for the little meeting of ,friends in that town4 ,on taking leave of the island1 which they did in the ,eighth ,month1 ,john ,yeardley remarks3-- ,we have had much comfort and satisfaction in our sojourn in this place3 a strong evidence is felt in our hearts that it has been ordered by the ,lord4 ,we have cause to acknowledge that our labors have been owned by the ,divine ,presence in our various exercise for the promotion of the ,saviour's kingdom4 ,in the spring of #ahda they repeated their visit to the ,isle of ,wight1 spent great part of the summer in religious service in ,essex1 and visited afterwards ,bristol1 ,bath1 and other parts of ,somersetshire4 ,at ,bath they remained for some weeks4 ,soon after their arrival in the city1 they were introduced into sympathetic sorrow on account of the death of ,john ,rutter1 whose guests they were1 and who was suddenly removed1 by an accident1 from time to eternity4 ,this event is described in a letter from ,john ,yeardley to his sister ,r4 ,s4 ,bath1 #i mo4 #bd1 #ahda4 ,the affectionate family of the ,rutters gave us a hearty reception1 and we remained under their hospitable roof until ,second-day1 when they were plunged into deep distress by the awfully sudden removal of their beloved father4 ,he went out before breakfast1 and called at his son's wharf4 ,a cart of coals being about to be weighed1 he was leading the horse on to the machine2 the animal1 being a little unruly1 suddenly rushed forward and pushed down ,j4 ,r1 and the wheel passed over his body4 ,he was immediately conveyed to his own shop1 when the spark of life became extinct1 and he ceased to breathe1 without apparent pain or emotion4 ,we were nearly ready to leave our room1 about half-past #f4 o'clock1 when one of the sons knocked at our door1 and related the awful occurrence4 ,i went down immediately3 the scene may be more easily imagined by you than described by me4 ,we endeavored to calm them as much as possible2 and1 though deeply afflicted1 they bear the stroke with sweet resignation4 ,i wrote letters at their request to most of their near relatives2 and as we could not think of leaving the sorrowing family to go as proposed to ,bristol1 we immediately procured a lodging and settled in1 in the evening4 ,on ,third-day afternoon we went to the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,bristol1 and returned to ,bath on ,fifth day1 not wishing to be long absent from the dear sorrowing ones4 ,we have a pleasant situation on the hill-side1 called ,sidney ,lodge1 from which1 when the gas is lighted1 the city is presented to our view like a beautiful panorama4 ,their minds had been for some time in preparation for renewing1 on the ,continent of ,europe1 ,christian intercourse with some of their old friends1 and for exploring new veins of religious life in countries which they had not yet visited4 ,accordingly1 in the ,fourth ,month of #ahdb1 they acquainted the ,friends of their ,monthly ,meeting with the prospect of missionary service which had opened before them1 informing them that from the conclusion of their last ,european journey they had believed it would one day be required of them to re-enter that field of labor4 ,the ,monthly ,meeting accorded its full and sympathetic approbation1 which was endorsed by the ,quarterly ,meeting at a conference of men and women ,friends1 of which ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,the great solemnity which prevailed was truly refreshing to our spirits1 and ,i believe to the spirits of many others4 ,our friends gave us their full unity1 encouragement1 sympathy1 and prayers4 ,martha ,yeardley thus expresses the feelings with which she contemplated this arduous journey1 in a letter to ,josiah ,forster3-- ,it is indeed an awful engagement1 now in the decline of life1 and1 with respect to myself1 under increasing infirmities2 but ,i believe it best for me not to look too far forward1 but simply to confide in the mercy and guidance of that blessed ,saviour who has been our support and consolation under many deep trials1 humblingly believing that whether enabled to accomplish the important prospect or not1 it was an offering required at our hands1 and that we must leave the event to the ,great ,disposer of all things4 ,in the same letter she mentions their having heard of the death of ,louis ,a4 ,majolier of ,congenies1 which1 she says1 although a cause of rejoicing as it regards him1 was read by us with mournful feelings1 from the recollection of his fatherly kindness in days that are past1 and also from renewed solicitude for the little flock in that country4 ,before their departure they went once more into the ,west ,riding1 to see how their brethren of ,j4,y4's earliest acquaintance fared4 ,they were joined by ,william ,dent of ,marr1 near ,doncaster1 with whom they were sweetly united in the fellowship of the gospel2 and they returned to ,scarborough with grateful and peaceful hearts4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,the ,,fourth ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahdb-c4 ,in the journey which now lay before them1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were about to explore a part of ,europe hitherto untried1--the province of ,languedoc1 conspicuous in past ages for its superior enlightenment1 but now1 owing to the temporary mastery of error1 wrapt in ignorance and gloom4 ,in this mission1 the opportunities which they found for reviving and gathering together the scattered embers of truth1 were nearly confined to social intercourse2 in seeking occasions for which1 they availed themselves of introductions by pious ,prostestants from place to place1 whilst they were careful1 as had always been their practice1 to wait1 in every successive step1 for the direction of the ,divine ,finger4 ,the mission was performed in much weakness of body1 and under frequent spiritual poverty2 yet it will be readily acknowledged that theirs was a favored lot1 to be able1 with the clue of gospel love in their hand1 to trace the pathway of ,christian truth1 and the footsteps of true spiritual worship1 and of a faithful testimony for ,christ1 through the midst of a degenerate and benighted land4 ,they went to ,london on the #bnd of the ,eighth ,month1 and spent the time before they sailed in gathering information and counsel for their approaching journey1 and in social visits4 ,speaking of one of these visits 7to their nephew ,j4 ,s41 at ,clapton71 ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,before parting we had a religious opportunity1 in which a word of exhortation flowed in gospel love1 and ability was granted to approach the throne of mercy in solemn supplication4 ,i often wish we were more faithful in raising our hearts to the ,lord before separating from our friends when met on social occasions2 a blessing might attend such simple offerings4 ,in a visit they paid to ,thomas and ,carolina ,norton1 the subject of establishing a school for the children of ,friends in the ,south of ,france came under consideration2 a project which1 as we shall see1 they were able in their visit to that part of the country to carry into effect4 ,they left ,london on the #afth1 and on the #aith arrived at ,amiens1 where they halted for a few days4 ,they found in this city a movement among the ,roman ,catholics1 a number of whom had joined the ,protestant worship4 ,the ,protestant ,pastor1 ,cadoret1 was very friendly to them2 when he heard that they belonged to the ,society of ,friends1 he pressed ,john ,yeardley's hand and said1 ,i am very glad to make your acquaintance2 it is the first time ,i have seen any of your ,society1 of whom ,i have heard much4 ,on the #bjth ,j4,y4 writes1 in allusion to the spiritual darkness which so generally covered the land of ,france2-- ,my soul is cast down1 but when ,i am afflicted because of the wickedness of the people1 ,i call to remembrance these words3 ,fret not thyself because of evil-doers4 ,trust in the ,lord and do good2 so shalt thou dwell in the land1 and verily thou shalt be fed4--,psalm xxxvii4 #a1 #c4 ,a large number of workmen of various nations are employed at ,amiens in weaving4 ,j4 and ,m4,y41 visited several of these in their cottages1 and before they left the city invited the people of this class to a meeting1 especially intended for their own countrymen1 but open to all who were willing to come4 ,the meeting1 says ,j4,y41 was an occasion precious to our souls2 the ,lord gave us ability to declare his word4 ,i spoke in ,english and my dear ,martha in ,french4 ,at ,paris1 whither they proceeded on the #bbnd1 they were disappointed in finding that the majority of the persons at whose houses they called were in the country1 and some with whom they had taken sweet counsel in former years had been removed by death4 ,pastor ,audebez was at home1 and received them with a cordial welcome4 ,they were detained in ,paris longer than they had anticipated1 by the illness of ,martha ,yeardley1 and did not leave till the #ith of the ,ninth ,month4 ,the morning after they had entered ,paris the words of ,job were brought to ,j4,y4's recollection in a forcible manner3--,thou hast granted me life and favor1 and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit4 7,job x4 #ab72 and in going out of the city he was refreshed with the joyful language of ,david1--,how excellent is thy loving-kindness1 ,o ,god6 therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings4 ,they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house2 and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures4 ,for with thee is the fountain of life3 in thy light shall we see light4--,psa4 xxxvi4 #g-i4 ,some letters which ,john and ,martha ,yeardley received from ,england during their sojourn in ,paris show1 the strong sympathy which accompanied them in their journey1 and contain1 at the same time1 references to events which will be interesting to the reader4 ,south ,grove1 ,peckham1 #h mo4 #ab1 #ahdb4 ,numbers vi4 #bd-bg3--,the ,lord bless thee and keep thee2 the ,lord make his face shine upon thee1 and be gracious unto thee2 the ,lord lift up his countenance upon thee1 and give thee peace4 ,and they shall put my name upon the children of ,israel1 and ,i will bless them4 ,to be pronounced by ,aaron the high1 priest and his successors1 as the type of ,him by whom all blessing and favor are bestowed on the church and her children4 ,the above portion of ,holy ,scripture1 with the #abast ,psalm1 has been so sweetly in my remembrance since parting with my beloved friends ,john and ,martha ,yeardley1 that1 before retiring for the night1 ,i transcribe the words which convey1 so much better than any language of my own1 the renewed and abiding desire under which they are committed to the care and guidance of the ,good ,shepherd1 in humble but confiding belief that he will equally watch over1 guard and keep1 those who go and those who stay2 causing each1 amidst all variety of circumstances1 to realize the soul-cheering truth1 that1 at the throne of grace1 mercy is obtained and grace to help in time of need4 ,may the peace which passeth all understanding keep our hearts and minds through ,jesus ,christ1 prays your nearly-attached friend and sister1 ,e4 ,,dudley4 ,,the ,,same ,,to ,,martha ,,yeardley4 ,peckham1 #h mo4 #ba1 #ahdb4 ,while in the sick-chamber of my sister1 instead of at meeting1 it feels pleasant to devote part of the evening to thee1 my beloved friend4 ,i have enjoyed the thought of your having a good ,sabbath at ,paris1 where1 no doubt1 a sphere of duty will be found1 and perhaps many exercises of faith and patience attend the labor of love which may await you there2 while1 in the spirit of true dedication and acquiescence so mercifully bestowed upon you1 no commandment will be counted grievous1 nor any service for your ,lord too hard or painful4 ,his words come sweetly to my mind as really the portion of a brother and sister dear in the bond and power of an endless life1--,blessed are your eyes1 for they see1 and your ears1 for they hear4 ,accounts from various parts of this land continue to indicate much unsettlement1 and there have been large companies of ,chartists in the immediate vicinity of ,london2 but happily the civil power proved equal to their dispersion4 ,one would hope the abundant harvest1 now ready to be gathered1 may turn the current of feeling1 and induce the desire rather to praise the ,lord for his goodness1 than to spend time and strength in murmurings and disputings with their fellow-mortals4 ,the destruction1 not only of property1 but of life2 in some recent contests1 is quite appalling1 and we certainly live in very eventful times2 the tendency1 however1 both of the good and evil1 is so obviously towards an increase of light and knowledge1 that it seems warrantable to expect all will be overruled to better views and practices becoming more general1 and the kingdoms of this world being thankfully surrendered to the righteous government of the ,prince of ,peace4 ,but alas6 deep and complicated may be the sufferings yet behind for the church and her children to endure1 whether in being sharers in1 or but the witnesses of1 what is pronounced upon the world of the ungodly4 ,,from ,,john ,,rowntree4 ,scarborough1 #h mo4 #bi1 #ahdb4 ,the account of your proceedings at ,amiens has been particularly interesting to me4 ,whether manufacturing employments are unfavorable or otherwise to moral and religions character2 or whether it is merely the larger earnings which artizans receive1 enabling them more glaringly to gratify their natural and corrupt inclinations than agricultural laborers1 can do2 whether the passive ignorance of the country laborer1 or the more active and intelligent habits1 yet combined with moral darkness1 of the manufacturing operative1 most retards the diffusion of religious truth1 are serious questions for us in this country4 ,our manufacturers have been alarming the whole nation1 and threatening us with something like political revolution2 but they have received a severe lesson1 and many of our jails are filled with the victims of unprincipled agitators4 ,considering how little of the ,christian spirit is generally found in the operations of government1 the treatment of these poor creatures has on the whole been lenient1 and no very severe punishments are anticipated4 ,whether the people of this nation have learned more of righteousness from the judgments of the ,lord1 which have ,i think evidently been made known in this part of his earth1 is perhaps known only to ,him who knoweth all things4 ,i often fear2--for surely there is very much of darkness and wickedness among us--yet ,i can not unfrequently hope that light is spreading1 and that although the powers of evil are active and strongly developed1 yet the active diffusion of the means of good more than keeps pace with them4 ,greater is ,he that is in you than he that is in the world1 is still a consoling assurance to many dejected yet hoping believers4 ,our dear friend ,hannah ,c4 ,backhouse is strong in the faith that light increasing1 that the fields are white already for harvest1 and that the ,lord of the harvest is preparing and sending forth laborers into his harvest4 ,the ,protestants whom you found at ,amiens1 and in some other places1 would probably remain totally unknown to ordinary travellers1 and perhaps we do not enough consider how little known in a great nation the salt that preserves it may be4 ,the reports from the agent of the ,bible ,society in ,france seem to me more than usually encouraging4 ,i hope you may be enabled to impart some spiritual gift or knowledge to many hidden ones who appear to be hungering and thirsting after righteousness in that vain-glorious nation1 and that your faith may be strengthened by meeting with such4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley arrived at ,lyons on the #acth1 and1 after making some calls1 intended to proceed to ,nismes the next day4 ,but not feeling satisfied to leave the city so soon1 they concluded to remain there one day more2 and they had cause to be thankful in having taken this course4 ,for1 says ,j4,y41 we have made the acquaintance of several religious persons4 ,an evangelist and colporteur named ,hermann ,lange1 a ,german ,swiss1 took us to see some ,protestant converts1 amongst whom we have found much of the interior life4 ,the ,lord gave me a word of exhortation for them1 and helped me to utter it in ,french4 ,we had a conversation with our friend ,lange respecting the ministry in our ,society4 ,like many other persons he supposed we had no recognized ministers2 we explained the usage of ,friends1 and showed him our certificates1 with which he was pleased4 ,he admired the good order in use amongst us1 and said that he had for a long time desired to be informed respecting the principles of ,friends2 that he thought as we did1 that an express call of the ,holy ,spirit was necessary to the ministry1 and that women as well as men ought to be allowed to preach1 ,i felt intimately united to him in spirit3 on parting we gave him some tracts explanatory of our principles4 ,lyons is the head-quarters of popery2 the ,jesuits here exert a strong influence with the government against the ,protestants4 ,we visited a good man named ,elfenbein1 who with his wife1 is very useful to the awakened ,protestants4 ,he is a colporteur1 and introduces the ,holy ,scriptures into families to whom he speaks concerning the things of ,god4 ,he and his wife called upon us in our hotel4 ,on parting he proposed we should pray together4 ,this gave us the opportunity of explaining our sentiments regarding prayer2 and we proposed remaining a while in silence1 and if it should please the ,lord to put words of prayer into our heart1 we would express them with the help of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,after a time of silence1 ,elfenbein prayed for us with unction in a few words3 it was a favored time2 thanks be to ,god4 ,on the #aeth they resumed their journey1 and passing through ,nismes proceeded to ,congenies4 ,they found there ,edward and ,john ,pease1 who were travelling on a religious errand1 and were about concluding their labors in those parts4 ,the meeting was a source of comfort on both sides4 ,the next day1 which was ,first-day1 was a solemn season3 the gospel message was largely delivered in the little meeting-house1 and ,christine ,majolier interpreted for those who spoke in ,english4 ,the ,two-months' ,meeting was held1 and here1 as well indeed as on every other occasion1 the ,english ,friends missed the company and help of their valued friend1 ,louis ,a4 ,majolier4 ,after residing for a while at ,congenies1 they removed to ,nismes1 where they preached to the strangers who attended the usual meetings for worship1 distributed religious tracts in the city and its environs1 and instituted a ,scripture ,reading ,meeting for the young4 ,but the object which most strongly engaged their attention at ,nismes was the foundation of a boarding-school for the daughters of ,friends4 ,louis ,majolier1 during a great part of his life had conducted a day-school at ,congenies3 this school was1 of course1 not accessible to the children of those ,friends who lived at a distance2 and soon after ,l4,m4 died even this was given up1 and the means of education in the ,society failed altogether4 ,in their project for supplying this deficiency1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley found the parents and other ,friends ready to second their efforts2 and at the ,two-months' ,meeting in the ,eleventh ,month1 it was resolved to establish in the first place a school for girls only at ,nismes1 and a committee was appointed to carry this resolution into effect4 ,a mistress was found without much difficulty in ,justine ,benezet1 a valuable ,friend1 who had had for sixteen years the superintendence of the ,orphan ,asylum1 and whose health had in some degree given way under the too onerous charge4 ,in reference to the accomplishment of this undertaking1 ,j4,y4 writes3-- #ab mo4 #ad4--,nehemiah i4 #aa3--,o ,lord1 ,i beseech thee1 let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant1 and to the prayer of thy servants1 who desire to fear thy name2 and prosper1 ,i pray thee1 thy servant this day4 ,i often think of these words of the prophet1 and they have supported me when my soul has been cast down on account of the school4 ,during their abode at ,nismes they visited the little congregations of ,friends which lie to the westward of that city1 and had to record that the presence of their ,divine ,master went with them1 giving them his word to declare1 and inclining the hearts of the hearers to receive it4 ,a letter from ,john ,rowntree1 which reached them towards the end of the year1 contains some observations on the work they had found to do in their journey1 with an interesting notice of what was passing in ,england4 ,scarborough1 #aa mo4 #ad1 #ahdb4 ,,my ,,dear ,,friends1 4444 ,the plan of your meetings for ,scripture instruction seems to me particularly good2 you will1 through them1 have numerous opportunities for impressing on the minds of your hearers the inestimable value of the ,holy ,scriptures1 when properly received1 and made available by the enlightening influence of the ,holy ,spirit1 and the worthlessness--nay1 the danger--of resting satisfied with a mere knowledge of their words4 ,the words of our ,lord were spirit and life to those who would receive them as such2 yet how many who heard them were to be judged by them at the that day1 because they believed not4 ,we still hear sad accounts of distress in the manufacturing districts of the country4 ,some of your friends have probably informed you that at our last ,quarterly ,meeting much sympathy was expressed for the destitute artizans1 and a liberal subscription was commenced1 and was to be carried forward in all our meetings for their relief3 a few days ago it amounted to ,l#hjj--;,i hope it will exceed ,l#ajjj3 but what is that1 it may be said1 among so many8 yet ,i hope much good may be done by it1 and ,friends in other parts of the nation seem to be considering whether they ought not to make some efforts for similar purposes4 ,at ,liverpool we hear that upwards of ,l#bjj has been raised4 ,you will probably have heard of the very sudden death of ,jonathan ,backhouse1 whilst his wife was laboring under a religious engagement in the north of our county4 ,his change seemed a translation from that state of strong but imperfect love which a member of the militant ,church might feel here below1 to that fullness of love which his ,saviour had purchased for him above4 ,in the ,third ,month1 #ahdc1 they quitted ,nismes1 taking their young friend ,jules ,paradon as their companion4 ,the parting1 says ,j4,y41 from the dear family at the school was sorrowful4 ,before taking leave1 we had a religious opportunity with the children1 in which all hearts were touched4 ,they arrived at ,montpelier on the #gth4 ,the pious characters to whom they were introduced in this city were mostly of the upper class--bankers1 doctors1 lawyers1 and professors4 ,they found that the principles of the ,society of ,friends were very little known there1 but that many were desirous of being acquainted with them4 ,being pressed in their spirit to propose a meeting for worship with such as were disposed to give their company1 their new friends readily agreed to it1 and about thirty-five persons sat down with them at their inn4 ,the assembly was1 as they believed1 owned by the great ,master1 who showed himself to be their strength in the time of weakness1 and gave them power to preach the gospel and explain the nature of true worship4 ,pastor ,lissignol and ,dr4 ,parlier were amongst those to whom they were the most united4 ,the latter filled the office of mayor when ,josiah ,forster and ,elizabeth ,fry were at ,montpelier4 ,he told ,john and ,martha ,yeardley that the meeting they had just held had been strengthening to his faith4 ,that the ,lord by his ,spirit should move the hearts of his children in a distant land to visit his heritage in other countries1 he regarded as a proof of his love2 and he spoke of the unity of spirit which is felt by those of different nations who love the same ,lord1 as a precious mark of discipleship4 ,the town of ,montpelier1 say ,j4 and ,m4,y41 is built with taste and elegance1 and the situation is most delightful3 there are #d1jjj ,protestants in a population of #hf1jjj4 ,on ,sixth-day 7the #ajth7 we left this place of deep interest1 with hearts grateful to the ,god and ,father of all our sure mercies1 in that he had enabled us to bear a testimony to the spirituality of worship as set forth by our ,saviour himself4 ,after leaving ,montpelier1 they continue the narrative of their journey as follows3-- ,we lodged that night at ,passanas1 a dark ,roman ,catholic town4 ,inquiring if there were any ,protestants1 the chambermaid replied1 ,protestants6 what is that8 ,when we had made her understand1 she said there were a few1 but they went to ,montagnac to mass4 #aath4--,we slept at ,narbonne1 an ancient town of #aj1jjj inhabitants4 ,no openness to receive even a tract2 the inquiry for a ,protestant excited an evident bitterness in the reply4 ,on the #abth1 held our little meeting with our faithful friend ,jules1 in which ability was granted to supplicate for the spread of divine light over this benighted district4 ,at #i o'clock we set out to make a ,sabbath-day's journey3 the wind extremely high and always in our face1 which fatigued ,nimrod their horse as well as ourselves4 ,we dined at ,lesengnan3 not a ,protestant in the place1 yet we met with a circumstance worth recording4 ,jules1 who is ever watchful to find out who can read1 gave a few tracts to some boys in the stable-yard4 ,when ,i went out1 writes ,j4,y41 to see our horse1 several rather bright-looking boys followed me1 asking for books4 ,after ascertaining that they1 could read1 ,i supplied them4 ,this was no sooner known1 than boys and girls came in crowds1 soon followed by many of their parents4 ,as our visitors increased1 ,i ran upstairs to fetch my dear ,m4,y41 and we embraced the opportunity to speak to them on the importance of religion4 ,no doubt curiosity drew many to us1 for we were a novel sight there1 and the mingled multitude was not less so to us4 ,among our auditors was a messenger of ,satan to buffet us4 ,he was a good-looking man1 who expressed a seeming approval of what we had done1 saying we made many friends4 ,we told him they were all children of the same ,almighty ,parent1 and that there was but one true religion1 and one heaven4 ,this observation drew off his mask1 and he began to express doubts whether either heaven or hell really existed1 and brought forward the threadbare argument of not believing what he could not see or prove4 ,we asked him if he had a soul3 he said he had4 ,we asked him how be knew that he had a soul1 for he could not see it3 he replied1 he believed that he had a soul1 but that his soul would die with his body4 ,we then asked him why two and two made four3 he said he could not tell1 and yet acknowledged he was bound to believe it4 ,the countenances of many around beamed with joy at seeing this darkling perplexed2 and we did not shrink from exhorting him to repentance and faith in ,christ1 who died for him and for all men4 ,on returning to our room the landlady entered with a fine-looking girl1 for whom she begged a book4 ,this opened our way to speak to her of things connected with salvation4 ,she said1--,we have not much of religion here4 ,why so8 we asked4 ,because the people do not like to confess to the priests4 ,and what is the use1 said we1 of confessing to man8 ,because1 she replied in somewhat trembling accents1 we think it eases our consciences1 for the priests are the appointed ministers to take charge of our souls4 ,what1 we replied1 a man take charge of immortal souls6 ,god never committed the power to forgive sins to man3 ,jesus ,christ alone can pardon sins2 he died to save us6 ,i shall never forget the countenance of this dear woman1 which seemed to express her long-shaken confidence in her spiritual guides4 ,we exhorted her to come to the ,saviour1 who intercedes for us without the aid of man1 and gave her a ,new ,testament1 which she said she would read4 #abth4--,went to ,maux to sleep4 ,the landlady was communicative3 she told us that some travellers like ourselves some time ago had given her a ,new ,testament1 which she had lent about the village1 together with tracts1 and that she wished for more4 ,we inquired if there were any persons in the village who would like to come to us for books4 ,she soon sent us an interesting young woman1 a schoolmistress1 to whom on her entrance we presented some tracts4 ,she regarded them with an air of thoughtfulness which seemed to measure the quantity to be taken by the price she would have to pay for them4 ,when she found they were to be had gratis1 her countenance brightened1 and with it the brightness of her mind showed itself4 ,on speaking with her of the responsibility of her profession1 and the importance of imbuing the minds of children with just principles1 she said1 ,i am desirous of instructing the children in the religion of the heart4 ,religion1 added she1 though a good thing1 is badly put in practice in our church2 the people do not like to confess to the priests1 and there is a great desire for instruction and to receive books4 ,they saw again at the ,inn at ,maux the man who had opposed them at ,lessengnan1 and found him much better disposed than he had been the day before4 ,he told them he had been a ,romish priest1 but being disgusted with the practices of his church1 he had left it and joined the army3 he promised to read the books they gave him4 ,our present mode of travelling 7with our own horse71 they continue1 though somewhat slow1 affords opportunities of endeavoring to do a little good1 which we should miss in travelling by ,diligence or extra-post4 ,it is curious and instructive to observe the various dispositions of the people in the dark places through1 which we pass3 sometimes they are so fanatical as to tear a tract before our face2 others receive them with joy4 ,during a half-hour's rest for our horse at a village near ,castelnaudry1 my ,m4,y4 made the acquaintance of an aged woman at the door of her cottage1 who really did us good4 ,on inquiring if she could read1 ,it is my consolation1 said she1 to read the ,scriptures4 ,and we have great need of consolation1 we answered4 ,yes1 said she1 ,i am a widow of near eighty years1 and have had many cares2 but ,i pray to ,god1 and he grants me the consolation of his ,holy ,spirit1 and if ,i confide in him he will never forsake me4 ,at ,castelnaudry they left the main road and crossed the mountains to ,saverdun1 in order to visit the ,orphan ,institution in that place4 ,by not going first to ,toulouse1 remarks ,john ,yeardley1 we saved about thirty miles of travelling2 but it was ill-spared1 for one part of the road was so bad that it required a forespan of two oxen to drag the carriage through the deep mire and over the dangerous ditches4 ,after a little dinner at a poor place in the mountains1 we procured a mule as a reinforcement2 for we stuck so fast in the mud that ,i never expected we should be able to extricate ourselves4 ,my poor ,m4,y4 had to walk a great part of the way2 ,i am quite sure extra strength was given us for the emergency4 ,we lodged at ,mazeres1 where we called on the ,protestant minister ,besiere1 a most open-hearted ,christian4 ,he knew some of our ,society1 and wherever this is the case it insures us a welcome4 ,on our telling him the dangers we had encountered on the road1 and that we had escaped unhurt1 he sweetly said1--,the ,angel of the ,lord encampeth round about them that fear ,him1 and delivereth them4--,psal4 xxxiv4 #g4 ,on arriving at ,saverdun1 on the #agth1 we immediately pursued the object of our visit1 and proceeded to the ,institution1 where we delivered our letters of recommendation1 and received a cordial reception from the director1 ,pastor ,enjalbal4 ,when the little porters opened the door1 they cried one to another1 ,voila des ,anglais6 ,the director seems to be wonderfully fitted for the post he fills4 ,he was once a captain in the army4 ,after his conversion1 his heart was penetrated with gratitude to his ,saviour for bringing him to a knowledge of the truth1 and he desired to devote the remainder of his days in doing good to his fellow-creatures1 particularly in the instruction of youth4 ,the project of the ,saverdun school was then in agitation1 and a manager was wanted4 ,the excellent ,pastor ,chabrand applied to him1 knowing him to be the man for the office if he would only undertake it4 ,when he visited him for this purpose on behalf of the committee1 he found him in his chamber weeping1 and1 as his confidential friend1 he asked him what was the matter4 ,why1 said he1 my heart overflows with love to the ,saviour1 for all that he has done for me1 and ,i seem to live without doing anything for his cause in return4 ,well1 said the pastor1 but the way is now open for you2 ,i am come with a proposal from the committee for you to accept the government of the ,saverdun ,institution2 but ,i will not have an answer from you at present3 weigh the matter for a fortnight1 and ,i will come again and receive your decision4 ,a sense of duty decided him to accept the offer4 ,the superintendent conducted us to the members of the committee1 to whom we had brought a kind introduction from ,pastor ,frossard of ,nismes4 ,the supporters of this institution1 are the most influential in the town1 rich1 and withal pious characters4 ,the ,mayor1 their secretary1 is very active3 he with his wife1 an excellent woman1 and several members of the committee1 met us in the evening at our inn2 they appeared to be greatly interested in works of benevolence1 and in everything connected with religion and education4 ,toulouse1 #c mo4 #bj4--,we arrived in this great and busy city on ,seventh-day evening4 ,our first call was on the brothers ,courtois1 to whom we had letters of introduction from our ,christian friends at ,nismes4 ,they received us in a most cordial manner and were very open and communicative4 ,on ,first-day morning1 after our little meeting1 we called on ,professor ,f4 ,banner2 he was rejoiced to see my ,m4,y41 whom he knew at ,congenies twenty years ago4 ,he was then a ,roman ,catholic2 indeed1 in name he is not changed2 but he is become very spiritually-minded1 and much attached to ,friends and our principles1 believing them1 as he said1 to be the nearest in accordance of any with the doctrines of the ,new ,testament4 ,he has been1 with his wife1 several times to our hotel1 and we feel sweet unity with his quiet exercised spirit4 ,his situation here is important1 having a boarding-school for the children of ,protestants1 with a few ,roman ,catholics1 his piety and sincerity securing to him the confidence of both parties1 which is matter of wonder in this day of religious conflict4 ,he is one of those characters1 more of whom we are desirous of finding2 one who wishes rather to enlighten than to censure the dark prejudices of men4 ,we spent the evening with our kind friends the ,courtois1 and attended worship in their house4 ,f4,c4 read the parable of the great supper 7,luke xiv471 and made some remarks in explication of it2 after which ,pastor ,chabrand spoke with much feeling on the influence of the ,holy ,spirit1 the gradual operation of the ,spirit in the secret of the soul1 and the preciousness of dwelling in ,christ1 as the branch in the vine1 in order to bear fruit4 ,pastor ,chabrand told us in conversation that the first time he really saw the state of his soul and his need of a ,saviour1 was in the meeting-house at ,westminster during half an hour's silence4 ,after this time of precious silence a minister arose#h and spoke in so remarkable a manner to his state1 unfolding the history of his life1 that he was melted to tears4 ,ever since that time he has appreciated the principles of our religious ,society1 and particularly our practice of waiting upon ,god in silence4 ,these remarks opened our way to speak on a subject which has often given us pain in our intercourse with pious people1 viz41 the practice of going suddenly from one religious exercise to another4 ,we expressed our opinion that ,christians1 in general1 in their worship1 would derive more edification from what is spoken1 if they were to dwell under the good feeling which is sometimes raised1 before passing so precipitately to singing1 or even to prayer4 ,with this he entirely agreed1 and thought it a point of the utmost importance2 he wished it could be put in practice1 for their church in general suffered loss for want of more quiet gathering of spirit before ,god4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley did not go further towards the west than ,toulouse2 on quitting that city they turned northwards to ,montauban4 ,for several days1 so they write1 before reaching the extent of our journey westward1 we travelled through a fertile country1 having the ,pyrenean mountains on the south1 covered with snow1 a magnificent sight for those who travel to see the beauties of nature1 but our hearts are often too heavy to enjoy them4 ,montauban1 #c mo4 #bc4--,last evening we reached this pretty town1 part of which is built on a high cliff overlooking the river ,tarn1 and commanding an extensive view over a fertile plain4 ,our first call was on ,professor ,monod2 his wife is an ,englishwoman2 she was pleased to see her compatriots1 and introduced us to ,professor de ,felice and some other pious individuals4 ,professor ,monod invited us to spend the evening at their house1 along with a number of persons who join in their family reading1 and we did not think it right to refuse the invitation4 ,a pretty large company assembled in the professor's room at #h o'clock1 among whom were some students of the college4 ,the eighth chapter of the ,epistle to the ,romans was read1 and some remarks made by the professor2 he then kindly said1 if we had any word of exhortation in our hearts1 he hoped we should feel quite at liberty to express it4 ,we felt it right to make some observations with reference to the fore-part of the chapter1 which sets forth that state of ,christian experience in which the mind is prepared to participate in the many precious promises contained in the middle and latter portions2 ability was also given us to express our faith in the one ,saviour and ,mediator1 and in the influence and guidance of the ,holy ,spirit1 and his office in the sanctification of the soul4 ,this favored opportunity closed with supplication4 ,we are well satisfied with our visit to this place2 it has removed some prejudices from our minds1 and perhaps may have shown to those with whom we have had intercourse that ,friends are sound in the faith4 ,the short time we spent with ,professor de ,felice has left a sweet impression on our minds4 ,he mourned over the want of spiritual life among the ,protestants of ,montauban1 amid1 as he said1 much preaching1 and many appeals to conscience4 ,at ,castres1 where they stopped on the #bfth1 they visited the ,orphan ,house1 and held intercourse with the pastors1 and with a pious lawyer4 ,on our journey1 says ,john ,yeardley1 we had heard of a man near this town who bore the name of ,quaker1 and we inquired of the lawyer if he knew whether he was sound in the ,christian faith4 ,the lawyer spoke with respect of the so-called ,quaker1 but thought that in his opinions he favored ,arianism4 ,if so1 said ,i1 rather hastily1 we will not seek him or recognize4 ,why1 said the advocate1 it is the very reason you should go to see him1 and try to do him good4 ,at this reply my conscience was stung on account of my hasty conclusion2 and after reflecting on the matter1 we walked next morning five or six miles into the country in search of the new ,friend4 ,he received us with joy1 and we soon satisfied ourselves as to his soundness in the ,christian faith2 but he was rather ardent in his expectations of the reign of ,christ on the earth4 ,twenty years ago he refused to take an oath on a jury2 the judge told him he must go to prison1 to which the ,friend replied1 ,i am willing to go to prison1 but ,i cannot swear to condemn any person to death2 if you place me as juryman ,i shall acquit all the criminals4 ,the judge1 believing his scruples to be sincere1 dismissed him without further trouble4 ,this dear man attached himself to us in such a manner that it was difficult to part from him2 he pressed us to remain some days in his house1 but this our duty did not permit4 ,from ,castres they returned through ,beziers to ,nismes1 visiting various little companies of ,protestants by the way1 and arrived in the latter city on the #ast of the ,fourth ,month4 ,they found that the school had increased in numbers1 and the scholars had made good progress4 ,on entering the school-room1 says ,j4,y41 the girls all flocked to us1 their black eyes sparkling with joy1 while they clung round us with their little arms to be embraced4 ,the harmony and peaceful feelings which pervade the family are truly comforting to our hearts4 ,in taking a retrospect of what they had done up to this time1 they write thus to their ,friends in ,england3-- ,the manner in which our gracious ,lord has condescended to open the way for a portion of labor in this part of his vineyard1 adds a grain to our faith3 the service which has hitherto fallen to our lot on this journey is of that nature towards which we had a view before we left our native land2 and we are bound gratefully to acknowledge1 amid many conflicts and discouragements1 that sweet peace is sometimes our portion4 ,but our dear friends in ,england will readily conceive that our baptisms are various and deep1 during our separation from the bosom of our own little visible church2 and we hope to retain a place in their sympathy and prayers1 when they are favored with access to the throne of mercy4 ,our love flows freely and unceasingly to all our dear friends1 from whom it is always comforting to hear4 ,brethren1 pray for us1 that the word of the ,lord may have free course and be glorified4 ,on the #ahth of the ,fourth ,month they again left ,nismes1 and commenced their journey towards ,switzerland1 accompanied1 as before1 by ,jules ,paradon4 ,on their way to ,grenoble1 they had opportunities of spreading many copies of the ,scripture ,extracts1 which they had with them1 among the ,roman ,catholics2 and they had also some interesting conversation with individuals of that profession4 ,at ,tullins1 they write1 the eagerness to receive books was so great1 that a crowd soon assembled around us1 and we found it difficult to satisfy them2 again1 at the moment of our departure1 they pressed round our carriage1 and we could hardly separate ourselves from them4 ,on the #bbnd 7to continue their own narrative7 we arrived at ,grenoble1 with a view to spend ,first-day there4 ,a letter from one of our acquaintances at ,nismes to ,pastor ,bonifas procured us a kind reception1 and he invited us to spend ,first-day evening at his house1 where a meeting was to be held4 ,we did not1 however1 feel quite at liberty to attend1 as we found the regular church-service would be performed4 ,the next day we received another invitation from the ,pastor to a meeting where only the ,scriptures would be read4 ,we thought it best to accept it1 and by going a little before the time proposed1 we had a very interesting conversation with the ,pastor1 his wife1 and a young ,englishwoman1 on our peculiar views4 ,the meeting was an assembly of various classes1 with a preponderance of young persons1 and was a very interesting occasion3 many of the young people were deeply affected4 ,in the morning of this day we had been to see an aged ,catholic woman of the ,jansenist persuasion3 she appeared to have no dependence but on her ,saviour1 and1 full of faith and love1 to have her conversation in heaven2 she gave us a sweet benediction at parting4 ,they left ,grenoble on the #beth1 and pursued their way by ,chambery to ,geneva1 taking care to dispose of most of their ,french tracts by the way1 lest they should be stopped at the ,savoy custom-house4 ,they arrived in the city of ,calvin on the #bgth4 ,here1 as on former occasions1 they found much to interest them4 ,several of the ministers and professors whom they had known before1 seemed to have become more spiritually-minded2 and with the flock of the deceased ,pastor ,monnie1 in particular1 of precious memory1 they were united in near ,christian fellowship4 ,it seems to us1 they write1 that the feeling is spreading of the necessity of the immediate guidance of the ,holy ,spirit2 and we believe that this view of the gospel1 with that of the universality of divine love1 is much more calculated to win upon unbelievers1 and to enlighten ,romanists1 than the high ,calvinistic doctrines which have so generally prevailed1 and which impede the growth of ,christian humility and daily dependence on divine help4 ,at our little meeting on ,first-day morning1 we had the company of a widow and her daughter4 ,the former is like a mother to those around her who are seeking spiritual things1 and we were much comforted together4 ,she invited us to tea1 and to have a meeting in her house the next evening3 a considerable number were collected1 among whom were a pastor1 several professors1 and many females4 ,the pastor read a chapter2 and when1 after a time of silence1 the way opened for communication1 it was like casting seed into prepared ground1 and the retirement of spirit before the ,lord which we recommended seemed really to be experienced before we separated2 it was a silence to be felt better than expressed4 ,amongst other pious persons in this city1 they had an introduction to the ,countess de ,sellon4 ,she received us1 says ,j4,y41 with open heart1 saying1 ,i am fond of the principles of your ,society1 believing they have the real substance of religion1 stripped of its forms4 ,she asked us many questions1 and we felt sweet unity with her4 ,on the #crd of the ,fifth ,month they went to ,lausanne1 where they renewed their friendship with ,professor ,gaudin1 and had interviews with several other seeking persons4 ,we were1 they say1 most interested by a pious magistrate1 ,frossard de ,saugy1 near relative to a dear friend of ours at ,geneva4 ,he inquired respecting the education of children1 of whom he has many--by what means he could make them sensible of vital religion4 ,we replied that all we could do was to represent to them the love and mercy of our blessed ,redeemer1 and recommend them to cherish the convictions of his ,holy ,spirit1 which are very early bestowed upon us all3 he entirely united in our views4 ,from ,lausanne they went to ,yverdun1 and the day after to ,neufchatel4 ,since their last visit in #ahcd1 some who were very dear to them had been summoned to eternal rest1 which cast a shade of natural sorrow over their entrance into the place3 and they were called upon1 in addition1 deeply to sympathise with some of those who remained4 ,the family of ,professor ,petavel has sustained a great loss in the death of his eldest son1 accompanied1 by circumstances peculiarly striking4 ,this young man was about nineteen years of age4 ,he had been very serious for some time before his illness1 and wished much to be employed as a missionary4 ,early instructed by his mother in the importance of seeking divine influence1 his mind was prepared to receive the baptism of the ,holy ,spirit2 and he had a deep conflict to pass through1 which he confided to his mother1 and which he seemed to think was the presage to suffering4 ,in performing some gymnastic exercises he received a fall on the head1 which after some time was followed by a paralytic affection of the whole body1 so that he became entirely helpless1 and his speech was taken away4 ,it was only his tender mother who could ascertain his wants and administer to them1 which she did with unceasing assiduity4 ,after about six months his speech was almost miraculously restored1 and he used it in praising the ,lord for the remarkable support and consolation of his ,spirit4 ,he said he had been sensible of all that had passed1 and that he had been abundantly confirmed in the belief that true religion consists in hearing the voice of our blessed ,redeemer1 and seeking to do his will4 ,after some time the capability of speaking much again forsook him2 yet he lingered some months longer1 and when ,m4,y4 beheld him soon after our arrival1 he appeared like a precious lamb purified1 and waiting to be gathered to the everlasting fold4 ,the resignation of his parents was truly edifying3 they proposed that we should both come the next day1 and sit quietly beside him for a while4 ,this proved a deeply impressive time2 the presence of the ,great ,shepherd was evidently with us1 and called forth thanksgiving for the mercies received and the deliverance anticipated4 ,while listening to a few words addressed to him at parting1 he fixed his dying eyes upon us with an expression not to be forgotten1 and before midnight the precious spirit was received into the arms of its ,saviour4 ,as we left for ,locle early in the morning1 we did not hear of this until our return the day following4 ,their visit to their favorite orphan-institution was1 as ever1 very interesting4 ,they thus describe the state in which they found it3-- ,our dear ,german friend ,m4 ,zimmerlin1 the associate of dear ,m4 ,a4 ,calame1 still lives3 she received us with overflowing affection4 ,after tea1 which we took there1 she hastened to show us the improvements in the premises1 which1 she said1 our kind friends in ,england had contributed to procure by their donations through us4 ,the institution appears to be now in excellent order4 ,in the evening1 the children1 #ach in number1 were collected with the mistresses and family1 and we had a very satisfactory opportunity with them4 ,the same precious influence seems to prevail which we have noticed heretofore4 ,they returned to ,neufchatel the next evening1 where they heard that the remains of ,paul ,petavel were to be interred the next day4 ,his father1 they add1 was desirous that the meeting we intended to hold with our friends should be held at his house that evening4 ,when ,m4,y4 went to see the family1 she found the parents fall of gratitude and praise4 ,the funeral was attended by the students from the college1 and a large number of others2 for the professor is much beloved1 and the affecting situation of his son has been a lesson of instruction to the young people who used to associate with him1 and seems to have had an effect on the whole town4 ,the evening of this day proved to be a memorable time3 a considerable number were collected1 among whom were several pastors and a number of young persons4 ,i seldom1 says ,j4,y41 remember to have attended a more solemn occasion4 ,the ,saviour's presence was near1 to console and instruct4 ,after my ,m4,y4 and ,i had relieved our minds in testimony and supplication1 the professor and the other pastors spoke with much feeling2 ,i think it was evident they were constrained by the ,spirit4 ,we parted 7to resume the words of their joint epistle7 from the family under a strong conviction of the support and consolation which those experience who depend in living faith upon their blessed ,redeemer4 ,from ,neufchatel1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley went to ,berne1 where they renewed the bond of friendship with those to whose spiritual state they had ministered in former years4 ,with these they united several times in worship and in social religious intercourse4 ,at the close of one of these meetings1 the lady of the house1 an active and benevolent character1 acknowledged1 that she was sensible of the truth of what they had heard1 and believed that in the present day the ,lord was leading many of his devoted children to listen to his voice1 that they might be brought more under the teachings of his ,spirit1 and from this would flow their consolation4 ,this 7they observe7 is the more remarkable1 as1 when we were here before1 she held views on election and the finished work of grace1 almost to the exclusion of the work of 'regeneration and the renewing of the ,holy ,ghost4' ,we find in some here1 writes ,john ,yeardley in his ,diary1 a desire for food of a more spiritual nature3 they really enjoy waiting on the ,lord in silence2 but the customary activity is strong1 and not easily broken through4 ,i trust the day will come when silence will more prevail in the assemblies of the people4 ,we left ,berne with feelings of peace and of much affection for many in that place1 and thankful to our ,heavenly ,father1 in that he had prepared the hearts of his people to receive the invitation to feed on that spiritual food which alone can nourish the soul to eternal life4 ,they arrived at ,basle on the #agth4 ,since they had visited this city in #ahcd1 ,hoffmann1 the director of the institution at ,kornthal1 had succeeded ,blumhardt in the superintendence of the ,mission-house4 ,he received them with his usual kindness1 and one evening they supped with the students1 and had a religious meeting with them4 ,they spent another evening with a pious family1 where several missionaries and pastors were present4 ,in speaking of this occasion1 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were led into a reflection which deserves to be pondered by ,christians of every name4 ,before separating1 they say1 the ,scriptures were read1 and some of the missionaries spoke on the importance of uniting in desire for a more general outpouring of the ,spirit3 ,j4,y4 also spoke much to the same effect4 ,it was1 we trust1 a profitable season2 but the reflection arose on this occasion1 as it has done on some others when among serious persons not of our profession1 that if they would but suffer the degree of divine influence mercifully afforded thoroughly to baptize the heart with the true baptism1 much creaturely activity would be done away1 and the light of the gospel would shine in them and through them in much greater purity4 ,we paid and received visits1 they continue1 from some of the ,interieurs whom we had known before1 and had to lament something of a visionary spirit in the midst of right feeling4 ,we recommended simplicity1 and close attention to the ,scriptures and to the ,shepherd's voice4 ,one day ,john ,yeardley went into the mountains to see an establishment called the ,pilgrim ,mission ,institution1 where he was interested in meeting three young men from ,syria1 who had come there to escape the scenes of war in their own country1 and with the desire to be rendered capable of instructing their countrymen4 ,they left ,basle on the #bbnd1 and entered ,germany4 ,they were1 for a time1 a good deal embarrassed with the change of language from ,french to ,german1 having had little or no occasion to use the latter tongue during their journey4 ,they stopped at ,carlsruhe1 where they called1 with an introduction1 on the ,princess of ,wuertemberg4 ,she received us1 they say1 very kindly1 and we had a satisfactory interview with her1 and also with an interesting female who has the charge of her children4 ,after much conversation with the princess in ,french1 she introduced us to her three lovely children1 and asked ,j4,y4 to give them a word of exhortation4 ,we remained silent awhile1 and1 under a precious feeling1 offered prayer for the divine blessing on this family and all its branches2 after which the word of sympathy and exhortation flowed freely4 ,at parting1 the princess took a cordial leave of us1 and said she received our visit as a blessing from the ,lord4 ,the next day they pursued their way towards ,pyrmont4 ,being weary with travelling1 and their horses also needing rest1 they tarried two days at ,frankfort4 ,here they saw their old friend ,von ,meyer2 and spent much of their time in the company of ,dr4 ,pinkerton4 ,i was instructed1 says ,j4,y41 with seeing the charity and ,christian meekness in which he daily lives4 ,on the #crd of the ,sixth ,month they reached ,pyrmont1 where they remained a few weeks4 ,they attended on the #bnd of the ,seventh ,month the ,two-months' ,meeting1 at ,minden4 ,many peasants were present in the meeting for worship1 and on ,john and ,martha ,yeardley's return to ,pyrmont1 some of them came to the meeting there on ,first-day1 and begged the ,friends to go to ,vlotho to meet a company of their brethren4 ,they gave the peasants liberty to call a meeting at that place for ,third-day1 the #ahth4 ,on ,second-day1 as they were setting off1 an accident happened to ,john ,yeardley4 ,he had left the horse's head1 writes ,m4,y41 to attend to placing the baggage1 when1 hearing another carriage drive rapidly up1 our horse set off1 and my ,j4,y41 in attempting to stop him by catching hold of the reins1 fell1 and was much bruised1 but through mercy no limb was broken4 ,we applied what means were in our power1 and ,i urged our remaining at ,pyrmont1 and sending to defer the meeting2 but he would go on to ,lemgo4 ,his whole frame was much shaken1 and we passed a sleepless night1 so that the meeting next day was not a little formidable4 ,it proved a much longer journey to ,vlotho than we had expected2 when we arrived we found a large number assembled4 ,five of our ,friends came from ,minden to meet us1 and it was a remarkable meeting1 notwithstanding we had gone to it under so much discouragement3 we have cause to bless and adore our ,divine ,master1 who caused his presence to be felt amongst us4 ,august ,mundhenck interpreted for ,j4,y4 and for me4 ,j4,r4 also suffered his voice to be acceptably heard in testimony1 after which the meeting closed in solemn supplication4 ,we pursued our way that night to ,bielefeld and the next day towards the ,rhine4 ,on their way home they stopped at ,duesseldorf4 ,the ten years which had gone by since they had visited the ,orphan ,asylum at ,duesselthal1 near this town1 had wrought a great change in the physical condition of ,count ,von der ,recke4 ,he looked worn and ill1 the effect of care and anxiety for his numerous adopted family2 but he evinced a spirit of pious resignation1 and had a hearty welcome ready for his visitors4 ,they returned to ,england through ,belgium1 and arrived in ,london on the #hth of the ,eighth ,month4 ,they did not at once return to their home at ,scarborough1 but spent a month in ,hertford1 ,oxford and ,buckinghamshire1 attending the meetings of ,friends in these counties1 and visiting that of ,berkhamstead several times4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,removal ,,to ,,stamford-,,hill1 ,,and ,,commencement ,,of ,,the ,,fifth ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahdc-dh4 ,the tour which ,john and ,martha ,yeardley made in and around ,buckinghamshire1 and which is mentioned at the conclusion of the last chapter1 was undertaken in quest of a new place of abode4 ,in a letter from ,martha ,yeardley to her sister1 ,mary ,tylor1 written on the #crd of the ,eleventh ,month1 she says3-- ,thou art aware that we have thought1 if way should open of going nearer to you1 and of pitching our tent within the ,quarterly ,meeting of ,buckinghamstead4 ,we offered to purchase a cottage at ,berkhamstead1 but for the present that has quite fallen through3 we therefore intend to rest quietly here for the winter1 in hopes that in the spring or summer something may offer1 either at ,b4 or in that quarter1 to which we feel attracted2 yet desiring to commit this and all that concerns us into the all-directing hand of our great ,lord and ,master1 who has a right to do with us what seemeth him good4 ,not long afterwards they purchased a house at ,berkhamstead1 called ,gossom ,lodge1 to which they removed in the ,fourth ,month1 #ahdd4 ,very soon after they had taken possession of their new dwelling1 they made a circuit through the meetings of ,buckinghamshire and ,northamptonshire1 holding a few public meetings by the way3 and the next summer they undertook a more extensive religious visit--viz41 to the six northern counties of ,england4 ,in the course of the same year we find them meditating a further removal1 into the immediate vicinity of ,london4 ,one of the few entries in his ,diary which were made by ,john ,yeardley during this period1 speaks of the apprehension of duty under which they contemplated this change3 it was written after their removal4 ,for some years past ,i have often thought the time might come when we might see it right to settle within ,stoke ,newington ,meeting4 ,this feeling now began 7#ahde7 to fasten more strongly on our minds than it had done before1 and we thought it right to make an effort to let ,gossom ,lodge1 and seek a residence at ,stamford ,hill2 and we have reason to believe that in this important step our prayer has been answered1 and that all our deliberations have been guided by that wisdom which is from above4 ,very strong is my conviction that our ,heavenly ,father is not unmindful of the outward circumstances of those who seek his counsel1 and desire to act under the guidance of his ,holy ,spirit4 ,we were favored to let our house at ,berkhamstead without trouble2 the very first person to whom we made it known took it off our hands3 and with equal ease we found another dwelling at ,stamford ,hill1 which ,i consider as a proof that our prayer was heard and answered in this serious step3 the signs ,i had asked were granted4 ,they removed to ,stamford ,hill on the #bnd of the ,twelfth ,month1 #ahde4 ,as soon as they had settled in1 ,john ,yeardley became seriously indisposed with his old complaint1 which ended in the jaundice4 ,in the course of the spring and summer of #ahdf he repaired with ,m4,y4 to ,bath1 and afterwards to ,harrowgate1 to seek a restoration of his health4 ,the waters of the last-named place proved1 he says1 very efficacious both to my beloved ,m4,y4 and myself4 ,my precious dear1 he continues1 suffered much in her health through the fatigue of nursing me during the winter4 ,how my soul overflows with gratitude to my ,heavenly ,father that he has united me to such a partner1 who takes more than a full share in all my sorrows2 and1 thanks be unto our ,god1 we have often to rejoice also together in ,him6 ,on their return from ,harrowgate they visited many of the meetings in ,london and the vicinity1--a service which they had always had in view1 in looking towards a residence at ,stamford ,hill2 and from the ,eleventh ,month1 #ahdf1 to the ,first ,month1 #ahdg1 they were occupied in a religious visit to the families of the members and attenders of ,gracechurch-street ,monthly ,meeting1 in which their service was very acceptable4 ,the friends appointed to arrange the visits1 says ,j4,y41 have done so with willingness and efficiency1 and we have1 ,i believe1 the help of their spirits4 ,in passing from house to house1 we are made sensible of our inability to render aid to others unassisted by the ,spirit of our ,divine ,master4 ,wherever we have gone we have been received with kindness and ,christian cordiality2 and in thus being permitted to mingle our feelings with those who are bound up with us in religious profession1 we feel sweet peace and comfort1 and our hearts are filled with thankfulness to the ,lord1 that he has enabled us to do that which we believe he put in our hearts4 ,they returned the minute which had been granted them for this service on the #fth of the ,first ,month4 ,many who read this ,memoir will remember how the tidings of the death of ,joseph ,john ,gurney1 who suddenly expired on the #eth1 spread through the ,society1 and produced wherever it came an impression of sorrowful but heavenly solemnity4 ,the event is referred to in the notice of this meeting which is contained in the ,diary4 ,the meeting for worship was particularly solemn4 ,the spirit of our dear departed friend ,j4,j4,g4 seemed present with us4 ,the event had impressed our minds with the awful uncertainty of time4 ,my dear ,m4,y4 ministered to our comfort1 and so did dear ----4 ,i was constrained1 under a sense that the ,lord had withdrawn many laborers from his vineyard1 to lift up a prayer for the remnant that is left1 to crave prosperity for the blessed work of grace in the hearts of all present1 and to ask for more devotedness to the ,lord's cause4 ,the next day they received intelligence of the decease of one of their ,scarborough friends1 whose dying words are worthy to be preserved in lasting remembrance4 #a mo4 #g4--,on returning from meeting we found a letter informing us of the sudden decease of ,isaac ,stickney of ,scarborough4 ,when the doctor attempted to give him brandy in his sinking state1 he said1 ,doctor1 don't cloud my intellect2 if this be dying1 ,i die in the arms of ,jesus4 ,these last words of my beloved and long-known friend are sweetly consoling to my spirit4 ,in the ,second ,month of #ahdh1 ,john ,yeardley again prepared to go forth and preach the ,gospel in several countries on the ,continent of ,europe4 ,he was accompanied by his beloved wife1 partly in the character of a fellow-laborer1 constrained by the force of ,christian love to the same field of service1 and partly as his companion and helper in countries where she did not otherwise feel herself called to labor4 ,the course of their anticipated travel is described in the following extract from the ,diary4 ,they were unable1 as it proved1 to obtain admission into the ,russian ,empire2 and this part of the mission was accomplished by ,john ,yeardley alone1 and at a later period4 #ahdh4 #b mo4 #h4--;,at our ,monthly ,meeting at ,gracechurch street1 ,i proposed my concern to visit some parts of ,south ,russia1 particularly the ,german colonies2 also some places in the ,prussian and ,austrian dominions1 parts of ,switzerland and ,france1 particularly ,ardeche1 and a few places in ,belgium1 and to revisit parts of ,germany4 ,my precious ,m4,y4 also was constrained in gospel love to tell her friends that she had long thought of a visit to ,france and ,belgium2 and1 if health permitted1 should think it her religious duty to accompany me to ,south ,russia4 ,we had the full unity of our friends1 who expressed much sympathy and encouragement1 to our great comfort4 ,it is about twenty years since ,i first thought seriously that ,i might have to visit the ,crimea1 and for thirty years ,i have had a prospect of some parts of ,bohemia4 ,truly the vision has been for an appointed time2 and if the period be now come1 ,i trust it is the ,lord's time1 and that his presence may go with us4 ,many have been the conflicts and deep the baptisms through which ,i have passed1 before coming to a willingness to offer to do what ,i believe to be the will of my ,divine ,master4 ,feeble as are my powers1 ,i desire they may be devoted to his cause for the remainder of my days2 and ,i do esteem it a great mercy to have arrived at a clear pointing in this important prospect4 ,may the blessing of preservation rest upon the beloved partner of my sorrows and my joys1 and on myself2 and may ,he whom we desire to serve heal all our maladies of body and mind6 ,while their attention was thus turned to foreign lands1 a storm was gathering in ,france which in the course of this month burst upon ,europe with extraordinary violence1 and overturned or endangered half the thrones on the ,continent4 ,this convulsed state of the ,european nations rendered it needful for them to wait a few months before they commenced their undertaking4 ,in the ,seventh ,month1 ,john ,yeardley speaks of having obtained the further concurrence of the church1 and of the feelings which the immediate prospect of the journey awakened in his mind4 #g mo4 #a4--;,at the ,quarterly ,meeting1 and also at the ,yearly ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 our friends entered very fully into our proposed visit to the ,continent4 ,the expression of sympathy and full unity was abundant2 there was a strong evidence of the good presence of the ,lord being near during the deliberations1 which proved a strength and comfort to myself and my beloved partner4 ,the needful certificates are now all in our possession1 and are expressed in terms the most appropriate and encouraging4 ,my mind is deeply humbled at the near approach of our departure1 in the present state of affairs on the continent of ,europe3 but ,i feel a confiding hope in the divine power for protection and safe guidance4 ,may the ,lord ,almighty give us strength and resignation to commit our lives into his hand1 and to say1 ,thy will be done4 ,amen6 ,this series of travels was the last in which ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were to be engaged as joint-laborers in their ,lord's work4 ,the health of the latter had been for several years seriously affected2 and although she continued to take a deep interest in the spiritual condition of the countries they had visited before1 and was enabled to the end to afford her husband the assistance of her strong sympathy and of her religious exercise of mind1 the fatigue of constant travelling told more and more upon her enfeebled frame1 and she did not long survive the accomplishment of this journey4 ,john ,yeardley1 less advanced in years1 and possessing a hardy constitution1 had not yet lost the fire of his earlier days4 ,the same spring and impulse was still strong within him which had animated him in former journeys1 and which those who knew him in middle life will not fail to remember4 ,some of these will have before them the mental image of his person and manner--the fixed resolution1 the concentrated mind1 the ardent and devoted spirit1 which shone through his impressive countenance and his whole figure1 when he was engaged in his ,lord's work2 and perhaps also they may call to mind the very words of faithful counsel1 or of encouragement1 drawn from the well-spring of gospel sympathy1 which fell from his lips4 ,john and ,martha ,yeardley did not accomplish the extensive mission which now lay before them at one stroke1 but in three stages1 returning to ,england between each4 ,the most prominent object in the first journey was ,belgium2 in the second1 the ,rhine country2 in the third1 they were called to sow seeds of ,christian doctrine in lands lying beyond the limit of any former travel--viz41 in ,silesia and ,bohemia4 ,this was the first time that the ,roman ,catholic country of ,belgium had called forth the exercise of their ,christian charity4 ,they left ,london in the ,seventh ,month1 and spent about three weeks in travelling through the country1 resting chiefly at ,ghent1 ,brussels1 ,charleroi and ,spa4 ,they were accompanied as far as ,brussels by ,robert and ,christine ,alsop1 and through the whole journey1 by an ingenuous young man whom they had engaged to assist them1 named ,adolphe ,rochedieu4 ,the religious opening which awaited them at ,brussels was very encouraging2 few incidents which arose in the course of their numerous journeys were of a more animating character than the acquaintance which they made with the pastor ,van ,maasdyk and some of his flock4 ,we give the narrative from ,j4,y4's ,diary and letters4 #g mo4 #ai4--;,h4 ,van ,maasdyk paid us a long visit this morning4 ,he was educated in a convent in ,belgium1 and becoming a priest1 he exercised the functions which devolved upon him with much credit to himself1 and to the satisfaction of his superiors1 until the year #ahcf4 ,he possessed a ,bible in ,latin1 which he never read4 ,he had the cure of a large parish1 in which1 down to the year above mentioned1 there was not a single copy of the ,scriptures in the ,flemish tongue4 ,about that time the colporteurs introduced the ,new ,testament in ,flemish1 and some copies of the ,bible1 which greatly excited the priests1 and in particular the bishop1 who said the translation was mutilated and falsified1 and commanded that the members of the ,catholic ,church who had received copies1 should either burn them themselves1 or bring them to the cures for that purpose4 ,van ,maasdyk's parishioners accordingly brought their ,bibles and ,testaments 7five copies7 to him to be burned4 ,he was zealous in the ,romish faith1 and had preached violently against the distributors of the wicked books1 as they were called2 and he was about to fulfil the command to burn them1 when suddenly he felt something in his heart which restrained him1 and he thought1 ,i will at least first examine the foundation of the bishop's charges4 ,he took up his ,latin ,bible1 and placing beside it the copy in ,flemish1 began with the charge of mutilation4 ,he found it not at all abridged4 ,he then went to the charge of falsification1 and found the two copies to agree with slight variations here and there2 in fact1 the modern translation proved to have been made from the ,vulgate1 which was the one in his possession4 ,he read the denunciation of our ,saviour1 ,woe unto you ,scribes and ,pharisees1 hypocrites1 and it struck him forcibly2 he felt that he must say1 ,woe is me1 ,i am one of those who deceive the people4 ,he read again1 ,there is one ,mediator between ,god and man2 and here again his conscience smote him3 ,woe is me1 ,i teach the people in their confessions that the saints make intercession4 ,his sorrow was so deep1 that he thought he could die a thousand deaths rather than continue a ,romish priest4 ,now his persecution began4 ,he was beloved by his flock1 who entreated him not to leave them4 ,after much conflict of mind1 he wrote a decided letter to his bishop1 who in the end gave him his dismissal4 ,still feeling himself called to proclaim the ,gospel1 he began to assemble the people in little companies1 and to instruct them in the ,scriptures4 ,at the entreaty of his friends he settled at ,brussels1 where there was a wide field for labor amongst the poorest of the ,roman ,catholics1 who speak only ,flemish4 ,his congregation consisted at first of some fifteen or twenty persons2 but such was the success he met with1 that they have been obliged four or five times in succession to seek a larger building1 and his congregation now consists of #ejj4 ,he is said to be one of the most powerful preachers in the ,flemish language4 ,it is delightful to be in his company2 his heart is filled with gratitude1 and his eyes sparkle with joy1 when he is with those who love the ,saviour4 ,nothing is paid him by his congregation2 he has a little property of his own1 and sometimes receives a little help from the ,adolphus ,society4 ,after a long conversation with him on the spiritual nature of worship1 he took us to see some of his flock1 with whom we had family sittings from house to house4 ,this is exactly the class our hearts longed to visit2 thanks be to our ,heavenly ,father who has thus opened our way4 #bjth4--,the meeting at ,pastor ,marzial's last evening was much larger than we had expected4 ,van ,maasdyk came in unexpectedly after the service which had been held at his dwelling1 and with him a part of his flock4 ,many of the company were those who had renounced ,romanism2 some of the young men interested us exceedingly4 ,i had a deal of conversation with them as to their religious experience4 ,there were several young ,germans among them1 who are residing in ,brussels2 with these ,i conversed in their own language1 which was highly gratifying to them4 ,as ,pastor ,marzial speaks ,english well1 ,i clung to him in the hope of having him for an interpreter2 but he encouraged me to speak as well as ,i could in ,french1 as the natives like it much better1 and consider it a compliment to their language4 ,this made me very low1 it being a company of well-educated persons1 and ,i asked ,van ,maasdyk what ,i should do4 ,i would rather1 he replied1 hear ten words from your own mouth1 than ten thousand through the mouth of another2 we shall understand you1 and what comes from the heart goes to the heart4 ,this settled the question2 ,i gave myself up to the language1 and was helped through4 ,my ,m4,y4 was favored in her communication4 ,after a short address from ,m41 ,i concluded the meeting with supplication1 also in ,french4 ,i do believe the ,spirit was poured upon us from on high2 many hearts were touched1 and tears flowed freely from many eyes4 ,the ,lord has indeed opened a wide door for us in this place2 the dear people follow us from meeting to meeting1 entreating us for an opportunity of the like kind in their own houses2 but we must be watchful to see our own way4 ,however1 if the oil is staid1 it is not for want of vessels1 for what we have to communicate seems like seed cast into the prepared ground4 ,may the ,lord himself be their teacher1 and carry on his own work2 for it is most assuredly his4 ,to those who are spiritually minded1 to hear of a society holding spiritual views1 is like marrow to their bones4 ,it is not so much what we are able to say to them1 but our being as living witnesses to the truth which these awakened people feel in their own hearts4 #bast4--,attended a meeting of ,van ,maasdyk's in the poorer district of ,brussels2 about seventy to eighty persons present1 consisting of converted ,romanists1 seeking ,protestants1 and two awakened ,jews4 ,two of the company were blind men1 very pious1 who gain their living by selling matches4 ,our friend read1 explained1 and applied the tenth chapter of ,john1 in ,flemish2 he also interpreted for me a few words1 which ,i spoke in ,german4 ,on their way to ,charleroi1 after passing through ,mons1 they traversed the great ,belgium iron and coal country1 where the people speak a patois but understand ,french4 ,here they made a free distribution of the religious tracts they had taken with them1 and found an able co-adjutor in their postillion4 ,when he understood what their object was1 he allowed few opportunities to pass by without putting these little messengers into the hands of his fellow-countrymen4 ,at ,charleroi1 where they arrived on the #bb;d1 they enjoyed ,christian association of the most interesting kind1 especially with ,pastors ,poinsot and ,jaccard1 and with ,marzial1 who followed them from ,brussels4 ,they seem to have found much more of the life of religion among the newly-awakened in ,belgium than they had expected4 ,we have1 says ,j4,y41 good reason to believe that the burden we have so long felt for the inhabitants in some parts of ,belgium was laid upon us by our ,divine ,master1 who is now pleased to make way for us to throw it off2 thanks be to his great name4 ,from ,charleroi they went by ,liege to ,spa1 where they procured a lodging in order to enjoy a period of needful rest4 ,the tracts they gave away on the road were received with eagerness4 ,adolphe handed them out freely right and left1 and when any one hesitated to take them1 a significant nod from the postillion never failed to secure a ready reception4 ,the country from ,namur to ,liege1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 and particularly from ,liege to ,spa1 is beautiful1 the road running along the banks of the ,meuse1 amid wooded rocks4 ,these are the works of my ,heavenly ,father1 but ,i sigh after the workmanship of his hands1 created after his own image4 ,passing over several incidents of religious intercourse and labor1 we select a circumstance which illustrates the state of the country1 and of their own feelings in relation to it4 ,under date of ,spa1 the #bnd of the ,eighth ,month1 ,john ,yeardley says3-- ,my ,m4,y4 made acquaintance with an interesting young woman in a shop1 and gave her some of the ,scripture ,extracts4 ,she came to us last evening1 and remained some time conversing on the ,romish religion4 ,she had never seen the ,bible4 ,when we asked her what was the nature of the mass1 she said she did not understand it1 but she attended it because others did4 ,we gave her the ,bible used by ourselves1 having no other at our disposal4 ,her eyes sparkled with joy at the newly-acquired treasure4 ,her heart is touched by the ,spirit of ,god1 and ,i humbly hope her eyes will be enlightened to seek for strength independently of her blind guides4 ,i never saw and felt more sensibly the awful account the priests will have to give for thus deceiving the people in the things which belong to their salvation4 ,on the #crd they quitted ,belgium1 and proceeded to ,bonn4 ,here they had the pleasure of meeting their old friend1 ,charles ,majors1 formerly of ,strasburg4 ,in a walk which they took with him1 they renewed the sweet intercourse of former days4 #h mo4 #e4--,we took a walk with ,majors and his family to the top of ,mount ,calvary1 and mounted a steep hill pitched with sharp stones1 on which the poor ,romanists go barefooted1 repeating prayers at each station1 supposed to be as many as the times when our ,lord rested when bearing his cross from the gate of ,jerusalem to ,mount ,calvary4 ,having descended1 we sat down at the foot of a cross1 and spoke of ,him who bore our sins on the cross in his own body4 ,a desire was felt and expressed that the little company might ever dwell near to ,him who died on the cross4 ,at ,mannheim1 ,john ,yeardley writes3-- ,i took a walk in the public gardens1 opposite the ,hotel de l',europe1 where we lodge4 ,all very quiet without1 and ,i felt peaceful within myself1 reading a chapter and sitting alone4 ,the ,spirit of my ,divine ,master was near1 and ,i felt assured that there was something in this place with which we could unite4 ,they found here a little company1 who met together without any regular pastor4 ,they gave us1 says ,john ,yeardley1 a cordial reception1 and their countenances indicated that they had been with ,jesus2 and1 although scattered as sheep among wolves1 they appeared to belong to the fold of the true ,shepherd4 ,after a few family calls1 we were conducted to the house of a pious widow1 where the meetings were usually held4 ,as we were in haste1 these ,christian people kindly appointed a meeting for worship1 to be held the same evening1 to receive our visit1 which1 through divine mercy1 proved like a refreshing brook by the way3 the ,saviour's presence being over us1 his doctrine dropped like dew on the thirsty ground4#i ,at ,strasburg they found ,pastor ,ehrmann1 and several other pious persons whom they had known in #ahcc1 with whom and with some others they had much conversation on religious subjects1 and were called upon to explain the views held by ,friends1 particularly on marriage1 education1 and the care of the poor4 ,before parting1 says ,john ,yeardley1 ,m4 ,passavant asked for silence1 and we had a sweet time of religious communion1 in which consolation and encouragement were offered1 and thanks rendered for the favor of being permitted to meet together1 and for the favor of the ,divine ,presence4 ,basle was their next halting-place4 ,a letter written by ,martha ,yeardley from this city1 contains some notice of the social and religious life by which their tarriance in foreign cities was characterised1 and of her own peculiar position as a gospel minister4 ,the pious ,spittler1 she says1 has just been with us2 he is still full of faith and good works4 ,m4,l41 whom we knew as a nice girl at ,corfu1 is married to a serious merchant of this place2 a sister of ,c4 ,majors' wife at ,bonn1 with her husband1 also resides here2 and we have fixed to take tea with them and some of their friends to-morrow evening4 ,my ,j4,y4 is gone with a converted ,jew1 ,spittler1 and one who has been a missionary to ,jerusalem1 to a lecture this afternoon1 where it is probable he may have an opportunity of speaking to those assembled4 ,as it is to be all ,german1 ,i excused myself in order to rest and continue my letter4 ,i have deeply felt on this journey1 as on others1 that it is difficult for females to make their way as gospel ministers2 we have always found it tolerated1 but ,i am always sensible of a prejudice against it4 ,on some occasions my ,j4,y4 has explained our views on this important subject4 #aeth4--,yesterday we went to see a remarkably interesting institution for missionaries1 on the top of a high mountain1 called ,chrischona ,berg4 ,it was established by ,spittler1 and1 is well worth the trouble of a little fatigue in getting to it4 ,twelve young men of the poorer class1 who have offered themselves from a sense of duty to become missionaries1 are there taught various languages1 and retained until some field of labor opens for them to which they feel bound4 ,it is also a working institution2 they are taught various trades1 in order that when they go out they may earn their living4 ,after viewing the premises and hearing a lesson in ,arabic1 we saw the pupils assembled in the schoolroom4 ,instead of a hymn in ,english1 which they had learned1 we asked for a little silence1 which was felt to be precious4 ,my ,j4,y4 then addressed them in ,german1 and was much helped4 ,the superintendent1 a very interesting man1 was in ,england for some time2 and in consequence of a hurt received on the head in ,malta1 was sent to the ,retreat at ,york1 where he became acquainted with several ,friends1 ,samuel ,tuke in particular4 ,under the gentle treatment there he recovered1 but he lost his wife and one child at ,york1 and has left two others in ,england4 ,i felt much for him1 and ventured to offer him a little consolation1 and also to express my interest for the institution1 which ,spittler desired him to repeat in ,german4--7,letter to ,mary ,tylor1 #h mo4 #ac47 ,whilst at ,basle they visited ,pastor ,lindel1 an old friend of theirs4 ,he related to them that he had been some time before applied to1 to join the ,evangelical ,alliance4 ,i told them1 he said1 we have got further than you have4 ,in looking over your rules1 ,i observe there is a class of ,christians in ,england whom you exclude2 and we can receive them4 ,our bond of union extends much beyond yours2 it embraces1 without any distinction1 all who love the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,from ,basle they went to ,berne and ,neufchatel4 ,their visit to these favorite spots was1 as at former times1 accompanied by a good measure of the blessing of the gospel of ,christ4 #ahth4 ,berne4--,many of our former friends having heard of our arrival1 came this morning to our inn2 and having called together a few other serious persons1 we had a precious meeting4 ,they have suffered much since our last visit2 our hearts were dipped into sympathy for them1 and our tears were mingled together4 ,the ,lord's presence was over us1 and he caused the word of consolation1 exhortation1 and supplication to flow freely4 ,some precious souls whom we have known in this place have been taken to their rest since we last saw them4 ,soon shall we also be inquired after and not found6 ,lord1 grant that we may be prepared to meet thee at thy coming6 #bjth4 ,neufchatel1 ,first-day4--,the meeting was held in a saloon at our hotel1 7,des ,alpes74 ,the room was quite crowded2 we were surprised to see them continue to come in1 by twos and threes together1 at so short a notice4 ,the unhallowed thought arose1 ,where shall we find bread to feed this multitude8 ,but1 thanks to ,him who is the ,bread of ,life1 he dispensed food to the refreshing of our souls4 ,my ,m4,y4 supplicated for us1 and the gospel-word flowed freely3 the meeting closed with thanksgiving by me4 ,sad reflections on the political and religious state of the country oppressed their minds while travelling through ,switzerland4 #bast4--,in all the times we have visited ,neufchatel1 ,i never saw it look more beautiful4 ,but the place was dull1 and a depressed feeling manifested the life of religion to be wanting4 ,switzerland has suffered through the recent changes in the governments3 infidelity is sorrowfully increasing4 ,an abundant harvest has been gathered into the barns1 and ,nature everywhere smiles on ungrateful man4 ,woe to the nations when the ungodly bear rule6 ,persecution still rages in the ,canton de ,vaud4 ,speaking of the great advantage which an acquaintance with the ,french and ,german languages afforded them1 ,john ,yeardley observes3-- ,how ,i long that some of our dear young friends in ,england might give up their minds and a portion of their time to the acquisition of these languages--and1 above all1 give up their hearts to be prepared for the ,lord's work6 ,how wide is the field of labor6 ,from ,neufchatel they proceeded to ,geneva1 and thence to ,grenoble4 ,here they were received in the most open-hearted manner by the ,protestant minister1 ,amand2 but their feelings were severely tried by the martial display which the city presented4 #bfth4--,on arriving at ,grenoble1 we inquired the name of the ,protestant minister1 and called on him without loss of time4 ,so soon as he understood the object of our journey1 he offered us his chapel for a meeting2 or1 if it would be more agreeable to us1 he would convoke a meeting in the schoolroom for to-morrow evening with a number of persons who usually meet there4 ,we accepted the latter proposal4 ,it is comforting to find such a brother in the gospel2 but ,o for the morrow6 how my heart fails me for fear6 ,lord1 help us1 and give us to trust in thee6 #bgth4--,this day is a day of suffering4 ,the soldiers1 the drums1 the trumpets1 with the shouting and dancing of the people1 is enough to sink the heart of the reflecting ,christian beyond hope1 had he not a refuge in retirement before the ,lord4 ,the whole course of the military system tends to evil1 and the corruption of manners4 ,the meeting was well attended1 and they were thankful in being enabled to mingle in spirit with a company of sincere and pious ,christians4 ,the pastor called on them the next day4 ,he had succeeded their good friend ,bonifas1 spoken of in the journey of #ahdc4 ,conversing with him on points on which ,christians may differ1 he observed1 ,the ,church of ,christ is like a great house built on a rock4 ,there are different apartments for the various classes of ,christians2 but they are in the same house1 and on the same rock1 ,christ4 ,after attending to some other gospel-service at ,grenoble1 they resumed their journey1 held meetings in ,valence and the neighborhood1 and crossing the ,rhone1 entered ,ardeche4 ,a meeting which they held at ,privas was an occasion of remarkable stillness and solemnity4 #cast4--,there was a room filled with serious persons1 who immediately settled into silence like a ,friends' meeting3 indeed1 ,i wish our meetings in ,england were always times of as much good feeling4 ,a chapter1 the second of the ,acts1 was read2 after which ,i supplicated1 and my ,m4,y4 spoke in testimony1 as well as myself4 ,m4,y4 closed the opportunity in supplication4 ,they held another meeting at ,vals1 a village in the ,cevennes mountains1 near the town of ,aubenas4 ,lindley ,murray ,hoag1 from ,america1 had had a meeting there not long before4 ,there was no resident pastor1 and the schoolmaster called on ,john and ,martha ,yeardley1 and informed them that when no one was present to preach1 the congregation were accustomed to read a sermon1 the liturgy1 and prayers4 ,they explained to him their objection to written sermons1 and he appeared to be sensible of the inconsistency of them with true gospel ministry1 but alleged that the people would not be satisfied without having the greater part of the time occupied with service4 ,as they could not undertake that this should be the case1 it was agreed that they should be informed when the usual engagements were concluded1 and that the schoolmaster should give notice of their intention to hold a religious meeting4 ,in the morning 7,first-day71 unexpectedly1 a young man arrived1 who came to see if he could be established in the place as pastor1 and the schoolmaster introduced him to ,j4 and ,m4,y4 ,he raised no objection to their speaking after the service1 but the sermon which he preached1 as they afterwards found1 was on the politics of the day1 and when it was concluded1 they were still kept waiting during a conference which the consistory had with him4 ,this delay1 and their persuasion that the members of the consistory were not the men to sympathise with them in their religious exercise1 was exceedingly proving to faith1 and they entered the chapel under a pressure of mind almost beyond utterance4 ,after a pause ,john ,yeardley rose and spoke in ,french1 in which he felt himself to be much helped2 an influence superior to words was spread abroad1 lifting up the messengers above the fear of man4 ,martha ,yeardley followed1 inviting the people to come under the teaching of the ,holy ,spirit1 through faith in ,christ ,jesus1 and especially addressing herself to the mothers4 ,they remained at ,vals a week4 ,our lodging1 says ,j4,y41 is situated amid scenery the most romantic3 high-planted rocks1 deep glens1 and purling streams4 ,for reading and writing we spend much time on a spacious open gallery1 protected from the penetrating rays of the sun by a roof2 and in the interstices are creepers1 vines1 and flowers1 delightful and airy4 #aath4--,this has been a trying week4 ,i have been low in mind and suffered much in body1 but1 thanks to a merciful ,god1 ,i am restored to comparative health1 and my beloved one is better4 ,the peasants who inhabit the mountains can only come to the town on ,first-days2 and as they live dispersed in places almost inaccessible1 we concluded to wait over another ,first-day to see some of them at ,vals4 ,we had them invited to the schoolroom4 ,a small number only assembled1 but it was a feeling time3 ,i hope a few were instructed1 and we were satisfied in having done what we could4 ,from ,vals ,john and ,martha ,yeardley proceeded to ,nismes1 where they had some interesting service1 both within and beyond the little ,society of their fellow-professors4 ,the account given by ,j4,y4 of the way in which one of their evenings was spent may be transcribed4 #aeth4--,the wife of ,de ,hauteville came to invite us to spend the evening with a few religious friends1 who met at her house for reading the ,bible4 ,we had known the pious young woman years before1 and were most easy to accept the invitation4 ,the little company mostly knelt down1 and waited some time in silence2 and then a young man offered a short and sweet prayer4 ,the fourth chapter of the ,hebrews was then read1 and nearly all present offered a sentiment on the subject1 in meekness and in love1 though they did not agree in their interpretation4 ,they spoke one after the other1 until all seemed tired2 looking earnestly at me1 as wondering what ,i would say1 not having spoken on the question4 ,at length one of the company asked my opinion4 ,i felt freedom at once to say ,i found no difficulty in the matter2 ,i could well understand the text1 but ,i could not understand their interpretation of it4 ,this remark surprised them1 and raised an air of pleasantness on every countenance4 ,my remarks on the passage closed the subject1 and ,i think they were accorded with in the general4 ,stillness was then had1 and myself and dear ,m4,y4 spoke to the company4 ,there was a precious feeling1 and we were glad in not having missed uniting with such spirits in passing an hour or two instructively together4 ,the service which remained for them to do before returning to ,england consisted chiefly of religions labor amongst the ,friends of ,congenies and the vicinity1 and in printing and distributing a large number of tracts4 ,they found the ,society of ,friends in a drooping condition as to spiritual things1 and in going round to their little meetings1 ,martha ,yeardley felt it to be her last visit1 and she labored to clear her conscience towards those among whom she had long been conversant1 and for whose eternal welfare she felt deeply concerned4 ,they returned to ,london on the #bjth of the ,tenth ,month4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,completion ,,op ,,the ,,fifth ,,continental ,,journey4 #ahdi-ej4 ,the disorganized state of ,germany presented a serious obstacle to ,john and ,martha ,yeardley's resuming their labors on the ,continent4 ,,from ,,john ,,yeardley ,,to ,,john ,,kitching4 ,scarborough1 #f mo4 #bc1 #ahdi4 ,we spent two days at ,malton with our dear friends ,ann and ,esther ,priestman1 in their delightful new abode on the bank of the river3 we were comforted in being at meeting with them on ,first-day4 ,on ,second-day we came to ,scarborough1 and soon procured two rooms near our own former residence4 ,the sea air and exercise are beneficial to the health of my ,m4,y4 and myself4 ,scarborough is certainly a most delightful place4 ,the changes in the little society here are great3 we miss many whom we knew and loved when we were resident here4 ,it feels pleasant1 though mournful1 once more to mingle our sympathies with the few ,friends who are left4 ,we sometimes sigh under the weight of our burden on account of poor ,germany1 from which land the accounts continue unsatisfactory4 ,mannheim1 where we had such a sweet little meeting with a few pious persons last year1 is now being bombarded2 also in several other parts of the ,rhine the insurrection is not yet subdued4 ,our friend ,dr4 ,murray returned on ,second-day last from a tour through part of ,france1 ,belgium and the ,rhine4 ,he told us he was obliged to return after having proceeded as far as ,mayence1 as the steamers were interrupted in their course beyond that place1 south4 ,this is the very line which we had thought to pursue2 we cannot tell how soon an alteration may suddenly take place for the better4 ,we must wait in patience1 faith and hope4 ,the political horizon soon became clearer1 and they resumed their journey on the #bnd of the ,eighth ,month4 ,they again passed through ,belgium1 stopping at several places1 and distributing a large number of religious tracts4 ,on reaching ,elberfeld they were received in a very cordial manner by ,r4 ,hockelmann1 and they held a satisfactory meeting in that city with a company of serious persons1 originally ,roman ,catholics1 who had at first followed ,ronge1 but afterwards separated from him4 ,john ,yeardley says of them3 ,they are rejected by the ,lutheran and ,reformed ,churches4 ,they have adopted the name of ,german ,catholics to attract the ,romanists to them4 ,there is real life of religion with some of them2 perhaps with still a little obscurity on some important points of doctrine4 ,light does not always shine clearly all at once2 nor is it always obeyed1 so as to be received in its fulness4 ,still more interesting was a meeting they had at ,muehlheim on the ,ruhr1 where1 it will be remembered1 they found an open door for their ministry on their first continental journey4 ,we give the narrative in ,john ,yeardley's words3-- #h mo4 #ag4--,on our arrival at ,muehlheim we received a visit from the three pastors resident here and in the neighborhood1 along with ,pastor ,bochart1 from ,schaffhausen1 whom we had known some years before4 ,one of them1 ,schultz1 immediately asked me if we were not the parties who had held a meeting in a school-room in this place twenty-four years ago4 ,we entered very fully into the awakening that had taken place in this neighborhood4 ,the spiritual seed of ,tersteegen has never died out2 and they told us of a person1 ,muehlenbeck1 in ,sarn1 who represents those who are acquainted with the interior life4 ,the youngest minister said directly1 ,i will fetch him4 ,in an hour's time he came again1 accompanied by a middle-aged man1 much like a good old ,friend4 ,he recollected us again1 and spoke of our meeting4 ,when we went to see him the next day in the village1 he took us to the house in which he had lived in #ahbe1 and placing me in the centre of the room said1 ,there stood thou twenty-four years ago1 and preached the gospel in this room2 there sat thy dear wife and her friend1 with the young man who interpreted for her4 ,they soon set about making a meeting for us1 which is to be held this evening in a large room in the house of one of the brethren4 ,o1 my ,saviour1 strengthen us for this evening's work1 and forsake us not in the time of need6 #ahth4--,the meeting last evening was got well over4 ,there were two rooms filled with men and a few women2 their minds seemed sweetly centred on the ,source of good4 ,a precious silence prevailed1 and ,i was enabled to address them in ,german from ,acts xi4 #bc3--,when ,barnabas was come to ,antioch and had seen the grace of ,god1 he was glad and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the ,lord4 ,the nature of silent worship was also dwelt upon1 and freedom from sin1 through repentance and faith in ,christ4 ,my ,m4,y4 spoke a few words in ,german1 and ,i supplicated in the same language4 ,many hearts are prepared to receive the doctrine of the influence and guidance of the ,holy ,spirit3 it seemed like marrow to their bones4 ,after the meeting some came to our inn1 and remained till #aj o'clock4 ,they seemed as if they could not part from us4 ,we spoke of our ministry1 missionary journeys1 baptism and the ,supper1 in which we seemed to be one in sentiment and heart4 ,our short tarriance here has excited curiosity to know who and what we are1 and a great desire for books2 and a liberal supply has been furnished them4 ,those tracts on our religious principles are just the food many are prepared to receive4 ,in coming this morning from ,muehlheim to ,elberfeld1 my heart was tendered under a sense of the ,lord's mercies4 ,i feel poor and unworthy1 but it is impressed on my heart from day to day that my little remaining strength and my few uncertain remaining days must be devoted to my ,great ,master's cause4 ,i am thankful that we have not through discouragement been deterred from entering on this part of our religious service2 for1 after all we have passed through on the occasion1 ,i do believe the present time is seasonable4-- 7,diary and ,letter7 ,before leaving the neighborhood1 they had a second meeting at ,elberfeld1 the holding of which was endangered by the animosity which prevailed between the different religious parties4 ,after the place and hour were advertized1 it appeared the room would be required for a missionary meeting4 ,the president of the missionary society was so unfriendly to those who associated with ,john and ,martha ,yeardley1 that he not only refused to let them have the room1 but refused also to let notice be given at his meeting of the alteration in time and place which it was needful to make in theirs4 ,they therefore hastily arranged their meeting for another day1 and the alteration was announced in the daily newspaper4 ,the disappointment proved1 in the end1 to be a subject for thankfulness on their parts2 for just before the hour of assembly of the missionary society1 an alarming fire broke out1 and threw the whole town into commotion2 and the missionary meeting was obliged to disperse as soon as the opening hymn had been sung4 ,the ,friends' meeting1 which took place two days afterwards1 was held in quiet4 ,john ,yeardley preached on a subject which seems to have engaged his mind ever since he had entered the place1--viz41 the ,fall of ,man4 ,while in ,elberfeld he printed a tract on this subject2 and in a conversation which he and ,martha ,yeardley had with a doctor from ,charleroi1 the doctor told them it was the very thing which was wanted1 being exactly adapted to the condition of the numerous sceptics in that part1 of whom he had once been one4 ,their sojourn at ,bonn1 where they arrived on the #cast of the ,eighth ,month1 was exceedingly cordial to their religious feelings4 ,the persons with whom they were the most intimately united were two ladies1 ,alexandrine ,mackeldey and the ,countess ,stynum2 the latter of whom had come to know the way of salvation during a visit to ,england4 ,j4,y4 describes the opening for service which they found in this city1 in a letter to ,josiah ,forster3-- ,this morning1 the #ast of the ,ninth ,month1 we received an early visit from a pious young woman1 interior4 ,on her entering the room we felt the ,spirit of ,jesus was near4 ,as soon as we discovered the piety of her mind1 and her sweet and open disposition1 ,i said to her3 ,now1 tell us who there are in this place who are really spiritually-minded persons4 ,she said1 ,i will2 and instantly took the pen1 and put down about six or seven names1 among which was the name of the ,countess ,stynum4 ,this lady1 said she1 ,i am sure1 will be rejoiced to see you2 she is too weakly to leave her house1 but ,i am going to her and will tell her you are here4 ,our kind helper soon returned with the expression of a warm desire from the ,countess that we would remain tomorrow and hold a meeting in her saloon in the evening1 and invite any of our acquaintance1 and she would give notice to her own friends4 ,there was so evidently a pointing of the ,great ,master's finger in this matter1 that we were at once constrained to accept the invitation4 #i mo4 #c4--;,a little before six o'clock last evening the ,countess sent for us to take coffee with her1 to have an hour of our company before the meeting4 ,she gave us a hearty reception1 and in such ,christian simplicity1 that we soon felt at perfect ease in her company4 ,she has a well-informed and enlightened mind and a strong understanding1 and lives1 believe1 in the fear of the ,lord4 ,she asked many questions about the religious sects in ,england1 as to the state of real piety1 their forms1 baptism1 c4 ,then she came to our own ,society4 ,i was in poor plight for answering questions2 however1 ,i explained the spiritual view we took of those subjects1 and asked permission to send her books1 in the reception of which she seemed to promise herself much gratification4 ,her commodious and elegant saloon was conveniently seated and pretty well filled4 ,our manner of worship was quite new to every one present4 ,we first explained it privately to the countess1 who immediately comprehended our view2 there was no wish at all shown to sing or read2 a precious solemnity prevailed1 and ,i was enabled to speak1 in ,german1 first on the nature of our silent worship1 then on what else rested on my mind4 ,the young woman above-mentioned1 ,a4 ,mackeldey1 interpreted for my dear ,m4,y41 who1 ,i thought1 had the best service2 and she did it so well and so seriously that the right unction seemed to be preserved1 and prevailed over us2 and after a supplication in ,german we parted under a very precious solemnity4 ,a4,m4 said afterwards that she had been instructed by what she had heard1 and was prepared to appreciate the value of silence4 ,she observed1 ,i think it a marked favor of ,providence that you should have come at the present perplexing time1 to comfort and confirm the faith of some in this place1 and of me in particular4 ,speaking of those with whom they had intercourse in this city1 ,john ,yeardley says3-- #i mo4 #b4--,should it be the will of our ,heavenly ,father1 ,i hope we may be permitted to see those precious souls again1 and water the seed the ,great ,husbandman has deposited in their hearts4 ,i consider such little companies1 or individuals1 as a little leaven working silently in a corrupt mass4 ,i never remember1 he writes the next day1 to have had more satisfaction in distributing ,friends' books1 or having intercourse with pious persons1 than thus far on the present journey4 ,the thinking part of the people1 under the tossing of the present moment1 are really thirsting for food more spiritual than they have hitherto received4 ,at ,neuwied they were informed that the ,inspirirten whom they saw there twenty-four years before1 had1 with the exception of a few families1 emigrated to ,america1 and that those whom they visited at ,berlenburg had done the same4 ,from ,neuwied they went to ,kreuznach4 ,this was a place to which they had no thought of going when they left ,england2 indeed1 ,john ,yeardley1 though passing near it on former journeys1 was not aware of its existence4 ,but when they were at ,elberfeld1 a swarthy youth from ,cape ,town1 an inmate of the ,mission-house at ,barmen1 mentioned to them that four of his fellow-countrymen had been for a time at ,kreuznach4 ,on hearing this place named1 it occurred to ,j4,y4 that it would be well for them to take it in their way4 ,they had good reason to believe1 before they left the place1 that it was the ,lord who had directed their steps thither1 and that he had prepared the hearts of some who dwelt there to receive them4 ,john ,yeardley thus relates what occurred3-- #i mo4 #f4--,on our sending to a tailor named ,ott1 he could not come to us by reason of bodily infirmity2 but on paying him a visit ,i found him a meek and spiritual man4 ,he undertook to speak with some others of the same way of thinking1 to meet us in our hotel at #g o'clock4 ,on making it known he found more were desirous of coming than he had expected2 a number of young people asked permission to be present1 so that our commodious saloon was pretty well filled4 ,we read the fourth chapter of ,john1 and then ,i addressed the company with great freedom2 my ,m4,y4 also spoke in ,german1 and was well understood4 ,friend ,ott said1 ,you may travel about1 and think your journeyings and labors will do but little good1 but they will be blest far beyond what you may expect4 ,what you have said this evening has gone to my heart4 ,if we had only some one to whom we could look in holding meetings1 we should grow4 ,he was reminded of ,him1 the ,head of his church1 to whom we must all look4 ,of this he was fully aware1 but said1 as they were mostly of the lower class1 they had no room1 and the pastors did not encourage such meetings4 #gth4--,this morning our new-made friend accompanied us to three of the villages1 to visit several of his friends4 ,we were pleased with the simplicity and real ,christian feeling with which1 they received us4 ,we arranged for a meeting in one of these places for ,first-day afternoon1 and one with our ,kreuznach friends in the evening4 ,my poor soul can only say1 ,lord1 help6#aj #hth4--,called again on ,j4,a4 ,ott1 and found him looking very serious4 ,he told me he had read farther in the books we left with him1 and the more he saw1 the more conviction was brought into his mind that what they unfolded was the truth2 and that he believed it his duty thoroughly to weigh the matter1 and then speak with a few of those who united with him1 to see whether they could unite in holding a meeting after our manner1 but that it was a serious matter1 and they required time to mature it4 ,we were quite of his mind in this respect2 at the same time ,i believe if they had strength to meet together it would be advantageous4 #ajth4--,yesterday we met the little company in ,horweiler1 a room well filled with souls thirsting1 ,i believe1 for spiritual food4 ,all thy children shall be taught of the ,lord1 was much dwelt upon by me4 ,my dear ,m4,y4 was wonderfully helped in ,german4 ,it was a precious season2 the presence of the ,lord was near1 uniting our hearts in him4 ,at #g o'clock we had the meeting in our room4 ,it was not so lively as the one in the country2 but we can thankfully acknowledge the ,great ,master was near to help in the needful time4 ,it was a day of great exercise of body and mind4 ,our friend ,ott accompanied us throughout the day's labor1 and ,i felt the help of his spirit4 ,there are several villages around ,kreuznach 7some of which we have visited71 where dwell a good many spiritually-minded people1 who meet together for improvement4 ,we have just received a sweet visit from ,adam ,tiegel of ,schwabenheim1 who is come to have a little talk with us4 ,he seems to be the first who was awakened in #ahje1 and was made the means of awakening others1 who now hold meetings in an old monastery4#aa ,passing on to ,mannheim1 they saw the effects of the revolution in ,baden2 the fine stone bridge over the ,rhine had been blown up1 and not yet replaced4 ,the handful of pious persons with whom they had met in #ahdh had been preserved in the midst of the danger2 and their meetings had been maintained and were increased in numbers4 ,one of these1 a widow1 told them that1 during the bombardment of the city1 a cannon-ball had entered her house1 and had passed by her bedside when her children were in the room1 and also that a shell had burst before her door2 but on neither occasion were any of the family hurt4#ab ,at ,stuttgardt they received the affecting intelligence of the decease of ,elizabeth ,dudley1 who died of cholera on the #fth of the ,ninth ,month4 ,the removal of this1 one of her earliest and dearest friends1 was a severe stroke to ,martha ,yeardley1 and sensibly affected her bodily health4 ,in a letter to her sisters1 of the #adth of the ,ninth ,month1 she thus gives vent to her feelings3-- ,it would not be possible to set forth in words what we have felt from the affecting intelligence contained in dear ,r4's letter4 ,what shall we do but seek ability at the ,divine footstool to bow in humble resignation to this afflictive dispensation8 ,i have had for some time a strong impression that something of this kind awaited us in our immediate circle2 and it was with a trembling hand that ,i opened the letters4 ,the tie which bound me to her1 and which is now perhaps for a very short time broken1 as far as relates to earthly things1 was sealed upon my heart by a communion of more than forty-eight years1 and includes all the various changes of an eventful life1 during which my best feelings were ever cherished and encouraged1 both by example and precept1 and by the tenderest affection4 ,but ,i must not dwell upon this subject1 lest ,i become unfitted for the duties which our present engagement daily calls for4 ,to these afflictive tidings was added some discouragement in respect to their proposed journey to ,russia4 ,the little hope that ,john ,yeardley still entertained of being allowed to cross the ,russian frontier was extinguished by the information he received at ,stuttgardt4 ,a large number of the ,german emigrants who settled in the ,south ,russian colonies were from the neighborhood of this city1 and ,john ,yeardley inquired of some of their ministers1 who had served in the colonies1 how far the country was likely to be accessible to a foreigner going thither to preach the gospel4 ,the information he received was unfavorable1 and his endeavors to obtain in this city the signature of the ,russian ambassador to his passport were fruitless4 ,they had1 however1 something to console them under these trials4 ,in all our former travels in ,germany1 says ,j4,y41 we never experienced such an open door and spirit of inquiry among the people as in the present journey4 ,it is said that there is scarcely a village in all ,wuertemberg where meetings for worship are not held in private houses4 ,the late revolutionists declare vengeance against these people1 the pietists1 as they call them1 and that if the war breaks out again1 they are to be the first to be cut off4 ,but the present king gives them their liberty and his protection1 and has openly said the pietists have saved his country4--7,letter of #i mo4 #ae47 ,before they left ,stuttgardt they were refreshed by a social evening's recreation1 one of those occasions of the familiar intercourse of friendship1 under the canopy of divine love1 in which ,john ,yeardley especially delighted4 #agth4--,our two young friends1 ,reuchlin1 came to conduct us to their garden among the vine-hills in the environs of the town4 ,we there met their precious mother1 and were joined by a good many interior ones1 who had been invited to meet us4 ,we had a precious little meeting in the arbor1 after which we gave them some account of the religious movement in ,belgium1 c41 which pleased them much4 ,we afterwards partook of fruit1 biscuits1 and wine4 ,i shall reckon this garden visit among the happy moments of my life1 because the presence of the ,most ,high was with us4 ,on the #ahth they went to ,kornthal to visit the interesting society in that place4 ,hoffmann's widow1 who seems to have returned from ,basle after the death of her husband1 was there1 but so aged and infirm as to be confined to the house4 ,the inmates of the establishment were therefore convened in some apartments adjoining her chamber1 so that she could partake in the spiritual repast4 ,their kind friend ,reuchlin had prepared the way for them2 and when the assembly took their seats1 a solemn silence ensued4 ,john ,yeardley and ,brother ,koelne addressed the meeting1 and the former supplicated at the conclusion4 ,on their way back to ,stuttgardt1 ,madame ,reuchlin interrogated them on the doctrine of election1 and was rejoiced to hear from them their full belief in the universality of the grace of ,god2 and as they communicated to one another their convictions respecting this great truth1 their spirits were knit together in the love of the gospel4 ,from another pious person in this city1 ,john ,yeardley received a word of timely encouragement4 ,he was anxious about their going into ,bohemia1 not having1 as he thought1 a sufficiently clear guidance to determine his course4 #i mo4 #ai4--;,a very acceptable visit from a worthy brother1 ,weiz4 ,he introduced himself and commenced speaking on the guidance and consolations of the ,holy ,spirit1 and spoke of his own experience as though he had known the thoughts of my heart4 ,i have1 said he1 sometimes earnestly prayed to the ,lord for direction what way to take1 and have received no intimation2 all has been dark within2 ,i knew not whether to go right or left1 and ,i have been compelled to go forward4 ,i have then said1 ,lord1 thou knowest my heart1 be pleased to prosper my way2 ,i leave the consequence to thee4 ,the conclusion to which they came in regard to ,bohemia was1 not to attempt the journey at that time1 but to return to ,england for the winter1 and leave the remoter districts of the circuit which they had in prospect till another year4 ,they therefore returned by ,heilbronn to ,kreuznach1 where they again found many opportunities of instructing and strengthening such as had made some progress in the ,christian course4 #bfth4--,this evening had about a dozen serious persons to tea4 ,after a long conversation1 we read a chapter1 and made some remarks3 there was also a time of silence1 with supplication4 #aj mo4 #a4 ,first-day4--,this afternoon we attended a meeting at ,schwabenheim1 a few miles from here4 ,notice had been given of our intention to be present1 and the company was consequently larger than usual4 ,they meet in an old convent1 the other end of which forms the parish place of worship4 ,after the singing and a short prayer1 the good old ,a4 ,tiegel read a chapter in the ,new ,testament1 and was proceeding to make some remarks upon it1 when ,i stopped him1 feeling something on my mind to say to the people4 ,i was led to recommend a patient waiting upon ,god for the renewed help of his ,spirit1 and also to speak on the progress of the ,gospel ,church from ,isaiah ii4 #b1 #c1 c4 ,my ,m4,y4 spoke a little in ,german on the still small voice1 and the teaching of the ,spirit4 ,i did not in this instance feel quite easy to put aside the whole of their service4 ,after meeting we had coffee with ,tiegel1 and took back in our carriage a few of our ,kreuznach friends who had walked to the meeting4#ac #dth4--,yesterday evening we had a few friends with us two hours1 by appointment1 to speak concerning the rules1 c41 of our ,society4 ,many questions were asked1 and a pretty detailed account given by us1 as well as we were able4 ,the company were all satisfied1 and wished to come again4 #fth4--,to-day we received a visit from a young ,english lady4 ,she came to ask how we understood the passages in ,paul's ,epistles forbidding women to speak in the church4 ,we soon gave her an answer1 and handled the matter so fully that she was quieted down before she left1 little thinking1 as she acknowledged1 that so much could be said in defence of the practice among ,friends4 ,she even said she thought it to be a general loss to the ,christian ,church that women are not permitted to take part in the ministry4 ,she is a thorough ,millenarian1 and said the prophecy in ,joel1 that the ,spirit should be poured out on all flesh1 referred to the coming of ,christ to reign on the earth1 until ,i reminded her of what happened on the day of ,pentecost1 when ,peter said expressly that it was the fulfilment of the prophecy of ,joel4 ,two other ladies were with her4 ,we parted friendly1 and she thanked me for the information ,i had given her4 #gth4--,went to ,treisen to a meeting4 ,the little company meet only about eight persons usually1 but we found about thirty assembled in a small room4 ,i thought it one of the most lively meetings we have had4 ,they wished me to conduct it in our own way4 ,i told them we always commenced our worship by sitting in silence4 ,they said1 ,we will also sit still4 ,i was favored with strength to speak to them of the pool of ,bethesda1 when the angel troubled the water1 and on the nature and advantage of true silence before ,god4 ,at the close1 none seemed to wish to depart1 but entered into serious conversation4 ,i think ,i never saw more satisfaction exhibited at receiving books than on this occasion4 ,after coffee1 we returned to our lodgings with thankful hearts4 ,in the evening came three young women1 with an elderly lady1 the mother of one of them4 ,we had much conversation1 and a precious little meeting1 which concluded with solemn supplication--a nice finish to our sojourn in interesting ,kreuznach4 ,our friend ,ott has accompanied us2 he has been to us as eyes in the wilderness4 ,from ,kreuznach they returned to ,bonn1 stopping at ,darmstadt1 ,wiesbaden and ,neuwied4 ,john ,yeardley had allowed some discouragement to enter his mind in regard to the meeting they had had the previous month at the ,countess ,stynum's4 ,they found1 however1 on repeating their visit to this place1 that the occasion in question had been one of peculiar benefit and encouragement4 ,they renewed their religious intercourse with the ,countess and her friends to their great refreshment and joy4 #abth4--,the evening was spent with the ,countess1 in a quiet and more private interview than she had with us the last time1 owing to so many strangers being present4 ,after tea we had a long conversation on various religious subjects1 particularly on some points relating to the principles of ,friends1 arising from what she had read in the books we left with her in our former visit4 ,we were glad of an opportunity to answer her questions4 ,a few of her private friends were present1 much to our comfort4 ,before leaving1 the forty-sixth ,psalm was read1 and we had a comforting time together3 the ,lord be praised6 ,how sweet in him is the fellowship of the gospel6 ,writing to ,josiah ,forster from ,bonn1 ,john ,yeardley makes some general remarks on the religious state of ,germany1 as they had found it in their frequent intercourse with individuals of various character during this journey4 ,there is no doubt that there is in the ,german character generally a tendency to the visionary4 ,we have found a few who hold doctrines on certain points1 which it might do harm to publish2 but we find or hear nothing of fanaticism now as formerly4 ,those who are spiritually-minded are more chastened1 and more sound and scriptural in their views of religious truth2 but not without exception4 ,a meeting at ,muehlheim not large1 but a good time1 closed their religious service in this part of their long and arduous engagement4 ,they arrived in ,england on the #bjth of the ,tenth ,month1 with peaceful feelings1 and in gratitude to their ,heavenly ,father for all his mercies towards his unworthy servants2 but mourning the loss of some beloved ones who had died in the ,lord in their absence4 ,after about five months passed in the quiet of home1 they made preparation once more for accomplishing the work to which they had been called4 ,the prospect of distant travel was discouraging1 both on account of ,martha ,yeardley's weak health and of the state of the ,continent2 but1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 my mind is peaceful1 and ,i have an abiding conviction that it is right to proceed1 trusting in the ,lord for light1 strength and safety4 ,on their way through ,belgium1 the same feeling was strongly impressed upon his mind4 #ahej4 #d mo4 #g4--;,in the train1 soon after leaving ,brussels1 my spirit was melted under a feeling of the ,lord's goodness4 ,the object of our journey came weightily before me1 and ,i considered we had left our home and every object most dear to our natural affections1 with the sole view to serve our ,lord and ,master1 and in the desire to use our feeble powers to draw souls to ,him1 that they might partake of spiritual communion with the ,beloved of souls1 through his grace4 ,a degree of precious resignation followed2 and1 whatever may be the result as it regards ourselves1 ,i believe it is the ,lord's will for us thus to go forth1 in his name2 and should ,i or the precious partner of my bosom not be permitted again to see our native land1 we shall be happy and at rest1 through the mercy of that ,saviour who gave his precious life for us4 ,on arriving at ,berlin their first duty was to apply to the ,russian ambassador for his signature to their passport1 with permission to enter the ,russian territory at ,odessa4 ,their application met with an immediate and positive refusal1 and the extinction of his hopes in this respect was to ,john ,yeardley a grievous disappointment4 ,the next evening1 after they had borne their burden all the day1 dejected in spirit1 and uncertain which way to turn1 their hearts were lightened by a visit from ,august ,beyerhaus1 who at once attached himself to them and offered them help4 ,he could indeed do nothing to facilitate their entrance into ,russia1 but he was the means of diverting their minds from the consideration of what had now become hopeless1 and of opening to them1 in ,berlin1 a door of usefulness4 ,through his introduction they became acquainted with several devoted ,christians1 some of them of wide reputation in the ,church4 ,these interviews1 which were occasions of heartfelt spiritual communion1 are thus noticed in the ,diary3-- #d mo4 #bb4--,samuel ,elsner is an aged warm-hearted ,christian1 full of faith and good works3 he gave us important information1 and will send me some names of pious persons in ,silesia4 ,pastor ,gossner we found green in old age2 seventy-five years of a variegated life have taught him many useful lessons4 ,his refuge now is strong faith in the ,saviour4 ,he was at work in his arm-chair1 and was much pleased to see us4 #bcrd4--,pastor ,knack1 successor to ,gossner1 is a man of a lively spirit1 to whom we at once felt united4 ,he very liberally offered us the liberty of speaking to his flock 7the ,bohemian congregation in ,berlin72 and also invited us to visit the little company in the village where we propose going this evening4 ,at #c o'clock we had a sweet interview with ,professor ,neander1 an aged man of a striking figure and a ,jewish countenance1 pervaded by heavenly calmness1 and illumined by the bright shades of gospel light4 ,his eyes are become dim through excessive study2 his heart is very large1 full of love and hope in ,jesus ,christ4 ,he seemed pleased to hear some account of the order of our ,society1 particularly with regard to the ministry and gospel missions1 observing1 ,with you1 then1 there is liberty for all to speak when moved by the ,holy ,spirit1 just as in the primitive church4 ,this observation led us to several points of our discipline1 and he seemed delighted that a society existed whose practice1 in many things1 came so near to that of the primitive church4 ,before parting the spirit of supplication came over us1 under which prayer was offered1 particularly for this aged servant of the ,lord4 ,his disinterestedness is great4 ,the king will sometimes give him money1 that he may take relaxation in going to the baths1 c4 ,but so susceptible is his heart for many who are necessitous1 that he will often give to others all that he has received4 ,the good king has then to repeat his gift1 and send him away almost by force from his labors4 ,after these choice visits1 ,john ,yeardley says3-- #bdth4--,a ray of light and hope has broken in upon our gloomy path1--not into ,russia2 there ,satan is still permitted to hinder2 but in this city4 ,they spent two days at ,rixdorf1 the village alluded to above1 three miles from ,berlin1 where was a small congregation of ,bohemian ,brethren1 who took refuge there in #agcg4 ,the women of the society held religious meetings by themselves twice a week4 ,these meetings had been instituted many years before by ,maria ,liestig1 to whom ,john and ,martha ,yeardley were introduced1 and whom they found to be of a meek and intelligent spirit4 ,she gave them a relation of her extraordinary conversion1 which ,john ,yeardley published in ,no4 #c of his ,series of ,tracts1 under the title of the ,conversion of ,mary ,merry4 ,they held a meeting in the village1 in which they both had to speak closely on the necessity of silence in worship4 ,they had also a small meeting at their hotel in ,berlin1 when the gospel message flowed freely1 in speaking of the spiritual dispensation in which we live1 and the progress of light4 ,on the #bith they left ,berlin1 and went to the beautiful watering-place of ,warmbrunn1 in ,silesia4 ,the dwellings of the laborers in ,silesia struck them as being of a wretched description4 ,what they do4 says ,j4,y41 in a rigorous winter1 like the last1 ,i cannot tell2 they appeared to be mostly4 ,roman ,catholics4 ,they resided a month at ,warmbrunn4 ,some of the simple incidents which befel them there form the subjects of the following extracts3-- #e mo4 #aj4--,yesterday was a thorough rainy day2 but in the afternoon1 to our surprise1 came in eight men together1 who had heard of strangers having arrived in ,warmbrunn to visit those who love the ,saviour4 ,we explained to them our religious principles2 their countenances brightened when we spoke of the ,spirit being poured out upon all--sons and daughters4 ,a sweet feeling was present with us1 and supplication was offered under much solemnity4 #aath4--,i have had a long conversation with ,c4,w4 ,grossner1 of ,breslau1 on the ,supper1 c4 ,we opened the ,testament1 and read the various passages1 and ,i explained our views as well as ,i could4 ,i think he is brought under serious thoughtfulness1 and half convinced of our principles with regard to the rites1 which he acknowledges are vain without the substance4 ,religion with many1 nowadays1 he observed1 is like a polished shell without kernel4 #acth4--,the ,countess ,schaffgotsch sent her butler with a message from the castle that she would be glad if we would call on her4 ,she gave us a hearty reception1 and thanked us for taking so much interest about the people4 ,on our presenting her with some books2--,but ,i am a ,catholic1 she said4 ,we told her that made no difference to us2 we loved all who loved the ,lord ,jesus4 ,she spoke very sweetly of the influence of the spirit4 #adth4--,the ,countess paid us a long visit1 and spoke much of the ,roman ,catholic faith4 ,she has no more faith in the efficacy of the prayers of the saints than ,i have1 and said she had not prayed to them now for four years2 their church only advises1 not commands it4 #afth4--,we went to dine with the ,countess ,reden and her sister1 who live at the castle in ,buchwald1 one of the most lovely spots in the most lovely of countries4 ,it is truly a peaceful abode1 whose inmates fear their ,god1 love their neighbor1 and greatly esteem their king4 ,we had been announced to the ,countess from ,berlin a week before2 she and her amiable sister received us as a brother and sister beloved in the ,lord4 ,i never witnessed more intelligence combined with ,christian politeness and real simplicity4 ,the ,countess is about seventy-six years of age2 she is the president of the ,bible ,society1 and the spiritual mother of all that is good in the neighborhood4 ,she nursed the present king on her lap when he was a baby1 and her great influence with him now she always turns to good account in serving benevolence and religion4 ,both she and her sister spoke with much affection of dear ,elizabeth ,j4 ,fry1 and her visit with ,joseph ,john ,gurney4 #bfth4--,our last meeting1 on ,first-day evening1 consisted of all men1 several of whom had come from ,erdmannsdorf and the colonies of the ,tyrolese4 ,they seemed to appreciate the time of silence1 and expressed much satisfaction with having made our acquaintance1 and with the meeting4 ,on the #cjth of the ,fifth ,month1 ,j4 and ,m4 ,y4 quitted ,warmbrunn and proceeded towards ,bohemia4 ,we passed1 says the former1 through ,hirschberg4 ,goldberg1 ,liegnitz1 and to ,dresden1 ,leipzig1 and ,halle1 making acquaintance in all these places with serious persons1 and1 ,i hope1 scattering here and there a little gospel seed2 but truly we may say1 ,it is sown in weakness4 ,at ,halle we were much gratified with our visit to ,dr4 ,tholuck1 but ,i think1 not less so with his wife1 a most lovely person1 delighting to feel and to do good4 ,on arriving at ,dresden1 it became evident that ,martha ,yeardley1 who had1 suffered much for some time from an affection of the windpipe1 required repose and medical care2 and they concluded to rest awhile at the baths of ,toeplitz4 ,the illness of his wife1 and some degree of bodily indisposition from which he himself suffered1 did not prevent ,john ,yeardley from employing the time in the diffusion of evangelical truth4 ,he had heard at ,berlin that within a few months several hundred ,bibles and ,testaments had been sent into ,bohemia1 and had been eagerly bought there by awakened persons4 ,he thought that if a translation could be made into the ,bohemian language of some simple religious tracts1 much good might be done by their dissemination2 but he supposed that the intolerant laws of the ,austrian ,empire1 which forbad all freedom of religious action1 were still in full force4 ,his account of his feelings and those of ,martha ,yeardley under the burden which this supposition imposed on them1 and of the agreeable manner in which permission was unexpectedly granted them to print and circulate their little messengers of peace1 must be given in his own words3-- ,our hearts yearned towards the people1 but we were afraid to give them tracts1 which in other places had often been the means to conversation and to making acquaintance4 ,this brought us low in mind2 the body was already weak enough before4 ,we thought it would not do to pass through the country in this state of depression1 without trying to remove the cause4 ,i went1 therefore1 the next morning to the head of the authorities1 took with me one of our little tracts1 mostly ,scripture extracts1 and asked whether ,i might be allowed to have the little book1 or such as ,i then presented to him1 printed for circulation4 ,he received me politely1 indeed kindly1 and looked pleased with my tract1 saying as be turned over its innocent little pages1 ,ah1 nothing about politics2 nothing against the religion of the country3 it is very good1 it is beautiful4 ,you are quite at liberty to print and circulate such tracts as these4 ,and when he found that the object was to do good to all1 without cost to the receiver1 he said1 ,that is lovely4--7,letter of #f mo4 #bc47 ,the ,bohemian translations were not made until ,j4 and ,m4 ,y4 went to ,prague1 which they did on the #bbnd4 ,their feelings on entering this city1 and the manner in which they were helped in their work of love1 are described in the following diaries3-- #f mo4 #bc4--,last evening we arrived at ,prague4 ,our heart sunk on approaching this great city4 ,the twenty-eight statues of saints1 c4 on the bridge1 with the many lamps devoted to these images1 the crucifixes1 c41 all indicated that superstition rages rampant4 ,we lost no time in sending to the ,protestant pastors1 one of whom kindly came to us in the evening1 and we conversed till late4 ,i showed him my little ,spiritual ,bread for ,christian ,workmen1 with which he was much pleased4 ,i told him ,i wanted it translated into the ,bohemian language4 ,this afternoon he paid us another visit1 and brought his wife to see my ,m4,y4 ,he produced the translation of the introduction to the little tract4 ,we are to have #bjjj printed4 ,most of the poor people read only the ,bohemian language4 ,i have promised to place #ajjj at the disposal of the pastor2 he is delighted with the opportunity of having anything of the kind printed in ,prague4 ,much1 adds ,j4,y4 in a letter1 as ,i have suffered in the long prospect of a visit to this place1 ,i feel a peculiar satisfaction that it has been deferred until there is liberty to print and circulate gospel tracts4 ,small as such a privilege may appear1 until very recently such distribution of books would have been visited with a very inconvenient imprisonment on the individual transgressing the law4--7#f mo4 #bc47 #bdth4--,i gave ,pastor ,bennisch for perusal1 and choice for translation1 ,william4 ,allen's ,thoughts on the ,importance of ,religion1 and our tracts on the ,fall1 ,regeneration and ,redemption1 ,true ,faith1 and the ,voice of ,conscience4 ,there is a great movement among the ,catholics2 they have need to be instructed in the first principles of ,christianity1 and it is very important that the doctrine of faith in ,christ should be combined with that of the practical working of the ,spirit as set forth in many of our tracts4 ,on this account1 ,i am glad they are likely to take precedence of others in their circulation2 for ,i do not hear that any tracts decidedly religious have yet been printed in ,prague4 ,during their stay in the city1 and after they left1 there were printed #ab1jjj copies of the tracts in ,bohemian1 and #ajjj in ,german4 ,at ,toeplitz1 which they revisited before leaving ,bohemia1 occurred the interesting incident of the ,bohemian soldier1 which is related under that title in ,john ,yeardley's series of tracts1 ,no4 #d4 ,when they finally quitted the country1 they took the nearest road to ,kreuznach4 ,on the way1 they distributed tracts in the villages1 at one of which1 where they were detained for want of horses1 the inhabitants flocked so eagerly to them to receive these little messengers1 that they had difficulty in satisfying them4 ,notwithstanding this circumstance1 the reflection with which ,john ,yeardley concludes his account of their travels in ,bohemia was1 ,it will require a power more than human to make the dry bones of ,bohemia live4 ,they spent three weeks at ,kreuznach1 confirming the faith of the brethren1 and printing ,german translations of several tracts4 ,in passing through ,neuwied1 they intended only to spend the night there2 but hearing that much inquiry after the way of salvation had recently manifested itself in the villages around1 they decided1 after the horses had been ordered for departure1 to remain and visit one of these villages4 ,a meeting was called1 and so many attended that the room could not contain them all4 ,it was a good season2 ,de ,freis1 the friend who had made them acquainted with the religious condition of the place1 accompanied them as guide1 and was a true helper in the work4 ,he had been twenty years missionary in ,greenland and ,south ,africa4 ,they returned home1 both of them worn with travelling1 and ,martha ,yeardley exhausted with disease1 which was making sure progress in her debilitated frame2 but they were supported by the peaceful consciousness of having accomplished all the service to which they had been called to labor in common4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,death ,,of ,,martha ,,yeardley1 ,,and ,,john ,,yeardley',s ,,journey ,,to ,,norway4 #ahea-b4 ,martha ,yeardley continued very unwell during the autumn1 and by the end of the year her disorder assumed a more alarming form4 ,it soon became evident that her dedicated life must at no distant period be brought to a close2 and after many weeks of suffering1 with confinement to the chamber during the latter part of the time1 she expired1 full of peace and hope in ,christ ,jesus1 in the ,fifth ,month1 #ahea4 ,the following memorandum1 touchingly descriptive of her illness and death1 was penned by her bereaved husband1 probably soon after her decease4 ,after our return from the ,continental journey my beloved ,m4,y4 became more poorly4 ,a severe influenza cold weakened her much2 and a second attack she seemed never to recover4 ,it was succeeded by a regular rheumatic fever4 ,from the commencement of #ahea1 with but little exception1 she was confined to the house1 and for a little while to her bed1 until the #hth of the ,fifth ,month1 when her sweet and purified spirit ascended to her ,saviour1 and commenced an eternity of bliss4 ,thus was ,i deprived of my only earthly treasure4 ,she was the ,lord's precious loan1 granted me for nearly a quarter of a century1 for which ,i can never be sufficiently thankful4 ,she was his own1 bought with the blood of his dear ,son1 and he saw meet to take her from me4 ,ours was a blessed union1 and a happy life1 spent1 ,i hope1 unitedly in the service of our ,lord4 ,in all our imperfections we did desire1 above all earthly things1 to do the work of our ,divine ,master1 and to labor for the promotion of his kingdom1 and for the spread of his knowledge in the earth4 ,i was her only nurse till within ten days of her happy close4 ,long had a covenant been made between us1 in the time of health1 that whichever of us was taken ill the first1 should be nursed by the surviving one1 if permitted and strength afforded2 which it mercifully was to me1 and a happy season was the sick-room4 ,we seemed to live together in heaven2 never1 ,i think1 could two mortals be more favored with the answer to prayer4 ,in the early part of her illness she spoke much of the satisfaction she had felt in our three last journeys to the ,continent1 and that she was thankful in having been enabled to go through the whole of the service which her ,lord had put into her heart4 ,i have since thought it was a mercy that ,i did not proceed into ,south ,russia1 as1 in all probability1 my precious one would have fallen on the journey1 and never seen her peaceful home again4 ,during the whole of the illness her delight was to speak of the joy of heaven4 ,my sins of omission and of commission1 she said1 are all passed by2 my iniquities are all forgiven1 and washed away in the blood of the ,lamb2 and now ,i rejoice in ,god my ,saviour4 ,his love and mercy to me are beyond all bounds2 and so strong is my faith in my precious ,saviour1 that ,i have scarcely known1 the whole of the illness1 what it has been to be troubled with an evil thought4 ,when she expressed a desire to go to ,heaven1 ,i reminded her of my loneliness when she should be taken from me4 ,the ,lord will care for thee1 was her constant reply4 ,he has promised me over and over again that he will care for thee2 the answer to my prayer has always been1 ,i will care for him4 ,nearly the last conversation she had with any of her beloved relatives was with ----1 to whom she observed3 ,my affection for thee is strong2 ,i believe thou lovest thy ,saviour3 ,i desire that thou mayest keep nothing back that the ,lord may require of thee1 but serve him with greater devotedness of heart2 and if ever thou art called to bear public testimony to his truth1 be sure to preach the whole gospel1 faith in ,christ1 and the necessity of the practical work of the ,holy ,spirit to produce holiness of life4 ,to another of her near relatives she observed3 ,thou hast often been sweetly visited by the love of thy ,saviour1 and be assured thou wilt never find any joy equal to that of yielding thy heart in prompt obedience to the will of thy ,lord4 ,her last words to her affectionate sisters were1 ,the ,lord bless you all3 ,farewell4 ,towards the end of the year ,john ,yeardley again communed with himself in the language of sorrow1 but also of humble resignation4 ,at the same time he speaks of an engagement of gospel labor from which he had then recently returned1 the first which he had undertaken alone since his marriage with ,martha ,savory4 ,having seen his faithful and well-tried comrade fall by his side1 he had now to learn again to gird himself and enter1 as in the days of his youth1 alone into the combat4 #ahea4 #ab mo4 #ac4--;,how often have ,i prayed that the portion of her ,lord's spirit which animated her devoted life may rest on me6 ,her heart1 her tongue1 and her pen were all employed in promoting the cause of her ,divine ,master1 whom she delighted to serve4 ,all my earthly joy was now gone to heaven1 and ,i felt alone in the world2 but my spirit seemed never to be separated from her3 she seemed to be hovering over me constantly4 ,my heart does sorrow for the loss of her sweet society2 to me she was a wise and sound counsellor1 and a never-failing consoler in all my troubles4 ,i do mourn1 but ,i dare not murmur4 ,i hope my merciful ,heavenly ,father will keep me in the hour of temptation1 and be with me in the last trying hour1 and prepare me to join this precious one and all by whom she is surrounded with her ,god and ,saviour in the centre of bliss4 ,i had often mentioned to my precious one a prospect of religious service in ,ireland1 and once since our return home from our last ,continental journey2 when she replied1 ,i have no concern to go to ,ireland--thou must do that when ,i am taken from thee4 ,it cost me many tears and prayers before ,i could be resigned to request a certificate1 alone1 for the first time since our union2 but1 looking seriously at the subject1 the language was constantly in my heart1 ,the hour cometh when no man can work4 ,life is uncertain1 and ,i can only expect sustaining grace by faithfully following my ,lord3 and1 blessed be his name1 he has kept and sustained me in every trial4 ,this day would have been the twenty-fifth anniversary of our union4 ,how near it has brought my precious one to me in spirit1 and how strong are my prayers that my ,lord may preserve me faithful to the end of the race6 ,i can say my desire is1 when he cometh1 he may not find me idle4 ,the visit which ,john ,yeardley made in ,ireland was general1 comprehending all1 or nearly all1 the meetings of ,friends in the island1 and including a few public meetings in ,leinster province4 ,he has left very few notes of this journey1 except an itinerary of the places at which he stopped1 but makes frequent mention of the hospitality and kindness of ,friends4 ,from ,cork he writes3-- ,i am in the midst of a family visit to the ,friends of ,cork1 and shall have1 ,i expect1 from ninety to a hundred sittings4 ,i am lodged a few miles in the country1 in a mansion surrounded by beautiful grounds1 and all the beloved inmates most affectionate and helpful to me4 ,they send me to my work in or about the city mostly to breakfast2 and ,i return1 in the evening1 and enjoy the refreshing breezes and the quiet3 but then ,i have the family visits to resume next morning4 ,in riding to town to-day1 ,i tried to raise my heart to ,god2 when the language sweetly occurred to me1 ,bread shall be given thee1 thy water shall be sure4--7,letter of #h mo4 #e1 #ahea47 ,a few days after his return from ,ireland1 he left home again to visit the ,isle of ,man1 in company with ,barnard ,dickenson4 ,on his return1 he was refreshed by a visit to ,dover1 where he spent three weeks in the company of his kind and sympathising friend ,margaret ,pope4 ,the interval which elapsed before the recommencement of his missionary labors was to be short4 ,in the ,first ,month of #aheb1 we find him again under exercise of mind for foreign travel2 having1 this time1 to direct his course towards the interesting community of religious persons in ,norway1 whose principles and practices are the same as those of ,friends4 ,the ,diary which follows is the utterance of his heart in the prospect of this work4 #aheb4 #a mo4 #bd4--,this has been a precious morning unto my soul2 such a season of spiritual comfort ,i have not been permitted to experience for a long time4 ,i think it is vouchsafed me through the efficacy of earnest prayer1 which has brought me to resignation to my ,lord's will4 ,i have now no more doubt as to ,norway4 ,light springs on my path4 ,how powerful is the love of ,god when it fills the heart2 there is not a place on the ,lord's earth where ,i think ,i could not go1 if favored with the strength1 and blessed with the presence of my ,god and ,saviour4 ,unto thee1 ,lord1 do ,i commit all my concerns1 spiritual and temporal2 do thou give to thy unworthy servant an answer of peace4 ,keep me faithful and patient to the end of the race4 ,lord1 grant that my ministry1 which thou hast entrusted to me1 may proceed purely and entirely from thy love1 and be exercised in thy fear and under the unction of thy ,holy ,spirit4 ,lord1 keep my heart fixed1 on the last1 last awful moment that ,i may have to breathe2 grant that it may be breathed out in the bosom of my adorable ,saviour2 all sting of death taken away1 my robes washed in his blood1 and my spirit purified and ready to be united to those beloved ones who are already enjoying a blissful eternity with thee6 ,the next entry in the ,diary was made at ,christiania1 where he thus speaks of the unity and concurrence which his friends had testified with his mission4 ,since ,i last wrote any notes in this journal1 ,i have passed through many conflicts respecting my long-thought-of visit to ,norway4 ,when the subject was proposed to my friends in ,london1 it met with the warm encouragement and sympathy of all1 in every stage1 to the receiving the full unity of the ,yearly ,meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,i am accompanied by my dear friend1 ,peter ,bedford1 whose sweet and constantly cheerful spirits comfort and cheer me4 ,we have already had many proofs that our being joined together in this laborious journey is of the ,lord4 ,our friend ,william ,robinson proves an efficient helper4 ,john ,yeardley and his companions left ,london on the #ith of the ,sixth ,month1 and went first to ,homburg1 as he wished to place a young person in whom he was interested1 at the school kept by the sisters ,mueller at ,friedrichsdorf1 near that town4 ,whilst at ,homburg he was suddenly attacked with a severe and painful disorder1 and was reduced to great extremity4 ,after about two weeks of suffering1 he was restored to convalescence1 when he thus breaks forth3-- ,how can ,i sufficiently record the mercy of my ,god in sustaining me in a time of great extremity1 even when there was but little prospect of my ever seeing ,norway4 ,he blessed me with resignation and sustaining grace1 so that ,i could rest as on the ,saviour's bosom1 for life or death4 ,i knew my ,lord and ,master could do without my poor unworthy service in ,norway2 but if he had work for me to do in that land he would raise me up in his own time2 and so he has done4 ,as soon as he had sufficiently recovered his strength1 they set forth for ,kiel2 but not before ,john ,yeardley had had a religious meeting with the pupils in the school4 ,i was1 he says1 enabled to address them in ,german2 a precious feeling was over us1 and many spirits were tendered before the ,lord4 ,f4 ,mueller expressed her great satisfaction with this parting visit4 ,they reached ,kiel by easy stages in seven days4 ,from this place he writes3-- ,my very soul pants to be in ,norway2 had ,i wings ,i could fly there4 ,and yet how few are the days since the cloud between me and that land was so dense that ,i could not see through it4 ,but even then1 ,o1 what sweet peace and resignation were the clothing of my humbled spirit4 ,there seemed nothing in my way to heaven1 whether from ,germany or ,norway4 ,i do believe my eye and heart are fixed on my precious ,saviour1 and he has been my stay in the hour of sore conflict of body1 but none of mind4 ,all seemed peace and bliss when ,i glanced at the happy home above1 already inhabited by my precious one and many more who were dear to us on earth4--7,letter of #g mo4 #b1 #aheb47 ,on the #eth of the ,seventh ,month they proceeded to ,christiania1 ,john ,yeardley employing the time on the voyage in adding to the little stock of the ,norse language which he had acquired at home in anticipation of the journey4 ,on landing at ,christiania they were refreshed by seeing ,asbjoen ,kloster of ,stavanger1 who had come to meet them1 and for two weeks had been waiting their arrival4 ,at a meeting which they held in this city1 both ,john ,yeardley and ,peter ,bedford were engaged to minister to the spiritual wants of the people2 ,a4 ,kloster interpreting for them4 ,the company were so much interested1 that many of them went afterwards to the hotel to converse and ask for tracts4 ,the ,friends left ,christiania on the #ajth1 and sailed through the rock-bound sea to ,christiansand1 the passage between the cliffs being in some places so narrow that there was no more room than was sufficient for the vessel to pass4 ,in this town they enjoyed much freedom in the gospel1 and held two public meetings4 ,regarding the first of these1 ,john ,yeardley says3-- #g mo4 #ac4--,our large room at the hotel was filled half an hour before the time appointed1 and it was with difficulty that we made our way to our seats4 ,a little unsettlement prevailed from the desire to enter1 which subsided after a few explanatory words4 ,a time of quiet ensued1 and there was much openness to receive the gospel message4 ,before the close of the meeting ,i became exceedingly thoughtful about appointing another for the next evening2 and on intimating the same to ,p4,b41 ,i found he was under the same impression4 ,it was1 therefore1 announced to the assembly before they separated1 and appeared much to satisfy them4 ,the dear people were unwilling to part from us without a shake by the hand4--7,diary and ,letter47 ,at one of the meetings which they held in this town1 whilst ,john ,yeardley was preaching1 he became sensible that his interpreter had himself received something to communicate to the congregation2 he therefore stopped speaking1 and the interpreter1 faithful to his duty1 took up the word until he had cleared his mind from its burden4 ,after he had finished1 ,john ,yeardley resumed his discourse4 ,on the #adth the ,friends drove out a few miles into the country to pay some family visits4 ,they had two double carrioles1 or gigs3 the road over which they passed was steep and rugged beyond description4 ,in returning1 the carriole in which ,peter ,bedford rode struck against a rock at a sharp corner and was overset4 ,peter ,bedford's right shoulder was dislocated1 and he otherwise bruised4 ,in conveying him into ,christiansand he suffered much from the shaking of the car2 but the joint was quickly set by a skilful surgeon2 and1 in the evening1 the love he felt for the people was so strong1 that he could not remain absent from the meeting which had been appointed for that time1 and he even took part in its vocal exercise4 ,it was1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 a favored time4 ,peter ,bedford gave some account of the difference between our religious ,society and other professing ,christians4 ,it opened the way for me to speak on the peculiar doctrines and practices of ,friends at more length than ,i ever remember to have done before2 after which the glad tidings of the gospel flowed freely1 and the people were invited to come to ,christ and partake of the full blessedness of his teaching by the ,holy ,spirit4 ,a precious solemnity prevailed1 and the serious attention of the company was great4 ,a good many soldiers1 and some officers1 were present2 but the expression of our dissent from all wars and fightings had not displeased them1 for they shook hands with ,,us most kindly4--7,diary and ,letter47 ,besides being interested for the people of ,christiansand in general1 ,john ,yeardley and ,peter ,bedford were especially attracted towards several young men who had embraced the doctrines of ,friends1 without any knowledge of the ,society1 and without any instruction from man4 ,with these persons they met more than once4 ,john ,yeardley writes3-- ,we had a precious meeting with them4 ,they were invited to embrace the doctrines of the gospel in living faith1 and to give full room to the workings of the ,spirit of ,jesus1 whose voice they had already heard inviting them to come under his teaching4 ,we encouraged them to meet for divine worship4 ,on the #afth the ,friends proceeded thirty-five miles to ,mandal1 travelling post4 ,from thence1 ,john ,yeardley and ,asbjoen ,kloster went by the road to ,stavanger1 leaving ,peter ,bedford and ,william ,robinson to follow by steam-vessel1 the former being unable to bear the motion of the ,norwegian carriages4 ,john ,yeardley1 in one of his letters1 in a lively manner describes the mode of travelling3-- ,the usual vehicle in this country is the single-seated carriole1 made exactly to fit the figure of the traveller1 and no spare room except a little well under his feet4 ,the seat is placed on two crossbars fixed to the long shafts1 the spring of which is intended to mitigate the jolting of the road4 ,we chose double cars on iron springs1 which we found not too easy3 they were like old-fashioned1 worn-out1 and very shabby ,english gigs4 ,the posting is under government regulation1 and is performed by sure-footed ponies kept by the farmers1 who are obliged to supply them under any circumstances after having had notice4 ,a forbud is sent on with printed notices filled up with the time at which the traveller expects to arrive at each station4 ,this avant-courier is often a little boy1 and sometimes1 to save the expense of a horse1 for which the traveller has paid1 he is sent on foot4 ,on one occasion we met a young girl1 with bare feat1 who had walked sixteen miles with notice papers1 as our forbud4 ,now away goes the traveller1 accompanied by a man1 or more often a boy1 or it may be a little girl1 to bring back the pony4 ,they run by the side1 but down hills always seat themselves behind on the luggage as best they can4 ,the traveller drives himself1 and the little horses are so brisk that1 whatever the state of the road may be1 they run down the mountains as fast as they can clatter1 and so sure-footed that they are scarcely ever known to fall2 but a person of weak nerves has no business to be the rider4 ,from ,christiansand to ,stavanger is about #bjj miles1 which took us four days4 ,our road lay occasionally over a wild and stony heath by the sea1 sometimes along the river-banks1 lakes1 or fiords1 but more often among and upon the high and rugged rocks2 the passing of some of which is1 ,i think1 more difficult than crossing the ,alps between ,switzerland and ,italy4--7letter of #h mo4 #c47 ,on the way towards ,stavanger ,john ,yeardley had a public meeting at ,flekkefiord1 the first time such a meeting had been held in the place4 ,it was a good time1 and so well attended that the town-hall could not contain nearly all who came together4 ,immediately on arriving at ,stavanger1 the ,friends commenced visiting the families of the ,friends in the town and on the adjacent islands2 and on the next ,first-day held a meeting about eleven miles up one of the fiords1 to which so many flocked from all directions that they were obliged to assemble in the open air3-- ,it was1 says ,j4,y41 a lovely sight to see so many clean-dressed peasants1 in their mountain costume1 with a seriousness in their countenances which indicated that a motive better than curiosity had brought them together4 ,i was reminded and had to speak of the miracle of our blessed ,saviour1 when he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass1 and fed them with five barley loaves and two fishes4 ,since this time1 he says in a letter1 we hold our public meetings in the open air1 and the stillness that prevails is quite remarkable4 ,last evening we had a solemn opportunity in a plantation belonging to one of our ,friends by the seaside4 ,the hushing of the trees1 the gentle rolling of the waves behind a strong sea-wall1 and the warbling of the little birds1 all seemed to aid our worship2 but these would have been nothing had not the presence of our ,divine ,master been near4 ,after the meeting1 as many as could be seated partook of tea1 c4 ,the seriousness1 simplicity1 kindness and hospitality1 are great4 ,all flock together as if they were one family4--7#g mo4 #bh47 ,after this the ,friends availed themselves of the efficient assistance of ,endre ,dahl1 and of the active peasants who form a large portion of the ,society of ,friends there1 in a more extensive excursion which they made up one of the fiords which in so remarkable a manner intersect the country4 ,john ,yeardley gives a graphic description of this voyage4 ,our efficient helper prepared his own boat2 our ship's company are all volunteers4 ,we set out with seven1 but were joined by others on the way1 so that this morning we started with ten men4 ,they are a most cheerful and playful company1 all interested in the object of our voyage4 ,it does my heart good to see with what delight they bring planks for seats1 and run in all directions to give notice of our meetings4 ,each seems to strive which shall show us the most attention1 even anticipating our wants4 ,they enjoy our family readings and worship2 their conduct is instructive2 and the solemnity on these occasions precious4 ,on ,fifth-day we landed on an island 7,findon7 sprinkled with trees1 and with a park-like bank sloping to the water4 ,this was refreshing to the eye after having seen nothing but bare rook for many days4 ,the meeting was at our friend's house who owned the pretty little farm4 ,it was sweet and refreshing2 and afterwards a number of these people accompanied us to the boat1 and did not quit their standing till we were out of sight4 ,my heart yearned towards them in gospel love4 ,next morning we started before #f o'clock1 and when we had rowed fourteen ,english miles put into a little village1 ,ielsom4 ,we were all strangers in the place1 and ,friends and their principles unknown4 ,our friend ,endre ,dahl had a pointing that we should try for a meeting1 which was appointed for #b o'clock4 ,after waiting till #c1 only one or two persons came1 and we had a consultation whether we should proceed on our voyage1 but concluded it safer to go in and sit down4 ,when we were seated 7,i may say in faith71 first one and then another came in1 till the large room and passage were filled1 and a number were outside under the windows4 ,it was quite a remarkable meeting1 and we were well satisfied in having exercised patience as well as a little faith4 ,we were informed that it was the custom of the place not to attend any appointed meeting till an hour after the time named4 ,we arrived at ,sand about #i o'clock1 after hard rowing1 the tide being against us4 ,sand is beautifully placed at an opening in the rocks1 at the mouth of a river where salmon-fishing is good4 ,as soon as we landed1 our ship's company made the object of our journey known1 when a serious-looking man immediately offered to go about six miles to inform a person who he knew would like to attend4 ,two individuals in this place have for some time been in the practice of holding a silent meeting for worship2 they had no knowledge of ,friends1 nor ,friends of them4 ,fixing the meeting for the ,first-day evening1 ,john ,yeardley and his companions pursued their way the next morning1 which was ,seventh-day1 to ,saevde1 situated at the head of the fiord1 and consequently the extreme point of their voyage4 ,before starting they went a little way up the ,sand river1 to view one of the grand ,norwegian waterfalls1 and also to see how the salmon-fishery is conducted4 ,a hamper of about six feet in diameter1 and the same height1 made by the fisherman of the roughest wicker-work1 is placed in a side stream of the rock1 in the bed of the river4 ,the anxiety of the salmon to mount up the stream is so great1 that he forces himself through a hole into the hamper1 as the easiest way of advancing upwards1 from which position he cannot again escape4 ,in this manner1 in a favorable season1 sixty-three salmon have been caught in one night in a single basket4 ,it is a source of wealth to the little town of ,sand4 ,at ,saevde they held a meeting on ,first-day morning4 ,we reached the head of the fiord1 writes ,john ,yeardley by #ab o'clock1 and found but poor accommodation4 ,we three had one room with three beds2 ,endre ,dahl with his willing-hearted and contented men lodged in a barn on straw4 ,there was time enough to arrange for a meeting in the morning1 and we applied for a room at the inn2 but a little knot of illiberal ,haugeans followers of ,hauge1 or ,saints1 as they call themselves1 persuaded our landlord not to let us meet in his house4 ,but we obtained better accommodation under the rocks in a house containing two rooms connected by a passage1 and1 seating ourselves in the centre1 could be well heard by those outside the door4 ,we had a good meeting4 ,returning to ,sand1 he continues3-- ,the wind being against us1 the men had to work very hard at the oar to bring us in time for the meeting appointed for #f o'clock at ,sand4 ,some of the ,friends from near ,saevde accompanied us in their small boat2 and some from ,sand had gone many miles to attend the meeting at ,saevde1 and returned to the one at ,sand4 ,their zeal is great and their love fervent4 ,this was a very crowded meeting1 and proved a satisfactory time4 ,we found here a few of the ,saints1 but of a more liberal cast2 they expressed great grief that their brethren at the head of the fiord had refused the peaceable messengers of the gospel from a far country a house in which to meet4 ,this unwelcome news had reached them long before our arrival4 ,at a later date1 ,john ,yeardley relates an occurrence which happened at ,sand1 worthy of note in itself1 and which must have been not a little confirmatory of his faith4 ,it came to his knowledge after his return to ,stavanger4 ,when we were at ,sand1 one of the ,friends who joins in holding the silent meeting invited several of our ship's company to his house2 but the man's wife was so exasperated that she drove them away1 saying she would not have such folks under her roof4 ,she had confounded the principles of ,friends with those of some wild persons who had gone about the country spreading ranterism1 and giving the people the idea that they were of our ,society4 ,it was in vain to reason with her1 and the husband1 for the sake of peace1 mildly consented to let the ,friends withdraw4 ,however1 she attended our public meeting1 where the gospel doctrine of our ,society was pretty fully illustrated2 and ,i felt constrained also to preach on the unreasonableness of persecution for conscience' sake1 either by the government1 private persons1 or families4 ,conviction seized her heart1 and she became broken to pieces4 ,after the meeting she sought up the ,friends whom she had driven from her house1 and told them she could not be happy unless they would give her a proof of forgiveness by taking up their abode in her family so long as they might remain in the place4 ,several of them accepted the invitation1 which gave them an opportunity for free and satisfactory conversation4 ,how merciful are the ,lord's doings with us in sending help in the needful time6 ,i was so spent when we arrived at ,sand1 having had nothing from breakfast till #e o'clock1 that ,i said in my heart1 ,it is impossible to get through the meeting this evening4 ,the ,friends had some religions service at several other places about ,stavanger1 and on the #fth of the ,eighth ,month proceeded northward to ,bergen1 accompanied by ,endre ,dahl and his wife and ,asbjoen ,kloster4 ,their chief service in this city was a public meeting1 at which there was a large attendance4 ,john ,yeardley says of the meeting3-- ,there was a great mixture of feeling4 ,many pious1 thirsty souls1 ,i believe1 were present1 and ,i hope such were encouraged and comforted2 but the strong impression on my mind was to call the sinner to repentance4 ,on their way back to ,stavanger1 among the passengers were two ,finland convicts1 for whose peculiar case they felt much sympathy4 ,on board our steamer were two prisoners on the deck1 in heavy irons4 ,they were natives of ,finland1 and had been sentenced to some months' confinement in irons at ,christiania1 for having1 it is said1 committed some outrage on the priest in disturbing the national worship4 ,there has for some time past been a great awakening about religion in ,finland and other parts of the ,north1 and the most active among this number1 in their zeal not tempered with right knowledge1 have transgressed the law4 ,i heartily pitied the two poor creatures1 inasmuch as ,i feared justice had not been done them2 the prejudices of the priests and judges are so great in all matters connected with any separation from the national worship4 ,they were chained together1 and were clothed in their native reindeer skins1 and on their ironed feet were snow-sandals turned up with a long toe4 ,we offered them money1 but they turned from it2 and when acceptance of it was pressed1 their change of countenance indicated anger4 ,they understood nothing but the ,finnish language4 ,on their return to ,stavanger1 ,peter ,bedford felt that his share in the work was accomplished1 and that it was not his part to accompany ,john ,yeardley in the service which remained for the latter to do in ,norway4 ,after being present at another public meeting in ,stavanger1 and in a parting interview with the ,friends of the town1 he went with ,william ,robinson direct to ,kiel4 ,john ,yeardley had two or three more meetings in the neighborhood of ,stavanger1 where the desire of the people to attend was more remarkable than ever4 ,on the #aath of the ,eighth ,month he bade farewell to this interesting place1 and1 accompanied by ,endre ,dahl1 again crossed the mountains to ,christiansand1 holding meetings at several places on the sea-coast1 where none had ever been held before4 ,his notices of some of these meetings are well worth transcription4 #adth--,journeyed about fourteen miles up the fiord1 into the mountains1 to ,aamut in ,qvindesdalen4 ,this meeting was the most solemn of any we have had4 ,many said1 in tears1 at the conclusion1 ,this is a doctrine that we cannot resist2 it goes to our heart1 and meets the conviction of our own experience4 ,what shall we do8--our heart burns within us6 #aeth4--,we returned to ,foedde to a meeting this afternoon1 which was1 ,i think1 the largest we have had4 ,there were two large rooms filled1 and a number seated on planks on the grass2 not less than about #gjj persons were present4 ,many followed us to the lodging1 to converse on subjects that lay near their hearts1 and to ask for tracts and books4 ,among them was a man who goes about to exhort the people to amendment of life4 ,he appeared to be a simple1 sincere character1 and was much satisfied with our meeting1 saying1 as if from the bottom of his heart1 ,how remarkably1 how wonderfully1 have the truths of the gospel been opened and explained to us this day6 #afth4--,at ,fahrsund we had some difficulty to procure a place for a meeting4 ,it is a brandy-drinking place4 ,no one would bear anything of our business4 ,a rich old lady has a large room which she lets for all kinds of purposes except for anything connected with religion2 she gave an abrupt refusal to the application4 ,e4 ,dahl and ,i went to the ,english vice-consul1 showed him my certificate1 and explained to him the object of my visit to ,fahrsund4 ,he kindly accompanied us to the old lady1 and told her that we belonged to a respectable religious society in ,england and were not the persons she supposed1 come to preach wild doctrines4 ,she consented to let us occupy the entrance-hall1 which was good and spacious4 ,the consul then went with me to call on the sheriff2 he said he and his lady would attend the meeting1 which they did1 with a good many of the respectable inhabitants1 but the common people would not come near us4 ,one man to whom a notice was offered1 when he saw the word worship1 immediately tore it to pieces4 ,the lady to whom the room belonged sat near me all the meeting1 and looked serious before the close2 and she took leave of us with very different feeling from that in which she first met us4 ,the sheriff came to me after the meeting and offered his hand1 saying1 ,i thank you for the present occasion--,i shall never forget it4 ,before the meeting at ,foedde ,john ,yeardley had an opportunity of refreshing his mind with the charms of ,norwegian nature4 ,my friend ,e4 ,dahl and ,i went out for a quiet walk4 ,it was a lovely ,sabbath morning2 the sky cloudless1 and the sun shining brightly on the water as it rapidly foamed down the cliffs4 ,after gathering a few cranberries we seated ourselves on a shady rock to meditate4 ,all was silent around--nothing heard but the shepherd-boy playing his horn2 the sound coming from the distant mountains into the wooded valley where we sat1 first shrill1 then softening into a simple irregular note4 ,my friend asked me what ,i thought the instrument was4 ,it is made1 said he1 of a goat's horn1 and is blown to keep the fox from taking the young lambs1 and as a means of communication with other shepherds when widely separated on the mountains2 the sound of this horn also keeps the sheep from straying4 ,they arrived at ,christiansand on the #aith2 and ,endre ,dahl1 finding a vessel sailing for ,stavanger1 engaged a passage in it for himself4 ,after parting with him1 ,john ,yeardley writes3-- ,e4 ,dahl and ,i have been closely united in the gospel bond2 he has been a truly affectionate sympathizer and efficient helper4 ,i am thus1 he continues1 left alone in a strange land2 but ,i do feel a peaceful and a thankful heart to my ,heavenly ,father that he has in mercy blessed me with light1 strength1 and faith to go through this service in ,norway4 ,imperfectly has it been performed1 ,i know2 but ,i have done what ,i could1 and a song of thanksgiving is due to my ,lord4 ,john ,yeardley returned by ,germany to ,england4 ,at ,obernkirchen1 near ,minden1 where some persons had not long before been convinced of ,friends' principles1 he had a meeting1 in which he was joined by a number of ,friends from ,minden4 ,a few years before1 ,thomas ,arnett1 from ,america1 desired to hold a meeting for worship in this place1 but was prevented by the police4 ,the object was now accomplished by engaging a room without the limits of the state of ,bueckeburg1 in which the town is situated1 and within the ,hessian frontier1 which includes1 in fact1 a part of ,obernkirchen4 ,a public meeting for worship in that place 7says ,john ,yeardley1 in a letter written after his return home17 was such a new thing1 that on our arrival we found a press of persons whom the room could by no means contain4 ,the landlord readily granted us his barn1 which was commodious1 and we threw open the large doors into the yard1 which was seated2 besides which1 the people stood in numbers4 ,we had a solemn meeting4 ,there is a little company who hold a meeting at ,obernkirchen2 several of these have suffered on account of their religions scruples in refusing baptism to their children1 c4 ,these we invited after meeting to take coffee with us1 about thirty persons1 all serious4 ,it was a delightful occasion4 ,after the coffee we had a sweet parting meeting with this truly interesting company4 ,we had been given to expect that1 although we had taken the precaution to pitch our tent without the limits of the intolerant place1 the police would be present1 and would most probably disperse our assembly4 ,but no such thing2--all was quiet4 ,i was thankful 7he adds in his ,diary7 that the meeting was held in quiet1 for there is a bitter feeling of persecution in the neighborhood4 ,i was previously much cast down1 but thanks be unto ,god who always causeth us to triumph in ,christ4 ,,chapter ,,xix ,,his ,,journey ,,to ,,south ,,russia4 #ahec4 ,the call which ,john ,yeardley had received to visit the ,german colonies in ,south ,russia1 and which had lain for a long time dormant1 now revived4 ,a friend who had watched with regret his unsuccessful attempts on former journeys to enter that jealous country1 and who augured from the political changes which had taken place that permission might probably now be obtained1 brought the subject again under his notice4 ,the admonition was timely and effectual4 ,after carefully pondering the matter--with1 we doubt not1 as on former occasions1 a childlike dependence on his ,omniscient ,guide for direction1--he came to the conclusion that it was his duty once more to address himself to this undertaking3 and when it was accomplished1 and he had returned in safety and peace to ,england1 he alluded more than once to the manner in which the concern had been revived1 saying he had been1 before he was thus aroused1 like the prophet asleep4 ,he re-opened the prospect of this service before his ,monthly ,meeting1 on the #crd of the ,fifth ,month1 #ahec4 ,in a letter written the same day1 he says3-- ,i am just returned from our ,monthly ,meeting in ,london1 where ,i mentioned to my friends my concern to visit the ,german colonies in the ,south of ,russia1 which1 thou wilt probably recollect1 was included in my certificate for religious service on the ,continent of ,europe1 five years ago4 ,i received the expression of much sympathy and unity from my friends1 and the certificate was ordered1 including on my return1 if permitted1 any service that may present in ,constantinople1 the island of ,malta1 and some places in the ,south of ,france4 ,weak as ,i am1 ,i cast myself once more into the hand of our ,lord and ,blessed ,protector1 in holy confidence that he will do all things well4 ,on receiving a passport from the ,secretary of ,state1 with the requisite counter-signature of the ,russian ,ambassador1 he wrote to ,john ,kitching1 the #beth of the ,fourth ,month3-- ,i want thee to know that1 through the kind and efficient aid of our mutually dear friend ,samuel ,gurney1 ,i have at length been enabled to procure a ,russian passport1 and also a letter of recommendation to one of the first houses in ,petersburg4 ,thou knowest1 my dear friend1 for a long time this matter has been heavy on my mind4 ,it is a great comfort to have the ground cleared in this respect4 ,john ,yeardley left ,london at the end of the ,sixth ,month1 and went to ,hull to take the steam-packet direct to ,petersburg4 ,in the narrative which follows1 we have interwoven with the ,diary extracts from his letters to his sisters2 and we have been allowed the use of ,william ,rasche's ,journal1 in relating and describing many circumstances of which ,j4,y4 himself made no record4 ,petersburg4 #g mo4 #aj4--,on the #cjth of the ,sixth ,month ,i left my peaceful home at ,stamford ,hill for my ,russian journey4 ,at our kind friend ,isabel ,casson's at ,hull ,i met my young companion ,william ,rasche4 ,we were affectionately cared for by dear ,i4 ,c4 and her daughter1 and she and several other friends saw us on board the steamer4 ,it is a fine ship1 well ventilated1 with good sleeping accommodation and provisions3 the captain is a kind1 religious man4 ,on ,first-day evening1 the captain invited us to the ship's service--an invitation which we gladly embraced4 ,when he had finished1 ,i addressed the company1 much to my own comfort3 great seriousness prevailed4 ,after ,i had relieved my mind1 the captain closed with a few sweet and feeling words4 ,when the occasion was over1 he came to me and expressed his thankfulness that ,i had been enabled to strengthen his hands by throwing in a word of exhortation4 ,he said that sometimes1 when he had felt indisposed and unprepared for his religious duty1 he had given himself to a quiet dependence on the ,lord1 and had been mercifully helped1 to the benefit of his own soul1 in endeavoring to do his duty to others4 ,there is great uncertainty 7he says in a letter written during the voyage71 how we shall find things at ,petersburg1 and whether they will permit us to proceed to the ,south2 but this ,i must leave4 ,whatever way it may please ,providence to turn the matter1 as it regards myself ,i believe ,i shall be relieved from ,russia in having made this last attempt4 ,they arrived at ,petersburg on the #ith of the ,seventh ,month1 after a safe and agreeable passage of seven days4 ,before we reached ,cronstadt1 to quote from ,j4,y4's ,diary1 we encountered a strong gale1 so that the officers from the guardship1 who came to see that all was in order1 had hard work to get on board4 ,there were eighteen ,russian sailors with oars1 yet they could not draw the boat1 and our steamer was obliged to throw ropes and haul her in4 ,the sight of ,cronstadt was formidable2 for more than two miles in and near the harbor there was a line of ships of war4 ,at ,cronstadt we had to be put on board a smaller steamer1 which caused us much detention4 ,at the custom-house all passed off well2 they were more civil and less strict in their examination than in ,england4 ,the ,russian sailors look very unbright2 they are not active in managing a boat4 ,they not unfrequently received a few strokes from the fist of the helmsman1 or a rope's-end1 either of which they took with that unconcerned composure which showed they were accustomed to it4 ,we are located at the hotel of ,h4 ,spink1 an intelligent ,yorkshireman2 his wife is very kind and attentive4 #acth4--,spent this day at ,peterhoff1 with ,w4,c4 ,gillibrand and wife1 with two of their friends4 ,it is the first opportunity we have had for serious conversation in this place1 and ,i hope it was to mutual comfort4 ,they took us a drive after dinner to see several of the ,emperor's pavilions1 mostly surrounded by beautiful pieces of water4 ,there was an intelligent man present1 who had spent some time in ,india1 ---- ,watson2 he now has charge of the ,british school in ,petersburg4 ,we find the ,scripture ,lessons are no more in use in the school2 nor is the ,new ,testament in the ,russian language allowed to be circulated in the country4 ,the ,bible ,society is just alive1 but can hardly breathe2 other institutions languish for want of support2 party spirit has crept in to their great injury4 ,the law is still very stringent in not allowing a member of one religious body to join another2 but the different sects are allowed their own worship and schools4 #bjth4--,left ,petersburg by the train at #aa o'clock yesterday1 and arrived at ,moscow about nine this morning4 ,the road1 with but little exception1 is flat and uninteresting4 ,the forests are immense1 mostly of firs and birch1 which being thickly set grow small4 ,many of the stations are superb4 ,the line of railway did not conduct us near any towns or villages that ,i could observe1 but by some of the poorest scattered huts ,i ever saw in any country4 ,at ,moscow1 ,john ,yeardley and his companion called on ,pastor ,dietrich1 a ,german1 residing a little out of the city3-- ,he is1 says ,j4,y41 in one of his letters1 a worthy pastor of the ,old ,lutheran ,church1 a sweet venerable-looking man with long white locks4 ,he was at dinner with his family when we called1 but he would not allow us to go away1 but took us up to the attic story to his study2 primitive indeed1 but clean1 and to him ,i have no doubt a room of prayer1 as well as of study4 ,he seemed delighted to find our mission was to the ,colonies4 ,but what will you do about the language8 said he2 they speak nothing but ,german4 ,i wish the dear girls could have seen his countenance lighted up with cheerful brightness1 when he found we could speak ,german3 ,ah1 ,i need not trouble you any longer with my poor ,english6 ,he knows a great many of the pastors1 and will give us letters of introduction to the little flocks in the ,colonies and the ,crimea4 ,as might be expected1 it was with a sinking heart that ,john ,yeardley contemplated the formidable journey before him2 but1 as in other times of extremity1 he cast himself wholly upon the ,lord1 and found his soul to be sustained1 and his courage renewed to undergo the hardships that awaited him4 #g mo4 #ba4--,rose this morning much cast down in mind at the thought of our long journey1 and a want of a knowledge of the ,russian language4 ,poured my complaint in fervency of soul before the ,lord1 and was a little comforted in believing that he would still care for us and preserve us in this strange and long wilderness travel4 ,it is his own cause in which ,i am engaged1 and ,i am willing to endure any bodily fatigue if ,i may only be strengthened to do the works to which my blessed ,master has called me4 ,the ,divine ,finger seems pointing to the place where the people ,i am seeking are to be found4 ,i went after breakfast to the dear ,pastor ,dietrich4 ,his heart was filled with love for me1 and ,i felt the sweetness of his spirit to encourage me2 preciously was the divine unction spread over us4 ,he gave me some information of the religious state of things here4 ,there seems to be about #hjj of the evangelical party in ,moscow1 including the ,french and ,english ,protestants1 and the different classes of ,lutherans2 a small number out of #cej1jjj souls which the city contains2 the rest are ,roman ,catholics and of the ,greek church1 mostly the latter4 ,god knows the hearts of all4 #bbnd 84 ,in thee1 ,o ,lord1 do ,i put my trust2 let me never be ashamed3 deliver me in thy righteousness4 ,bow down thine ear to me2 deliver me speedily3 be thou my strong rock1 for a house of defence to save me4--7,ps4 xxxi4 #a1 #b47 ,hear the right1 ,o ,lord1 attend unto my cry2 give ear unto my prayer1 that goeth not out of feigned lips4--7,ps4 xvii4 #a47 ,the above sweet words were brought home to my heart with power this morning after a time of conflict in spirit4 ,lord1 grant me faith and patience to the end of the race1 when ,i shall have to say1 ,now1 ,lord1 lettest thou thy servant depart in peace4 ,amen4 ,providing themselves with food1 and with small change of money for the journey--two things indispensable to ,russian travel--,john ,yeardley and ,william ,rasche left ,moscow on the #bcrd1 by malle-poste for ,orel4 ,they stopped some hours at ,toula3 the land south of this town they found to be well-cultivated1 and the harvest had begun2 it consisted mostly of rye4 ,the journey to ,orel occupied forty-four hours4 ,among their fellow-travellers was a resident of ,moscow1 ,charles ,uyttenhoven1 who spoke ,english1 ,german1 ,french and ,russ1 and who1 like themselves1 was going to ,kharkov4 ,he was a pleasant and gentlemanly companion1 and was of great service to them in acting as spokesman on the road4 ,from ,orel there was no malle-poste in which they could continue their journey1 and they were obliged to hire a tarantas1 or posting-carriage1 a very inferior kind of conveyance4 ,in consequence1 besides1 of the fair at ,pultowa1 every vehicle of this description had been taken up except one1 which was of course the worst in the town4 ,when they had loaded their luggage and spread hay to lie upon1 they started2 but before they were out of sight of the stable the crazy vehicle broke down1 and they were detained till nearly eleven o'clock at night1 whilst it was being repaired4 ,in this new kind of conveyance they experienced great discomfort3 they could neither sit nor lie with ease1 as the space was much too small for three passengers4 ,the country they passed1 through was very rich2 it may be called the granary of ,russia2 they found the harvest more advanced the farther they penetrated into the south4 ,at ,koursk they hired a fresh tarantas4 ,the roads were inferior to those along which they had travelled1 but the country was more picturesque1 still fertile1 and producing much wheat2 the weather was very hot1 as it had been all the way from ,petersburg4 ,on the #bgth1 at midnight1 they reached ,kharkov4 ,we have travelled1 says ,john ,yeardley1 four days and nights in succession from ,moscow to this place4 ,the conveyances of the country are exceedingly bad2 they almost shook our bones asunder4 ,the next day they visited ,pastor ,landesen1 to whom they had a letter of introduction from ,pastor ,dietrich4 ,they spent the day with the family of this intelligent and pious man4 ,tea was spread in the garden1 to which meal a number of ,christian friends were invited4 ,the pastor's wife1 says ,john ,yeardley1 is a sweet-spirited woman4 ,after much social converse our garden-visit closed with a religious occasion1 in which ,i expressed a few words of exhortation4 ,i think we were sensible of the nearness of the presence of our ,divine ,master1 which proved a brook by the dreary way4 ,we met at the pastor's ,louse ,superintendent ,huber1 a worthy and experienced ,christian1 kind and fatherly to us4 ,the next day ,william ,rasche went with ,pastor ,landesen to hire a carriage4 ,no such thing1 however1 was to be had1 and they would have been happy if they could have engaged as good a vehicle as their old crazy tarantas2 for the only alternative was a bauer-wagen 7peasant's cart71 if we except the very expensive extra-post carriage1 with which they would have been obliged to take a conductor4 ,it happened that a young man1 an apothecary's assistant1 wanted to go to ,iekaterinoslav2 his ancestors were ,german1 and he could speak both that language and ,russ4 ,by ,landesen's recommendation they took him as their companion1 and he was very useful to them on the road4 ,the bauer-wagen was much more uncomfortable than the tarantas had been2 travelling in it was like gallopping over a bad road in an ,english farmer's waggon2 and1 as the vehicle had no cover1 the travellers were exposed without protection to the full power of the sun4 ,the floor of the waggon was spread with mattresses1 and1 thus furnished1 it served them for parlor1 kitchen1 and lodging-room4 ,they travelled in this way through the night1 but the next day were obliged to wait at a small dirty station for horses till the afternoon2 and in the evening ,john ,yeardley became so ill1 from hard travelling and exposure to the heat1 that they were compelled to alight at another little station near ,novomoskovsk1 and make the best of the poor accommodation they could procure4 ,the next morning1 somewhat refreshed by rest1 they went forwards to ,iekaterinoslav1 where they happily met with a clean inn1 the ,hotel ,suisse1 kept by a ,german4 ,the same day they went in a boat up the river ,samava1 to ,rybalsk1 seven miles1 to see a ,german schoolmaster named ,schreitel1 to whom they had a letter of introduction4 ,this is a colony of twenty-five families1 founded in #aghh3 the schoolmaster1 who was also the minister1 received them in a brotherly manner4 ,it was here that their mission properly commenced4 ,from this place a succession of ,german colonies extend in a south-easterly direction to the ,sea of ,azov4 ,the villages are all built on the same pattern1 being formed of one straight street of neat houses on both sides1 adorned with trees in front and gardens behind4 ,the ,german colonists consist principally of ,mennonites and ,lutherans4 ,the former are the most numerous and thriving2 they were invited to settle there by ,catherine the ,great1 in order to improve the state of agriculture2 but their example has not had the desired influence on the surrounding districts4 ,although his ,german neighbor is in an infinitely better condition than himself1 the ,russian peasant will not imitate the husbandry which is practised so successfully before his eyes4 ,at ,rybalsk1 ,john ,yeardley had a ,scripture reading and a religious opportunity with a few serious persons who came to the house2 and the next evening he held a meeting for worship with the colonists4 ,on the #crd1 they left for ,neuhoffnung4 ,they travelled in a covered carriage1 which1 though without springs1 was a great improvement on their last vehicle4 ,they came the first day as for as ,konski1 where they passed the night1 sleeping in the carriage1 the air being very mild the night through4 ,in the afternoon they arrived at another ,mennonite colony1 ,schoenweise1 where they had a short interview with ,pastor ,obermanz and a few of his flock4 ,these people produce a small quantity of silk4 ,the travellers were now on the ,steppes2 they found them very thinly peopled1 so that all the country out of sight of the villages appeared like a vast desert4 ,on the #dth they passed through three colonies--,gruenthal1 ,priship1 and ,petershagen4 ,the settlers here are from all parts of ,germany1 mostly from ,prussia and ,wuertemberg4 ,next came ,halbstadt1 the seat of the ,bishop1 and ,alexanderwohl1 where the ,friends passed the night4 ,they were surrounded by a large number of settlements on all sides4 ,these were the places where1 according to his previous impressions and apprehension of duty1 ,john ,yeardley was to have entered on that work of gospel-labor to which he had so long looked forward4 ,but1 instead of finding1 as on former occasions of a similar kind1 his heart enlarged and his mouth opened to preach the word1 he seems now to have felt himself straitened in spirit1 and to have been obliged to pass in silence from colony to colony1 a wonder perhaps to others1 a cause of humiliation to himself4 ,never before1 in all his many journeyings1 had such a trial befallen him2 and it may be supposed that1 coming so soon after the copious and unrestrained exercise of his gift which he had experienced in ,norway1 it would press upon him with peculiar force4 ,the people to whom he was now come1 seem1 it is true1 to have been in a different state from the simple-hearted ,norwegians1 who thirsted for the pure milk of the word2 and their comparative indifference to spiritual things may have been a main cause of the silence which he felt to be imposed upon him4 ,with the reserve natural to him1 he has left but little clue to the motives and feelings under which he acted4 ,great must have been the relief when1 as happened on several occasions1 his bonds were loosened1 and the command was renewed to speak in the name of his only-loved and gracious ,lord4 ,on the #eth they passed through several colonies to ,gnadenfeld1 where1 says ,j4,y43-- ,we halted to breakfast with one of the colonists1 and found him a sweet-spirited man1 and his family pious4 ,his name is ,david ,voote4 ,he appreciated the object of our mission1 and spoke of the awakening that had taken place of late2 telling us that devotional meetings had been established1 but that some of their preachers did not approve of them4 ,we sent for one of the ministers1 with whom ,i was pleased2 he invited us to hold a meeting with them on a future occasion if we could make it accord with our journey1 which ,i hope will be accomplished4 ,we obtained some information respecting the ,molokans1 and were directed to ,nicolai ,schmidt in ,steinbach1 who often has communication with them4 ,we found him a delightful man1 quite of the right sort to be useful to us4 ,as the ,molokans speak nothing but ,russ1 we shall be in want of an interpreter in our visit to them4 ,i told him he must go with us2 and he immediately said4 ,i will go with pleasure2 whenever you return here and incline to go1 ,i will be at home and will accompany you4 ,this seemed an opening of ,providence1 and removes one great difficulty in the way of a visit to this people1 for whom ,i have felt more than towards any others in ,south ,russia4 ,n4 ,schmidt is a wealthy farmer1 and sets himself at liberty to promote the extension of the ,saviour's kingdom2 ,i felt at once at home with him as a friend and brother4 ,from ,steinbach1 which lay a few versts out of the direct road1 they proceeded to ,stuttgardt1 and the next day1 the #fth1 to ,neuhoffnung1 where they were accommodated at a farmer's1 and had the comfort of a good clean apartment and kind attention to their wants4 ,this is the principal seat of the ,german ,lutheran colonists4 ,on ,seventh-day1 says ,john ,yeardley1 we attended the school-children's meeting1 about #bjj present4 ,after ,pastor ,wuest had questioned on or explained the ,scriptures1 ,i had an opportunity to address them4 ,on ,first-day afternoon we held an appointed meeting with ,wuest's congregation1 which was not large1 on account of many with the ,pastor himself having to attend an interment in the neighborhood4 ,after the meeting we received a salutation from some of the young sisterhood1 who came to us and surprised us with their sweet melodious voices1 singing in concert a hymn well suited to our present situation4 ,after they had ended ,i went out and had a long conversation with them4 ,in all my journeyings1 he touchingly continues1 ,i was never so much cast down as in this scene of labor2 ,i never before so much missed the help and consolation of my precious one as ,i now do2 but1 blessed be a gracious ,god1 she is safe with ,him1 and free from a toil which she could never have endured4 ,i marvel1 and praise his great name for upholding me thus far2 ,i am astonished at the way in which ,i am enabled to bear the hardships of this journey1 and am preserved in health4 ,it is the doing of my gracious ,saviour1 and ,i thank him out of a grateful heart4 ,should ,i never be permitted to return to my earthly home1 ,i have a joyful hope he will take me to a glorious rest with himself and with those ,i have so tenderly loved on earth4 ,on the #hth1 ,william ,rasche went to ,berdjansk1 on the ,sea of ,azov1 to change some ,english money1 and to inquire if there were any religious people there4 ,he met with some interesting persons1 who seemed at first to be prejudiced against the ,friends but after some conversation became very loving1 and desired he would bring ,j4,y4 to see them the next day4 ,accordingly1 on the #ith1 ,j4,y4 and ,w4,r4 went to ,berdjansk1 accompanied by ,pastor ,wuest and several others4 ,the meeting which they went to attend was held in a private house4 ,it commenced in the usual manner1 with singing2 after which1 ---- ,buller read a chapter1 and the pastor commented upon it2 and then they asked ,j4,y4 what he had to say regarding it4 ,he answered by giving his view of the subject1 and afterwards addressed them in the ministry4 ,various individuals then related their experience1 one after the other1 as is usual in the more private religious meetings in these churches4 ---- ,buller 7writes ,j4,y4 in recording this meeting7 is an interesting man2 ,i had much conversation with him as to his own conversion4 ,it seems to have been a work of the ,spirit1 without1 in the first instance1 any other instrumentality than reading the ,bible4 ,i met several pious persons in the meeting-room1 and held converse with them to mutual comfort4 ,they are simple and sincere4 ,we took tea in the garden after the meeting1 and did not reach our lodging in ,neuhoffnung until #ab o'clock the same night4 #ajth4--,this morning they started for ,elizabethsdorf1 accompanied by ,robert ,lehmkuhle1 a teacher from ,kharkov4 ,their way lay entirely through the boundless steppes1 where so many ways ran into each other that the driver missed the road1 and they wandered about until #aj p4 ,m41 when they took shelter at a ,german colonist's4 ,the inmates1 who had gone to rest1 rose to give them milk and bread4 ,the next day they proceeded to ,elizabethsdorf1 being escorted on the way by hospitable members of the settlements through which they passed4 ,at ,elizabethsdorf they were received by schoolmaster ,seib1 a brotherly ,christian man1 whose conversation was seasoned with grace4 ,after tea1 says ,john ,yeardley4 we held a devotional meeting1 in which ,i had an opportunity to address the little company2 but the people generally in the colonies are busy till late in the evening4 ,being much weary with our jolting journey1 ,i retired to the waggon for the night1 as ,i supposed2 but ,w4,r4 soon came to inform me that a number of young persons1 men and women1 were come1 it being as early as they could be liberated from their day's labor1 to have some of our company4 ,i sprang from the waggon with joy1 and we had a delightful meeting1 with a pretty large company4 ,they sang repeatedly1 and betweentimes ,i related to them something of my travels in ,germany and ,greece1 with which they appeared wonderfully pleased4 ,we were all served with tea out of doors1 and the company remained together till after eleven o'clock1 and then returned joyfully home4 ,i was much pleased with ,seib4 ,he and another schoolmaster1 named ,kapper1 have been dismissed from their office of teacher1 because of their holding private meetings and preaching in them1 or explaining the ,scriptures4 ,some of the ,lutheran ministers are so lifeless that they will not allow the people to meet in private for their edification4 ,the dead persecute the living1 and light struggles with darkness4 ,this is even the case in some districts among the ,mennonites4 ,the ministers fear that their people should go before them in religious light4 ,the more ,i see of the one-man system1 the more ,i prize the gospel liberty in my own beloved religious ,society4 ,they returned to ,neuhoffnung1 and on the #acth went to ,nicolai ,schmidt's at ,steinbach4 ,attended the meeting there in the morning1 and at ,gnadenfeld in the evening1 in both which places opportunity was given me to communicate what was in my heart for the people4 ,the settlements of the ,molokans1 consisting of three villages1 each of about a thousand inhabitants1 lie to the south of the ,german colonies4 ,these people are native ,russians and seceders from the ,russo-,greek church2 they receive their name from the word ,moloko1 milk1 because they drink milk on fast-days1 which is forbidden by the national religion4 ,the ,steppes are their ,siberia1 to which they have been banished4 ,their worship is simple1 commencing with silence and prayer1 and they do not use the ceremonies and discipline common among most other ,christians2 but they are firm believers in the ,christian faith1 and many of them are spiritually-minded people4 ,on the #aeth ,john ,yeardley and ,william ,rasche1 under the conduct of ,n4 ,schmidt1 left ,neuhoffnung to visit the ,molokans4 ,the first village they came to was ,novo-,salifks1 a prosperous colony in worldly matters1 but said to be behind the others in spiritual life4 ,at the next1 ,wasilowkov1 they met with ,terenti ,sederhoff1 the apostle of the ,molokans1 whose remarkable history ,j4,y4 related in a tract called ,the ,russian ,peasant1 forming ,no4 #ab of his series4 ,here they also met with ,a4 ,stajoloff1 who remembered ,william ,allen's visit in #ahai4 ,sederhoff accompanied them to the third village1 ,astrachanka1 where they had a conversational meeting with several of the chief men1 but the intercourse was carried on at a double disadvantage4 ,they spoke1 says ,john ,yeardley1 nothing but ,russ4 ,t never regretted more the want of the language4 ,schmidt had a manifest unwillingness to interpret all ,i wanted to say1 because it did not accord with his own sentiments1 and he feared it might strengthen the people in those views from which the ,mennonites would draw them4 ,there was a precious feeling over us1 and ,i felt assured they appreciated our motive in visiting them2 they often pressed my hand when comparing ,scripture texts on which we were of one mind4 ,i felt satisfied in having done what ,i could to direct them in the right way1 and to strengthen them in it4 ,they are well read in the ,scriptures4 ,the travellers passed the night at this village1 sleeping as usual in their carriage2 and the next day1 taking a loving leave of their friends1 directed their course over the steppes into the ,crimea4 ,here they found themselves in the heart of the ,tartar country1 beyond the verge of civilized life4 ,the ,tartar villages1 says ,john ,yeardley1 are the meanest possible1 consisting sometimes of mere holes dug in the earth1 or huts standing a little above the ground4 ,the men wear wide drawers with the pink shirt over them2 the women have a chemise reaching to the calf of the leg1 dirty and coarse1 an apron round the waist1 sometimes so scanty or so ragged that it will not meet1 and a handkerchief tied in a slovenly manner on the head4 ,in these three articles of dress they drive the horses and oxen2 the sun burns them to a dark brown1 almost black4 ,the children we saw were quite naked4 ,various attempts have been made to civilize and instruct them1 but without success4 ,one missionary pursued the work so far as to feed and clothe the children1 and collect them for instruction1 which they received for a while1 but all at once and with one consent it was at an end4 ,when ,i see the ,tartar galloping over the steppe as if riding on the wind1 it constantly makes me think of the wild ,arabs4 ,when we are anxious to find a well of water where we may take our meal1 and when we see travellers assembled to water their cattle and flocks1 and the camels running loose on the steppes--which they do till autumn1 when they are sought up for work1--all reminds us of customs of the ,east4 ,this evening they halted at a ,tartar village1 where the occupant of the traktir1 or house of entertainment1 persuaded the driver to take out his horses for the night4 ,the conduct of this man and his companions was suspicious2 they eagerly examined the mattresses of the travellers1 which were of superior quality2 and when ,william ,rasche came to make the tea1 which he did by the moonlight outside the hut1 the boiling water which he poured in to rinse the teapot came out into the tumblers a white liquid2 and after the tea was put in the innkeeper held up the pot against the moon1 and looked curiously into it4 ,instead of retiring early1 as the ,tartars always do1 the men in the hut kept a watch upon the travellers2 and the suspicions even of the driver were awakened1 when one of them came to him1 as he was lying by his horses1 to borrow his knife4 ,his horses1 however1 were so weary1 and he himself so unwilling to move1 that the travelers contented themselves with harnessing the horses1 and making ready to depart in case of necessity4 ,soon after midnight1 finding they were still watched by the ,tartars1 and apprehending that these waited only till they should all be asleep1 to carry off their horses or to rob their persons1 they decided to make the best of their way out of their hands4 ,the driver being slow to move1 ,w4,r4 jumped into his place1 seized the reins1 and drove quickly off1 thankful to have effected a safe escape4 ,it is very common for the ,tartars to prowl about in the night1 and steal the horses and waggons1 of their more settled and thrifty neighbors4 ,after about three hours' driving1 the moon shining so bright that they could see to read by it1 they arrived at another village1 of a less suspicious character4 ,on the #ahth they reached ,simpheropol1 where they were glad to rest4 ,the next day they wished to visit ,pastor ,kilius of ,neusatz1 to whom they had an introduction3 as they were considering how they should get to him1 he opportunely came to the hotel4 ,he introduced them to several estimable persons1 and took them the next day to his dwelling1 situate in a picturesque mountain village1 twenty versts from the city4 ,at ,neusatz commences another chain of ,german colonies1 settled by the ,evangelical ,lutherans4 ,the next morning they attended the public worship1 and in the afternoon the ,scripture-teaching for the children4 ,on the #bbnd they went to ,zuerichthal1 a village formed of well-built houses1 but where they found the school in a very low state4 ,the #bcrd they started early for the ,sudag colony1 intending to spend the time there until the departure of the steamer for ,odessa2 but they found nothing to interest them in this settlement1 and accordingly proceeded to ,feodosia1 7or ,kaffa17 a watering-place on the south coast of the ,crimea4 ,the ,german inns in this place were all full1 and to procure a wholesome lodging1 the2 drove the next day four miles among the hills1 where they hired a large apartment at the house of a ,german4 ,the situation was romantic1 with an extensive prospect over sea and mountains2 and on the hill-side was a thicket1 forming a delightful bower1 where ,john ,yeardley and his companion live by day1 walked1 talked1 reposed1 and wrote4 ,in this retreat1 breathing cool air and quietude1 ,j4,y4 received the physical refreshment he so much needed1 while he reviewed the course of his laborious journey4 ,notwithstanding his discouragements1 he was able to cast all his burden upon his ,saviour1 with whom he seems to have dwelt in nearer communion as his day on earth went down4 #h mo4 #bf4--,this morning ,i felt more sweet union with my ,god in spirit than for a long time2 and a strong desire has arisen to live in closer communion with ,jesus1 the beloved of my soul1 the only access to the ,father--the only place of rest1 safety1 and true peace4 ,i long more than ever not to be troubled with cross occurrences over which ,i have no control1 and which have too long perplexed me and disturbed my inward peace4 ,i long more than ever to spend my few remaining days on earth as with my ,god in heaven1 to refer everything to ,him1 and to pray more earnestly and diligently for his grace to preserve me near to himself under all circumstances1 until he shall have prepared me to be taken to heaven1 to join the happy company there in a blissful eternity4 ,thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee1 because he trusteth in thee4--,isa4 xxvi4 #c4 ,on the #ast of the ,ninth ,month they sailed to ,odessa1 where they had to remain eight days4 ,in this city they received a visit from a pastor1 who conversed with them on the work of the heavenly kingdom then going on in the ,bast1 especially in ,constantinople and ,asia ,minor4 ,the ,saviour's kingdom1 writes ,john ,yeardley1 in allusion to this conversation1 is spreading1 and many instruments are being raised up in various nations to help forward the great work4 ,the kingdom of ,satan is in danger2 he sees it1 and stirs up the jealousy of men1 setting them against one another1 and1 by their seeking through party-spirit to exalt their own particular religion1 hindering the ,lord's work4 ,into whatever nation the beams of the ,sun of ,righteousness shine1 the inhabitants begin to inquire the way to ,zion1 and turn their faces thitherward4 ,this alarms the rulers whose kingdom is of this world4 ,from ,odessa to ,constantinople they had a quick and safe passage4 ,at ,constantinople ,john ,yeardley was deeply interested in the institutions which the ,american missionaries have founded for the religious and temporal improvement of the ,armenians4 ,he visited two of these1 the high school at ,bebek and the girls' seminary at ,has-keui1 both beautifully situated on the shores of the ,bosphorus4 ,in the former they found forty-eight young men1--sixteen ,greek and thirty-two ,armenian4 ,the industrial part of the education was particularly gratifying to him4 ,cyrus ,hamlin1 he says1 who has the superintendence of their studies and labor1 is wonderfully adapted for his vocation4 ,he is assisted only by native teachers4 ,the young men looked serious3 some of their countenances were peculiarly impressive1 indicating that they had been with ,jesus4 ,i saw them assembled in the school-room1 and addressed them for some time2 and ,c4 ,hamlin most willingly interpreted into ,armenian what ,i said4 ,it was a sweet and memorable time4 ,the ,armenian teacher would scarcely let go my hand after the meeting1 he had been so touched with the power of divine love4 ,in the girls' boarding-school we found twenty-five girls1 all ,armenians1 with the exception of two or three ,greeks4 ,it was a lovely sight to see so many of this class under a course of religious and useful instruction4 ,many of the countenances were marked and pleasing1 and were fixed on me with great apparent seriousness while ,i addressed them1 along with some of the neighbors4----,everett 7the conductor of the school7 kindly and most willingly interpreted what ,i had to communicate4 ,he and his wife have also a day-school for boys and girls4 ,i consider these institutions as bright and hopeful spots in the ,east1 from which much good may arise4 ,the persevering and well-directed efforts of the ,american missionaries for the evangelization of the ,armenians1 and the field of ,christian labor which was thus opened1 took firm hold of ,j4,y4's mind2 he longed to visit the schools and congregations in ,isnik and ,brusa1 and probably only abandoned the journey at this time in the hope of undertaking it at some future day4 ,john ,yeardley describes ,constantinople as-- ,built entirely on the hills which slope from a considerable eminence down to the ,bosphorus4 ,the trees towering among the houses1 the high spires and gilded domes1 have a most imposing effect2 but what is the astonishment of the traveller when he commences his ascent up steep1 narrow1 clumsily-pitched streets4 ,i could only compare them to the worst-constructed bridle-roads in ,england which the packhorses traversed centuries ago4 ,the three days we were in the city ,i only saw one or two carriages1--the most curious vehicles2 indeed1 there is scarcely a street in which two carriages can pass4 ,donkeys are the chief carriers4 ,as to dogs1 they are born and bred in the streets and are the property of the town1 and in the day-time ,he by dozens in the streets1 young and old1 are always under the feet of the traveller1 and he must constantly poke them out of the way with his stick2 by night they are furious4 ,the shops present a jumble of all kinds of wares2 and the ,turks sit cross-legged in the window1 or work at their trade inside4 ,they left ,constantinople on the #aeth1 and on the #agth went on shore at ,smyrna1 where1 at the house of the ,american missionary ,ladd1 they met with another missionary1 named ,stacking1 returning with his family from ,persia1 where he had labored sixteen years among the ,nestorians4 ,the account which he gave ,john ,yeardley of the creed and condition of the ,nestorian ,church1 and of the schools which had been opened in ,persia1 aroused his deep sympathy and produced an abiding impression on his mind4 ,smyrna1 like the other ,turkish cities which they saw1 vividly impressed the travellers with its ,oriental character4 ,like ,constantinople1 says ,j4,y41 it is a town of all nations4 ,the streets are narrow1 with a run of dirty water down the middle4 ,we met docile camels in great number1 bringing figs from the interior4 ,in the fig-market were thousands of boxes being prepared and packed for exportation4 ,it is a sight of interest to see ,turks1 ,greeks1 c41 huddled together1 walking1 talking1 or sitting cross-legged and smoking their long pipes4 ,we took donkeys and ascended the hill1 where we obtained a good view of the town1 and then examined the ruins where the ancient city stood1 and saw the place where the message from ,heaven was received by the angel of the church of ,smyrna4 ,the church of ,polycarp stood not far from that of ,john the ,baptist4 ,after a visit of peculiar interest1 ,i returned to the steam-ship and read the message to the church of ,smyrna1 which gave rise to more reflections than ,i can here record4 ,steaming on the sea of ,marmora1 7to continue ,j4,y4's narrative of his homeward journey71 the ,bosphorus and the ,greek waters1 was very pleasing4 ,we had a good sight of the walls of ancient ,troas1 where the apostle ,paul received the message in vision from the man of ,macedonia1 to come over and help them4 ,the quarantine prevented us from landing at ,syra2 but ,i conveyed a note through the ,english ,consul to my old friend ,hildner1 who came alongside our steamer4 ,i learned from him that ,argyri ,climi was five years in his school1 and usefully filled the office of teacher of the higher classes2 had been married about ten years to a lieutenant in the army2 had three children1 and was living happily with her husband at the ,piraeus4 ,it appears she retains her religious principles4 #bast4--,arrived at ,malta4 ,ours is the first steamer that has reached the island since the removal of the quarantine2 we went on shore directly after breakfast4 ,isaac ,lowndes was rejoiced to see me4 ,we met in the street1 and he conducted us to his house4 ,he has been in ,malta seven years1 acting for the ,bible ,society2 he gives no bright account of among the ,greeks1 as to spiritual religion1 nor of the island generally4 ,the present governor has admitted the ,jesuits into the island1 who are doing mischief2 privileges are being granted to the ,romanists to the prejudice of the ,protestants2 and a regulation has been proposed which would subject a ,protestant to six months imprisonment for not taking off his hat when he meets the procession of the ,host4 ,isaac ,lowndes took ,john ,yeardley and ,william ,rasche to visit ,selim ,aga1 or1 as he was named after baptism1 ,edward ,williams2 who with his wife1 sister-in-law1 and four children1 formed an interesting ,christian household4 ,j4,y4 published the history of this man in ,no4 #ac of his series of tracts1 ,turkey and the ,converted ,turk1 where also he has depicted several scenes from the latter part of this journey4 ,arriving at ,marseilles1 they proceeded quickly on to ,nismes4 ,it was with a gush of natural sorrow that ,j4,y4 revisited a place whore he had often sojourned with his beloved wife4 ,the thought1 he writes1 of the difference in my circumstances now and when last in this place fills me with sorrow4 ,the beloved one of my bosom1 then the stay and solace of my heart1 is no more with me to help and comfort me in the toils of life4 ,yet when ,i consider what a large amount of suffering she has escaped1 ,i cannot but rejoice that she is at rest with her ,god and ,saviour1 where ,i humbly hope soon to meet her4 ,lord1 prepare thy unworthy worm for that awful but joyful day6 ,john ,yeardley held a small public meeting at ,nismes1 and the next day1 the #crd of the ,tenth ,month1 set out for the bathing-place of ,bagneres de ,bigorre1 in the ,pyrenees4 ,his principal reason for going there was to recruit his shattered health4 ,on our arrival at ,nismes1 he says1 and during our few days' sojourn there1 ,i began to feel the effects of my long1 toilsome ,russian journey2 and1 in the hope of preventing a return of my suffering complaint1 ,i thought it justifiable to make trial of the sulphur baths and water of ,bagneres4 ,but he had also another object in view3 ,i had long thought1 he adds1 in a letter from ,bigorre1 whether there was not a seeking people in this neighborhood1 and now ,i think there is4 ,his first care on arriving at ,bigorre1 was to call on ,pastor ,frossard1 formerly of ,nismes1 who feelingly reminded him of the changes which had happened to each of them since they had met before4 ,he proposed to ,john ,yeardley to meet some ,christian friends at his chapel4 ,this was just what ,j4,y4 had been wishing for4 ,the meeting was held2 and after it was over he gave the company an account of his travels in ,russia1 with which they were highly gratified4 ,in a letter to his sister1 ,mary ,tylor1 which he wrote from this place1 is the following characteristic sentiment3 ,thy welcome letter duly readied me at ,nismes1 and drew forth my tender sympathy for thee and your whole circle in the loss of a kind and beloved brother4 ,it is another link taken from the family chain1 and the shorter it becomes the nearer we are drawn together in the bond of affection4 ,how the spirit seems to ascend with those loved ones who are taken from us1 and from earth to heaven6 ,our desire for a blissful eternity becomes more ardent1 because they have already entered upon it2 but above all1 we desire to be with ,him in whom we shall be one1 and all will be glory4 ,returning to ,nismes1 he occupied himself with holding meetings in many places in that neighborhood4 ,in some meetings which he attended in the city1 he had for fellow-laborers ,eli and ,sybil ,jones1 from the ,united ,states1 with their companions4 ,amongst the audience at one of these meetings were three soldiers1 who1 with two others1 had been awakened at ,lyons1 and who manifested the progress they had made in ,christian doctrine by refusing to kneel before the procession of the ,host4 ,their officer observing their disregard of this required practice1 held his sword over the neck of one of them1 saying he would strike off his head if he did not bow down4 ,the man was firm in his refusal1 and was sent to prison4 ,to encourage one another in their new profession1 these men were accustomed to keep religious meetings4 ,they were in consequence accused of sedition1 and when they asserted the simply religions character of their meetings1 one of them was required to swear to the truth of his statement2 he refused to take an oath1 pleading that the ,new ,testament commanded him not to swear4 ,a second was then called upon in the same way2 he also refused2 and their stedfastness was reported to the commanding officer as an act of contumacy4 ,the officer happened to be a ,protestant1 of an enlightened and pious disposition2 he said that soldiers were called upon to vindicate the innocence of their companions1 not to procure their condemnation1 and that if they did not choose to give evidence the law would not compel them4 ,two of the five received their discharge from the army2 the rest were removed to ,nismes4 ,john ,yeardley had some conversation with these three after the meeting1 with which he was well satisfied4 ,they told him that when they were awakened they wrote and received so many letters that it excited suspicion1 and that the police who examined the letters took the texts of ,scripture1 or rather the figures that referred to the chapters and verses1 for a secret language1 used to deceive their vigilance4 ,on the #hth of the ,eleventh ,month1 ,j4 ,yeardley and ,w4 ,rasche1 accompanied by ,jules ,paradon1 went to ,valence1 and visited ,bertram ,combe1 at ,pialoux1 where they remained a few days4 ,b4,c4 had fitted up a commodious room adjoining his own dwelling1 where he held meetings regularly3-- ,and where1 says ,j4,y41 we had several solemn and edifying occasions2 and as our being there became more known the attendance increased1 so that the last gathering was quite a large one1 and peculiarly quiet and satisfactory4 ,among some meetings which we appointed in the neighborhood two were held in the temple of the ,protestant ,church1 which was a mark of great liberality2 these two occasions were peculiarly favored4 ,in the latter ,b4,c4 alluded to the persecution he had had to endure on account of the disuse of the ,supper and ,baptism4 ,he boldly avowed the conviction he felt as to the non-use of these things1 and that the preaching of the gospel ought to be free4 ,i have seldom been in a district where there is more openness for the gospel message in its simplicity1 than in this mountain region4 ,from ,valence1 ,john ,yeardley returned direct to ,england1 only stopping at ,friedrichsdorf4 where he visited the boarding-school4 ,i reached my home1 he says1 on the #bdth of the ,eleventh ,month1 with a thankful heart to my ,heavenly ,father for his merciful preservation4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,from ,,his ,,return ,,from ,,russia ,,to ,,his ,,last ,,journey4 #ahec-aheh4 ,john ,yeardley had scarcely returned to ,england before war was declared with ,russia4 ,the confirmation he received from this lamentable event1 that his journey had been made at the opportune time1 filled his heart with gratitude4 ,the work he had been able to do had been small1 but he had the satisfaction of knowing that it had been accomplished at the only juncture in which it would have been practicable4 ,the year #ahec1 he writes1 closed with many mercies to a poor unworthy servant4 ,i consider it a great blessing to have accomplished the visit through ,russia and to ,constantinople before the horrible war broke out4 ,what a frightful state are things in at the present moment6--no access could be had to those countries4 ,in the ,spring of #ahed he spent some time at ,bath4 ,he attended1 whilst there1 a public meeting appointed by ,sarah ,squire1 in which he had a testimony to offer in the gospel4 ,hearing afterwards that a military man who was present had been brought to conviction by the doctrine which had been declared1 ,j4,y4 noted in his ,diary the subject on which he had preached4 #d mo4 #b4--;,i recollect1 he says1 alluding to the awful state of the times in which we live1 and the need of a refuge in ,god1 and the blessedness of the consolations of the ,holy ,spirit in a time of trouble4 ,that the ,spirit of ,god was the first agent in the work of man's salvation1 bringing to the ,saviour who died for sinners3 the ,father drawing to the ,son1 the ,son perfecting the work1 and presenting each member of the living church without spot or wrinkle to the ,father4 ,blessed unity of ,father1 ,son1 and ,holy ,spirit6 ,the ,father creating1 the ,son redeeming1 the ,holy ,spirit sanctifying4 ,in making a brief note of the ,yearly ,meeting this year1 ,john ,yeardley takes occasion to record his sentiments on a subject which then1 as now1 strongly engaged the attention of the ,society4 ,the ,yearly ,meeting has been a precious time2 it has strengthened the bond of love and unity4 ,there is1 under all discouragements1 a love to the ,society manifested in the young people of both sexes4 ,it is true there is a great want of bearing of the cross1 and many are seeking for excuses to persuade themselves that many of those things that have long distinguished our ,society are now no longer of use4 ,but ,i still think there is more religion in many of our young members than their outward appearance would authorize us to believe4 ,i love to cleave to the good1 and to hold out a helping hand to encourage the tender budding of grace1 and for the good to overcome the evil4 ,i want them to be brought to conviction1 and to be told that they are not required to wear plain clothes1 and to use plain speech1 because our ,friends have done so1 but because ,christianity leads into simplicity1 and the language of ,scripture is that of truthfulness1 and to follow the changing fashions of the world is too low for the notice of the ,christian whose heart is placed on heavenly things1 and whose time is too precious to be spent on trifles4 ,there is no peace to the regenerated heart equal to a devotedness of life in promoting the extension of the ,saviour's kingdom upon earth4 ,he soon after alludes to the ,memoir of ,joseph ,john ,gurney1 then just published1 and to the sharp stimulus which he received from its perusal--a stimulus which minds fixed upon improvement always receive from the vivid representation of time and talents diligently employed4 #f mo4 #af4--,many of my solitary moments are cheered1 and ,i am greatly edified1 in reading ,j4,j4 ,gurney's ,memoirs4 ,it is a real privilege to be introduced into the daily walk of the life of a ,christian man with such an enlightened and enlarged mind1 whose expansive heart is filled with love for the whole human race4 ,strengthened by faith1 and filled with the unction of the ,spirit1 his life was devoted to doing good to the family of man1 laboring for the conversion of sinners1 and comforting believers4 ,the diligence of ,j4,j4 ,gurney in study1 c41 has stimulated me to renew the reading of the ,greek ,new ,testament1 but ,i sink into the dust when ,i see what he accomplished in comparison of my own insignificance4 ,it is1 however1 a comfort to know that ,i have a merciful ,lord1 who will not require of me the exercise of gifts that ,i have not received4 ,o that ,i may he more faithful in the employment of the capacity which has been entrusted to me1 for the good of souls and the honor of my ,lord6 ,the reflections which follow add another to the numberless testimonies of the saints' experience1 that the ,christian life is a continual warfare4 ,i am sensible of having lost ground for some time past for want of more diligence in watchfulness and prayer4 ,i have been deeply sorry for it1 and ,i do hope my compassionate ,lord has forgiven me4 ,as a proof of his forgiveness1 ,i am permitted to enjoy once more the smiles of his countenance1 which cheer my lonely walk4 ,how greatly do ,i long for more intimate communion with the ,beloved of my soul1 the precious ,saviour6 ,lord preserve me in every moment of temptation1 and make me more entirely thine6 ,grant me more confidence in the immediate action of thy ,spirit in the ministry of the word1 that my communications of this nature may be deep and clear1 and under the unction of thy ,holy ,spirit4 ,amen6 #f mo4 #bc4--,this morning ,i have been favored1 more than usual1 in my endeavor to pour out my soul before ,god in prayer1 in desiring more purity of heart1 more faith2 and that it might please my compassionate ,lord to sustain and console me in my solitary lot1 and preserve me faithful to the end of the race4 ,many relatives and near friends were brought to my remembrance1 whom ,i endeavored to present to the mercy of a merciful ,god4 ,in the same diary is an appropriate notice of ,dr4 ,steinkopf1 and a tender tribute to the memory of ,martha ,yeardley4 ,the other evening was spent at ,j4 and ,m4,c4,s4's with ,dr4 ,steinkopf4 ,the hoary head of this aged and experienced ,christian is as a crown of glory1 for it is found in the way of righteousness4 ,he is full of love1 speaking constantly out of a grateful heart of the mercies of his ,god4 ,before parting he read a few verses1 exhorted us and supplicated for us4 ,a little more than three years have fled away since my precious and dearly-beloved ,m4,y4 entered on a blissful eternity4 ,how do ,i feel the loss of her sweet1 cheerful1 and edifying society6 ,ever since her blessed spirit fled from earth to heaven1 she has never by night or day been long absent from my thoughts4 ,how often does my soul pant and pray for a preparation of heart for that blissful state where she now is1 near to her precious ,saviour1 who redeemed her with his own blood4 ,he enabled her to serve him when on earth1 and now she sings his praises in heaven4 ,what a charm did she impart to my daily life6 ,our pursuits were always one and the same2 and now what a desert ,i still have before me1--but it may be very short4 ,in the ,eighth ,month1 ,john ,yeardley went to ,minden on a visit to ,ernst ,peitsmeyer1 whose daughter ,sophie had been for some time his kind and cheerful companion1 and who now1 with her parents and other friends1 welcomed him again to ,germany4 ,whilst at ,minden he derived benefit from the sulphur baths of the ,klause1 not far from the town4 ,the bath1 he says1 is one hour's gentle exercise on the saddle4 ,the farm where the spring is stands quite alone in the midst of a wood1 and the way to it is delightful1--much suited to my taste4 ,sophie rides sometimes with me3 it cheers me to have her trotting by my side4 ,the handful of inquiring persons at ,obernkirchen1 whom ,j4,y4 visited on his return from ,norway1 continued to claim his sympathy1 and one ,first-day he joined them at their usual place of worship4 ,it was1 he writes1 a refreshing time in this little meeting4 ,when the little company first met together they were dragged into the street by the police2 but they persevered1 and1 on making an appeal to the magistrate at ,rinteln1 stated their case with so much simplicity that the government has granted them liberty to meet together undisturbed4 ,how marvellous1 the ,friends are protected2 and the ,baptists1 under the same government1 are persecuted with increasing rigor6 ,no interference on their behalf has been of the least use4--7,dairy and ,letter47 ,in the ,fourth ,month of #ahee ,john ,yeardley received a certificate to visit his friends in ,yorkshire1 and to hold meetings with persons not in church-fellowship with ,friends4 ,i arrived at ,halifax1 he says1 in a letter of the #bhth of the ,fourth ,month1 on ,fifth-day evening1 and attended the ,monthly ,meeting of ,brighouse on the #bjth4 ,it looked formidable to me in prospect on the first entering into harness2 but ,i hope the meeting proved a good introduction1 and ,i saw a good specimen of a large1 harmonious1 and well-conducted ,monthly ,meeting4 ,there might be near #bej members present4 ,when he had completed the service1 he took a week of repose at ,harrowgate1 where he briefly reviews his journey4 #e mo4 #bi4--;,in passing along through my native county1 ,i found many countenances missing which were very familiar to me years ago1 and who are now gone to their rest4 ,but ,i was comforted to find in many places a race of young people springing up who bore the marks of being plants of my ,heavenly ,father's right-hand planting1 and who gave hopes of becoming useful in his ,church4 ,it is with a grateful heart that ,i record the mercy of my ,lord1 in that he has granted me strength in a remarkable manner to do what he put in my heart to do1 from place to place4 ,blessed be his name6 ,after having finished the service in ,yorkshire1 ,i have had a week's tarriance at ,harrowgate4 ,the rest and quiet have proved beneficial to my health1 and very precious have been the seasons of sweet communion ,i have been permitted to hold with my ,god in this retirement4 ,this summer he repeated his visit to ,minden1 and hired a lodging at the ,klause4 ,a reflection in one of the letters which he wrote from this retreat affords a pleasing glimpse of his mind3-- ,i sometimes think that a large portion of comfort and joy are allowed to those who really love the ,lord2 and how chastened are the pleasures of the humble ,christian6 ,they abide with us long after the causes of them are passed away2 and the more our permitted pleasures are enjoyed under a grateful sense of the goodness of the bountiful ,giver1 the longer they may be permitted to us4 ,in the ,ninth ,month1 he attended the ,two-months' ,meeting at ,pyrmont4 ,it was not without emotion that he visited once more the place which had been so familiar to him in earlier days4 ,the hopes he had then conceived1 and which1 as we have seen1 he had so fondly cherished1 with regard to the ,society of ,friends in that part1 had been disappointed2 the little company had dwindled in numbers and declined in religious influence2 and when he took leave of ,pyrmont for the last time1 it was with a sorrowful heart4 ,from ,minden1 accompanied by ,sophie ,peitsmeyer1 he went southwards1 and took up his abode at the little town of ,neuveville1 on the ,lake of ,bienne1 in ,switzerland4 ,i spent1 he says1 two or three days at ,neufchatel1 and visited many of my old friends in the place and neighborhood2 but it was affecting to find how many of those ,i had known years ago were no longer on this earth4 ,madame ,petavel was as warm-hearted as ever2 the professor1 her husband1 is ripening for heaven4 ,john ,yeardley had gone to ,neuveville with the intention of passing the winter in ,switzerland4 ,after remaining a month1 however1 he returned to ,england2 and this change of mind was the result of a remarkable circumstance4 ,he became silent and reserved1 with the air and manners of one who is not at peace with himself2 until one night1 when he was heard to cry out in a loud tone1 as though speaking to some one4 ,the next morning at breakfast he appeared subdued and full of tenderness2 and on his young friend inquiring what had made him cry out in the night1 he told her that he must return home1 for there was more work for him to do4 ,he said that a prospect of service in the gospel had latterly opened before him1 and that as he had greatly desired to remain in ,switzerland1 he had striven against the sense of duty and refused to yield2 but that during the night he had had a vision1 in which he heard the command repeated to return home and enter again upon his labor1 and that he felt1 as he thought1 the touch of the heavenly messenger's hand4 ,this caused him to call out2 and when he awoke1 he found that willingness of spirit had taken the place of his former obstinacy4 ,thus turned from his own purpose1 he set about to accomplish the will of his gracious ,master with his usual resolution1 and they made the best of their way back to ,england4 ,the nature of the service which he saw before him is touched upon in the following passage from a letter1 dated ,neuveville1 the #adth of the ,tenth ,month4 ,my home duties press heavily upon me4444 ,very long have ,i thought about the young men1 and the younger part of our ,society2 and ,i have a hope the way will be made for my finding access to them1 in a religious and social point of view4 ,should it be permitted1 the ,lord grant that it may tend to mutual comfort4 ,john ,yeardley returned through ,paris4 ,he spent a day or two in that great city1 which he never saw so quiet and free from soldiers4 ,we extract from his ,diary a short note of a conversation which took place at the table d'hote of the hotel where he lodged1 and which appears to us to be of an instructive character4 ,two men contended respecting the motive by which mankind are influenced to good actions4 ,one attributed it to reason2 the other held that it was virtue which restrains from evil and impels to good1 and maintained that we must do good actions from the love of justice and virtue1 and not from the fear of punishment or the hope of reward4 ,the latter had the advantage over his antagonist in the argument3-- ,i had not1 says ,j4,y41 taken part in the conversation2 but at the close ,i felt constrained to tell the ,christian that ,i confessed myself on his side1 because he had defended the truth2 only that what he called virtue1 ,i called the action of the spirit of ,god in the heart of man4 ,with much animation1 he clasped my hand in his1 and cried1 ,that is the very thing1--that is just what ,i mean6 ,in the year #ahef1 he engaged in two religious visits at home1 both of them in accordance with the kind of service which had been unfolded to him in the retirement of ,neuveville1 viz41 mingled religious and social intercourse with his younger fellow-members4 ,in reading the expression of his feelings in the prospect of the former of these engagements1 it is instructive to remark1 that the same sense of entire dependence which had bowed his spirit when required in early life to make the first offering of this kind1 was present with him when now called upon to go forth in his ,master's name for the twentieth time1 and when age and experience had given him reverence among men4 #a mo4 #h4--,to-morrow is our ,monthly ,meeting1 when ,i expect to propose to my ,friends a visit to the meetings composing the ,quarterly ,meetings of ,bristol and ,somerset1 and ,gloucester and ,wilts4 ,every time any fresh exercise turns up for me1 it always feels as if it was the first time of entering into the holy harness4 ,if my friends permit me to proceed1 ,i hope ,i shall be helped through it2 but it looks formidable4 #bast4--,bristol is like a great mountain looking me in the face1 and weighing heavily upon my heart4 ,the following short memoranda of the way in which he was engaged at ,bristol are taken from his letters2 the ,diary1 during his later years1 supplies few notes1 either of his labors or his experience3-- #c mo4--,i met at ,richard ,fry's house a large number of young men and women teachers of the ,first-day ,school2 forty-eight were present4 ,an opportunity was offered for my receiving and also communicating information respecting schools and education4 ,what makes the subject more interesting in ,bristol1 is the attendance of more than one hundred of the school children at meeting on ,first-day mornings1 which1 ,i think1 has been the practice for about ten years1 and their behavior is orderly and good4 #cast4--,i am somewhat busily employed in this busy city in visiting the young men4 ,i find very ready access to them1 and my engagement has the hearty concurrence of all my friends4 ,i am abundantly convinced that it would have been a great mistake to have ran away from the place without making the attempt at the performance of the present service4 ,the usual meetings for worship have been seasons of divine favor1 some of them1 ,i think1 extraordinarily so1 which ,i consider a great mercy in my ,heavenly ,father1 when ,i consider the weakness of the poor instrument4 ,it has been announced for me to give a lecture this evening in the large meeting-house1 on my travels in ,europe1 a sound which almost frightens me4 ,friends really do not know what a poor thing ,i am4 ,by the kindness of a friend1 we have been supplied with a pleasing personal reminiscence of ,john ,yeardley's visit to ,bristol1 which will help to represent him as he was in later years4 ,bristol1 #f mo4 #h1 #ahei4 ,since thou informed me of thy intention to compile a memoir of our late dear friend ,john ,yeardley1 ,i have endeavored to recall the circumstances of his visit to this city in the spring of the year #ahef4 ,my impression is1 that the most striking feature in his character was his childlike simplicity1 both in word and conduct4 ,this very characteristic1 whilst it really increased his influence for good1 especially with the young1 rendered it perhaps more difficult to trace1 and now to describe1 the precise manner in which it was exercised4 ,i believe that his ,christian labors here were very seasonable and very important1 and that he was enabled to perform a service which scarcely any one else would have been equally qualified to render4 ,there was in him1 so far as my observation went1 no approach towards an assumption of spiritual dignity2 nor was there1 on the other hand1 that which is perhaps a more frequent defect1 anything of feigned humility4 ,his whole character seemed to me perfectly unaffected4 ,to whatever extent1 therefore1 his natural disposition may have fitted him for profitable intercourse with the young1 ,i think that the qualities which ,i have attempted to describe rendered him peculiarly acceptable to them4 ,many times1 whilst he was amongst us1 he alluded--,i believe even in his public ministry--to his delight in their society1 somewhat in this manner3 ,i love the company of those who tread the earth with an elastic step4 ,this prominent trait in his character was a striking illustration of what may be termed the corrective tendency of true religion1 by which in advanced life he was enabled to place himself1 under the precious influence of the love of ,christ1 in thorough sympathy with those whose circumstances1 in many respects1 were so different from1 his own4 ,but my object was to describe ,john ,yeardley's meetings in ,bristol4 ,the truth is1 however1 that in describing the man1 one seems most truly to describe his service4 ,in addition to his family visits1 he met a large company of our members in our meeting-house1 and gave an interesting narrative of his journeys in ,southern ,russia and ,greece4 ,he afterwards invited many of our young friends1 especially those who were engaged as teachers in our ,first-day ,schools1 to spend an evening with him4 ,meeting at the house of a kind friend1 we had an opportunity of hearing from his own lips some interesting details of his labors1 chiefly1 ,i think1 in reference to the schools in ,greece4 ,with characteristic simplicity1 he made various inquiries respecting our own ,first-day ,schools1 in which he felt a deep interest4 ,the occasion was of a very sociable and easy character1 and well calculated to promote in his young friends the healthy tone of religious feeling which seemed so peculiarly to belong to himself4 ,after ,martha ,yeardley's decease1 and as years rolled on1 his mind dwelt still more habitually and more confidingly than ever on the approaching end of the race4 #d mo4 #bd4--;,i cannot say my spirits are always high4 ,there is an individuality in the allotment of each of us which we must seek for grace and aid to endure to the end4 ,the road may be now and then a little rough1 but it cannot be very long1 at least to some of us2 and when the eye closes under the last gleam of earthly light1 and then opens in the full brightness of eternal glory1 to enjoy the fulness of a ,saviour's love1 it will be bliss indeed4 ,thinking his state of health unequal to the attendance of the ,yearly ,meeting1 he left ,london and again1 resorted for a while to the baths near ,minden1 where he passed two months in tranquil retirement4 ,he had in former visits been deeply interested in the sufferings of a ,prussian soldier who refused conscientiously to bear arms4 ,the late ,samuel ,gurney wrote to the ,king of ,prussia1 on behalf of the young man1 who was in consequence liberated from military service1 but was sentenced to two years' imprisonment4 ,the term was not nearly expired2 but ,john ,yeardley1 whilst at ,minden1 heard that he had been released from prison by immediate command of the ,king4 ,j4,y4 had spent a ,first-day with him within the gloomy walls in ,duisburg1 and was consequently the more ready to rejoice in his liberation4 ,on his return to ,england1 ,john ,yeardley proceeded to ,birmingham4 ,his service in this and the neighboring towns was similar to that which he had had to perform at ,bristol4 ,he says3 ,by day ,i called on the sick and such as were confined at home4 ,in the evenings ,i met companies of young men and women4 ,they were invited to the ,friends' houses where tea was first served1 and then a religious occasion of silence and exhortation1 with supplication when felt to be under right pointing4 ,the remainder of the evening was spent in social converse4 ,i am very favorable to the mixing of social intercourse with gospel labor4 ,all seemed pleased1 and ,i trust we were mutually edified4 ,i was often requested to give some account of my late journey and the state of religion in the various countries where ,i had travelled2 and the conversation often1 turned on points connected with our religious principles4 ,joseph ,sturge1 he continues1 was from home4 ,at the request of his wife ,i dined at their house with twenty-five young culprits1 whom ,j4,s4 has in his ,reformatory at ,stoke1 near ,bromsgrove4 ,they came in a van with horses to spend the day4 ,they are all such as have been once or twice in prison1 mostly for theft4 ,i addressed them after dinner1 and at tea-time ,i questioned them as to ,jesus ,christ our ,redeemer1 on ,god1 ,heaven and ,hell1 how to gain ,heaven and avoid misery4 ,i left them with a more favorable impression than ,i otherwise should have had4 ,severe measures had failed to improve them1 but they seemed susceptible of kind treatment1 and some of them gave hopes of amendment4 #i mo4 #ba4--,visited the ,boys' and ,girls' ,first-day ,schools4 ,breakfasted with thirty teachers 7young men7 at the schools4 ,about #cgj boys present in two rooms4 ,none are taken under fourteen years of age4 ,also a large class of adults4 ,i addressed the two companies3 then went to the girls2 heard them read1 and addressed them4 ,there are about twenty young women teachers1 and perhaps #bgj to #cjj girls4 ,the morning meeting was large4 ,i was much pressed in spirit to speak on the nature of the fall of man1 and on the necessity of having clear views of gospel truth4 ,i was told afterwards that there was a ,unitarian present4 ,he attended the ,quarterly ,meeting at ,leicester on the #bdth1 and the two following days met companies of young persons1 who were1 he says1 much tendered in spirit4 ,after some similar service at ,stourbridge and ,coventry1 he returned on the #bgth to ,stamford ,hill4 ,he remarks in his ,diary3 ,i believe the service of the young ,friends in the ,first-day ,schools has been a blessing to themselves as well as to their pupils4 ,the next month ,john ,yeardley made a religious visit to ,hertfordshire1 and had two social-religious meetings with the younger ,friends at ,hitchin2 after which he remained at home until the beginning of the ,twelfth ,month1 when he left ,england for ,nismes4 ,one object in this journey was to revisit the school which had been established by himself and ,martha ,yeardley in #ahdb3 another was the renewal of his declining health4 ,susan ,howland and ,lydia ,congdon1 from the ,united ,states1 who were then on a visit to ,europe1 were bound for the same destination1 and ,john ,yeardley gave them his company4 #ab mo4 #f4--,on entering ,france1 he says1 we found a sprinkling of snow and frost1 but on leaving ,lyons we left all the wintry weather behind1 and travelled on under a hot sun1 and bright1 cloudless sky1 which seemed to impart to us all fresh vigor and spirits4 ,s4 ,howland remarked1 ,in such an atmosphere she felt another being4 ,at ,nismes1 the party found ,eliza ,p4 ,gurney1 and ,robert and ,christine ,alsop1 on their way home from the valleys of ,piedmont4 ,john ,yeardley lodged at the school1 spent much of his time with the children1 and with the other ,english and the ,american ,friends gave his aid in some plans for their recreation4 #ab mo4 #be4--,the evening of this day was a lively and pleasant scene4 ,the girls' countenances were brightened and their hearts cheered by the presents made to them by the ,english ,friends present4 ,the tree was new to them2 it was beautifully lighted with tapers1 and bore a variety of fruit both for mind and body4 #aheg4 #c mo4 #b4--,my dear friend ----- proposed my giving the school girls a treat before ,i left ,nismes4 ,we contrived a visit to the sea1 distant from ,nismes about twenty miles4 ,we procured two omnibuses with six horses1 and started at #e o'clock in the morning4 ,long before the time appointed1 the little maidens were in the entrance-hall with their satchels in their hand1 containing each her dinner2 twenty-seven in all4 ,the pleasure on the road was novel and great2 but when they arrived at the sea-shore their delight was complete2 with light hearts and quick heels1 running and picking up shells1 meeting the waves as they advanced and receded4 ,on our return we visited the ancient town of ,aigues-,mortes1 near the sea1 famous for having been the place where the ,protestant women were confined and punished even to death4 ,we entered most of the strong and gloomy cells1 and saw the instrument of torture4 ,the tower and fortress are a perfect model of a feudal castle4 ,on his return to ,england1 ,john ,yeardley was taken ill with bronchitis1 which produced great bodily weakness1 and caused him many wearisome nights and days2 but1 he says1 my ,saviour was near to console and sustain me4 ,he went for change to ,bath1 and afterwards to ,brighton with ,margaret ,pope3-- ,we made1 he says1 speaking of this visit many calls1 and my hospitable hostess had many of the ,friends to tea and dinner visits4 ,our social readings in the evening were often instructive in the conversation upon what we read1 particularly over ,hippolytus1 who lived and wrote in the first half of the second century4 ,the ,chevalier ,bunsen did good service to the ,christian ,church in bringing the life and some of the writings of this good man to light4 ,on his return home we find him still solicitous1 as he had been in former years1 for the intellectual improvement of his young friends4 #aa mo4--,during my stay at home ,i have renewed my ,german class for a few of my young friends4 ,we have also commenced a soiree for ,german and ,french conversation4 ,i love the society of my young friends1 and am always1 anxious to promote their learning to speak ,german and ,french4 ,the ,diary for #aheh1 the last year of his life1 commences with1 a ,new ,year's dedication of himself afresh to the service of his faithful ,creator1 and a prayer for a fresh anointing in the exercise of his ministry4 #aheh4 #a mo4 #d4--;,how many and various are the thoughts which crowd on the mind on the commencement of a new year2 perhaps none more important than to think ,i am one year nearer to eternity4 ,a desire does live in my heart 7cherish it1 ,o1 my ,god7 to live more to thy glory on earth4 ,how ,i long to be favored with strength to do something for the cause of truth and righteousness1 so long as ,i may be permitted to remain on the ,lord's earth4 ,i think with gratitude that he has blessed me with a little more faith of late in my ministry1 and my very soul prays that in these requirings he may be pleased to put the unction of his ,spirit into my heart1 and his words into my mouth1 and that under a right pointing1 they may go forth with power4 ,grant me1 ,lord1 more devotedness of life1 and a right and sure preparation for a peaceful death and a blissful eternity4 ,for some years before his decease1 ,john ,yeardley's thoughts were frequently occupied with the subject of the ,millennium4 ,like some other good men1 he thought he saw in the events which were taking place1 the impending accomplishment of those predictions1 whose fulfilment was to precede the great and terrible day of the ,lord4 ,on one occasion1 after mentioning a number of these signs of the times1 he winds up the enumeration and the thoughts to which it gave rise1 with the following reflection3-- ,happy is the ,christian who1 in this time of conflict1 can look beyond the passing events of time to the ,great ,first ,cause1 and behold1 as with the eye of faith1 the providence of his ,god watching over all things1 waiting to bring good out of evil1 and causing all things to work to the one great point1 when he will cause the wrath of man to praise him1 and the remainder of wrath will he restrain4 ,come1 my people1 enter thou into thy chambers and shut thy doors about thee2 hide thyself1 as it were for a little moment1 until the indignation be overpast4 ,for behold the ,lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity4 7,isaiah xxvi4 #bj1 #ba7 ,in the ,second ,month he spent a week at ,chelmsford with ,susanna ,corder4 ,his visit was prefaced by the following letter3-- ,stamford ,hill1 #a mo4 #ac1 #aheh4 ,,my ,,dear ,,friend1 ,it would seem to me as if there were only left here and there a link of the chain of my original connexion on this earth4 ,the best end of this chain is attached to those loved ones in heaven who are drawing me every day nearer to their happy and blissful abode1 through the love of our glorified ,redeemer4 ,it is now many years since thou received her once so dear to me as a bosom friend1 to partake of thy wise counsels1 and in her troubles especially to enjoy the sympathy of thy warm and affectionate heart4 ,i am now left alone for a short time2 my young companion is at ,norwich4 ,if thou wert at home1 pretty well in health1 and withal not so much occupied as sometimes1 it would be a great pleasure and gratification to me to pay thee a short visit2 but1 as an absolute condition1 ,i must request thee to say1 in perfect freedom1 if it would be quite convenient4 ,i want to ask thee many1 many things4 ,thy friend1 affectionately and very sincerely1 ,,john ,,yeardley4 ,after his return home1 having also visited ,saffron ,walden1 he writes3-- #a mo4 #be4--;,just returned from a visit to ,essex4 ,i lodged a week at my dear friend ,s4,c4's1 and was edified and comforted in her company4 ,it has been a promised pleasure of some years' standing4 ,the morning meeting on ,first-day1 as well as the one on ,fourth-day1 was a season of spiritual refreshment1 for which ,i was truly thankful4 ,the ,friends testified their unity and comfort3 ,i called on most of them4 ,on the ,seventh-day1 ,c4,m4 conveyed me across the country to ,saffron ,walden4 ,on the way we paid a sweet visit to the afflicted family of ----4 ,at ,walden ,i was affectionately cared for1 and was much interested in the ,friends there1 whom ,i had not seen for eighteen years4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,last ,,journey ,,and ,,death1 #aheh4--;,,concluding ,,remarks4 ,we are now arrived at the closing scene of ,john ,yeardley's labors4 ,the impression which he had received1 during his visit to ,turkey in #ahec1 of the opening for the work of the ,gospel in the ,eastern countries1 had never been obliterated2 it had rather grown deeper with time1 although his ability to accomplish such an undertaking had proportionately diminished4 ,this consideration1 however1 could not satisfy his awakened sympathies1 and1 according to his apprehension1 no other course remained for him but to prepare for a visit to the missionary stations in ,asia ,minor and the countries beyond1 in order to deliver to the inquiring inhabitants amongst whom those stations are planted1 the message of ,christ's love to their souls with which he believed himself to be charged4 ,and when he communicated to his friends the apprehension that this journey was required of him as the last offering of thanksgiving before his day closed1 they were satisfied to lay their hands upon him for the work1 thinking1 perhaps1 that the veteran soldier could not better end his campaign than with his arms in his hands1 actively contending for the faith4 ,that such might not improbably be the issue of the enterprise1 ,john ,yeardley himself believed2 but it is doubtful if he correctly estimated the arduous nature of the journey4 ,it would have been a bold undertaking in the vigor of his days3 at his time of life1 and with his declining strength1 it was1 humanly speaking1 impossible that he should accomplish nearly all he had in view4 ,his ,diary unfolds his spiritual exercises and his natural feelings in the prospect before him4 #c mo4 #ag4--,the last two months have been to me an awful time of deep conflict of spirit1 arising out of a prospect of a religious visit to some places in ,asiatic ,turkey1 and parts adjacent4 ,i do not know when ,i have had more conflict to arrive at a clear pointing4 ,i prayed earnestly and waited long for that clear pointing of ,divine ,wisdom1 without which ,i can never move in concerns of this importance4 ,in the end1 ,i am thankful to say1 the cloud was removed and the sun stone with brightness1 and no longer was my poor tried mind left in doubt as to the line of religions duty2 and before mentioning it to any one1 ,i communicated it to the ,monthly ,meeting in the ,second ,month4 ,much unity and sympathy were expressed1 and the certificate ordered4 ,it is now signed1 and is a sweet document1 short and explicit4 ,i see and deeply feel the perils and sufferings which await me1 in venturing on untrodden ground1 as it regards any minister of our ,society1 and to such a distance1 and among1 for the most part1 an unbelieving people4 ,but ,i can and do look forward in calm confidence1 trusting1 as ,i have ever done1 in the aid and protecting care of my ,heavenly ,father1 whose cause ,i desire to serve1 and whose will ,i wish above all other things to do4 ,my earthly career can never end better than in the work of my ,divine ,master2 and should it be his will to terminate my life in the ,arab tent1 ,i shall have more consolation there than in an ,english home under the stinging sense of a dereliction of my religious duty4 ,i am giving all my leisure hours to learn something of the ,turkish language1 for travelling purposes1 and for a little social intercourse4 ,ever since this concern fastened on my mind1 it has been connected with having the company of my young friend from the ,south of ,france1 ,jules ,paradon4 ,may the ,lord grant me resignation1 faith1 grace1 and strength to do his holy will2 and then1 whether it end in life or death1 his great name shall be praised4 ,this testimony ,i record in gratitude and love to the mercy of my ,god4 ,amen4 ,before leaving ,england1 he paid a visit to ,staines4 #d mo4 #bj4--;,i went down to ,staines1 and spent two weeks with ,margaret ,pope1 which sojourn proved a strength and comfort to me4 ,this dear friend is a succorer of many1 and1 ,i can truly say1 of me in particular4 ,we had several pleasant drives1 and made friendly visits to the neighboring meetings and ,friends4 ,i also applied pretty diligently to the ,turkish language4 ,amply provided1 by the kindness of many friends1 with whatever could administer to his wants or ease the roughness of ,eastern travel1 ,john ,yeardley left his home on the #aeth of the ,sixth ,month4 ,he arrived at ,nismes on the #agth1 and was joined there by ,jules ,paradon4 ,his ,diary supplies some notes of the voyage to ,constantinople4 #bcrd4--,malta4 ,here we arrived at #d o'clock this morning1 after a favorable passage2 thanks to the ,preserver of our lives2 great is his mercy and his love4 ,my heart is filled with deep thoughtfulness1 and ,i am very anxious to procure an interpreter1 either at ,smyrna or ,constantinople4 ,my faith is weak1 but ,i trust the ,lord will provide4 ,on descending the lower deck adjoining3 the large saloon1 ,i found my faithful companion in calm but very earnest conversation with the commissary of the ship and a passenger of respectability1 the ,spanish consul of ,smyrna4 ,they had sifted from ,jules the object of our journey1 and when they found it connected with a religious mission1 they both attacked him earnestly and showed themselves really opposed to the truth4 ,but my young friend stood his ground well1 and maintained the ,christian religion4 ,the opponents were both ,romanists4 ,they quieted down before the close1 and treated us respectfully the remainder of the journey2 we parted with them at ,smyrna4 ,i am thankful to have in my companion such a defender of the faith4 #bgth4--,we arrived at ,smyrna this morning1 and in order to meet some of our ,christian friends to whom we had letters of recommendation1 we met them after their worship4 ,edward ,van ,lennep1 the ,dutch consul1 and his brother ,charles1 the ,swedish consul1 received us with great kindness and cordiality through the letters from one of our ,members of ,parliament4 ,it was very sweet to find these two brothers so imbued with religious feeling2 they gave their hearts to help us in our prospect4 ,on the #cjth ,john ,yeardley and his companion landed at ,constantinople2 they found the heat and noise of the city very oppressive4 ,the people in the streets1 says ,john ,yeardley1 are numerous beyond all description2 thousands1 and tens of thousands1 standing1 sitting1 running1 following1 or pushing one against the other1 talking and shouting in the ceaseless noise of the ,armenian1 ,turkish1 ,greek1 ,syriac1 ,italian1 ,french and ,english languages4 ,the services of my dear ,jules are most valuable3 he makes his way with every one through his earnest kindness to serve the good cause4 ,when passing through the islands1 he adds1 the prospect was extremely beautiful2 but my mind was always anxious in the prospect of the long journey before us2 but the mercy of my ,god is great1 and deeply humbles me in thankfulness for his goodness4--7,letter of #g mo4 #d47 ,very soon after their arrival1 walking several hours in the heat of the day1 ,john ,yeardley had a slight attack of sun-stroke4 ,the effect appeared quickly to pass off1 and he was able to perform such religious duty as opened before him in the city and its immediate neighborhood4 ,diary4 #g mo4 #d4--,we made a call at ,bebek3 ,dr4 ,hamlin had gone to the city1 but ,dr4 ,dwight received us kindly4 ,these two dear ,christian1 friends called on us yesterday4 ,this morning we attended the meeting in the ,armenian chapel1 and at half-past #a we had a full company in the same meeting-house4 ,they received in a free and brotherly disposition what ,i was favored to express in gospel freedom2 ,i concluded in supplication4 ,a kind and ,christian man interpreted with simplicity into the ,turkish language4 ,the morning service was in the ,armenian4 ,we have already had many calls from these loving ,christian friends in our hotel4 ,what a mercy1 and how encouraging1 to be thus received in gospel by strangers6 ,respecting this meeting ,jules ,paradon says3-- ,about thirty-five or forty were present4 ,our dear friend's communication was short and simple2 it breathed love to all4 ,in fact1 what he seemed to have most on his mind in all his public communications was1 to show his hearers how much ,god loved them in even giving his own ,son for them1 and the high privilege we can enjoy in loving him4 ,they went also to ,has-,keui1 where ,j4,y4 desired to have a meeting with the girls of the school2 but many had left for the vacation1 and he was obliged to give up his intention4 ,on the #ajth they went to ,brusa1 in ,asia ,minor1 six hours by steam-vessel across the ,sea of ,marmora to ,moudania1 and six on horseback from ,moudania to ,brusa4 ,the land journey was oppressive4 ,a narrow path winds through a very rugged country2 and there is only one halting-place1 a guard hut1 where they took a cup of coffee1 the only refreshment the inmates had to offer4 ,john ,yeardley suffered much in this day's journey4 ,he had two meetings in the ,protestant meeting-house at ,brusa3-- ,both1 says ,jules ,paradon1 took place after the usual service1 which was expressly made short4 ,the hearers1 to the number of about #abj1 were impressed and interested to hear and see our dear friend come from so far to visit them in the love of the gospel4 ,twelve or fourteen men came two evenings to see us at our lodgings2 and on both occasions our dear friend addressed them very sweetly4 ,the heat tried him very much1 but he felt pleased and happy to be helped to sympathize with so many simple1 kind-hearted people4 ,at ,demirdash 7six miles from ,brusa71 he had a short religious opportunity with a few persons4 ,on their return to ,constantinople1 finding that a box of luggage he expected from ,london1 containing a tent and other equipments1 had not arrived1 without which he could not pursue his journey into the interior1 he employed the interval in visiting ,isnik1 7the ancient ,nicomedia17 and ,bargheghik1 two places in ,asia ,minor1 not far from the coast4 ,accordingly they started early the next day1 and reached ,isnik late in the evening1 weary and exhausted1 having been able to procure very little refreshment on the way4 ,they proceeded to ,bargheghik the day following2 ,john ,yeardley walking about four miles in the middle of the day1 with which he was extremely fatigued4 ,he had a meeting1 continues ,jules ,paradon1 late in the evening1 which proved highly interesting4 ,about thirty men and one woman attended4 ,our dear friend encouraged and consoled the weak and the afflicted4 ,the next day we returned to ,isnik1 having to bear the heat of the sun from half-past eight till three in the afternoon4 ,we had a meeting the same afternoon at half-past four1 towards the close of which he felt weak1 and seemed to end his address rather abruptly4 ,the fact was1 that paralysis had supervened2 and on his return the next day to ,constantinople1 his bodily and mental strength were seen to be rapidly diminishing4 ,he still clung1 however1 to the desire of accomplishing the object which lay so near his heart1 and could not be satisfied without going to ,bebek to consult his missionary friends about his journey into the interior4 ,probably they perceived that he was totally unequal to the effort1 and advised him to relinquish it2 for on his return to the city he was induced to abandon the thought of proceeding farther1 and to turn his mind towards home4 ,on the #bcrd he said1 ,if after what had been done he was permitted to go home1 it would be a satisfaction4#ad ,on the #bfth they embarked for ,marseilles4 ,john ,yeardley bore the voyage well1 walking on deck every day1 but becoming continually weaker4 ,they arrived at ,marseilles on the #dth of the ,eighth ,month1 and passed through ,france as rapidly as his state would allow4 ,on the evening of ,second-day1 the #ith1 he was favored to reach ,stamford ,hill2 and though unable to speak1 he recognized several of his near relatives1 and signified his pleasure in being once more at home4 ,he continued to sink until ,fifth-day1 the #aath1 when he quietly breathed his last1 an expression of peace resting on his venerable face4 ,we may say1 with one of his most intimate friends on the ,continent1 when he heard of his decease3--,so our beloved friend has been called to enter into his ,lord's joy4 ,now he will see ,god1 to whom he often used to pray4 ',with thee is the fountain of life2 in thy light shall we see light4' ,his remains were interred at ,stoke ,newington1 on the #ahth of the ,eighth ,month4 99 99 99 99 99 ,of the fruits which ,john ,yeardley has bequeathed to us in the history of his life and ,christian experience1 none perhaps are of higher value than his diligent improvement of the talents he possessed and his steady and persevering pursuit of what he had in view4 ,it is not so much what abilities a man has that determines his place in society1 and the amount of his influence1 as the use which he makes of them4 ,of this truth ,john ,yeardley was a striking example4 ,we have heard him say1 in one of his early diaries3 ,i have clearly seen1 for what service ,i am designed in the church militant here on earth2 therefore1 through the assistance of divine grace1 ,i hope to pursue nothing but in subordination to this main design4 ,the service to which he was called was the ,christian ministry2 and1 laying aside every meaner ambition1 and indeed every other object1 he addressed himself to preparation for this service as the labor of his life4 ,he cultivated those habits of mind and body1 and confined himself to the acquisition of those branches of knowledge1 which1 while they left his heavenly gift free and unsullied1 would best subserve the exercise of it4 ,his industry and perseverance were remarkable4 ,in none of his pursuits were these qualities more conspicuous than in his study of languages4 ,it cost him1 especially1 an almost incredible amount of labor to master ,french4 ,the slight elementary knowledge of this language which he acquired at ,bentham cannot have given him so much as an insight into it2 his acquaintance with it may be said to date from his visit to ,congenies1 when he had reached his fortieth year4 ,yet1 by indefatigable exertion1 maintained during many years1 he became able to write and speak it fluently1 though1 not correctly1 and even to preach without an interpreter4 ,the difficulty which he encountered in the acquisition of languages1 from the late period of life at which he commenced1 was enhanced by his ignorance of ,latin1 that best trainer of the youthful faculties1 and by a natural inaptitude for the memory of words4 ,a proof of the latter occurred when1 with his quick-witted wife1 he was occupied in conning over the ,italian and ,modern ,greek ,grammars1 in preparation for their journey to the ,ionian ,islands4 ,the difference in their natural capacities in this respect is shown in her playful expression2 ,i got my lesson in half an hour2 while ,john has been three or four hours over his1 and does not know it yet4 ,but although slow in study1 he was quick and shrewd in the observation of actual life4 ,this was apparent in his daily converse2 and it may also be continually traced in his ,diary1 where1 describing those with whom he became acquainted in his numerous travels1 he seizes1 on the prominent feature of their mind or manners1 and with a word affixes to each his own particular mark4 ,of the hundreds of individuals who rise into view one after another in the course of these journeys1 scarcely two are alike2 a result which is1 perhaps1 due as much to the pen of the writer1 as to the inherent diversities of the human character4 ,to this shrewdness of observation1 he added a racy humor which those who knew him in his hours of relaxation and familiarity will not easily forget4 ,his mind was stored with quaint and pithy phrases1 and apt illustrations1 which he not unfrequently seasoned with his native idiom1 the broad ,barnsley dialect4 ,his north-country pronunciation1 indeed1 never entirely forsook him2 and the singular graft of ,german which he made upon it during his residence abroad1 caused it to be commonly supposed1 by those who were strangers to his history1 that he was a native of ,germany4 ,the same moral constitution that enabled ,john ,yeardley to pursue his objects with indomitable perseverance1 sometimes betrayed him1 as may easily be imagined1 into a tenacity of purpose1 bordering upon obstinacy4 ,to the same strength of will also1 acting on the defects incident to a neglected education in early life1 must be attributed those strong prejudices which were at times to be remarked in him1 and of which he found it extremely difficult to divest himself4 ,but it was the triumph of grace1 that whilst these faults of character and disposition remained for the most part only as a hidden thorn1 the messenger of ,satan to buffet him1 the virtues to which they were allied1 and all the faculties of his mind1 were consecrated to the service of ,god and of his fellow-man1 and his whole nature was enlarged1 refined and elevated1 by the all-powerful energy of the gospel4 ,very sweet and instructive are our recollections of the humility of his walk amongst us1 and of the liveliness of his ministry1 marked as it was by much simplicity1 love and earnestness4 ,to this testimony of his ,monthly ,meeting1 all who were accustomed to hear him will readily subscribe4 ,we are able to append some notes of a few of his public testimonies1 which we give as likely to be at once gratifying and instructive to the reader4 ,the friend to whom we are indebted for them informs us that the notes were written immediately after meeting1 and are as nearly the words used as his memory would furnish4 ,he adds1 ,they bring before the mind's eye and ear the face and voice of a dear departed friend1 and1 ,i believe1 a true and enlightened servant of the ,lord4 99 99 99 99 99 7#h mo1 #ahej47 ,keep thy heart1 with all diligence1 for out of it are the issues of life4--7,proverbs iv4 #bc47 ,we often are made to feel the force of this truth1 when we have been unwatchful1 and some cross occurrence has tried our tempers4 ,how often we are made to see1 and to show before others1 what manner of spirit is in as44444 ,sometimes we are favored with such clear convictions of the worthlessness of mere worldly possessions and pursuits1 and such delightful realizations of the happiness of seeking to do the ,lord's work1 that we are ready to express our astonishment that any human beings can be found so foolish as to devote their energies to the pursuit of things which never can give satisfaction1 and which must needs perish4 ,and then1 perhaps1 we are brought into a state of darkness and despondency1 to show us our utter helplessness and unworthiness1 and the need there is for every one of us to keep the heart with all diligence1 for out of it are the issues of life44444 ,every individual1 no doubt1 has his own particular path of duty1 which is designed to promote his own best happiness and the well-being of all mankind4 ,how important for each to follow that path in watchfulness and obedience1 that the work may not be marred6 ,how important to keep the heart with all diligence1 that the issues of life may be in accordance with divine will6 99 99 99 99 99 7#i mo4 #a1 #ahej47 ,since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the ,lord1 we have had enough to eat1 and have left plenty4--7#b ,chronicles xxxi4 #aj47 ,these words have been impressed upon my mind this morning1 and ,i have thought they were instructive1 in a spiritual sense4 ,i believe1 if we were more earnest in bringing offerings into the house of the ,lord--if each one of us was more diligent in contributing his share1 and doing his part of the ,lord's business1--we should have less anxiety about worldly things2 we should have faith in the ,lord's providence1 and1 not only spiritually1 but naturally also1 we should have enough to eat and plenty left4 99 99 99 99 99 7#aa mo4 #bd1 #ahej47 ,in looking at the world around1 we may be apt to think that the day is very far off when the ,lord's kingdom1 shall be established in peace3 but to those who1 through the regenerating power of ,christ1 have become subjects of the ,prince of ,peace1 that day has commenced already2 and whatever storms may rage without1 they will experience peace within4 ,for he will keep them in perfect peace whose minds are staid on him1 because they trust in him4 99 99 99 99 99 7#i mo4 #ai1 #aheb47 ,john ,yeardley addressed the children with much feeling1 telling them to rely on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ in all their ways--to let him carry them in his bosom1 and to run to him in danger or trouble1 as they would to their tender mothers4 99 99 99 99 99 ,you sometimes are restless in these meetings1 not knowing how to keep your thoughts fixed on heavenly things1 and perplexed for want of some visible means of instruction4 ,i believe your tender ,saviour may often feed you1 even while in this state1 with food convenient for you4 ,but remember1 dear children1 that he is always calling to every one of you1 ,come unto ,me4 ,suffer little children to come unto ,me1 and forbid them not4 ,o6 come to him1 my precious lambs1 and he will feed you1 and lead you beside the still waters1 and make you lie down in green pastures4 99 99 99 99 99 7#ab mo4 #h1 #ahed ,at a ,funeral47 ,and the ransomed of the ,lord shall return1 and come to ,zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads3 they shall obtain joy and gladness1 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away4--7,isa4 xxxv4 #aj47 ,in the pain of parting with the beloved object of our heart's affection1 we forget the rejoicing which welcomes the ransomed spirit to its everlasting rest4 ,but when the time is come for the ,lord to pour in the healing balm into the sorrowing soul1 then we find a little comfort4 4444 ,watchman6 what of the night8 ,watchman6 what of the night8 ,the watchman said1 ,the morning cometh1 and also the night3 if ye will inquire1 inquire ye3 return2 come4 ,there are many in this company in the morning of life1 enjoying the prospect of many days1 and forming many plans for the future1 with all the ardor of their youthful minds4 ,may the present occasion prove the morning of their spiritual day2 and may they remember that the night cometh as well as the morning4 ,how thin is the partition which separates the present state from that of eternity6 ,we mourn over those who are taken away from us1 and we fancy we are left alone4 ,but we are called to be one in ,christ4 ,i have great faith in the communion of saints1 in the union of saints on earth with saints in heaven4 ,and we are all called to be saints by walking in faith1 by leading a life of holiness in the fear of the ,lord4 ,we say our beloved friends who have gone before us are dead4 ,they are not dead3 they have but just entered into life4 ,let us not mourn1 then1 as those who have no hope4 ,let us rather rejoice with them and for them1 and so live that we may be among the ransomed of the ,lord1 who shall return and come to ,zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads1 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away4 ,,the ,,end4 ,footnote #a3 ,the memorandum here referred to is in the ,diary1 under date of the #ahth of the ,sixth ,month4 ,footnote #b3 ,life of ,b4 ,grubb1 #bnd ed41 p4 #bai4 ,footnote #c3 ,the introduction was made by ,thomas ,shillitoe1 at the time of the ,yearly ,meeting4 ,he said to ,m4,s41 ,let me introduce thy brother to thee4 ,brother6 she exclaimed1 with surprise4 ,yes1 answered the good old man2 all who have been on the ,continent are brothers and sisters4 ,footnote #d3 ,pastor ,fliedner has since become more extensively known by the institution for ,deaconesses which he has founded at ,kaiserswerth1 where1 with many other useful and exemplary women1 ,florence ,nightingale was trained4 ,kaiserwerth has become the parent of several other kindred institutions4 ,footnote #e3 ,this is one of the earliest burial-grounds which belonged to ,friends4 ,over the gateway was a curious inscription on brass1 now removed to ,barnsley4 ,it is as follows3 ,anno ,domini #afeg4 ,though superstitious minds doe judge amisse of this buriall plane1 yet lett them know hereby that the ,scripture saith1 ,the earth1 it is the ,lord's4 ,and ,i say soe is this1 therefore seeing we1 and by his people also sett apart for the churches use1 or a buriall place1 it is holy1 or convenient and good for that use and service1 as every other earth is4 ,and it is not without ,scripture warrant or example of the holy men of ,god to burie in snoh a place2 for ,joshua1 a servant of the ,lord and commander in chiefe or leader and ruler of the people of ,god when he died was neither buried in a steeple-house now called a parish church1 nor in a steeple-house-yeard1 but he was buried in the border of his inheritance1 and on the north side of ,mount ,gaash1 as you may read2 see ,joshua1 the #bdth chapter1 and the #bith and #cjth verses4 ,and ,eleazer1 ,aaron's son1 who was called of the ,lord1 when he died1 7they buried him not in a parish house1 nor a steeple-house yeard1 but7 they buried him in the hill of ,phinehas1 his son1 which was given him in ,mount ,ephraim1 as you may read1 ,joshua1 the #bdth1 the #ccrd v4 ,and these were noe superstitious persons1 but beloved1 of the ,lord1 and were well buried4 ,and soe were they ,in ,abraham's bought field1 ,genesis1 the #bcrd chapter1 the #ag1 #ah1 #ai1 and #bj verses3 though superstitious minds now are unwilling unto the truth to bow1 who are offended at such as burie in their inheritance or bought field1 appointed for that use4 ,footnote #f3 ,this young person1 under the name of ,amanda1 is the subject of ,no4 #g of a series of small tracts published by ,john ,yeardley in the latter years of his life4 ,footnote #g3 ,she brought an affectionate epistle from ,m4,a4 ,calame4 ,the felicity of style and beauty of penmanship which distinguished the letters of this extraordinary woman agreed with the rest of her character4 ,we have the epistle in question now before us1 exquisitely written4 ,it ends with these words2-- ,il nous eut ete bien doux de prononger les moments de la voir encore1 mais la sagesse demande que tout se fasse avec ordre2 voila pourquoi notre chere enfant vous est confiee plus tot2 que le seigneur l'accompagne et vous aussi1 precieux amis2 nous vous confions tous trois a la garde divine1 et nous vous assurons encore ici de l'affection ,chretienne qui unit nos ames aux votres en ,celui qui est le lieu indissoluble4 ,m4 ,a4 ,calame4 ,locle1 #bd du #i mois1 '#cc4 ,footnote #h3 ,we believe ,joseph ,john ,gurney is here referred to4 ,footnote #i3 ,see ,the ,widow's ,mite1 ,no4 #e of ,j4,y4's ,series of ,tracts4 ,footnote #aj3 ,the visits of ,j4 and ,m4,y4 to ,kreuznach1 in this journey1 form the subject of ,no4 #h of ,john ,yeardley's ,series of ,tracts1 ,the ,german ,farmer become ,preacher4 ,we extract from it the following more particular description of their visit to the three villages mentioned in the text3-- ,we started on a bright1 hot sunny morning2 and a pleasant drive1 through the vines and under the agreeable shade of double rows of fruit trees1 brought us to the place of destination4 ,at the first farmhouse where we alighted the people were busy at their out-door work1 which1 however1 on hearing of the arrival of strangers1 they soon left1 and came to welcome the travellers with outstretched hand and smiling countenances4 ,they soon gave proof of their hospitality1 by ordering us to be served with fruit1 milk1 and butter-bread1 nor were we allowed to depart before partaking of a cup of coffee4 ,the master of the house was an intelligent1 pious man1 and gave us much information as to the state of religion among the people4 ,after wending our way from village to village and from house to house1 we returned to our lodgings1 favorably impressed with the piety and apparent sincerity of this simplehearted people4 ,footnote #aa3 ,the history of this worthy man is given in the ,tract mentioned in the last note1 ,the ,german ,farmer1 c4 ,footnote #ab3 ,see ,john ,yeardley's ,tract1 ,no4 #e1 ,the ,widow's ,mite cast into the ,heavenly ,treasury4 ,footnote #ac3 or a fuller description of this visit1 see ,j4,y4's ,tract1 ,the ,german ,farmer1 c4 ,footnote #ad3 ,after his return1 a letter was received from one of the missionaries at ,constantinople1 expressive of the pleasure which his visit had given there1 the regret of the writer that age and fatigue prevented him from pursuing his journey to the more remote stations1 and the cordial welcome which such ,christian friends of any denomination might always reckon upon from the missionary brethren4