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MEMOIR AND DIARY
OF
JOHN YEARDLEY,
Minister of the Gospel.
EDITED BY CHARLES TYLOR.
"Should time with me now close, I die in peace with my God, and in that
love for mankind which believes 'every nation to be our nation, and every
man our brother.'"--_Diary of J. Yeardley._.
PHILADELPHIA:
HENRY LONGSTRETH,
1336 CHESTNUT STREET.
1860.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
FROM JOHN YEARDLEY'S CONVERSION TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS PUBLIC
MINISTRY, 1803-15.
Birth and occupation
Joseph Wood, of Newhouse
Anecdote of Thomas Yeardley
John Yeardley's conversion
He enters T. D. Walton's linen warehouse
Joins the Society of Friends
Marriage with Elizabeth Dunn--Commencement of his Diary
A. Clarke's "Commentary"
Enters into business on his own account
Visit of Sarah Lameley
Call to the ministry
CHAPTER II.
FROM HIS ENTRANCE ON THE MINISTRY IN 1815, TO HIS COMMISSION TO RESIDE IN
GERMANY IN 1820.
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 Lancaster, in company with Joseph Wood
Visit to Friends at Barnsley
Journey to York
Letters to Thomas Yeardley
CHAPTER III.
FROM HIS COMMISSION TO RESIDE ABROAD IN 1820, TO HIS REMOVAL TO GERMANY
IN 1822.
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 IV.
HIS FIRST RESIDENCE IN GERMANY, 1822-24.
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
J.Y. visits Minden and Eidinghausen
Plan for helping the Friends of Minden
Journey to Leipzig
Returns to England
CHAPTER V.
FROM HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND IN 1824, TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS FIRST
CONTINENTAL JOURNEY IN 1825.
Mental depression
Journey with Elizabeth H. 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 VI.
HIS FIRST CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1825-26.
John Yeardley and his companions leave Pyrmont
Visit Elberfeld, Creveldt, Mühlheim, &c.
Neuwied--the Inspirirten
Journey to Berlenburg
Are placed under arrest at Erndebrück
Set at liberty by the Landrath of Berlenburg
The Old and New Separatists
Gelnhausen and Raneberg
Pforzheim--H. Kienlin
Stuttgardt, Basle, &c.
Zurich--the Gessner family
Berne
Geneva
Journey to Congenies
Religious service in the South of France
St. Etienne
Return to England
CHAPTER VII.
HIS MARRIAGE WITH MARTHA SAVORY, 1826-27.
John Yeardley goes into Yorkshire
Death of his parents
Marriage with Martha Savory
Biographical notice of Martha Savory
Letter from Martha Yeardley
J. and M. Y. take up their abode at Burton, near Barnsley
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SECOND CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1827-28.
PART I.--GERMANY.
J. and M.Y. sail to Rotterdam
Minden, &c.
Journey to the shores of the North Sea
Visit to the colonists on the _Grodens_
Fredericks-Oort
Frankfort
Darmstadt--Durkheim
Stuttgart
Kornthal
Wilhelmsdorf
CHAPTER IX.
THE SECOND CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1827-28.
PART II.--SWITZERLAND.
Schaffhausen
Beuggen
Zurich
Hofwyl--Geneva--A. Bost
Lausanne
Neufchâtel
Berne and the neighborhood
Montmirail--Neufchâtel
Locle--Mary Anne Calame
Journey through France
Guernsey--Accident on the water
CHAPTER X.
HOME OCCUPATIONS AND TRAVELS IN ENGLAND AND WALES, 1828-33.
Illness of Martha Yeardley
Letter from M.A. Calame
Yearly Meeting
Letter from Auguste Borel--Public meetings in Yorkshire
Death of James A. 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 XI.
THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, OR THE JOURNEY TO GREECE, 1833-34.
PART I.--THE JOURNEY TO ANCONA.
Paris
Death of Rachel Waterhouse
Nancy
Phalsbourg--Strasburg--Pastor Majors
Ban de la Roche
Basle
Neufchâtel
Polish Count and Countess
Geneva
Journey through Italy
Letters from Friends in England
CHAPTER XII.
THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1833-34.
PART II.--GREECE.
Corfu
Count F. Sardina
Santa Maura
Wigwam village on the mainland
Cephalonia--Zante
Patras--the Gulf of Corinth
Galaxidi--Trying situation
Castri (the ancient Delphi)
Journey to Athens
Athens
Corinth
Detentions--Vostizza
Patras
Corfu
CHAPTER XIII.
THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1833-34.
PART III.--THE RETURN FROM GREECE.
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 M.A. Calame
Neufchâtel
Return to England--Death of A.B. Savory
CHAPTER XIV.
FROM THE END OF THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY IN 1834 TO THE COMMENCEMENT
OF THE FOURTH IN 1842.
Divisions in the Society of Friends
Employment of leisure time
Girls' Lancasterian school at Scarborough
Death of Elizabeth Rowntree--Letter from M.Y. 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 XV.
THE FOURTH CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1842-43.
Amiens
Paris
Letters from E. Dudley and J. Rowntree
Lyons
Nismes--Boarding-school for girls
Letter from John Rowntree
Montpélier
Lesengnan
Maux
Saverdun
Toulouse
Montauban--Castres
Tullins--Grenoble
Geneva
Lausanne
Neufchâtel--Paul Pétavel
Locle
Berne
Basle
Carlsruhe--Frankfort
Accident to J.Y.--Vlotho
CHAPTER XVI.
REMOVAL TO STAMFORD-HILL, AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE FIFTH CONTINENTAL
JOURNEY, 1843-48.
Removal to Berkhamstead
Removal to Stamford-hill
Visit to the families of Gracechurch-St. Monthly Meeting
Death of J.J. Gurney and I. Stickney
Prepare for revisiting the Continent
Brussels
H. Van Maasdyk
Charleroi--Spa
Bonn
Mannheim, Strasburg
Basle
Berne-Neufchâtel
Grenoble
Privas--Vals
Nismes--Congenies
CHAPTER XVII.
COMPLETION OF THE FIFTH CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, 1849-50.
Letter from J.Y. to John Kitching
Elberfeld--Mühlheim
Bonn
Kreuznach--J.A. Ott
Mannheim
Stuttgardt--Death of Elizabeth Dudley
Kornthal
Kreuznach
Bonn
Return home--Resume their journey
Berlin--A. Beyerhaus
Warmbrunn
Illness of Martha Yeardley-Töplitz
Prague--Translation of tracts into the Bohemian language
Kreuzuach--Neuwied
CHAPTER XVIII.
DEATH OF MARTHA YEARDLEY, AND JOHN YEARDLEY'S JOURNEY TO
NORWAY, 1851-52.
Illness and death of Martha Yeardley
J.Y. visits Ireland
Prospect of a journey to Norway
Homburg--Illness of J.Y.
Christiana--Christiansand
Stavanger
Excursion up one of the fiords
Bergen
Meetings at Foedde and other places
Obernkirchen
CHAPTER XIX.
HIS JOURNEY TO SOUTH RUSSIA, 1853.
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--Bagnères de Bigorre
Pialoux
CHAPTER XX.
FROM HIS RETURN FROM RUSSIA TO HIS LAST JOURNEY, 1853-1858.
Visits Bath
The Yearly Meeting--Life of J. J. Gurney
Visit to Minden--Religious service in Yorkshire
Goes again to Minden
Neuveville
Paris
Visit to Bristol and Gloucester Quarterly Meetings
Minden
Visit to Birmingham, Leicester, &c.
Goes to Nismes
Visits Chelmsford, &c.
CHAPTER XXI.
LAST JOURNEY AND DEATH, 1858. CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Religious Mission to Asiatic Turkey
Voyage to Constantinople
Sun-stroke
Meetings in the neighborhood of Constantinople
Is seized with paralysis, and returns home
His death--Remarks on his character
Notes of some of his public testimonies
MEMOIR
OF
JOHN YEARDLEY.
CHAPTER I.
FROM JOHN YEARDLEY's CONVERSION TO THE COMMENCEMENT
OF HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY.
1803--1815.
John Yeardley was born on the 3rd of the First Month, 1786, at a small
farm-house beside Orgreave Hall, in the valley of the Rother, four miles
south of Rotherham. His parents, Joel and Frances Yeardley, farmed some
land, chiefly pasture, and his mother is said to have been famous for her
cream-cheeses, which she carried herself to Sheffield market. She was a
pious and industrious woman; but, through the misconduct of her husband,
was sometimes reduced to such straits as scarcely to have enough food for
her children.
Before they left Orgreave they were attracted towards the worship of
Friends, and several of the family, including two of Joel Yeardley's
sisters, embraced the truth as held by the Society. In the year 1802 they
removed to a farm at Blacker, three miles south of Barnsley, and attended
the meeting at Monk Bretton, or Burton, near that town, where the
meeting-house then stood. At Blacker it was John's business to ride into
Barnsley daily on a pony, with two barrels of milk to distribute to the
customers of his mother's dairy. His elder brother Thomas worked on the
farm.
Their attendance at Burton meeting brought the family under the notice of
Joseph Wood, a minister of the Society, residing at Newhouse, near
Highflatts, four miles from Penistone. Joseph Wood had been a Yorkshire
clothier, but relinquished business in the prime of life, and spent the
rest of his days in assiduous pastoral labor of a kind of which we have
few examples. To attend a Monthly Meeting he would leave home on foot the
Seventh-day before, with John Bottomley, also a Friend and preacher, and
at one time his servant, for some neighboring meeting. He would occupy the
evening with social calls, dropping at every house the word of exhortation
or comfort. The meeting next day would witness his fervent ministry. In
the afternoon they would proceed to the place where the Monthly Meeting
was to be held the following day, which they would attend, filling up the
time before and after with social and religious visits. In the intervals
of the Monthly Meetings, when not engaged on more distant service, it was
his practice to appoint meetings for worship in the villages around
Highflatts, and very frequently to visit those places where individuals
were "under convincement," particularly Barnsley and Dewsbury, where at
that time many were added to the Society. On his return home from these
services he would spend the day in an upper room, without a fire, even in
the severest weather, writing a minute account of all that had happened.
It was in 1803 that Joseph Wood first had intercourse with Joel Yeardley's
family. Under date of the 19th of the Fourth Month, he says, speaking of
himself and some other concerned Friends:--
We felt an inclination to visit Joel Yeardley's family, who are under
convincement, and who have lately removed from near Handsworth Woodhouse.
We went to breakfast. He and Frances his wife, with Thomas and John their
sons, the former about nineteen, the latter seventeen years of age,
received us in a very kind and affectionate manner, expressing their
satisfaction at our coming to see them. They appeared quite open, and gave
us a particular account of the manner of their convincement and beginning
to attend Friends' meetings, which was about four years ago. I believe
there is a good degree of sincerity in the man and his wife, and the two
sons appear to be tender and hopeful.
The next month Joseph Wood repeated his visit, and gives an account of the
interview in the following words:--
5 _mo_., 1803.--Having ever since I was at Joel Yeardley's the last
month, felt my mind drawn to sit with the family, and this appearing to me
to be the right time, I set out from home the 14th of the Fifth Month, in
company with John Bottomley. Got to Joel Yeardley's betwixt four and five
o'clock. After tea, Thomas Dixon Walton and Samuel Coward of Barnsley came
to meet us there. In the evening we had a precious opportunity together,
in which caution, counsel, advice, and encouragement flowed plentifully,
suited to the varied states of the family. I had a long time therein
first, from 1 Cor. xv. 58; John Bottomley next. Afterwards I had a pretty
long time, after which J.B. was concerned in prayer. At the breaking up of
the opportunity I had something very encouraging to communicate to their
son Thomas, who, I believe, is an exercised youth, to whom my spirit felt
very nearly united.
Joel Yeardley unhappily did not long remain faithful to his convictions.
He not only himself drew back from intercourse with Friends, but was
unwilling his sons should leave their work to attend week-day meetings,
and did all in his power to prevent them. This is shown by the following
narrative from Joseph Wood's memoranda:--
As William Wass and I were going to attend a Committee at Highflatts, on
our Monthly Meeting day, in the morning, we met with Thomas Yeardley of
Blacker, near Worsbro', a young man who is under convincement. I was a
little surprised to see him having on a green singlet and smock frock. He
burst out into tears; I inquired the matter, and if something was amiss at
home; he only replied, "Not much;" and we not having time to atop,
proceeded, and he went forward to my house. This was on the 19th of the
Ninth Month, 1803.
After the Monthly Meeting was over, I had an opportunity to inquire into
the cause of his appearance and trouble, and found that he was religiously
concerned to attend weekday meetings, which his father was much averse to;
and in order to procure his liberty he had worked almost beyond his
ability; but all would not do, his father plainly telling him that he
should quit the house. The evening before, he applied to him for leave to
come to the meeting at Highflatts to-day; but he refused, and treated him
with very rough language. However, as the concern remained with him, he
rose early in the morning and got himself ready; but his father came and
violently pulled the clothes off his back, and his shirt also, and took
all his other clothes from him but those we met him in, telling him to get
a place immediately, for he should not stop in his house. Being thus
stripped, he went to his work in the stable; but, not feeling easy without
coming to meeting, he set out as he was, not minding his dress, so that he
might but be favored to get to the meeting.
This evening we had an opportunity with him in my parlor, much to our
satisfaction. The language of encouragement and consolation flowed freely
and plentifully towards him through William Wass, John Bottomley, and
myself; and afterwards, in conference with him, we found liberty to advise
him to return home (he having before thought of procuring a place),
believing if he was preserved faithful, way would in time be made for him,
and that it might perhaps be a means of his father's restoration; as at
times, he said, he appeared a little different, not having wholly lost his
love to Friends, and always behaved kindly to them. He took our advice
kindly, and complied therewith. After stopping two nights at my house, he
returned home.
Joseph Wood did not suffer much time to elapse before he paid another
visit to Blacker, to comfort the afflicted family. It was from this visit,
as we apprehend, that John Yeardley dated his change of heart. "I was
convinced," he said on one occasion, "at a meeting which Joseph Wood had
with our family."
7 _mo_. 17, 1803.--Thomas Walker Haigh and William Gant accompanied
us to Joel Yeardley's, where we tarried all night; but the two young men
from Barnsley returned home after supper. Joel was from home, but after
tea we had a religious opportunity with the rest of the family, in which I
had a very long consolatory and encouraging testimony to bear to the
deeply-suffering exercised minds from John xvi. 33. Afterwards I had a
pretty long time, principally to their son John, who I believe was under a
precious visitation from on high. He was much broken and tendered, and I
hope this season of remarkable favor will not soon be forgotten by him.
On his return home Joseph Wood wrote him the following letter:--
Newhouse, 10 mo. 24, 1803
BELOVED FRIEND, JOHN YEARDLEY,
Thou hast often been in my remembrance since I last saw thee, accompanied
with an earnest desire that the seed sown may prosper and bring forth
fruit in its season, to the praise and glory of the Great Husbandman, who,
I believe, is calling thee to glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.
And O mayest thou be willing in this the day of his power to leave all and
follow him who hath declared, "Every one who hath forsaken houses, or
brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or
lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall
inherit everlasting life."
Not that we should be found wanting in our duty to our near connexions,
for true religion does not destroy natural affection, but brings and
preserves it in its proper place. When our earthly parents command one
thing, and the Almighty another, it is better for us to obey God than man,
and herein is our love manifested unto him by our obedience to his
commands though it may sometimes clash against our parents' minds. At the
same time it is our duty to endeavor to convince them, that we are willing
to obey all their lawful commands, where they do not interfere with our
duty to Him who hath given us life, breath, and being, and mercifully
visited us by his grace. I thought a remark of this kind appeared to be
required of me, apprehending if thou art faithful unto the Lord, thou wilt
find it to be thy duty at times to leave thy worldly concerns to attend
religious meetings, which may cause thee deep and heavy trials; but
remember for thy encouragement, the promise of the hundred-fold in this
world, and in that which is to come, eternal life.
Thou art favored with a pious though afflicted mother, and a
religiously-exercised elder brother, who, I doubt not, will rejoice to see
thee grow in the truth. May you all be blessed with the blessing of
preservation, and strengthened to keep your ranks in righteousness, and
may you be a strength and comfort to each other, and hold up a standard of
truth and righteousness in the neighborhood where your lot is cast. Do not
flinch, my beloved friend; be not ashamed to become a true follower of
Christ. When little things are required of thee, be faithful; thus shalt
thou be made ruler over more; when greater things are manifested to be thy
duty, remember the Lord is able to support, who declared by the mouth of
his prophet formerly, "Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the
birds round about are against her." But if the Lord be on our side, it
matters little who may be permitted to arise against us, for his power is
above all the combined powers of the wicked one, and he will bless and
preserve those who above all things are concerned to serve him faithfully,
which that thou mayest be is the sincere desire of thy truly loving and
affectionate friend,
JOSEPH WOOD.
The word which had been so fitly spoken took deep root in John Yeardley's
heart, and on the following New-year's day he went up to Newhouse to
converse with his experienced and sympathizing friend.
On the 1st of the First Month, 1804, (writes Joseph Wood,) John Yeardley
came to my house, on purpose to see me. He got here betwixt ten and eleven
o'clock in the forenoon, attended our meeting and tarried with us until
after tea, and then returned home. He is a hopeful youth, tender in
spirit, and of a sweet natural disposition; was convinced of the truth in
an opportunity I had at his father's house, and, I hope, is likely to do
well. I love him much, and much desire his preservation, growth, and
establishment upon the everlasting foundation, against which the gates of
Hell are not able to prevail.
Shortly after this, we obtain from John Yeardley's own hand an insight
into the depth of those religious convictions which had so mercifully been
vouchsafed to him. The manner in which this interesting memorandum
concludes is quaint, but it expresses a resolution to which he was enabled
to adhere in a remarkable degree throughout the course of his long life;
for of him it may be said that, beyond many, his pursuits, his aims, and
his conversation were not of the world, but were bounded by the line of
the Gospel, and animated by its self-denying spirit.
_Blacker_, 2 _mo_. 9, 1804.--As I pursued these earthly
enjoyments, it pleased the Lord, in the riches of his mercy to turn me
back in the blooming of my youth, and favor me with the overshadowing of
his love, to see the splendid pleasures that so easily detained my
precious time. He was graciously pleased to call me to the exercise of
that important work which must be done in all our hearts, which appears to
me no small cross to my own will, and attended with many discouragements;
yet I am made to believe it is the way wherein I ought to go; and I trust
Thou, O Lord, who hast called, will enable me to give up, and come forward
in perfect obedience to the manifestations of thy divine light, so as a
thorough change may be wrought, that I may be fitted and prepared for a
place in thy everlasting kingdom. Though at times I am led into great
discouragement, and almost ready to faint by the way, fearing I shall
never be made conqueror over those potent enemies who so much oppose my
happiness, O be Thou near in these needful times, and underneath to bear
me up in all the difficulties which it is necessary I should pass through
for my further refinement, whilst I have a being in this earthly
pilgrimage. Strong are the ties that seem to attach me to the earth; but
O! I have cause to believe, from a known sense, stronger are the ties of
thy overshadowing Spirit than all the ties of natural affection. Great and
frequent are the trials and temptations, and narrow is the way wherein we
ought to walk; alas! too narrow for many. O may I ever be preserved,
faithfully forward to the eternal land of rest!
Dear Lord, who knowest the secret of all hearts, thou knowest I am at
times under a sense of great weakness; but thou, who art always waiting to
gather the tender youth into thy flock and family, hast mercifully reached
over me with thy gathering arm. Mayst thou ever be near to strengthen me
in every weakness; and make me willing to leave all, take up my daily
cross, and follow thee in the denial of self, not fearing to confess thee
before men. Always give me strength to perform whatsoever thou mayest
require at my hands; wean my affections more and more; attract me nearer
to thyself; and lead me through this world as a stranger, never to be
known to it more but by the name of JOHN YEARDLEY.
In the Third Month Joseph Wood again addressed his young friend by letter,
encouraging him to be steadfast in trial, and to beware of the gilded
baits of the enemy; and promising him, that if he followed the Lord
faithfully, his works should appear marvellous in his eyes, his wonders be
disclosed to him in the deeps, and he on his part would be made willing to
serve him with a perfect heart.
In the Sixth Month, again visiting Blacker, he had a "precious,
heart-tendering religious opportunity with all the family."
About this time Joel Yeardley was so much reduced in his circumstances as
to be obliged to give up farming, which compelled his sons to seek their
own means of livelihood. Thomas and John went into Barnsley, where they
applied themselves to the linen manufacture, and were taken into the
warehouse of Thomas Dixon Walton, a Friend, who afterwards married a
daughter of Thomas Shillitoe.
In the First Month, 1806, Joseph Wood records another interesting
interview with his young friend:--
1 _mo_. 7.--I called on Thomas Dixon Walton and John Yeardley, with
whom I had a religious opportunity in which the language of encouragement
flowed freely; I being opened unto them from Luke xii. 32; "Fear not,
little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom."
In the Third Month of this year John Yeardley made application for
membership in the Society of Friends, and was admitted in the Fifth Month
following, being then twenty years of age. His brother Thomas had joined
the Society some time before. The brothers are thus described by one who
knew them intimately:--Thomas, as a man of homely manners, of hearty and
genial character, and greatly beloved; John, as possessing a native
refinement which made it easy for him in after-life to rise in social
position, but whose reserved habits caused him to be less generally
appreciated.
The call which John Yeardley received, and which he so happily obeyed, to
leave the world and enter by the strait gate into the kingdom of heaven,
was accompanied, as we shall afterwards see more fully, by a secret
conviction that he would one day have publicly to preach to others the
Gospel of salvation. A sense that such was the case seems to have taken
hold of Joseph Wood's mind, in a visit which he made him some time after
his admission into the Society.
1 _mo_. 29, 1808.--Sat with T.D. Walton and his wife, and his man
John Yeardley. I had two pretty long testimonies to bear from Colossians
iv. 17. I had to show the necessity there was for those who had received a
gift in the ministry to be faithful, and, as Satan was as busy about these
as any others, to be careful to withstand his temptations, that nothing
might hinder our fulfilment of this gift, nor anything be suffered to
prevail over us that might hinder its proper effect upon others.
After Thomas was gone to breakfast, my mind was unexpectedly opened in a
pretty long encouraging testimony to John, from John xxi. 22--"What is
that to thee? follow thou me;" having gently to caution him not to look at
others to his hurt, but faithfully follow his Master, Jesus Christ, in the
way of his leadings.
In 1809 John Yeardley married Elizabeth Dunn. She was much older than
himself, "plain in person," but "full of simplicity and goodness," and of
a "most lovable" character. Like her husband she had come into the Society
by convincement; and like him she had partaken in a large degree of the
paternal sympathy and oversight of Joseph Wood. She had been a Methodist,
and was one of the first who joined with Friends at Barnsley in the
awakening which took place there in the beginning of the century.
John Yeardley and his wife inhabited, on their marriage, a small house at
the southern extremity of the town, whither very soon afterwards was
transferred the afternoon meeting which it was customary to hold at some
Friend's house in Barnsley. The morning meeting continued to be held at.
Burton until 1816, when a new meeting-house was built in the town.
They had only one child, a son, who died in infancy.
John Yeardley commenced his Diary in 1811; and this valuable record of his
religious experience, and of his travels in the service of the Gospel, was
maintained with more or less regularity to the end of his life. The motive
which induced him to adopt this practice is given in the following lines,
with which the manuscript commences:--
It may seem a little strange that I should, in my present situation,
attempt to keep any memorandums of the following kind; but feeling
desirous simply to pen down a few broken remarks as they may at times
occur to my mind, I apprehend no great harm can arise; and if, by causing
a closer scrutiny into my future stepping along, they should in any degree
exercise my mind to spiritual improvement, the intended purpose will be
fully answered.
The first entry is dated the 6th of the Tenth Month, 1811:--
_First-day_.--Have been sweetly refreshed at our little meeting this
morning. I have long felt assured that Time calls for greater diligence in
me than has hitherto been rendered. And when I consider the innumerable
favors and privileges which I enjoy at the hands of Divine Providence,
beyond many of my fellow-creatures, and the few returns of gratitude I am
making, it raises in me an inexpressible desire that my few remaining days
may be dedicated, in humble obedience, to Him whose great and noble cause
I am professing to promote.
How unstable is human nature! On sitting down in meeting this evening I
got into a state of unwatchfulness, which continued so long as to deprive
me of the refreshment my poor mind so often stands in need of.
In the entries which follow, the progress of the inward work and the
preparation for future service are very evident:--
13_th_.--Went to our morning gathering in a low frame of mind, and
was made afresh to believe that were we more concerned to dwell nearer the
pure principle of Truth when out of meetings, we should not find such
difficult access when thus collected, but each one would be encouraged to
come under the precious influence of that baptizing power which would
cement and refresh our spirits together. O then, I firmly believe, our
Heavenly Father would in an eminent manner condescend to crown our
assemblies with the overshadowing of his love, and enable us not only to
roll away the stone, but to draw living water as out of the wells of
salvation.
17_th_.--"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit
within me," was a language which secretly passed my mind in meeting this
morning; and though inwardly poor as I am, yet I dare not but acknowledge
it a privilege to be favored even with a good desire.
24_th_.--Was a little refreshed at our morning gathering, my spirit
being exercised under a concern that I might not rest satisfied with
anything short of living experience; 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
ways. O, how shall I render sufficient thankfulness for such a favor, thus
to be made once more sweetly to partake of the brook by the way.
Thought the evening sitting rather dull, though the ministry of T. S. was
lively, which is a confirming proof that however favored we may be at
certain seasons, yet if at any time we suffer our attention to be diverted
from the real object, it frustrates the design of Him who I believe
intends that we should wait together to renew our strength.
In the Eleventh Month Henry Hull, from the United Slates, accompanied by
John Hull of Uxbridge, visited Burton, and had good service their, both
amongst Friends and with the public. They lodged at John Yeardley's, and,
in describing their labors and the pleasure he derived from their society,
he records his thankfulness at being placed in a situation in life such as
afforded him the opportunity of entertaining the Lord's servants.
His disposition was lively and strongly inclined to humor, and he early
felt the necessity of having this natural trait of character subjected to
the rule of heavenly wisdom. Under date 27th of the Eleventh Month he
says:--
I feel a little compunction for having these few days past given way too
much to the lightness of my disposition, and not being sufficiently
concerned to seek after that stability and serious reflection which never
fails to improve the mind.
On the 26th of the Twelfth Month he records a state of spiritual poverty.
Such, he says, has been the instability of my mind, that my "Beloved is
unto me as a fountain sealed." But, he adds, I feel a little tendered this
evening, on reading over a few comfortable expressions in a letter from my
friend, Joseph Wood.
This condition of mind continued for some months, when he thus breaks
forth:--
3 _mo_. 8, 1812.--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 after, and which I trust has been
wisely withheld in order to show me that, although it is our indispensable
duty to persevere in digging for it, yet it is only in His own time that
we are permitted to drink thereof.
His just appreciation of the nature of meetings held for the discipline of
the Church, and of the spirit in which they are to be conducted, is shown
in an early part of the Diary.
3 _mo_. 15.--Was at our Preparative Meeting. The queries having to be
answered, I was led into deep thoughtfulness respecting the same, and
inwardly solicited that the Father of mercies would lend his divine aid,
in the performance of such important duties; which I have reason to
believe was in some measure answered, for they were gone through with a
degree of ease and comfort to my own mind. May I ever keep in remembrance
the testimonies of his love which are so often manifested!
8 _mo_. 17.--Meeting for discipline at Burton. The forepart was
conducted, I think, to edification; but in the latter, one subject
occupied much time unnecessarily, and did not conclude to general
satisfaction. When some whose spirits are not well seasoned, speak to
circumstances which they may not have sufficiently considered, it
sometimes does more harm than they may at first apprehend.
The entries in the Diary at this time shew many alternations of
discouragement and comfort, and of that deep searching of his own heart
from which he seldom shrank, and which is the only way to the liberty and
peace of the soul.
4 _mo_. 12.--In contemplating the gracious dealings of the Almighty
with me from time to time, I have been led to query, Is it not that I
might, by patiently submitting to the turnings and overturnings of his
most holy hand, become fashioned to show forth his praise? But alas! where
are the fruits? Is not the work rather marring as on the wheel; can I, in
sincerity say, I am the clay, Thou art the potter? I feel weary of my own
negligence; for it seems as if the day with me was advancing faster than
the work, I fear lest I should be cast off for want of giving greater
diligence to make my calling sure. O may he who is perfect in wisdom
strengthen the feeble desire which remains, and melt my stubborn will into
perfect obedience by the operation of his pure spirit.
In the next memoranda which we shall transcribe we see when and how his
mind was imbued with the love of Scriptural inquiry and illustration. Two
or three good books well read and digested in younger life often form the
thinking habits of the man, and supply no small part of the substance, or
at any rate the nucleus, of his knowledge. This shows the vast importance
of a wise choice of authors, at the time when the mind is the most
susceptible of impressions, and the most capable of appropriating the food
which is presented to it. Those who knew John Yeardley will recognise the
intimate connexion between these early studies and the character of his
future life and ministry. If any should think his language on this or
kindred subjects marked by excessive caution, they must bear in mind the
comparative by unintellectual circle in which he moved.
I trust, he writes, under date of 4 mo. 28, a few of my leisure hours for
two or three weeks past have been spent profitably in perusing some of A.
Clarke's Notes on the Book of Genesis; and although I am fully aware that
the greatest caution is necessary, when these learned men undertake to
exercise their skill on the sacred text, yet I am of opinion, if used with
prudence and a right spirit attended to, it may tend considerably to
illustrate particular passages. I think this pious man has not only shown
his profound knowledge of the learned languages, but some of his
observations are so pertinent and so judiciously made, as may have a
tendency to produce spiritual reflection in the mind of the reader.
5 _mo_. 24.--Having read with some attention Fleury's "Manners of the
Israelites," by A. Clarke, I am convinced that even a slight knowledge of
those ancient customs tends to facilitate the proper study of the sacred
writings; for many of the metaphors so beautifully made use of by the
prophets and apostles, and even our dear Redeemer himself, to convey a
spiritual meaning, seem to have had an evident allusion to the antique
manners and customs which I find explained in this little volume.
The commotions referred to in the reflections which follow, were no doubt
the great European war which was then raging. Buonaparte, it may be
remembered, was at that time making preparation for his Russian campaign,
and a universal alarm prevailed as to the final result of his insatiable
lust of conquest.
5 _mo_. 7.--In viewing the commotions of the times, it has induced me
seriously to consider the great importance of procuring, as far as ability
may be afforded, a free access to the never-failing source of our help;
and in a little contemplating this subject I have been comforted in a hope
that, if we only abide stedfast and immovable, He whom the waves of the
sea obeyed will in his own time speak peace to the minds of his tossed
ones, and a calm will ensue.
The perusal of Elizabeth Smith's "Fragments" occasions him to remark how
profitable it is to read the writings of others; but he wisely adds:--
I am often desirous not to rest satisfied with a bare perusal of these,
believing they are only advantageous to us so far as they stimulate to a
closer attention to that inward gift, which alone can enable us to witness
the same experience. It is often a query with me, how am I spending this
precious time, which passes so swiftly away never to return? and, in order
to answer this query aright, how desirable it is to dwell with thee, sweet
solitude! to turn inward, to examine and correct the defects of our own
disordered minds; how delightful it is to walk alone and contemplate the
beautiful scenes of nature. Yet in these retired moments, when viewing the
works of a divine hand springing up to answer the great end for which they
were created, 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 glory.
The meetings for the discipline of the Society were often times of
spiritual refreshment to him.
6 _mo._ 23.--I left home to attend our Quarterly Meeting at York. The
meetings for business were generally satisfactory; on re-examining the
answers to the queries, divers very weighty remarks were made. I thought
the two meetings for worship favored seasons; and, although I left home
with reluctance, I cannot but rejoice at having given up a little time to
be made a partaker of the overflowing of that precious influence which, I
trust, made glad the hearts of many present.
The extracts which follow develope still further the progress of his inner
life, and the secret preparation of the future preacher of the Gospel and
overseer of the flock of Christ.
6 _mo._ 29.--A deep-searching time at meeting yesterday, 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 life, that he might be
pleased more and more to redeem me from this corrupted state of human
nature, and draw me by the powerful cords of his love into a nearer union
with the pure spirit of the Gospel.
7 _mo._ 6.--Thought an awful solemnity was the covering of our small
gathering yesterday morning, under which I felt truly thankful to the
Dispenser of every gift; and was enabled to crave his assistance to
maintain the watch with greater diligence, and pursue the ways of peace
with alacrity of soul.
29_th and_ 30_th._--The General Meeting at Ackworth was large,
and I thought very satisfactory through all its different sittings. The
meeting for worship was a remarkable time; the pure spring of gospel
ministry seemed to flow, as from vessel to vessel, 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
occasions. Iron is said to sharpen iron; and I thought it was a little the
case with me at this season, feeling very desirous to enjoy that within
myself which I so much admire in others.
8 _mo_. 13.--Many days have I gone mourning on my way, for what cause
I know not; but if I can only abide in patience till the day break and the
shadows flee away, then I trust the King of righteousness will again
appear.
25_th_.--In contemplating a little the character of that good man,
Nehemiah, I cannot but think it worthy our strictest imitation, when we
consider the heartfelt concern he manifested for the welfare of his
people, in saying, "Come and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that
we be no more a reproach." This proved him to be a man of a noble spirit
and a disinterested mind, and, I say, worthy our strictest imitation; 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 Zion?
In the following entry is shown a just insight into the nature of man, and
a discernment of the uses and limits of human knowledge. Although John
Yeardley's talents were not brilliant, and his opportunities were scanty,
he possessed that intellectual thirst which cannot be slaked but at the
fountain of knowledge. At the same time he was sensitively alive to the
necessity of having all his pursuits, of whatever kind, kept within the
golden measure of the Spirit of Truth.
11 _mo_. 11.--In taking a view of some of the temporal objects to
which my attention has of late been more particularly turned, with a
desire to enlarge my ideas and improve my understanding in some of the
more useful and extended branches of literature, it has excited in me a
considerable degree of caution, lest thereby I should, in this my infant
state of mind, too much exclude the operation of that pure in-speaking
word which has undoubtedly a prior right to govern all my actions. 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 life, otherwise it is apt to range at large in a boundless field of
unprofitable thoughts and imaginations. I am aware that we may be
seasonably employed in suitable conversation to mutual advantage, and I
trust I am not altogether a stranger to the value of _sweet
retirement_; but there is a certain something in every mind which
renders a change in the exercise of our natural faculties indispensable,
in order to make us happy in ourselves and useful members of society; and
it is under these considerations that I am induced to apply a few of my
leisure hours towards some degree of intellectual attainment, 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 steps.
The next extract from the diary will find a response in the hearts of many
who read these pages.
1813. 2 _mo_. 17.--Never, surely, was any poor creature so weary of
his weakness! Almost in everything spiritual, and even useful, I have not
only been as one forsaken, but it has seemed as though I was to be utterly
cast off. When I have desired to feel after good, evil has never failed to
present itself. O, when will He whose countenance has often made all
within me glad, see meet to return and say, "It is enough!"
6 _mo_. 27.--The thoughts which he put into writing under this date
seem to have been occasioned by entering into business on his own account.
Am now about to enter the busy scenes of life, which sinks me into the
very depth of humility and fear, lest the concerns of an earthly nature
should deprive me of my heavenly crown, which I have so often desired to
prefer even to life itself. But O, should there remain any regard in the
breast of the Father of mercies, for one who feels so unable to cope with
the world, may he still be pleased to preserve me in his fear, and not
only to take me under the shadow of his heavenly wing, but make me willing
to abide under the guidance of his divine direction!
7 _mo_. 15.--"Cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the
scribe, lest I die there." These words of our weeping prophet have
sensibly affected my heart this morning, under a prevailing desire that my
gracious rather may not permit me to remain as in the prison-house of
worldly affairs, lest I die my spiritual death there.
We shall see that he was not successful in business; 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 world.
Under date 21_st_ of the First Month, 1814, he writes:
I trust the few temporal disappointments I have met with of late have been
conducive to my best interest, 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 support, for the want of which I believe I
have suffered unspeakable loss.
About this time he had frequently to mourn over the difficulty of fixing
his mind in meetings for worship. He often complains of "wandering in the
unprofitable fields of vain imagination;" but sometimes also he bears a
joyful testimony to the Lord's power in enabling him to unite in spirit
with the living worshippers.
The fear of man is one of the most universal of the besetments which try
the faith of the Christian; 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 mind.
2 _mo_. 6.--I am too apt to let in that slavish fear about men and
things which render me unable to cope with the world, and even unfits me
for properly seeking after the assistance of my Maker. O, may He who sees
my weakness enable me to overcome it!
During the summer of this year, several parties of Friends travelling in
the work of the ministry came to Burton; Sarah Lamley of Tredington, with
Ann Fairbank of Sheffield; Ann Burgess (afterwards Ann Jones); Elizabeth
Coggeshall from New York, with Mary Jefferys of Melksham; and John Kirkham
of Earl's Colne. The labors of these Friends are recorded by John Yeardley
with delight and thankfulness. He accompanied John Kirkham to Sheffield,
where they found Stephen Grellett.
How sweet it is, he remarks, to enjoy the company of these dedicated
servants, whom their great Master seems to be sending to and fro to spread
righteousness in the earth! I often think it has a tendency to help one a
little on the way towards the Land of Promise. When I consider these
favors, 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 worthies, when they shall be removed
from works to rewards.
But of all the above-named, the visit of Sarah Lamley and Ann Fairbank was
for him by far the most memorable, and was the means of developing that
precious gift of ministry to which he had been called from his youth. The
extracts from his Diary which are given below speak of this visit, and
most instructively describe the time and manner in which he first received
his gift, as well as the weight which the approaching exercise of it
brought upon his mind.
5 _mo_. 27.--Sarah Lamley and Ann Fairbank lodged six nights with us,
and I accompanied them to Dirtcar and Wakefield. I can acknowledge their
innocent and agreeable company has been truly profitable to me, and has
united me very closely to their spirits in tender sympathy.
7 _mo_. 30.--Such a load of exercise prevails over my spirit, that it
requires some extra exertion to support it with my usual cheerfulness of
countenance. If I go into company, I find no satisfaction; for I cannot
appear pleasant in the society of my friends, feeling it irksome to
discourse even on matters of common conversation. From the feelings which
have attended my mind, it is evident that the cloud is at present resting
on the tabernacle, and I never saw more need for me to abide in my tent.
And O that patience may have its perfect work! for there is much to be
done in the vineyard of my own heart, before I can come to that state of
usefulness which I believe the Great [Husbandman] designs for me. The
secret language of my heart is, May his hand not spare nor his eye pity
until he has subdued all in me which obstructs the progress of his divine
work!
31_st_.--I trust I was once more favored, in meeting this morning, to
put up my secret petition in humble sincerity to the Shepherd of Israel,
that he would be graciously pleased to help my infirmities. In the
afternoon meeting I thought the petition was measurably answered; 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
interests, if there was only a willingness to abide under the forming
hand.
8 _mo_. 1.--I now feel freedom to give a short account how it was
with me under this concern from its commencement down to the present time.
I remember well, about the year 1804, when in my father's house at
Blacker, once being in my chamber, in a very serious, thoughtful frame of
mind, receiving an impression that if ever I came to receive the truth
which I was then convinced of, to my everlasting benefit, I should have
publicly to declare of the gracious dealings of Divine Goodness to my
soul. The impression passed away with this remark deeply imprinted in my
mind, that if ever a like concern should come to be matured, I should date
the first intimation of it from this time. I was apt to view it for a
long, time as the mere workings of the enemy on my mind, and when it has
come before my view, I have often secretly said, "Get thee behind me, I
will not be tempted with such a thing." By these means I put it from me,
as it were, by force, not thinking it worthy of notice and often praying
to be delivered from such a gross delusion. At other times it would come
with such, weight on my spirit, that I could not avoid shedding tears, and
acknowledging the power which accompanied the revival of so important a
matter; and was led to query, If there is no real intention of a heavenly
nature, why am I thus harassed? and O the fervent sincerity in which I
desired that the right thing might have place, and if it was wrong, that I
might be enabled to find a release in His time who had appointed the
conflict! And I do believe, could I then have come at a perfect
resignation to the divine will, I might have been brought forward in a way
which would have afforded permanent relief to my own mind; but such was my
dislike to the work, that I suffered myself to be lulled into a state of
unbelief as to the rectitude of the concern.
Thus many outward circumstances transpired, and some years passed over,
with my only viewing the matter at a distance, until He who first laid the
concern upon me was pleased to bring it more clearly home to me, and
seemed at times to engage his servants, both in public and private, to
speak very clearly to my condition. And although I had a concurring
testimony in my own mind to their declarations, yet I had always an excuse
to flee unto by secretly saying, It may be intended for some one else;
until the Most High was graciously pleased, by the services of his sincere
handmaids, Sarah Lamley and Ann Fairbank, in their family visits to
Friends of Barnsley, as mentioned last Fifth Month, to speak so clearly to
my situation in their private opportunity with us, as to leave no room for
excuse; but I was forced to acknowledge, Thou art the man. Indeed, Sarah
Lamley was led in such an extraordinary manner, that I had no doubt at all
but that she was favored with a clear and fall sense of my state. She
began by enumerating the many fears which attended the apostles in their
various situations; how that Satan had desired to have some of them that
he might sift them as wheat in a sieve; "but," added she, "I have prayed
for thee, Peter, that thy faith fail not, and when thou art converted
strengthen thy brethren." And how it was with Moses when the Almighty
appeared to him in a flame of fire in the bush, and that it was not until
the Most High had condescended to answer all Moses' excuses that he was
angry with him, and even then he condescended to let him have Aaron, his
brother, to go with him for a spokesman. Also how it was with Peter when
the threefold charge was given him to feed the lambs and the sheep. "It is
not enough," said she, "to acknowledge that we love the Lord, but there
must be a manifesting of our love by doing whatsoever he may command."
Methinks I still hear her voice, saying, "And O that there may not be a
pleading of excuses, Moses-like!" Thus was this valuable servant enabled
to speak to my comfort and encouragement, which I trust I shall ever
remember to advantage; but O that I may be resigned to wait the appointed
time in watchful humility, patience, and fear! for I find there is a
danger of seeking too much after outward confirmations, and not having the
attention sufficiently fixed on the great Minister of ministers, who alone
is both able and willing to direct the poor mind in this most important
concern, and in his own time to say, "Arise, shine; for thy light is
come."
12 _mo_. 22.--My poor mind has been so much enveloped in clouds of
thick darkness for months past, that I have sometimes been ready to
conclude I shall never live to see brighter days. 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 me, 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 day.
We shall leave for the next chapter the relation of his first offerings in
the ministry, and conclude this with a striking passage which we find in
the Diary for this year.
John Yeardley was all his life very fond of the occupations of the garden.
A small piece of ground was attached to his house at Barnsley, which he
cultivated, and from which he was sometimes able to gather spiritual as
well as natural fruit.
Under date of the 22nd of the Seventh Month, he writes:--
A very sublime idea came suddenly over my mind when in the garden this
evening. It was introduced as I plucked a strawberry from a border on
which I had bestowed much cultivation before it would produce anything;
but now, thought I, this is a little like reaping the fruit of my labor.
As I thus ruminated on the produce of the strawberry-bank, I was struck
with the thought of endless _felicity_, and the sweet reward it would
produce for all our toils here below. 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 felicity_.
CHAPTER II.
FROM HIS ENTRANCE ON THE MINISTRY IN 1815, TO HIS COMMISSION TO RESIDE IN
GERMANY IN 1820.
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley
passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with
brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed;
and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry
in a simple and affecting manner.
1 _mo._ 5.--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 it; but not feeling that weight and
certainty which I had apprehended should accompany the performance of such
an important act, I was afraid of imparting that to others which might be
intended only for my own instruction; and so it has ended for the present.
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 good, who when He desired the bitter cup might pass from Him,
nevertheless added, "Not my will, but thine be done." And if I am at all
acquainted with my inward feelings, 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 resignation, than at the increase of corn, wine, or
oil.
He first opened his mouth in religious testimony in the First Month of
this year. The occurrence seems to have taken place in his own family; it
yielded him a "precious sense of the Divine Presence." He began to preach
in public a few months later, but not without another struggle against the
heavenly impulse.
The friendship which Joseph Wood entertained for John Yeardley
strengthened with revolving years. When he visited Barnsley, he was
accustomed to lodge at his house; and writing to him in the year 1811,
about a public meeting which he felt concerned to hold, he says, "I can
with freedom write to thee, feeling that unity with thy spirit which
preserves us near and dear to each other, and in which freedom runs."
In the Fourth Month of this year, when Joseph Wood received a certificate
to visit some of the midland counties, J.Y. felt desirous "of setting him
a little on his way."
On the 14th, he says, we went to Woodhouse, where we had a meeting, and my
friend was enabled to speak very closely to the states of many present.
When in the meeting, I felt a very weighty exercise to attend my mind
with an intimation publicly to express it. But this exposure I dared not
yield to, under an apprehension that it might be wrong in me, considering
the occasion on which I had come out; but truly I left the place under a
burden which I was scarcely able to bear.
It was on the 20th of the Fourth Month that he began to speak in public as
a minister of the Gospel. He thus records the event:--
I felt myself in such a resigned frame of mind in our little week-day
meeting, 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 past. Soon after I took my seat, my mind
became unusually calm, and the presence of the Most High seemed so to
abound in my heart and spread over the meeting, that after some inward
conflict I was unavoidably constrained publicly to express it, in nearly
the following words: "I think I have so sensibly felt the precious
influence of divine love to overshadow our little gathering, that I have
been ready to say, It is good for us to be here; or I might rather say, 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 death."
This first [public] act of submission to the divine will was done with as
much stability of mind and body as I was capable of; and I thought the
Friends present seemed sensible of my situation and sympathized with me
under the exercise. 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 time.
In the Fifth Month John Yeardley attended for the first time the Yearly
Meeting in London. He describes the business as very various and
instructive, but bewails his own condition as that of "one starving in the
midst of every good thing."
It seemed at times, he says, as though Satan himself was let loose upon
me, and permitted to try my faith and patience to the utmost; but I hope
the conflict had its use in teaching me to know that it is not by might,
nor by power, but by the Lord's Spirit, that we are enabled to prevail.
This was the commencement of another season of spiritual poverty. In
reading a few of his memoranda during this time, many a Christian
traveller may see his own mourning countenance reflected as in a glass.
11 _mo_. 8.--I have for a long time felt so depressed in spirit, and
so inwardly stripped of every appearance of good, that I have often
secretly had to say with tried Job, "O that I were as in months past, as
in the days when God preserved me!"
16_th_.--Death and darkness are still the covering of my poor mind,
and I am ashamed to acknowledge that I have for months past sat meeting
after meeting a victim to the baneful consequences of wandering thoughts,
scarcely being able to recollect myself so much as to ask excuse of Him
who sees in secret. 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 Him, under whose banner I have many times sat with the
greatest delight in days that are past.
O, how hard it is to regain divine favor when once sacrificed through the
sorrowful act of disobedience! O may I sit as in dust and ashes, and, with
the noble resignation and spirit of a true, dedicated follower, say, I
will patiently hear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned
against him!
Nevertheless, even in his times of deepest humiliation, moments of
heavenly comfort were interspersed.
11 _mo_. 23.--A more improved meeting than I had reason to hope from
cross occurrences, which are too apt to ruffle the unstable mind. Daring
our silent sitting together, I was comforted in contemplating the many
encouraging passages we have left on sacred record; two of which, spoken
by one of large experience, were particularly solacing to my exercised
feelings: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord
delivereth him out of them all;" and "The young lions do lack and suffer
hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." O,
thought I, if we could only procure Him on our side who has the thoughts
of all men in his keeping, what should we have to fear! 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 life, rather than desire
to be preserved from meeting them.
The hard mutter which is the subject of the next extract embodies a
difficulty that has perplexed many. It is always encouraging to find
companionship in doubts and trials, and perhaps the consideration which
pacified the mind of John Yeardley may be helpful to some who are tried in
the same way. The passage, no doubt, has reference to his own want of
better success in business.
11 _mo._ 30.--When any circumstance in the common course of life,
which has appeared to turn up in the direction of Divine Providence, has
not answered my expectation, or on deliberate consideration it has not
seemed prudent for me to step into it, I have sometimes felt greatly
discouraged, and been ready to conclude, How could this thing be ordered
under the direction of best wisdom! But let me ever remember, He who has
his way in the whirlwind knows what is best for us; and were it not for
these incitements to an exercise of feeling, the mind would be apt to lie
dormant, and not be preserved alive in a proper state to prove all things
and hold fast that which is best.
About the end of the year he was obliged to spend several days in London
on business. The course of his affairs seems to have been uneven, and the
great city was probably uncongenial to his retired habits. He says:--
12 _mo_. 15.--I do not remember that my feelings were ever more
discouraging, both inwardly and outwardly. When the mind is ruffled about
the things of time, it is hard work to make any progress towards the land
of peace. I try to get to the well of water; but truly it may be said I
have nothing to draw with.
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 avail.
16_th_.--In reading and retirement before I left my room, I received
a little hope that I should be preserved in a good degree of patience
through the cross occurrences of the day, which was measurably the case.
The life of a Christian is very much the history of outward and inward
trials. How happy it is when these serve only to deepen his experience!
The nature of John Yeardley's spiritual trials has been fully shown: his
temporal crosses have also been glanced at; they consisted mainly of want
of success in business, in which, indeed, he was little fitted to excel,
under the keen competition of modern times.
1816. 1 _mo_. 4.--A new year has commenced, but the old afflictions
are still continued, both inwardly and outwardly; for even in temporal
affairs disappointments rage high. But O what a privilege to sink down to
the anchor-hope of divine support! This is what I can feelingly
acknowledge this evening to be as a brook by the way to refresh my poor
and long-distressed mind. O, how ardently do I desire that this season of
adversity may be sanctified to me for everlasting good, and prove the
means of slaying that will in me, 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 blood.
The difficulty of making his way in the commercial world increased until
the risk of "failure began to stare him in the face." The fear of such a
result sank him exceedingly low; but through all he was permitted to keep
his footing upon the rock, and to behold a spiritual blessing under the
guise of temporal adversity.
7_th_.--Surely it is a mark of divine favor to feel the supporting
hand of my heavenly Father underneath, to bear up my drooping spirits in
this time of adversity. I think I was never more sensible of his powerful
arm being made bare for my deliverance; and yet, unaccountable to tell, I
am almost afraid to trust in him. O, my soul, wherefore dost thou doubt,
when thou feelest the glorious presence of thy Redeemer's countenance to
shine upon thee?
In the meeting this morning, he continues, my mind was profitably
exercised in contemplating the following subject. When our dear Lord was
about to perform the miracle of feeding the multitude, he commanded them
to sit down upon the grass. They were undoubtedly hungry, and this might
create in them too great an anxiety to be satisfied in their own time; but
that all things might be done in order, and without interruption, they
were commanded to sit down and wait the disposal of their food from the
bountiful hand of their great Master. In looking at the subject, I thought
it a lively representation of the state of mind we ought to labor after,
when favored to feel hunger and thirst after righteousness; not
frustrating the design of the Most High by being too anxious to be filled
in our own will and way, but patiently waiting the time of Him who giveth
to all their meat in due season, and that which is most convenient for
them. And what greater privilege could we desire than to be fed at the
Lord's table?
9_th_.--As my precious wife and I were consoling each other this
evening, she remarked that the dispensation we were now suffering under
was probably in answer to our prayers. This brought strikingly to my
remembrance a secret petition which I have frequently put up in the most
fervent manner I have been capable of, when deeply lamenting my
unsubjected will; I have even cried out aloud, "O make me willing; do,
Lord, make me willing, make me willing!"
O then may I submit to the means, if for this end they are appointed, and
resign my all, body, soul and spirit, into the hands of Him who gave them;
and may I patiently endure the swelling of Jordan in a manner that will
enable me to bring from the bottom, stones of everlasting memorial.
After this he was led for a while by the Good Shepherd into the green
pastures and beside the still waters.
1_st mo_. 15.--Our Monthly Meeting at Wakefield, and a heavenly
meeting it was.
29_th_.--I left home for a journey into the north on business. I had
many precious seasons of retirement as I rode along, and I humbly trust my
soul has been enabled to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance with her
Beloved, in such a way as will not easily be erased from my remembrance.
Notwithstanding the deep and varied experience he had passed through, his
unwillingness to expose himself as a preacher of the gospel was still
strong, and sometimes obstructed the performance of his duty.
8 _mo_. 20.--Joseph Wood had a public meeting at Pilley. I felt
something on my spirit to communicate to the people in the early part, but
thinking the meeting was not sufficiently settled to receive it, I
reasoned away the right time; another did not offer during the whole
meeting for me to relieve my poor mind, so I brought my burden home with
me, which indeed proved such as I really thought I should have sunk under.
The "severe stripes," as he terms it, which he received on this occasion
at length produced a willing mind.
9 _mo_. 10.--I went with my dear wife to attend the burial of my
cousin Joseph Watts at Woodhouse, and was at the meeting there on
Fourth-day the 11th. It was largely attended by relations and friends. I
felt so sensibly the danger that some present were in of trifling away the
reproofs of conviction, that I could not forbear reviving the language
which was proclaimed to the Prophet Jonah, when he had fled from the
presence of the Lord and was fallen asleep in the ship, "What meanest
thou, O sleeper, arise, call upon thy God." After commenting a little on
the subject, I sat down under great solemnity which seemed to cover the
meeting, and I can thankfully say the fruit of obedience was sweet to my
taste.
12 _mo_. 1.--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 inclination. And so it proved; for I had not sat long, before I
was made willing to express what rested weightily on my mind, and that was
the case of Gideon, when the angel appeared to him under the oak as he
threshed wheat. I commented a little on the subject, which afforded me
great satisfaction and joy.
In the following entry, notwithstanding the tardy obedience which it
records, we find his commission as one of the Lord's watchmen sealed upon
his mind.
1817. 4 _mo_. 7. 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 past, in which I had felt pretty smartly the rod
which, is held over the head of the disobedient. In this instance, human
nature seemed stubborn in a double degree, but after it was over I felt my
peace flow as a river. Methinks I now hear this language proclaimed in the
secret of my heart: I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel;
therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. O what
an important charge! May I duly consider the weight of it, and so watch
over my own conduct, in thought, word and action, that I may not be
pulling down with one hand that which I may be endeavoring to build up
with the other. If I am to be an instrument in the hand of the Almighty,
may he graciously condescend to prepare and sharpen the arrows he may see
meet to shoot through the medium of his poor servant, so that they may
sink deep, wound the hypocrite, and comfort the pure divine life in the
hearts of his children.
A few weeks after this, John Yeardley attended a remarkable meeting held
by Joseph Wood, in which they were made to sit in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus.
4 _mo_. 29.--I attended another public meeting appointed by J.W. at
Middletown, about ten miles from here. When I entered the town I felt very
flat, and was ready to say, The fear of the Lord is not in this place; but
after the meeting was gathered, I soon found what poor creatures we are,
to judge of these things without waiting for best direction; for I think
it was the most extraordinary time I ever knew. My friend bore a long and
powerful testimony, to the tendering of many present. If I ever forget it
while in my natural senses, I fear I shall be near losing my habitation
the truth; for it was as if heaven opened, and the Most High poured down
his blessed Spirit in an unbounded degree.
All this time his business affairs went on more and more adversely; and
although he never failed punctually to meet all his money engagements, his
want of success led in this year to a change of residence to Bentham.
Three months before he left Barnsley he writes:--
"Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they
fine it." Pecuniary difficulties seem as if they would eat up every green
thing; but I hope and trust that He who has often said, Peace, be still,
will so regulate the heat of the furnace that I may be able to bear it
with becoming patience, until there be nothing left in me but what
resembles the pure gold fit for the Master's use. When I reflect on what
my poor mind has passed through for more than two years past, I am
convinced nothing short of that Arm which brought the Israelites through
the Red Sea could have supported me. And O, should he ever loose my hands,
that I may serve Him freely, may I never forget the many covenants made
with Him who has so often heard and answered my prayer when in deep
distress!
Through the assistance of some of his Barnsley friends, an offer was made
to him of a situation in a flax-spinning mill at Bentham, which was then
or had lately been the property of Charles Parker, a minister in the
Society of Friends. He accepted the offer; and an extract from a letter to
his wife, when on a journey, will show the motives under which he acted in
this important step.
Hawkshead, 6 mo. 28, 1817.
MY VERY PRECIOUS DEAR,
When I wrote thee last, my time and feelings would not permit me to say
much on our impending prospect of leaving Barnsley; but since then this
very important subject has obtained my most serious and weighty
consideration, and I am now free to communicate to thee my feelings, in
order that thou mayest weigh them duly and compare them with thy own while
we are separated. In the first place, in taking such a step, we must be
reconciled to sacrifice our present comfortable home, our relations and
friends--in short, all that may seem near and dear to us as to the
outward. With respect to our spiritual prospect, I must confess, if any
service is designed for me in the Church militant, I have sometimes
apprehended it might be within the compass of our present Particular and
Monthly Meetings; but should this be ordered otherwise in best wisdom, I
trust I shall be relieved from the oppressive feeling, and in a short time
see my way clear. On the other hand, if this change takes place, we have a
probability of a comfortable living, and of being relieved from the
extreme anxiety attendant on trade, when the whole responsibility rests on
our own shoulders.
H.R. [one of the firm who had offered to employ him] seemed rather
desirous for me to come. If we should agree, he wants me to go over
directly to lay down plans for a few weavers' houses, and to make other
arrangements to save time until we could remove.
I don't much like the situation of the house in the town, but I think
another might be had if required. They have a nice one in Low Bentham,
with a good garden attached, which would be at liberty in next Fifth
Month; this would be a pleasant walk from the mill by the water-side all
the way, which might be useful to my health after being confined in the
warehouse, and much nearer to the meeting. It is a very small meeting
indeed; there are only about two female Friends; but, should we be in the
right place, the smallness of the number would not preclude our access to
the divine spring.
I don't know how we shall come on with the thread trade, but it seems as
if we were to be done out with both thread and linens, for there is
scarcely any thing selling with me on this journey.
John Yeardley and his wife removed to Bentham in the Eighth Month, 1817.
Bentham is a considerable village on the north-west border of Yorkshire, a
few miles from the foot of Ingleborough; and it was at that time,
according to the division of the county adopted by the Society of Friends,
comprised in the Monthly Meeting of Settle.
After a season of deep spiritual poverty, during which he found no place
for the exercise of his gift, John Yeardley began to speak in ministry in
the little meeting to which he now belonged. On recording the circumstance
he remarks:--
Thus does a gracious Father lead on his children step by step, baptizing
them first into one state and then into another, in order to qualify them
to drop a word in season for the comfort of others. Little did I think
under the recent buffetings of the Enemy, that I should ever have had to
open my mouth again in the way of declaring the everlasting goodness of a
gracious Redeemer.
This memorandum was made a few days after the occurrence to which it
refers, on his return from Settle Monthly Meeting, and is accompanied
the record of a fresh unfolding to his mental eye of the need of gospel
laborers, and of his own vocation to the work. In my return I had rather
an unusual opening into the state of society, and the great want of
laborers therein; and querying with myself, By whom shall the Lord send? I
thought I felt the weight and power of the everlasting gospel upon me to
preach, so that I was willing to say, Here am I; send me. O the importance
of this language! May the same Spirit, which I trust raised it in my heart
preserve me in every state to the end of time! Amen.
The extract which follows treats of the same subject,--the calling and
exercise of the ministry. From this, and from the whole tenor of what has
been extracted from the Diary, will be seen in what his ministry
consisted, and what was the call and the power which was required in every
successive exercise of it. 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-will, or to consider the exercise of it as
placed, whether in regard to time or subject, at the disposal of the
minister. It will be observed how John Yeardley, in after life so abundant
in word and doctrine, and so catholic in his ideas and sympathies,
received his vocation as a divine gift immediately from above, and served
in it an apprenticeship altogether spiritual, and apart from human
learning or instruction.
10 _mo_. 26.--I have been very much instructed to-day in reading and
reflecting on the 37th chapter of Ezekiel. When the prophet was asked if
the dry bones could live, he was wise enough cautiously to answer, "O Lord
God, thou knowest;" but when he was commanded to prophesy unto them, and
say, "O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord," this was hard work, yet
there was no conferring with flesh and blood. No reasoning from
probabilities, nothing but an implicit faith and dependence on the divine
power which was then upon him, could have enabled him to do it. O what an
instructive lesson! When the poor instruments may feel so weak and the
state of things so low, that there may not be the least probability of
good arising, it is enough if they can only do the will of their great
Master, and be enabled to say with the holy prophet, "I prophesied as the
Lord commanded."
John Yeardley did not take his actual farewell of Barnsley until the end
of the year. The reflections which he has recorded on leaving his home of
so many years are very characteristic of the man:--
1818. 1 _mo_.--The Twelfth Month was spent at Barnsley in settling my
affairs. Just before I left Bentham for that purpose, I was exceedingly
unhappy at the idea of leaving my home, friends, &c. at Barnsley, and
thought the parting feeling would be almost more than I could support. I
was enabled to pray fervently to the Father of spirits, that he would be
pleased to afford me strength to bear the change with Christian fortitude,
and resign all to the disposal of his divine will; and thankful I am to
relate, he so answered my request that I could leave the place to which I
had been so long attached without a sigh. I have no doubt my removal,
without consulting more of my friends, will appear strange to many. This I
could never feel liberty to do; nor could I make any person living
acquainted with my entire motive, but my precious wife. Whatever may be
the opinion of others, this is a matter which rests between me and my God;
and I often think it a favor that we are not accountable to man, who views
too much the outside appearance, while He with whom we have to do looks at
the heart.
After I had left Barnsley I went to Pontefract, to spend a few days with
my friends there, where my poor lass had been for a week. I don't know
that this time was unprofitably spent; 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
friends. We are too apt to get our thoughts dissipated, and thus our
conversation becomes less seasoned with grace than it would be if the
girdle of truth were kept tightly bound.
The next entry notices a remarkable interview which, he had with a woman
Friend from America:--
15_th_.--This day a meeting has been held at the desire of Hannah
Field from North America. I stepped down to see her at J. Stordy's; and in
the few minutes we were together, before she took leave, she addressed
herself to me in a very feeling manner. Although she was an entire
stranger, she spoke so pointedly to my state of mind, and expressed the
reward of faithfulness in such encouraging terms, that my feelings were in
nowise able to resist the power which attended, but I was forced to
acknowledge it as a nail fastened in a sure place.
Amongst some letters addressed by Elizabeth Yeardley to Susanna Harvey of
Barnsley, is one in which mention is made of the visit of Hannah Field to
Bentham; and, although the passage does not relate to the private
interview described above, it is interesting as the reminiscence of a
remarkable woman.
Bentham, 2 _mo_. 2, 1818.
We have been favored lately with a visit, unexpected but highly
acceptable, from that great minister, Hannah Field, from America. She very
much resembles Sarah Lamley; and when she began, it seemed as if one had
been informing her of the state of the meeting. Her discourse began with
the parable of the Ten Virgins, which was very beautiful but awful.
Addressing herself again, she was very consolatory and affecting. She is
tall and inclined to _embonpoint_; her age fifty-three.
In the Third Month of this year, the Monthly Meeting from which he had
recently removed, that of Pontefract, recorded its approval of his
ministry. It is not usual for meetings to do this in the case of one who
has gone to reside elsewhere. The practice at that time was, in Yorkshire
at least, in issuing a certificate of removal for a Friend who had begun
to exercise the ministry and was still under probation, to notice the fact
of his preaching, without pronouncing a judgment upon it. But when the
usual document of removal was asked for at the Monthly Meeting, on behalf
of John Yeardley, the meeting paused upon the words which noticed his
offerings in the ministry, and solemnly resolved then and there to give
him a full certificate as a minister in unity, and to "recommend him as
such to the Quarterly Meeting." It happened that men and women Friends
were together, the latter remaining whilst Joseph Wood laid a concern for
some religious service before the joint meeting.
John Yeardley remarks on this act of his late Monthly Meeting:--
The concurrence of my friends with my small offerings cannot but feel
comfortable and encouraging to a poor timorous creature like me; but the
awful consideration of ranking among the servants who speak in the Lord's
name humbles me to the dust. Surely those who are designed to minister
before the Lord in his holy temple ought to bear the inscription of
holiness upon them. The means by which this inscription, is obtained is so
painful to flesh and blood that we are always ready to shrink from the
operation. When we have borne the furnace heated to a certain degree, we
are ready to fancy nothing but pure gold remains; until the refining hand
sees meet to administer fresh [trials], then we are ready again to cry
out, If it be thy will, let this cup pass by.
In the Sixth Month he joined Joseph Wood and William Midgley of Rochdale,
in visiting some neighboring meetings. Of Kendal, which was one, he says
it appeared to him "as if a remarkable revival was taking place in those
parts;" and he concludes his short account of the journey with an
acknowledgment of the satisfaction he felt in having given up to this
little service.
Joseph Wood in his diary relates the same visit more at large. We have
extracted the account of that portion of it in which John Yeardley was
engaged, and believe the reader will find it interesting in several
respects.
1818. 6 _mo_. 10.--Reached my beloved friend John Yeardley's house,
in Bentham, about half-past eight o'clock, where we took up our quarters,
and where we were favored with a renewed feeling of that love which had
many times nearly united our spirits together.
On the 11th we spent this day very comfortably with these long-beloved and
truly valuable friends, and in the evening Lad a public meeting appointed
for Friends and people of other societies in their meeting-house in
Bentham, about a mile and a half from their house. We walked thither, it
being very pleasant through the fields. The meeting began at half-past
six, and held two hours and a quarter. A pretty many who usually attend
meetings, and a great concourse of people of other societies, attended,
that the meeting-house, both above and below stairs, was well filled, and
several were in the passage and in an adjoining room. A precious solemnity
mercifully overshadowed us, whereby the minds of many were prepared to
receive what the Lord was pleased instrumentally to communicate to the
many different states; and O that they may individually profit thereby!
for sure it was a time of favor unto many. I had a very long testimony to
bear therein, first from Isaiah lviii. 1, 2. John Yeardley held a pretty
long time next, from John ii. 4. I next, from 1 Cor. xiv. 19.
On the 12th we set out for Wray in Lancashire, five miles, John Yeardley
being our guide, taking his wife and Ann Stordy along with him in a taxed
cart. We had a very pleasant ride thither, down a beautiful valley,
through which the river Wenning runs; had on our right hand a line view of
Hornby Castle, now in part gone to decay. Got to Wray about half-past ten,
and went to the meeting, which began at eleven o'clock. Twenty-three
persons attended, one of whom appeared to be of another society. I sat
therein for a considerable time in a very low state, and feeling a concern
to stand up, I gave up, although in great weakness: different states
opened and were spoken to in the authority of the gospel; and I had a long
testimony to bear from Luke xv. 8. John Yeardley had a pretty long time
next, from Lam. iii. 26; afterwards I was concerned in prayer, and felt
truly thankful for the renewed mark of divine favor, and secretly rejoiced
that my lot was cast here.
On the 13th John Yeardley accompanied Joseph Wood to Kendal.
It was with difficulty, says J.W., we got into the town for the crowd of
people; the Parliament being dissolved, and a new election of members
about to take place; and there being an opposition in this county; Henry
Brougham, the favorite candidate of the people, against the Lonsdales.
They were waiting his arrival in the town to canvass for votes. After tea
I went to Thomas Wilson's; his house was nearly opposite the inn where
Henry Brougham put up. When he arrived the populace took his horses from
the carriage, and hurried him into the town, and to the inn, four flags
flying and a band of music went before him. After he alighted he went into
an upper room, and addressed the largest multitude of people that I ever
saw collected, from the window, for about an hour, in a very impressive
manner; and so great was the crowd in the street that many fainted. All
was quiet, and, after he had done, they separated in a becoming manner.
On the 14th we attended their meetings in Kendal. The forenoon meeting
began at ten o'clock. It is large, and was pretty open and satisfactory. I
had a long testimony to bear therein, first, from John xv. 14. John
Yeardley had a pretty long time next. He opened from these words: "O thou,
the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, manifest thyself that thou yet
reignest in Israel." I next, from Proverbs ix. 12.
After visiting several other meetings, Joseph Wood came to Lancaster,
where he was again met by John Yeardley.
On the 21st we attended both their meetings in Lancaster. The forenoon
meeting began at ten o'clock. When we got there we were agreeably
surprised to find dear John Yeardley, who had walked this morning fifteen
miles to meet us. The meeting was large of Friends, and it proved a time
of renewed visitation unto many who were afar off, and of encouragement to
those who were nigh. I had a very long testimony to bear therein, from
Matt. xxii. 12. John Yeardley had a short but very acceptable time next,
from Esther iv. 14. Afterwards I was concerned in prayer.
Elizabeth Yeardley speaks of this visit in one of her letters:--
J.Y. went to Lancaster, though the day was unfavorable. He trudged on foot
to meet Joseph Wood, and got in good time for the meeting, fifteen miles
distant, and returned home the same evening. J. W. was very much favored
all the time he was in those parts; he really appears endowed with
astonishing powers.
The same letter affords a glimpse of the social position, which John and
Elizabeth Yeardley occupied at Bentham:--
We are very quiet, have kind neighbors, a very pleasant habitation, and
little society, plenty of books both of the religious and amusing kind,
and leisure to meditate on the one thing needful, which is to fit us for
that place to which we are fast hastening:--
"For who the longest lease enjoy
Have told us with a sigh,
That to be born seems little more
Than to begin to die."
(13_th of Seventh Month_, 1818.)
John Yeardley, no less than his wife, found in Bentham a seasonable
retreat from the harassing cares of the world. 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 Barnsley, were entirely dispelled, 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
him.
1819. 9 _mo_. 15.--The tender, merciful Father who shelters our heads
in battle has covered mine when many things were hot upon me. He has
provided a retreat for me until the fury of the oppressor be overpast. I
have often wondered at the cause which drove me from my former residence,
but I now begin to see pointedly the hand of Providence bringing me to
this place of quiet retreat. Should He who has brought me thus far see it
to be for my good to set me on the banks of deliverance, may I have no
desire to live for anything but to sing his praise!
After being recognised by the Church as a minister, he was again tried
with a season of spiritual desertion; and this phase in his religious
history, with his reflections upon it, and the holy resolution and hope
with which he concludes, may be useful in strengthening the faith of
others under similar circumstances.
10 _mo_. 4.--O what a stripping time have I had since I wrote last!
My pen would fail to set forth the inward desertion I have experienced for
months past, so that my poor mind is almost worn out with waiting and
watching in the absence of the Bridegroom of souls. My enemy seems to have
set up his throne in me, and leads my wandering thoughts captive at his
pleasure. I have no weapons of my own to fight him with, 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 flight. For what
end this may be I know not, but the suffering time is hard to the natural
part. If I am left to perish, O may it be in praying, trusting and
believing in my Redeemer's love! and if I am not suffered to behold again
the brightness of his glorious countenance here on earth, may I be favored
with it shining on me in heaven!
At the commencement of this year, 1819, apprehending himself required to
pay a religious visit to the families of Friends in Barnsley, he consulted
Joseph Wood on the subject, who encouraged him "not to be afraid to
pursue" the path which had been opened before him. In relation to this
prospect of service, J.Y. has the following pertinent remarks on the
ministry:--
2 _mo_. 19.--If I am suffered to go, may the humble spirit of Jesus
go with me, and put a word in my heart that may prove as a sword in my
hand, with which I may fight his battles! This is the only way in which
his servants can minister so as to reach the witness in the hearts of his
children. We might speak on subjects which might seem right and fit in
themselves, but it is as our hearts come to be acted upon immediately by
the Spirit of truth, the same principle which prepares us to utter sound
words, prepares also a counterpart in the minds of others to receive them.
Thus it may be said we become _one_ in spirit and truly edified
together in the love of the Gospel.
In order to perform the visit, J.Y. had, in the good order in use amongst
Friends, to receive the concurrence of his Monthly Meeting.
3 _mo_. 10.--Was at the Monthly Meeting, where I mentioned to my
friends my prospect of visiting Barnsley, and obtained their sympathetic
concurrence, with a copy of a minute expressing their full unity and
approbation.
My feelings on the occasion were very different from what I had
anticipated. A divine solemnity appeared so to cover the minds of all
present, that the enemy was trodden under foot, and not a fear was
suffered to approach. What condescending goodness of a tender Father to
his weak children!
Some interesting notice of this service, and of the journey which he made
to perform it, is contained in his Diary.
13_th_.--The evening before I set off, I was earnestly engaged in
supplicating for divine protection both inward and outward; and an
assurance was given me that it should be granted, and in a manner so clear
as I had no right to expect. These words were as if spoken distinctly in
my outward ears: "A hair of thy head shall not be hurt." In the confidence
of this promise I went forth, and found it mercifully made good; for
though I was overturned in the mail on the road, a hair of my head was not
hurt, and not so much as a fear was suffered to come near.
On the 18th, after visiting all the families, he attended the Week-day
Meeting, where he had to review his labors, and to address the assembled
Friends "nearly in these words:--In the course of my little proceedings
among my friends in this place, I have sometimes been baptized for the
dead, while at other times I have been made to rejoice in the resurrection
of life: I hope this is a language my friends will understand." After this
he preached to them on the case of Nicodemus, saying that there may be a
time when our Heavenly Father, in his tender compassion for our infant
state, permits us to come to Jesus by night or in secret; yet when he is
pleased to say, "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the
Lord is risen upon thee," danger will betide us if we then flinch from an
open confession. Some time after he had finished, a woman Friend rose and
uttered a few words. She had never before been able to overcome the force
of her natural fears.
In noticing this circumstance, J.Y. says he does so because, before he
went to Barnsley, he asked that if his small services were acceptable, the
Most High would give him a sign, by owning his labors with his sensible
approbation, and making him an instrument to help forward his work in the
hearts of his children.
On another occasion, in allusion to a similar occurrence, he has the
following reflections:--
"The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach
Christ crucified." I am like the two former, because I dare even to ask a
sign and to seek after wisdom; but to be like the latter is what I covet
most sincerely--to preach Christ crucified, not only in words, but in life
and conversation. If I err in sometimes asking for a sign, I trust it will
be forgiven, because it is done in the simplicity of my heart, to know my
Father's will, and we have examples of this having been granted to the
worthies in times of old.--(12 _mo_. 8.)
In the Twelfth Month of 1819, John Yeardley attended the Quarterly Meeting
at York, and has some religious service on the way. His account of this
little journey is preceded by some instructive reflections on his own
infirmities and lack of ready obedience.
9 _mo_. 15.--I feel exceedingly discouraged at my own obstinacy in
not keeping more humble, watchful, and attentive to the inward monitor. I
am sensible loss is sustained in a religions sense by giving way too much
to an airy disposition.
12 _mo_. 12.--When I consider the many years which have elapsed since
I first enlisted under the Lord's banner, I find cause deeply to reproach
myself for want of a more early and implicit obedience to the _divine
will_; the want of which, I fully believe, has been the means of
plunging me into seas of trouble and years of perplexity. I fear the time
lost will never be redeemed. O, should I ever have to warn others to
beware of the rock on which I have split, surely it may be done through
heartfelt experience indeed! And as the glorious light of the sun begins
mercifully to verge from under the cloud, O, may I never, never forget the
sacred covenant made in the days of my deep distress, that if the Lord
would loosen my bonds, then would I serve him freely.
25_th_.--I went to Thornton to R.W.'s, and next day to Lothersdale
Meeting, accompanied by D.W. and some other part of R.W.'s family. The
forepart of that meeting was very trying, at which I did not wonder, if we
might judge from a previous feeling; for ever since the prospect of this
little visit presented to my view, I felt a load on my spirit which I
could not by any means cast off. On entering the place, I thought, when
our dear Lord sent forth his disciples, he commanded them to take neither
purse nor scrip; and that if this state of poverty of spirit was any badge
of discipleship, some of us might claim to wear it. The language of the
weeping prophet came also before me--"O that my head were waters, and mine
eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of
the daughter of my people." It was hard work for me, a poor stripling, to
have to intimate such close things; but the conclusion was easier to the
natural part, I having to address a few to whom the language seemed to go
forth, of "Mary, the Master is come, and calleth for thee."
I went from thence to the Quarterly Meeting at York, which was thinly
attended. The meeting for worship seemed a cloudy season; however a little
matter impressed my mind which I was thankful in being enabled to get rid
of, though hard to flesh and blood, it being the first time my voice has
been heard in this Quarterly Meeting in ministry. The meeting for business
was long and tedious, being protracted four and a half days by an appeal.
It was disagreeable in its nature, but was conducted in a way to afford
information and instruction to the minute observer of men, manners and
things.
1820.--Our first extract from this year's diary contains a short but
beautiful reflection:--
2 _mo_. 18.--I am convinced it would be better for us to live more in
the inward spirit of prayer; we should live in nearer union with the
Father of love; receive more of his heavenly embraces; the heart would be
prepared to know more of his holy will, and receive power to perform it.
When John Yeardley left Barnsley he commenced a correspondence with his
brother Thomas, which lasted until the death of the latter, J.Y.'s letters
have been preserved, and supply us with much that is valuable in his
character and Christian experience. The following extract shows the power
of sympathy which he possessed towards those with whom he was entirely
intimate:--
4 mo. 24, 1820.
Thy affectionate letter I received with pleasure, though some parts of its
contents penetrated the deepest recesses of my heart, and excited in me
every tender sympathetic feeling of a brother and a friend.
I rejoice that thou hast found freedom to speak so candidly the
undisguised language of thy heart; to me it seems like a voice from the
dead, because I conceive it to be the voice of that awakened principle in
thee which, as in many others, may have been held too long in captivity
through the predominance of the surfeiting cares of the world. Whenever
thou inclinest to unbosom to me thou mayest do it with freedom and in
confidence, for, be assured, if thy complaints cannot meet with relief,
they will at least meet with a welcome reception and a heartfelt
condolence; for I could have no claim to the least of the Christian
virtues, if I were destitute of a feeling regard for the sufferings of a
friend, and especially a brother.
A few months afterwards he was again called upon deeply to sympathise with
his brother. The occasion this time was the perplexity in matters of
business in which Thomas Yeardley was involved. He expressed his feelings
in a letter in which he not only gives the soundest Christian counsel, but
also shows how he was himself indebted to the same maxims for the
preservation of his honor and of his spiritual life and usefulness. The
firm and practical manner in which the subject is treated render his
remarks of permanent value.
Bentham, 8 mo. 7, 1820,
MY DEAR BROTHER,
Thy affectionate letter of the 24th I have received, and need not tell
thee how sensibly I am concerned for thy present situation.
I do hope thou wilt not lose sight of the object thou hast now in view, to
get relieved in some way from the excessive load of business which presses
upon thee, for we can none of us carry fire in our bosoms too long without
being burnt. We shall not be justified in the sight of Him with whom we
have to do, if we do not endeavor to place ourselves in such a situation
as will best answer the end for which he has designed us. It would convict
us of a very weak and erroneous idea of a Supreme Being, to suppose that
he could not or would not prosper our endeavors with equal success in a
more restricted way of trade, when our motives are purely to serve him
faithfully. Surely, He who cares for the sparrows will not suffer
_us_ to fall to the ground without his notice.
Thou wilt be ready to say it is an easy matter to speak of these things on
paper; but believe me, my dear brother, I know a little of what I say.
There was a time when I was as extensively engaged in business,
_according to my means_, as you are now. I have had large sums of
acceptances to provide for, with nothing towards them but what was in the
uncertainty of the drapers' hands. When I have set out on a journey I have
had to take the distressing fear along with me, that if I failed of
getting in almost every shilling that was due to me, I failed in paying my
acceptances. Add to this, the painful prospect of losing my property until
I could not pay my just debts, and then mention a situation which would
place an honest mind in a greater degree of perplexity. O! had it not been
for the preserving hand of my gracious Redeemer, I had never lifted up my
head above the waters which were ready to overwhelm me. In the midst of
all this I received a firm conviction, that if I wound up as speedily as
circumstances would admit, I should measurably be safe; but if I suffered
the impression to pass away disregarded, I might be hurled along with the
stream and never more be able to recover myself. It seemed as if my eye
was fixed on a star which shone quite on the other side of the [waters];
and I was thus enabled to wade through, without, knowing what course to
take when I got to the other side. I do not mention this as being in the
whole applicable to thy case; but as a fellow Christian traveller towards
the celestial city, I earnestly intreat thee, in the love of the gospel,
never to consider thyself on a level, or at liberty to act in full scope,
with the man of business, 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 eternity. Thou
wilt not be long at a loss what to do if thou dost not overlook the secret
motive in thy own breast. Do not grieve at losing a little of what thou
hast; it will come again, if for the best, and may bring the double reward
of peace. If thou attendest to that directing Hand which has hitherto
preserved thee as a monument of thy Heavenly Father's mercy, thy victory
is already sure, though thou mayst not know it. It is not for the test,
consequently not permitted, that we should always see our way. Were this
the case there would be no exercise of faith. The servant of the prophet
was blind as to the power which preserved them, when he saw a host of the
enemy encamped against them: he cried out, "Alas, my master, how shall we
do!" But his master answered, "Fear not; for they that be with us are more
than they that be with them;" and the prophet prayed that the young man
might be made to see. And when his eyes were opened, what did he see? Why,
he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about them.
The Lord's chosen people are continually encircled with these chariots of
fire, otherwise it would not be possible to be so mercifully preserved
from harm. Should it be insinuated to thee that thou art not of this
chosen race, let me tell thee, we become children of the Most High as soon
as he has raised in us a desire to serve him, 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 us.
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 him.
6 _mo_. 23.--Going last evening to Wenington, to repeat my French
lesson, my friends there asked me to call with them on a sick person;
feeling quite free to do so, I went with them. On sitting quietly by the
bedside, a little matter came before me, which was communicated from these
words: "Affliction cometh not forth of the dust."
On my return home, I could not but reflect on the necessity of having our
bow strung, and being always alive to the interest of souls, and
endeavoring to imitate the example of our great Master, whose whole life
was employed in continually going up and down doing good.
CHAPTER III.
FROM HIS COMMISSION TO RESIDE ABROAD IN 1820 TO HIS REMOVAL TO GERMANY
IN 1822.
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad
constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a
powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as
we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native
country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and
growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever
afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent
of Europe, and especially amongst the German people.
The first hint concerning his desire to go abroad is contained in the
account of a dream, under date of the 2nd of the Ninth Month, 1818,
regarding which he felt much disappointed, because he could not recollect
the names of the places in Germany about which he had in his dream been
interested. The next year (the 19th of the Fifth Month) he had a second
dream on the same subject, in which he supposed his friend Joseph Wood was
about to go on a religious mission to the Continent, and he brought out
his Atlas to find the places for him. On being asked if he meant to
accompany him, he said he "was not prepared to answer at present." In the
relation of a third dream, which he had the next year (the 25th of the
Eighth Month, 1820), the locality to which his mind was attracted is first
indicated. "Pyrmont and Minden," he says, "rested very closely with me,
and to them I felt bound."
It might not have been worth while to have made allusion to these dreams,
which ought perhaps to be rather as the continuation or echo of his
thoughts than as their original source, but for the deep importance which
John Yeardley himself attached to them. He considered that by them was
first made known to him the divine will respecting his future course; and
that his longing desire to recover the name of the forgotten locality of
the first dream was answered in the last. It can admit of little doubt
that the same conviction of their more than common significance, which led
him to cherish as sacred the remembrance of these night-visions, helped to
form and sustain his resolution in carrying out the project with which he
connected them.
Just before the occurrence of the last dream, his faith in the heavenly
source of the invitation which, whether waking or sleeping, he had
received, to go over and help his Christian brethren on the Continent, was
confirmed by a prophetic message from John Kirkham, who, in the course of
his religious travels, again visited Yorkshire.
8 _mo_.--Our dear friend, John Kirkham, from Earl's Colne, Essex,
slept at our house on Second-day, the 7th, and had a meeting with our few
on Third-day. How wonderfully was he enlarged; and I could not but admire
how he was favored to speak to the states of some present. I could set my
seal to every word he uttered, and say, This is the very truth. Before he
left us he had a select opportunity in our family, and said a great deal
stout being faithful to our own vision. He seemed to answer a question in
my mind as fully as I had any right to expect; 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 subject. He said emphatically, "We cannot be faithful to the
vision of another man, we do not know it except it be revealed to us; but
we must be FAITHFUL TO OUR OWN VISION."
On the 9th I accompanied him to the Monthly Meeting at Settle, and I once
more desired that, if my feeling in former times had not deceived me, this
servant of the Lord might be led to speak on the same subject; and indeed
he scarcely said anything else but what had the strongest bearing on my
request. What encouraging favors do I receive at the hands of so good a
Master!
A few months later we find the charge to foreign labor renewed, with
intimation of the wide field in which he would have to work; an intimation
which was amply verified in his future travels.
11 _mo_. 26.--At meeting something involuntarily entered my mind like
this, I will make thee a preacher of righteousness to many nations. I felt
not only a desire to be made willing to be sent, but also a desire to be
prepared.
A few days after noting this impression he thus communes with himself on
this topic, which now began to absorb the greater portion of his thoughts.
12 _mo_. 3, _First-day_.--As I walked alone to the meeting this
morning, I thought within myself, What can be the cause that I so often
feel drawn in spirit towards the land of ----? 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 them, and to query whether it is the
workings of self-imaginations. If this is the case, O that I may be
relieved from them. But however unaccountable my feelings may be, a secret
love towards some unknown souls in ---- is so strong at times, that if I
had wings I should for my own inward peace visit them in body as I now do
in spirit. It seems as if my spiritual eye saw in those parts what we may
call a seed (the seed of the kingdom sown in the heart) that wants to take
root downwards and spring upwards, but which is almost choked with the
tares of superstition. Are there not scattered up and down in ----, many
whose souls are verging from under the clouds of thick darkness, and from
under the bonds of idolatrous superstition, towards that glorious liberty
which is brought to light by the gospel? 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 hearts; and it is to
him (I could tell them) that they must look for the perfection of their
salvation. Should there be anything of the right savor in my heart
concerning this matter, I humbly hope that in due time it will be brought
to maturity, and my way made plain and easy--_plain_, so that I
cannot possibly mistake the pointing hand of divine wisdom, and
_easy_, so that when I hear the command I may be enabled to obey.
A very instructive time at meeting. The subject abovementioned glanced in
my view, and with it the Dover-failing objection, If I am at all "apt
to teach," can it or will it be required of me to leave those here and
others in this land who have need of instruction? This objection was
immediately answered in a way which I never before experienced. They
have, besides many teachers, the unerring light of Jesus in their own
hearts unto which they know they ought alone to look for direction. And if
they neglect or overlook the means in themselves, it is not in my power, a
poor instrument, to do them any good. So it may be said of others to whom
I may apprehend myself called. It all revolves on this single and
important point,--What is the _divine will_ concerning me? If I can
only know this and am enabled to do it, all will be well.
In the Autumn he attended Liverpool Quarterly Meeting, an occasion which
was one of the most memorable seasons of his life. His narrative of it is
very characteristic:--
9 _mo_. 19.--My dear wife and I left home to attend Liverpool
Quarterly Meeting. Through mercy we arrived safe there, but I, as usual
when from home, felt very low and poor in spirit, and was ready to call in
question my coming to the place. For although I received, as I thought, a
proper signal before I left home, yet one or two circumstances occurred to
discourage me from going, which I pressed through with some firmness;
however, such was my uneasiness the first night in Liverpool, that I was
very desirous, if my being there was in right wisdom, something might turn
up to convince me that I had not done wrong in leaving home. And blessed
be the name of Jesus, I had not been long in the first meeting (their
Monthly Meeting the day before the Quarterly,) before I was perfectly
satisfied. There were present Willett Hicks and Huldah Sears from America,
and Mary Watson from Ireland. In the early part of the meeting my mind was
engaged in meditating on--"God will enlarge Japhet and dwell in the tents
of Shem," and so it proved. The silence was broken by W. Hicks with these
words: "Great men are not always wise, neither do the ancients understand
wisdom." Others present were much favored, and the meeting ended in
heavenly harmony.
After it was over I found to my surprise and joy, my brother and sister
from Barnsley, whom I had expected to come to Bentham to accompany us to
Liverpool, and their not coming to Bentham first was one of the causes
which had discouraged me in leaving home; for I once had concluded, in my
wavering, to leave my going for their determination, thinking if they came
it would be the means of getting me off, if not, I should give it up; but
it so fell out that they took the nearest way to meet us there, without
writing us word, and it would have been a great disappointment had I not
been there. I should not have written so much about a seeming trifle but
to show the necessity of firmness in doing what is pointed out, unless
some reasonable cause prevents.
Now to the opening of the Quarterly Meeting for worship, which was like
the day of Pentecost, when the place was filled with a rushing mighty wind
from heaven. The first stream of ministry flowed again through W.H., who
appeared from these words: "In the last day, that great day of the feast,
Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and
drink." It was indeed applicable; for all seemed athirst, and were invited
and admitted to drink of the waters of life freely; those who were afar
off drew nigh, and those who were near were enabled to acknowledge the
might of Him who had called them to his footstool, and crowned them with
his presence. Huldah Sears and Mary Watson were also much favored in
testimony. What opened on my mind to express was this: "God speaketh once,
yea, twice; yet man perceiveth it not." I thought we were bound to
acknowledge that our God still reigned in Israel, and was condescending to
speak to his people. Immediately afterwards M.R. appeared a long time in
supplication, and then H.S. both very powerfully; so that goodness seemed
to rise higher and higher, until we swam in divine life. This blessed,
heavenly meeting will be remembered by some to the latest period of time.
After this event John Yeardley speaks of being favored with more
enlargement of love towards the members of his small meeting; and also of
having, when attending a public meeting at Wray with Joseph Wood, to kneel
down in prayer for the congregation.
10 _mo_. 20.--To my humbling admiration, he writes, I had in the
conclusion to kneel down and call on the name of the holy and high God of
the whole earth, that he would be pleased to continue the blessing which
he had already condescended to pour down on our heads. This is a most
awful act of worship: I trust the intimation to it was attended with
proper weightiness of spirit.
This meeting was a remarkable season, and is thus described in Joseph
Wood's journal:--
_Bentham_, 10 _mo_. 20.--We [J.W. and James Harrison] set out
for Wray, our beloved friend John Yeardley being our guide. We called by
the way at Thomas Barrow's, of Wenington Hall, and drank tea; then
proceeded to Wray. There were but few Friends here, but they have a very
large ancient meeting-house, and my concern being principally towards the
inhabitants, and proper information thereof being given, abundance
attended; the meeting-house both above and below stairs was pretty well
filled; and their behavior was deserving of commendation. The Lord's
presence eminently crowned the assembly, and the truths of the gospel were
largely and livingly declared amongst them, and it was a time of
extraordinary favor to many. I had first a long testimony to bear therein,
from Luke iv. 41. A pretty long time of silence then ensued, and great was
the solemnity which appeared to cover the assembly. After which John
Yeardley stood up and said, Some were ready to say there was no worship
without words, but from the precious solemnity which he believed had
covered many minds since the former communication, he was ready to
conclude many were feelingly convinced to the contrary. He was then pretty
largely led forth in opening the advantage of silently waiting upon God. I
a pretty long time next, from Isaiah liv. 11,13. James Harrison next, from
Matt. xiii. 44. John Yeardley was next concerned in prayer. The meeting
held about two hours and a half.
21_st_.--About the middle of the day my companion (J.H.) called upon
me, and betwixt twelve and one o'clock we left here for Lancaster, Thomas
Barrow being our guide, and his wife, Charlotte Russell, and Emma Hodgson,
accompanying us. Emma Hodgson is the daughter of a clergyman of Rochdale:
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 there, and was much reached
and tendered therein; and attending the meeting at Wray last evening she
declared after her return that she was fully convinced of the truth.
Returning to John Yeardley's diary for this year, we find some passages
from which profitable instruction may be gathered.
11 _mo._ 8 was the Monthly Meeting at Settle; my dear love and I both
attended. To me it was a poor low season; if there were any good, I was
too much like the heath in the desert,--I knew not when it came. In
addition to this, it felt as if I had to mourn over the barren state of
some others. O, how I dread the state of a lukewarm Quaker! May I ever be
preserved from this sorrowful state of a lukewarm Quaker! I believe it is
often the means of bringing a damp over our solemn assemblies.
12 _mo._ 7.--_Query._ What is the most likely means for me to
adopt to approach nearer to holiness? _Answer._ To spend more time in
retirement silently to wait upon God. The more conversant I am with him,
the more I shall know of his will and receive power to do the same. To do
the will of the Almighty is the way to perfect holiness. The nearer
acquaintance we cultivate with him, the stronger will become the ties of
his affection. The more devoted we are to him, the more confidence will he
repose in us.
Catching then a glimpse of the glorious calling of the Gospel minister, he
breaks forth in the following strain:--
If I am ambitious in anything on earth, it is to be eminently useful in
His cause. I can say with the wise man, I ask neither riches nor honor,
except the honor which cometh from doing the will of God; but I do ask for
"an understanding heart." I trust I can say in the deepest sincerity that
I could renounce, if they were in my power, the riches and honor of ten
thousand earthly worlds in purchase of a double portion of that holy
unction which rested on Elisha's spirit. These are bold sayings, but my
Saviour tells me that as there is no limitation to his goodness to grant,
so there is no limitation in asking of him for the gift of his Holy
Spirit. But then what manner of man ought this to be on whom shall be
conferred such great honor! Surely it must be left to Himself to prepare
the vessel before he pours in the oil.
We have already made an extract from the diary of the 3rd of the Twelfth
Month in connection with John Yeardley's call to visit Germany. 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 meeting.
In my minute for First-day last I mentioned its being an instructive
meeting to me. Towards the conclusion a simile of this kind arose and
spread before my view: As wax when melted by the fire or the candle is
then only capable of receiving the impression of the stamp put upon it, so
also are our minds only capable of receiving impressions of divine good
when our spirits are melted and contrited before the Lord. As these
seasons are not at our command, 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 Donor. The impression which
the above contemplation made on my spirit proved like a morsel of bread to
my soul, which I found I could not conceal, though I struggled hard to eat
it alone, it seeming so insignificant to hand to others; but at length I
gave up, and felt it to be a time wherein some among the few present were
melted as wax before the fire, and had a portion of divine goodness afresh
imprinted on their minds; and my spirit craved that they might not prove
as "the morning cloud and as the early dew that goeth away."
On the 7th of the Twelfth Month Elizabeth Yeardley was suddenly prostrated
by an alarming attack of illness, from which, however, she soon rallied,
though she never entirely regained her previous state of health. Possibly
her husband alludes to this afflictive occurrence in the following
memorandum:--
12 _mo_. 10.--How varied is our passing along in this vale of tears!
First-day last was a day of brightness, and this day has been one of
comparative death and darkness. I have been made to know something of the
saying recorded by the prophet,--"Who is among you that feareth the Lord,"
&c., "that walketh in darkness and hath no light." This has appeared to be
my portion this day, and I find it hard work to "trust in the name of the
Lord and stay upon my God."
Some further remarks in his diary for this day turn upon the subject of
the ministry, and the passage he quotes shows how deep and heart-searching
is the work of preparation for an enlarged and effectual gospel ministry,
whatever be the denomination among men to which the preacher belongs:--
In the course of reading the life of Mary Fletcher I find much deep
instruction and encouragement. Many of her remarks have proved like a goad
to spur me on in the way of holiness. An extract made by her from Dr.
Doddridge's life aptly speaks the language of my heart, when in my silent
breathing to the Almighty I am led to crave an enlargement of my gift in
spiritual things:--
"There must be an enlargement of soul before any remarkable success on
others; and a great diligence in prayer and strict watchfulness over my
own soul previous to any remarkable and habitual enlargement in my
ministry; and deep humiliation must precede both."
1821.--The first entry in the diary of this year turns upon the
ever-present subject of his going abroad, and is penned under feelings of
the deepest solemnity. It is followed the next day by another on the great
duty of self-examination.
1 _mo_. 2. This day I have felt singularly impressed with a desire to
be more devoted to my Maker. I believe it is his will that I should be
more given up to serve him; and if spared with life and strength, my few
remaining days must be spent in his cause. A presentiment of this kind has
for some time past prevailed with me; and from the calm, awful, and
weighty manner in which it is at times brought over my spirit, I am
induced to think it cannot be the mere phantom of the imagination. The
prospect of a temporary residence on the ---- seems rather to increase
than otherwise. How it may terminate, or the time when to move, is yet
uncertain to me. O, how the prospect humbles me! I trust I can, in some
degree say, with the good old patriarch, that his God shall be my God, and
if He will only give me bread to eat and raiment to put on, I desire to
serve him.
1 _mo_. 3.--This day I am thirty-five years old. Whether I may be
spared as many more, or whether I may only survive as many months, weeks,
days or hours, as I have now lived years, is altogether in the breast of
Him who has hitherto preserved me as a monument of his mercy. How awful
the consideration! To think that we may be called to give an account at
any hour of the day, and not frequently to examine the state of affairs
between us and our God, is complete infatuation. Strange as it may seem,
as it regards myself I stand condemned. I am sensible sufficient attention
is not paid to the important work of self-examination. O that this fresh
year may produce fresh vigilance!
In the Second Month, Ann Jones, accompanied by her husband and Isabel
Richardson, visited Bentham on a religious mission. Ann Jones had much
service, both in public and private. What she had to declare to John
Yeardley in particular was very remarkable, and reminded him of the
discourse of Sarah Lamley in 1814. He says;--
She said a good deal which so struck home to my feelings, that I have not
been so deeply reached in the same manner since dear Sarah Lamley visited
families at Barnsley. (_Letter to his brother._)
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 Leeds. In his
diary of the 14th of the Third Month he speaks of making the necessary
application to the Monthly Meeting for its sanction, and, in that and some
succeeding entries, records his feelings on the occasion, and the help
which he received by the way.
This was new work to me; how I was humbled before I could be made willing
to mention my concern to my friends! which was done in such a faltering
manner that I believe many sympathized with me. When I had received the
meeting's approbation, I was thoughtful how I should get most conveniently
on my way. After our meeting I received a letter from dear S.S., saying
that he had felt a prayer raised in his heart, that I might be helped in
my undertaking by Him from whom best help comes, and that he was most easy
to propose accompanying me on my way in his gig. A very agreeable
companion he proved to be, and for this little act of dedication he shall
not lose his reward.
I left home on First day, the 25th, for Newton, over the Fells. There fell
much rain the day before, which swelled the waters so that my wife and I
became very thoughtful how I should get over the river to Newton, over
which there is no bridge. I thought that should I be favored to get over
safe and dry I would take it as a sign for good in the journey; and so it
was in mercy granted; for when I came to the water-side, I met a man on
horseback who let me ride his horse over. This was in a wild part of the
country, with not a house near. Simple as this may appear to some, I could
not but acknowledge in it a providence for which I was thankful.
At Newton, where I expected to meet only three or four, more assembled
than the larger end of the house would hold. I was met by dear D.W. from
Stockton; I could not but think we looked like two poor striplings before
a great army. I should have sunk under my fears, had I not been enabled to
get down to that Power which can bear up above the fear of man.
In the afternoon I went to Thornton, and sat down with the family. This
was a precious season, and it felt doubly so from our having been on the
barren mountains, both literally and spiritually.
I went next morning, accompanied by D.W., to Lothersdale. This was also a
good meeting: 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
way; I seemed almost borne off my feet by the power of Divine love.
We dined at S.S.'s; and after dinner I could not quit the room without
expressing what I felt towards him, which melted us all into tears. S.S.
joined me, and we went to Skipton to be at the meeting at five o'clock.
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 me; and even when I got to
meeting, the same feeling remained, which introduced my spirit into a
state of suffering not easily to be conceived. On our sitting down I felt
there was something on the mind of S.S., and I feared lest, by suffering
the reasoner to prevail, he should be unfaithful; but he expressed a few
words which seemed as the key to the treasury.
I went that evening to Addingham, and had a meeting next morning, where I
sensibly found a little strength: we seemed to sit under our own vine and
fig-tree, where none could make us afraid. We lodged and dined at our kind
friend J. Smith's, in whose family I had something given to me to minister.
From Addingham they went to the Quarterly Meeting at Leeds, where John
Yeardley received intelligence of the sudden decease of his beloved friend
Joseph Wood. J.W. had been engaged in testimony and supplication in the
meeting at Highflatts on First-day morning, and was taken unwell during
the evening, and died in a few hours. After the Quarterly Meeting John
Yeardley went to attend the interment, and on his way had a meeting with
the Friends at Barnsley.
It was, he says, a favored time, and we were humbled and instructed
together. We went to Highflatts to tea; when I got to the place where the
remains of my dear friend were laid, I stood silently by the coffin in
tears, saying in spirit, If it be thy mantle I am designed to wear, may I
receive it with humility, reverence and fear! This feeling awfully
impressed my mind, because my dear friend had said more than once to me,
If I have any place in the body, I bequeath it to thee. The meeting was
very large and was a precious season; the occasion on which we were met
seemed to give wings to our spirits to fly upwards.
This spring Elizabeth Yeardley's disorder began to assume a serious form.
A short memorandum from her hand discloses in a touching manner her state,
both physical and spiritual.
3 _mo_. 29.--"Regard not distant events: this uneasiness about the
future is in opposition to the grace received." This sentence from my old
favorite, Fenelon, was much blest to my spirit this evening, when I had
foolishly been thinking about future sufferings. O, sufficient for the day
is the evil thereof. Perhaps a few rolling suns may, through the merits
and mercies of my Lord, see this poor worm translated to his Paradise.
The first direct allusion to anxiety on her account which appears in her
husband's diary bears date the 5th of the Fifth Month. Her debilitated
state seems to have been the cause of their deferring to a future day
their contemplated removal to Germany, which was otherwise to have taken
place about this time.
In the summer of this year he was himself laid for some weeks upon a bed
of sickness, with a complaint of the stomach. He viewed this time of
suffering as profitable in assisting his resolution to undertake the
religious mission to which his mind was still continually directed. In a
letter to Thomas Yeardley, of the 1st of the Ninth Month, he says, "Such
is my stubborn will that I am not to be effectually pleaded with, until I
am brought down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, or judgment." His wife,
who was too ill to leave her chamber, has a memorandum respecting her
husband's illness, under date of the 29th of the Eighth Month. It seems to
have been the last which her pen ever traced.
Since I wrote, my dear husband has had an awful attack; but the Lord has
again been merciful in restoring him to ease once more. Yesterday (may the
Lord enable us to keep covenant) we laid our _Isaac_ on the altar. O,
to be wholly our kind, our Heavenly Master's, who cares to provide for us,
for soul and body; who takes nothing from us but what he knows would harm
us, and gives us a hundred-fold of that which is good in lieu.
Prior to this time John Yeardley had not confided to his brother the
thought which so long had occupied his mind. 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 night,"
and says:--
It now seems to be approaching so near a state of maturity that I feel
freedom to communicate it to thee.
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 water,
particularly with the few in the neighborhood of Minden and Pyrmont, and
probably at some time with those in the South of France. But my visit is
likely to be paid in a way different from any that have been made before.
I have never seen that the nature of my concern would require any document
from the Quarterly or Yearly Meetings; neither do I think it would answer
my present views; because the secret language of my heart has been for
many months past, "Go dwell among them, go dwell with them."
I should be in want of some employment, 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 trade; articles which are largely imported into Yorkshire, and which
seem to be the natural production of the country, within the circle where
I should be likely to reside.
His brother's answer to this letter was most consoling and encouraging: in
reference to it he says, it seemed with him as it was with Peter in the
prison, when the angel smote him and the irons fell off.
And O, he adds, that I may be willing, now that a little light begins to
shine, to gird myself, bind on my sandals, cast my garment about me, and
follow my Lord, thinking no hardship too much to endure for so good a
Master. (_Diary, 9 mo. 21_.)
Although in reality not far from her end, his wife's state had not as yet
excited immediate alarm. On the 23rd of the Ninth Month J.Y. writes:--
My precious E.Y. is yet so weak that there is a probability of its being
an obstacle in the way of our removal; but there is this consolation,--if
the work be of the Lord he will not frustrate his own design; if it be not
his doing we must submit to have the whole overturned.
In a few days he became aware of her critical state.
9 _mo_. 29.--The indisposition of my dear wife has taken such an
alarming turn that I yesterday began to have serious apprehensions as to
the issue. I have watched with her night and day, and my prayers have been
unceasing for her restoration, I trust not without a due reverence to the
divine will. But I did not feel as though nature could give her up until
yesterday, when as I stood retired by the bed-side of my dear lamb,
endeavoring to feel after resignation, I gave her up as fully as human
nature, through divine aid, was capable of. Then it sprang in my heart,
Where is the man that can offer up an Isaac? He shall go for me, and I
will send him. There seems a spark of hope that even now, when the knife
is lifted up, the voice may yet be heard,--"Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
for now I know that thou fearest me."
My precious dear has been to me in my late exercise a never-failing
instrument of strength, comfort, and encouragement: in general her faith
has been much stronger than my own. Should it please Heaven to restore
her, O that there may be an increased desire that it may be for no other
cause, but that her heart, her hands and her feet, may unite with mine in
sounding forth our Redeemer's praise, if required, even to the ends of the
earth.
The following entries record the last hours of the dying Christian wife,
and the feelings of her bereaved husband:--
10 _mo_. 25.--Last night we expected my dear lamb would have sunk
away. How the awful event is to terminate is known only to Him on whose
bosom I trust she has always rested; for in no other place could she be
preserved in the state of peace which she appears to possess.
29_th_.--A most awful morning; my dear lamb is no more! She sweetly
fell asleep in the bosom of her Saviour, at one o'clock this morning. The
closing scene was perfect ease and peace. From the first of her illness
she seemed aware how it would terminate, and was perfectly resigned.
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 desired,
and which she took the most scrupulous care to improve. 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 work.
11 _mo_. 18.--This day two weeks was the solemn ceremony of
committing to the silent dust the remains of my very precious and dearly
beloved Elizabeth. I had dreaded the day very much; but through prayer,
mixed with a degree of faith, which was mercifully granted, I was
wonderfully supported. In the meeting I felt the divine influence so near,
and so to prevail over my spirit, that I was constrained publicly to thank
the Father of mercies for his goodness.
This day I visited, perhaps for the last time, the place which encloses
the cold relics of one so dearly beloved; and as I stood weeping over the
grave, it sprang in my heart, She is not here but (she) is risen. What an
unspeakable consolation to be enabled to leave the dust behind, and hold
sweet communion and converse with the spirit. Ever since her departure it
feels as though her spirit had never left me, but was hovering and
fluttering around me to administer comfort on every afflicting occasion;
and O, saith my spirit, that this precious feeling may remain with me for
ever.
12 _mo_. 20.--I feel to lament the loss of my dear lamb more than
ever, at least so far as I dare. No one but myself knows the comfort which
the late awful event has deprived me of; but I no sooner remember the hand
which administered it than all complaining is hushed into silence, and I
am made to rejoice that she is so safely deposited where trouble cannot
reach.
From this moment John Yeardley felt himself quite free to pursue the path
of duty which had been opened before him, viz., to go and reside in
Germany.
In the Eleventh Month he left Bentham to sojourn awhile with his brother,
and on the 9th of the First Month, 1822, he received a certificate of
removal from Settle Monthly Meeting, addressed to the Friends of Pyrmont
and Minden, which certified that he was a member of the Society of
Friends, and a minister well approved by the church.
Before we pursue further the sequence of events, two passages from the
diary may be here transcribed, which could not have been inserted in the
order of time without interrupting the narrative. The first of these
conveys a lesson of practical wisdom, and exhibits the method by which the
writer was able to succeed and to excel in what he undertook. It is the
true comprehension and resolute acting upon maxims such as these, which
makes so much of the difference between one man and another.
1821. 7 _mo_. 2.--No man can excel in everything; therefore it is
highly important for each mind to consider attentively for what it is
calculated, and what end it is designed to answer by him who created it.
As secular affairs are often more expedited by a judicious arrangement,
than by hard doing indiscriminately at the mass; so will undertakings of
superior importance be more advantageously attained by keeping a single
eye, and looking for best direction to make a proper selection of what
ought to be done and what ought not to be done. I was long too much
wavering on this head, to my great loss; but I now hope it is become a
settled point, find I have clearly seen for what service I am designed in
the church militant here on earth; therefore, through the assistance of
divine grace, I hope to pursue nothing but in subordination to this main
design. For a little mind to aim at great things would be to thwart the
whole; but to endeavor to be faithful in small things, seems to be the way
to attain the end.
From the other entry we shall extract only a few words, but they are words
fraught with deep instruction:--
9 _mo_. 7.--"Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Without
purity of heart we cannot see the pointing of the Divine Finger.
On the 18th of the Second Month, John Yeardley attended Pontefract Monthly
Meeting, held at Wakefield.
It was, he says, a precious season; I felt my friends very near to me in
spirit, and expressed to them in tenderness and love what lay on my mind;
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 thanks,
and to supplicate that he would he pleased once more to bind up the
breaches in the walls of our Zion, and grant that when we were separated
one from another we might never he separated from his presence.
I now begin, he continues, to feel very anxious to set forward for my
destination on the other side of the water. What an awful situation mine
appears to be! O that faith and patience may be granted equal to the
occasion!
1822. 2 _mo_. 26.--I never read in my dear lamb's diary but it feels
to season my heart with good. It is as though her writings were
impregnated with a degree of sincerity and resignation which, were so
eminently the characteristics of her innocent spirit. O, I repeat it, that
my precious Saviour may be pleased to appoint her angel spirit to be my
guardian through life, until I shall be joined with her in heaven and
we both unite in singing his praise.
About this time his brother, Thomas Yeardley, began to exercise the
ministerial office.
3 _mo_. 3.--Attended Woodhouse Meeting, which was to me a very trying
one. My brother Thomas spoke the feeling of my heart in something like
these words:--"They come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit
before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do
them."
3 _mo._ 18.--This day was held the Monthly Meeting at Barnsley. The
Testimony concerning our much-esteemed friend Joseph Wood was read and
signed by the meetings at large. When I consider the legacy, so to speak,
which this dear friend used to say he should bequeath to me, this language
seems to prevail in my heart:--"Moses my servant is dead; now therefore
arise. As I was with Moses, so I will he with thee; I will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee."--Joshua i. 2, 5. This is an awful consideration; but
why should any despair? May not the faithful mind say, "This God is our
God; he will be our guide, even unto death." I desire most sincerely to be
kept in humility, whatever the probations may be which are necessary to
fit me for the design of Him who hath given me life, breath and being.
On the 2d of the Fourth Month he quitted Barnsley, accompanied by his
brother Thomas.
I think it a favor indeed, he says, to be relieved from a doubting mind as
to whether I should go or stay; for I can truly say that, let the result
prove what it may. I go with an undivided heart.
Elizabeth Dell had a meeting at Pontefract this day, where I met her; it
was a very satisfactory meeting, and it was pleasant to meet with several
Friends here whom I did not expect to have seen again. The parting
opportunity with E.D. has left a savor on my mind which I hope will not
soon be forgotten.
Before he left England he opened negotiations with several mercantile
houses, who gave him orders for linen yarn from Germany. At Hull he
writes:
4 _mo._ 12.--My detention here, waiting for a fair wind to Hamburg,
has not been unpleasant; my friends are exceedingly kind, but my feelings
in a religious sense have been rather depressing.
His heart was full of serious thoughts in anticipation of the voyage,
which was then more formidable than it is now; but the joyful hope of a
glorious immortality, if death should be suffered to overtake him, bore
him up above his fears.
14_th_.--May I be preserved in a holy reliance on the Arm of strong
Power for help. "O Lord God, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee, or to
thy faithfulness round about Thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when
the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest, them." O may it please him to
carry me in his bosom, and protect me from the dangers of the sea. But
should it please him to permit that I go down to the bottom, may I be
fully resigned in humble confidence that I shall again arise to shine
brighter with him in everlasting glory. Amen.
We shall conclude this chapter with a few extracts from Elizabeth
Yeardley's letters, which well depict her character and experience; and
with a copy of the weighty and pertinent testimony regarding Joseph Wood
which was issued by Pontefract Monthly Meeting.
* * * * *
7 _mo._ 13, 1818.--The broad way seems more and more crowded, while
the road to Zion is thinly scattered with poor wayworn travellers; each,
or nearly so, of the former living as if there were to be no hereafter,
and earth was to be their eternal home. I have thought that as our Blessed
Redeemer's arms were extended wide on the cross to embrace perishing
sinners, so do these short-sighted mortals extend their arms and their
wishes in grasping unsubstantial vanities, and that craving one of
_Mammon_, the most fascinating of all, as it increases with age.
9 _mo_. 24, 1819.--I hope by what I have felt of the keen arrow of
adversity piercing the heart, it will teach me, when I see it wounding any
of my fellow-mortals, to endeavor to soothe, if I have nothing else in my
power towards healing the wound. Let thee and me be determined, in the
name of the holy Jesus, to follow him and not look on others. He is
leading us into the pure green, ever green, pasture of humiliation, where
the sheep of his pasture love to lie. I own the road is not very pleasant;
the descent is rugged, and many times the poor traveller is ashamed of
being seen hobbling down by his former acquaintance; but when once within
the sacred enclosure, the sweet air that breathes humility hushes all
stormy passions to rest. I read and read again of all those holy folks
being divested of self, and anxiously do I desire to be so too, but by the
marks they lay down I am very far from that attainment. However, He who
said, Let there be light, and there was light, can add this to the rest of
his inestimable blessings showered on my unworthy head.
4 _mo_. 14, 1820.--We are sometimes led to expect pity from people
where we think we have a sort of claim, and here we often feel
disappointed. Persons at ease cannot feel for the sensations of pain in
others, any more than prosperity can feel the seasons of adversity.
Couldst thou have a look into the houses and bosoms of the inmates of most
in B. or other places, thou wouldst find a something sorrowful, a burden
the possessor would be glad to be quit of. Let us, then, go forward with
hope, and endeavor to be truly thankful for the many mercies showered on
our heads, who have not rendered as we ought that gratitude so greatly His
due. O look at the bulk of the population in England, whose children are
looking up to them for a meal, and they have it not for them; and then let
the tear of thankfulness fall. To be thankful is to feel a spark of
heavenly flame; to be thankful is to increase the blessing already poured
forth. O that I possessed more of this blessed spirit; for truly it is
angelic!
* * * * *
_A Testimony of Pontefract Monthly Meeting concerning_ JOSEPH WOOD,
_deceased_.
This our esteemed friend was born at Newhouse, near Highflatts, within the
compass of this Monthly Meeting, on the 26th of the Fourth Month, 1750.
His parents, Samuel and Susanna Wood, members of our Society, were
concerned for the best interest of their children. In his youth he gave
way to some of the vanities incident to that period of life, but when
approaching manhood he was happily brought under the restraining power of
Truth, and often humbled in deep inward exercise. Once being in the fields
in the night season, he exclaimed, Lord what shall I do, or whither shall
I go? The answer in the secret of his own heart was as intelligible as if
spoken to his outward ear,--Whither wilt thou go, Have not I the words of
eternal life? Soon after this he attended a neighboring meeting, when a
ministering Friend, who was a stranger, stood up with the words which he
had received as an answer to his inquiry, and enlarged upon the subject in
a manner suited to his tried state of mind.
In the year 1779, in the twenty-ninth year of his age, was his first
appearance in the ministry, in great fear and broken-ness of spirit: but
being obedient to the manifestations of truth, he experienced an
advancement therein, and was a good example, adorning his profession by a
circumspect life. His testimony was not with the enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Neither was he
forward to offer his gift, patiently abiding in the deep till he felt the
holy fire burn. He was at times led in a plain close manner to the
unfaithful professors of truth, but had the word of consolation to the
rightly exercised, unto whom he was indeed a nursing father. He was
especially useful to such as the Lord was gathering from the barren
mountains of an empty profession to the knowledge of the truth, and he was
frequent, in solemn supplication for these, and for the awakening of those
who were at ease in Zion. His heart being enlarged in gospel love, he was
anxious for the salvation of all, and was frequently engaged to appoint
meetings amongst those not in profession with us. For this service he was
eminently gifted, and his ministry on these occasions was often attended
with the powerful baptizing influence of the Spirit, to the convincement
of many. He was concerned to impress on the minds of his friends the
necessity of a due attendance of week-day meetings, believing that such as
were negligent in this duty never experienced an attainment to the state
of strong men in the truth. 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
Meeting; for active service in this important branch of church government
he was eminently gifted.
In the course of his religious labors, he visited the meetings of Friends
generally in most of the Quarterly Meetings in England, and many meetings
within the principality of Wales; and divers of them repeatedly.
During the latter period of his life, feeling his bodily strength decline,
he was anxiously desirous that no service required of him should be
omitted. His zeal increased with his years, and he became more abundant in
labor for the promotion of the Christian cause. In a memorandum made about
a year before his death, he writes, "This day I attained the seventieth
year of my age. May the remainder of my days be so devoted to the Lord's
service, as, when the solemn message of death is sent, I may have nothing
to do but to render up my accounts with joy!" In the last Monthly Meeting
he attended, he expressed amongst us that he had seen in the vision of
life that day, that there were of the youth there present those who, if
they were faithful and kept in their innocency, would become instruments
of good, and finally would shine as the stars, for ever and ever.
The day before his death, the first day of the week, he appeared in his
own meeting at Highflatts, in a powerful testimony, beginning with these
words of Moses to Hobab: "We are journeying unto the place of which the
Lord said, I will give it you. Come thou with us, and we will do thee
good; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." In the course of
his testimony he had in strong terms to urge the necessity of a
preparation for an awful eternity. In the afternoon of the same day he
complained of a pain in his breast and arms, but was not considered in
danger. He retired to bed at his usual hour; but he slept little, and
quietly departed about five o'clock the following morning, the 26th of the
Third Month, 1821; and was buried at Highflatts the 31st of the same;
(many Friends and others attended the meeting on this solemn occasion,
which was eminently owned by the presence of the Great Shepherd of
Israel;) aged seventy-one years, a minister about forty-two years.
CHAPTER IV.
HIS FIRST RESIDENCE IN GERMANY.
1822-24.
John Yeardley left Hull on the 14th of the Fourth Month, and arrived at
Hamburg on the 21st. For the purpose of attending the Exchange, and of
becoming acquainted with the language, he hired a lodging in the
neighborhood of the city, where he remained for some weeks. Writing to his
brother, under date of the 23rd of the Fourth Month, he says,--
In the neighborhood of Hamburg, lodgings are not easily obtained for so
short a time as a month. We succeeded in procuring a room three miles from
the town, at Eppendorf, in the house of three young women, sisters. It is
a charming walk, mostly over the fields. It is quite a cross for me to go
on 'Change; but as it is the only place for information, I must submit to
it, my visit to this place being for instruction in the language and mode
of conducting business: but, from what I have yet seen, it will be quite
the best for me to proceed into the interior of the country in a few
weeks.
What his reflections were when he found himself actually an inhabitant of
the land where for so long a time he had mentally dwelt, will be seen by
the following entry in his Diary. The maxim with which it concludes may be
said to be the motto which he inscribed on his shield for the remainder of
his life.
This morning I am thankful to feel something of a peaceful serenity to
cover my mind, and am well contented in being placed on this side of the
German Ocean. I consider it an unspeakable blessing that I do not feel so
much as a wish to return, until the time may come that I can see clearly
that it is right for me so to do. 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 land, or should my Heavenly Father see meet to cut short
the work in righteousness and not permit that I ever see my native country
again, his gracious _will be done_. I leave this as a testimony that
none need to fear his rightly sending forth those who ask and rightly wait
for his counsel. I do not know why I should thus write: I trust it
proceeds from a resigned heart; and I will add, for fear I should never
have another opportunity, that I should wish all to know who have known
me, that I have no reason to doubt the rectitude of my crossing the water
with a prospect of a residence in this country, and that should time with
me now close, I die in peace with my God, and in that love for mankind
which believes "every nation to be our nation, and every man our
brother."--(6 _mo._ 8.)
The next day's diary consists of a short but earnest prayer.
_First-day morning,_--O, gracious and most merciful Father, be
pleased to strengthen my hands for the work that is before me; be pleased
to give me the power of speech; be pleased to give me thy word, with
power to publish it to those whose hearts thou shalt be pleased to prepare
for the reception of it.
The family with whom he lodged at Eppendorf strongly engaged his religious
sympathy.
I spent, he says in his diary of the 8th of the Seventh Month, about nine
weeks at E. in a very agreeable manner with the family of three young
women. The one who is the mistress of the house is very seriously
inclined. She told me she had read a play-book giving a description of our
Society in the character of one of its members, and ever since she had had
a particular desire to see one of us, and that she could not but admire
with thankfulness that she had been gratified in having one to reside
under her roof. She had heard of Thomas Shillitoe's being in Hamburg; and
when I told her he was now in Norway, she asked me his business there, I
told her that our Friends had sometimes a desire to visit their brethren
and other religiously-disposed people in foreign lands, and that such was
his errand. She replied, "Yes, and I believe it is also yours: this is
Gospel love indeed; while so many here will not think for themselves, you
come so far to visit and help them." In saying this she was overcome with
tears.
John Yeardley left Hamburg on the 2nd of the Seventh Month, and arrived at
Pyrmont on the 5th. Writing to his brother, he says:
I have now had a specimen of German travelling. Thou wilt be sure I was
very bold to set off quite alone except the driver, but it proved far
easier than I had anticipated. Instead of having a conveyance to seek when
I got over to Harburg, there was a man on the steam-packet who offered to
take me in his carriage, and the whole of my packages, to Pyrmont.
A great part of the country between Harburg and Hanover is very dreary and
barren, much resembling Bentham Moor; but the road is much worse, being in
many places not less than eighteen inches or two feet deep in sand. When
we came near Celle and Hanover, the country became quite different, being
very fruitful, and the prospect charming. Nearly all the way from Hanover
to Pyrmont it is beautiful travelling, and the road mostly good. Pyrmont
and the scenery in the surrounding neighborhood is beautiful beyond
description.
At Eppendorf he had been cheered by a visit from Benjamin Seebohm and John
Snowdon, from Bradford, who informed him that a committee from the Yearly
Meeting were on their way to Pyrmont. This was to him most welcome news,
and the Friends reached Pyrmont almost as soon as he did; but though their
company was so cordial to his mind, 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 place, as soon as he took up his
residence amongst them.
_Diary.--7 mo._ 16.--The Committee from the Yearly Meeting--viz.,
Josiah Forster, Joseph Marriage, and Peter Bedford--have visited the
families of Friends here, and attended the Preparative Meeting which was
held on First-day last. Things here appear to be very low every way among
those who profess with us; yet there are a few sincere-hearted to whom I
already begin to feel closely united in spirit.
From the time of my arrival until First-day last, I do not remember ever
to have been more oppressed in mind. I could, if I dared, almost have
wished myself in England again, for I feared I should not be able to
obtain any relief. I went to meeting on First-day in fear and trembling;
but, as is sometimes the case, it proved better than I had expected.
When we are stripped of all help but what comes from the Lord alone, it is
then that he delights most to help us. Through the acceptable assistance
of my friend B. Seebohm, I was enabled to communicate what came before me,
and the great dread which I had always had of speaking through an
interpreter was mercifully removed, for which I was truly thankful. The
three Friends were favored most instructively to labor in the meeting for
business. They are now gone to Minden; I feel tenderly united to their
spirits in much love.
John Yeardley's residence was at Friedensthal, a hamlet about a mile from
the town of Pyrmont. In a letter to his brother he thus describes the
situation of the place, and his own comfortable accommodation:--
My mother inquires as to my mode of living, and if I have comfortable
accommodations. Please to tell her that I am provided for in a way which
is exceedingly agreeable to me. I have a large airy sitting-room with
three windows, and a bed-room adjoining, situated, on one side, under the
shelter of a wood, and the other opens to a beautiful and romantic dale.
The mode of cooking is just as I would wish it; I am only anxious
sometimes that my very kind friends of the house are too much concerned
for my help and comfort. It seems scarcely possible to find an outward
situation more suited to my wishes. When I have studied in the house, I
take my books in suitable weather into the wood, and there walk and read
and think. It is true I am sometimes very flat for want of company; but if
I incline to go to Pyrmont, they are always pleased to see me, and would
willingly have me always with them.--(2 _mo._ 17, 1823.)
Very soon after his arrival at Pyrmont, John Yeardley entered into active
service in behalf of the gospel. In what religious state he found the
people towards whom he had so long been attracted in spirit, and how he
was enabled to preach to them the word of life, is exhibited in several
entries in his Diary.
7 _mo._ 21.--The Two-months' Meeting was held at Minden; I went,
along with several of my friends from here. The first sitting was very
large, many coming in who do not usually attend. It was a very solid
meeting; I thought there was the good savor of an honest-hearted few to be
felt among a mixed multitude. Such was the sweet, peaceful satisfaction I
felt after this meeting, that I almost said in my heart, This is enough to
repay me for setting my feet in Germany. These are precious seasons, yet I
always recur to such in fear, and rejoice with trembling; for in the midst
of the Lord's goodness to his children one seems to be falling on one
hand, and another on another; so that the language seems to be, "Will ye
also go away?" and truly we shall never be able to stand if we look not
for help to Him who has the words of eternal life.
About this time Thomas Shillitoe arrived in Germany, in the course of his
religious visit on the Continent; and John Yeardley, on his return to
Pyrmont, united with him in a visit to the families of Friends belonging
to that meeting.
8 _mo_. 13.--My feelings are this morning deeply discouraged. I am
entering on a visit to the families here with my dear friend T.S., whose
company I have had since the 23rd ult. This service is to me a very
important one. It is an easy matter to say to a brother or a sister, Be
comforted, be strengthened; but it is no light matter to dip so feelingly
into the state of our fellow-mortals, as to feel as though we could place
_our_ soul in their soul's stead, in order that they might be
strengthened and comforted.
8 _mo_. 20.--The visit has been got over to our great satisfaction.
In some sittings, deep exercise and mourning; in others, cause of
rejoicing over the precious seed of the kingdom, which is alive in the
hearts of some. There seems to be a remarkable visitation once more
extended, especially to the youth.
In conjunction with Thomas Shillitoe he proposed to the Friends, as only
one meeting was held on First-days, to have one in the evening for
religious reading, holding it at Friedensthal in the summer, and at
Pyrmont in the winter. The proposal was immediately complied with, and the
institution proved a valuable auxiliary to the edification of the members.
8 _mo_. 25.--The reading meeting this evening has been a precious
season; O, how all spirits were melted together! May the blessing of the
Lord rest upon this humble endeavor as a means of bringing us nearer to
himself.
28_th_,--Our English Friends [Benjamin Seebohm and John Snowdon] have
taken their departure. I feel a little solitary, but I think it a great
favor to be preserved from a wish to go with them; nothing will do for me
but entire resignation to the Lord's will and work. Little did I think
when I left my home in England, that a work of this sort awaited me in
Germany; indeed, I came blind in the gospel; I knew nothing; but now I see
such a field of labor if I am faithful: how shall it ever be accomplished?
O, prepare me, dearest Lord, for without thy heavenly hand to assist me I
must faint. O, may I ever seek thy counsel; and be thou pleased to lead me
step by step, and give strength according to the day.
29_th._--To-day I have for the first time expressed a few sentences
in broken German in our little meeting. I do not know whether they might
be very clearly understood, but I hope the attempt to do what I conceived
to be the Lord's will, will be accepted by him. O, that he may he pleased
to give me the power of speech!
In the Ninth Month he went to Hanover with Thomas Shillitoe, who had a
concern to see the authorities regarding the observance of the First-day.
They did not meet with much success in their object; but they made the
acquaintance of Pastors Gundel and Hagemann, the latter "nearly blind and
very grey, but truly green in the feeling sense of religion," and who
rejoiced in his heart to find a brother concerned to reform those things
which had long laid heavy on his mind.
The two friends travelled together to Minden, where they parted, and John
Yeardley returned to Pyrmont by Bielefeld.
The neighborhood of this town, he says, is remarkably fine. There is a
very high hill, partly formed by nature, and partly by art, from which we
can see quite round, without any interruption, even into Holland. Here,
from the appearance of the bleach-grounds, I could fancy myself in
Barnsley. But, as Sarah Grubb says, I can have no pleasure in fine
prospects; my mind in these journeys is always too much exercised with
matters of a more serious nature.
In the latter part of the month John Yeardley went again to Minden, to
unite with Thomas Shillitoe in a visit to the families of Friends. They
commenced their visit at Bückeburg, where they had a remarkable interview
with the family of the Kammer-rath Wind, which is related at length in
T. S.'s journal (vol. i., p. 388).
The place which seems in these visits to have engaged J.Y.'s sympathies
the most strongly was the village of Eidinghausen.
We had, he says, a very favored meeting in the room where their meeting
is usually held. In the sitting in the evening, with the family where we
lodged, many of the neighbors came in, who seemed to have no wish to leave
us. I thought of the words of the dear Saviour, when seeing the multitudes
he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep having no shepherd.
Truly these have no outward shepherd who cares much for their spiritual
interests. I felt my heart much warmed in gospel love towards them, and we
invited them to give us their company again next day, which most of them
did. In this meeting there was something expressed so remarkably suited to
the states of some present, that after it was over a woman confessed it
had been as was declared, that she herself was one to whom it belonged;
and she gave us a short relation how it had been with her in former days.
The love which these simple, honest-hearted creatures manifest towards us
does away with all distinctions and the difference of language. O, 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-fold. 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 Zionwards.
10 _mo_. 8.--I returned yesterday evening from Minden, with a
thankful heart, to come again to my quiet and romantic habitation in
Peacedale. The strong fortifications which are made, and now making,
around Minden, give it an appearance of gloom and oppression which is
scarcely to be borne. O, how uncomfortable do I feel when within its
walls; but in its neighborhood there are a few friends to whom I am
tenderly united in spirit.
He concludes this entry with an allusion to the homely and even hard
manner of life to which many of these were accustomed.
To some of our Friends in England who are dissatisfied with their outward
situation, I would say, Come and see how these live on the Continent.
The 29th of the Tenth Month was the anniversary of his wife's death. His
diary for this day is an affecting transcript of his feelings on the
occasion.
The shock which my earthly happiness received this day twelvemonths has
been, this evening, piercingly renewed in the recollection of almost every
minute transaction which accompanied the awful event of the closing
moments of my precious lamb. For truly like a lamb she lived, and was well
prepared to become an angel-spirit. O, happy spirit, thou art at rest;
then why should I mourn thy loss? Surely He who knows the weakness of our
frame will forgive, for he himself gave us the example in weeping over
those he loved. The Almighty has been very good to me; he has put it in
the hearts of those with whom I reside to care for me with an affectionate
interest. O, for greater diligence, that the day's work may keep pace with
the day. What shall I do, but pray for more strength to be made able to do
all that may be required of me. I never saw the advice of our dear Saviour
more necessary for myself than at the present time, "Be ye wise as
serpents and harmless as doves."
Soon after this he had a return, of his complaint in the stomach, which
caused him to exclaim--
We are indeed but dust and ashes; how quickly the slender thread may be
cut, and reduce this frail tabernacle to that state of earthly composition
from which it was formed. But the spiritual part in us must have an
abiding somewhere _for ever_; this is the awful consideration which
ought continually to affect our hearts. Is it not a strange infatuation to
rank the moments of affliction among the evil events of our lives, when
these may prove the very means of bringing back our wandering feet to the
path which leads to everlasting life?
He then reviews his own situation, his calling and his work.
It is often the consideration of my heart, What has brought me into this
country? what have I done? what am I doing? and what have I to do? The
enemy is not wanting to distress my poor mind on the point of these four
important queries. But to the first I can answer, An humble submission to
what I believe to be the leadings of Divine Wisdom. To the second, through
the assistance of never-failing love, I have done what I could and have
found peace. To the third, I am desirous through divine aid to do what I
can; and to the fourth, which refers to the future, I must commit it into
the hands of the Judge of the whole earth, who alone is able to guide my
feet in the sure path. I feel in the present moment desirous to keep
eternity continually before my view, 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 notice. (11 _mo_. 30.)
12 _mo_, 1.--The reading meeting this evening has been a precious
time. Our spirits have been much tendered in reading some account of the
lives and deaths of our worthy Friends recorded in Sewel's History. Tears
so overpowered the reader and the hearers, that the reading was at times
obliged to be suspended until we had given relief to our feelings.
In addition to this meeting, John Yeardley established another for the
young, to be held on Fourth-day evening, "in which they might improve
themselves in reading, and acquire a knowledge of the principles of the
Society, with other branches of useful information." The young women were
to bring their work; and it was his delight to interrupt the reading with
religious instruction, and such remarks as a father makes for the
improvement and gratification of his children. 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 England, viz., as an instructor and guide
of the youth. In noticing in his Diary the formation of the Youths'
Meeting at Pyrmont, he comments with pleasure on the innocent cheerful
manners of his audience, and on the advantages which might be looked for
from this kind of social intercourse.
The last entry in this year records an occasion of near approach to the
throne of grace in prayer in the little congregation at Pyrmont.
12 _mo_. 29, _First-day_.--A most remarkable season of divine
favor in our evening assembly. The awe which I had felt over my spirit the
whole of the day, and not feeling freedom to break my mind in the meeting
in the morning, induced me to look to the evening opportunity with fear
and trembling, which indeed is always the case when I feel the Master's
hand upon me. The most solemn act of worship, that of public supplication,
so powerfully impressed my mind, that I believed it right to yield to the
motion, which I humbly trust was done in due reverence and humility of
soul. 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 grace, to
ask forgiveness for former transgressions, strength to serve the Most High
with more acceptance, and to be finally prepared to reign with him in
glory. O how these seasons of refreshing will rise up against us in the
great day of account, if we are not concerned to improve by them! Grant,
dearest Father, that I may experience a nearer and stronger tie to do thy
will more perfectly; and let it please thee to remember those in this
place and this land for whom my spirit so often secretly mourns and prays.
The Diary of 1823 opens with a profound and solemn reflection.
1823. 1 _mo_. 4.--For want of faith we are too much inclined to serve
ourselves before we are willing to serve the Great Master, thinking we may
be able to do much for him afterwards, when it will more accord with our
situation in life. But, alas! this time may never come; if we thus put by
the _acceptable season_, our lives may close with our only having
performed very imperfectly the part which had been designed for us in the
Church militant. Painful would be the sting when appealing to the Judge of
the earth, in a moment when we no longer possessed the capability of
serving him, should the declaration be, Thou hadst a desire to serve me
when in health and strength, but thou wished _first_ to _serve
thyself_. My time was not then thy time, therefore _thy time_ is
not now _my time_.
A letter to his brother, written in the summer of this year (6 mo. 9),
gives a description of the mode of bleaching in use in Germany, which
will, we believe, be interesting to the English reader. John Yeardley
says:
Wilt thou not be surprised when I tell thee that I am about to commence
yarn-bleaching? Thou mayst be sure there is a pretty certain prospect of
considerable advantages, with not much risk, to induce me to make the
attempt. The advantages are threefold--safety, expedition and cheapness.
The first consists in the simplicity of treatment and safety of the
ingredients, no chemical process being made use of; the second arises from
the heat of the climate; the last is easily accounted for from the low
price of labor and the cheapness of the raw material, which is produced in
abundance in the neighborhood. In the country around, for a very
considerable distance, almost every family make their own linen; they grow
or buy the flax, spin the yarn and get it woven, and either bleach it
themselves or send it to others who have better conveniences in water, &c.
As the spring commenced, I noticed these little bleaching-plots wherever I
went, and often wondered that the color was so good. Knowing that such
people could not possibly be at any great expense or risk in the
operation, I concluded it must be done by dint of time and labor,
supposing that the yarn and cloth must lie at least a few months on the
grass; but, on inquiry, I was surprised to find it was made quite white in
three weeks or a month. To make a further proof, I sent two bundles of
yarn to two different places to bleach; it is now returned of a very good
color and perfectly strong, though it has been in blenching only a month
and two or three days, and although the greater part of the Fifth Month
has been unfavorable for bleaching. As to any risk of the yarn being
tendered, it is quite out of the question; it seems to be done by the
operation that nature points out. I have found a very convenient place For
the purpose of making trial; there is plenty of good clear water. There is
a prospect of having honest workpeople, and at very reasonable wages--not
more than 6_d_. or 8_d_. a day; there are many honest creatures
to be had at these wages who have nothing in the world to do.
From the first of my leaving England, I had no expectation of being
liberated from this country before the expiration of about four years, and
I have always been desirous that something should turn up that would
afford me support by suitable employment; so that what I have now in view
does not seem to clash with my former prospects. It is (he adds with
affectionate feeling) a source of great consolation that I can always
unbosom my mind so freely to thee; and I consider it among the greatest
blessings I enjoy, that thou hast never yet failed of being made an
instrument of support to me, and my prayer is that thou mayst never lose
thy reward.
Pyrmont is one of the oldest watering-places north of the Alps. The
inhabitants are very much dependent on the visitors who resort thither
during the three summer months, and amongst whom may frequently be
reckoned some of the first families in Europe. This year, 1823, the Prince
and Princess of Prussia (the present Regent of Prussia and his consort)
were there, and one Fourth-day morning attended the Friends' Meeting. The
meeting-house stands in one of the _allées_, and although its
position is not central, it is sufficiently public to be an object of
attraction to the curiosity of strangers. A memorandum under date of the
18th of the Sixth Month records the royal visit, and John Yeardley's
spiritual exercise on the occasion.
6 _mo_. 18.--To-day the young prince and Princess of Prussia, with
the Princess their mother, and the Hofmeister, have been at our Fourth-day
meeting. They entered with such seriousness on their countenances that I
felt my spirit suddenly drawn towards them in love, and a secret prayer
was raised in my heart for their everlasting good. Feeling the influence
of divine love to increase, I believed it right to kneel down, and in
brokenness of spirit I expressed what had opened on my mind, which
afforded me peace; and I hope good to others was imparted, although I may
say through the unworthiest of instruments. For truly I have for some time
been as in a state of death and darkness, owing to my unwatchfulness. O
what would I give for more circumspection, that I might be more prepared
to receive the _word_, and when command is given, publish the same.
But, unworthy creature, I often deprive myself and others of seasons of
good through my negligence and barrenness. When will the time come when I
can say, all earthly things are under my feet, and the cause of religion
and virtue rules predominant in my heart! Lord, hasten the day; and
preserve my feet in thy path in the midst of many snares; and rather let
me die than be suffered to do anything which would dishonor thy gracious
and holy Name, and the profession I am making of thee before the world.
Loose my bands, and enable me to say in sincerity of heart, I am willing
to serve thee freely.
With the cause for self-condemnation, which is alluded to in this entry
was no doubt connected the neglect to keep up his Diary; no entry occurs
for more than five months previous. 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 Yorkshire. There is an allusion to this in an entry of a little later
date.
7 _mo_. 8.--My mind feels a little more gathered than it has been for
some time past; but the little outward difficulties which are continually
arising have a great tendency to disperse the best feelings. I think it is
almost the greatest lesson that we have to learn, to stand so fast in
times of trouble as not to suffer loss. If we would so conduct ourselves
that the change of times and seasons should not have such an unfavorable
influence on our minds, this would be one great point gained; it would
enable us to meet the difficulties of the day in a better state to combat
with them.
But if daily trials abounded of a nature the most likely to retard his
spiritual progress, we shall see that He who had appointed his lot,
provided in his faithfulness the needful corrective, and by the discipline
of filial fear in the ministry of the word, kept him safe in his
sanctuary.
The attendance of visitors at the meeting-house was often numerous,
although it was seldom that they remained during the whole time of
worship. Meetings of this kind were very trying to John Yeardley's faith
and feelings; but sometimes they were seasons of heavenly blessing such
abundantly to make amends for past humiliation.
7 _mo_. 6.--To-day the small meeting-house and passage were quite
filled with strangers, and I was told many went away who could not get in,
and some remained under the windows. No creature on earth knows what my
poor mind suffers when I go to meeting under such circumstances. Many whom
curiosity brings in the expectation to hear words may some times be
disappointed, but I hope there are some whose intentions are sincere, and
who are desirous to be informed the way to Zion. I hope strength was
afforded me to preach Christ crucified. O that the Lord may support me in
these very trying seasons, and take from me the fear of man, 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 Master.
7 _mo_. 27.--"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me
bless his holy name." Notwithstanding my many seasons of poverty and
inward distress, the foregoing language is sometimes put into my heart on
my return from our meetings, which are, in the bathing season, almost
always crowded with strangers. Their manner of coming in and going out
during the time of worship is exceedingly disturbing, and yet I cannot but
admire the stillness which prevails when anything is delivered. The help
which I at times experience in these trying seasons is wonderful in my
eyes. When I am concerned to stand up in His dread and fear, what have I
else to fear? This fear would always cast out the fear of man which ever
brings death; and yet so weak am I, that after all these precious helps
and comforting times, I tremble when the meeting-day comes again lest, I
should fail in doing the Lord's will. Such is my fear before I can rise to
my feet in meetings that I say with Samson, Be with me this once more that
I may bear testimony to thy name; then, if it be thy will let me die for
thee, and I will not think it too much, to suffer. O that He would be
pleased to enlarge his gift in my heart, and he unto me mouth and wisdom,
and give me tongue and utterance to declare his name unto the nations.
7 _mo_. 30.--Our Fourth-day meeting to-day has been a precious
heavenly season. Much more weightiness of spirit appeared to exist in the
strangers who attended, and consequently more stillness. I had not long
taken my seat before I believed it right to stand up with the words of the
apostle, "Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the
knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." The women's side was nearly
full of richly-clad females; they bore the marks of worldly distinction,
and were indeed as fine as hands and pins could make them. But the
tenderings of divine love reached the hearts of some among them in a
particular degree. I felt such a nearness of spirit towards them that I
had great openness in speaking of the things which came before me. After
meeting they very willingly accepted of some books. One of them was much
reached, and went into the little plantation to weep. Another went to her
to comfort her; but she replied, Go from me and leave me alone. We may
truly say with the apostle that God is no respecter of persons, but those
who fear him and work righteousness will be accepted of him, to whatever
nation, kindred, tongue or people they may belong. All distinctions of
religious sects and party spirit are laid aside when our hearts become
prepared to embrace each other in true Christian love. I do believe the
Lord's work is begun in the hearts of many in this land; and the fervent
prayer of my spirit is that he may be pleased to carry it on to
perfection, and that we may live to see the glorious day when
righteousness shall cover the earth as the waters cover the channels of
the sea. O Germany, Germany, what does my heart feel on account of thy
inhabitants! 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 life.
One of the females who visited our meetings came to the school room on
Seventh-day, and requested the favor of having a few books to peruse and
circulate. She said she was from Osnabrück, and that there were a number
of people in that place who had a great love to the Friends of our
Society. Such opportunities afford the means of circulating a knowledge of
the truth to those whose hearts may be preparing to receive it; and if
such are only awakened to seek after the ways of holiness, although they
may never come to be of our number on earth, they will he found among the
number of the saints in heaven. The bathing-list this season already
amounts to 2500 persons, in which number there are many who are desirous
to inquire the way to Zion. 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 embraced, particularly as there appears such an openness to
receive them. I can truly say I have been thankful that my lot has been
here this summer, and I trust I have not flinched from doing what I
believed to be required of me.
In his letters to his brother, John Yeardley makes frequent mention of his
mother. In the Ninth Month he heard of her being seriously ill, and he
thus writes in reference to her state, in a letter elated the 29th of the
Ninth Month:--
The state of my dear mother's health is truly alarming; but as I have
received no further account from thee, I am flattering my poor panting
heart with a comfortable hope that she may have taken a turn for the
better, and will yet live to see the hour when we shall once more embrace
each other in my native land. If she should be taken away without my being
permitted to see her again, it would be a cup which I could not tell how
to drink. This brings poignantly to my remembrance one of the most trying
hours of my life, and yet the support then received was wonderful.
As I rode along the road in the course of this summer on a journey of
business, my dear mother was brought to my remembrance in such a very
remarkable manner, that I seemed to have a spiritual interview with her;
and she was brought so near to my feelings, that I thought it probable I
should never see her again until we met in eternity. I scarcely know how I
felt, but it was as if my spirit accompanied hers into the regions above.
I noted down the circumstance when I got home; for it had made such an
impression on my mind, that I should not then have been surprised to have
heard of her departure.[1]
The following instructive remarks occur in the Diary about this time:--
10 _mo_. 27.--My retirement and reading this morning has been more
tendering to my spirit than for a long time past. I read and considered
the institution of the Passover, when the Israelites were led out of
Egypt; and it appears clear to me that the sprinkling the door-posts with
the blood of the lambs, as commanded, was a type of our Saviour's blood
which was shed for our transgressions, and that we must be saved by his
becoming our paschal lamb. As the destroying angel only passed over the
doors and preserved those who had received the mark, so can we only be
saved by being willing to apply the blood of our dear Saviour to wash and
cleanse us from our sins. 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 opened!
The Friends of Minden and the little company of awakened people at
Eidinghausen, who on his first coming to Germany had taken so firm a hold
of John Yeardley's mind, continued to excite his religious sympathy, and
he again visited them in the latter part of this year.
(_Minden_.)--On Seventh-day last, the 1st of the Eleventh Month, I
left home in company with some of my dear Pyrmont friends to attend the
Two-months' Meeting, and to spend a few days with my dear friends of this
place. I lodge with Frederick Schmidt, and feel myself perfectly at home.
It is a most orderly and agreeable family, consisting of himself,
daughter, and housekeeper; and the time passes pleasantly away when I am
only enough concerned to improve the opportunities afforded by this good
man's company. He was one of the first in this place who was convinced of
the religious principles of Friends, and his beginning was small both in
temporals and spirituals. I cannot but admire how his endeavors have been
prospered. He remarked the other evening in conversation, that it was of
great advantage to the Friends to persevere in their outward callings, and
not to jump (us he expressed it) out of one thing into another. This would
be the means of establishing their credit as men of business.
11 _mo_. 7.--Sarah Grubb mentions[2] that when she visited Minden,
she met with great kindness and attention from a councillor of the place,
who on their leaving accompanied them a little way out of the town to an
inn, where he had provided coffee, and had invited a few of his friends to
take leave of them. This was at the house of my worthy host [Frederick
Schmidt], who then kept the inn at Kuckuk, and had for some time been
under deep [religious] impressions. He related to me that her discourse in
the meeting she had Lad in the town had affected him, and yet he could not
give her his hand, but went into the garden to weep; but after she had got
into the carriage and driven from the door, she suddenly made a stop, came
again into the house, and asked for him. He being called, she had a
remarkable opportunity with him; she told him she believed the Lord had a
work for him to do in this place, and that he would have to stand foremost
in the rank, and when the time came he must not flinch from doing what his
Master would require. This has in a remarkable manner been fulfilled to
the present day, and affords an encouraging example to the poor tried
servants of the Lord to be faithful to apprehended duty. Although they may
not live to see the effect of their labors, yet their Lord and Master will
not leave himself without a witness in the hearts of his people; praised
be his name.
14_th_. Since Thomas Shillitoe and I visited Eidinghausen, there has
been a remarkable revival to a sense of religion; a number come together
in a sort of society every First-day afternoon, to read, sing, and pray
for the edification one of another. As all things have a beginning, this
may perhaps prove a step to a more perfect way of worship. I had long felt
inclined to visit the meeting in Eidinghausen, and had looked towards
accomplishing it from Minden.
I went there on the 9th inst., 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 full, and many stood in the
passage. I was truly thankful to be amongst them, for it proved a most
satisfactory season. They are a rustic set of folks, but have each a soul
to save or to lose, and all souls are of equal value in the sight of the
Judge of the whole earth. Lewis Seebohm kindly gave up his time to attend
me as interpreter, for I still prefer help of this sort when it can be
done through one who is so feelingly capable. I often feel as a poor
wandering stranger in a strange land, and yet I dare not complain. The
goodness of the Lord is great towards me; he opens the hearts of those
whom I am concerned to visit, to receive me into their hearts and houses,
so that it affords me great freedom in speaking to them on serious
subjects relating to their best interests, both spiritual and temporal. I
am convinced if we mean to be useful to a people of a strange land, all
must be done in a spirit of love and humility; with the weak we must be
willing to become weak; only we must be on our guard and not flinch from
our well-known testimonies.
The reflection contained in the passage which follows is of deep
significance, and the lesson it conveys is one which the Church has as
much need to learn now as at any former period.
15_th_.--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 addressed. The
cause must have been that they lived in a more retired state of mind, and
were consequently better prepared to feel the smallest of good impressions
in themselves, and were also more attentive to embrace every opportunity
of improving the minds of others. I fail in this respect; I do not live
enough in what may be truly called a spirit of prayer. I must be more
watchful over my thoughts, words and actions, and improve my seasons of
retirement; for there is no other way of preservation than by waiting and
praying for a renewal of spiritual strength.
John Yeardley then reverts, as he so often does, to the love of souls in
Germany, which was the means of causing him to leave his native land, and
which he says had not diminished during his eighteen months' residence
among them. To these thoughts he adds some considerations regarding the
temporal condition of the Society of Friends there, on account of which he
was often very solicitous.
The situation and welfare of the Society here have long occupied the
warmest feelings of my heart. I am of the mind, with other Friends who
have visited these parts, that there is a precious hidden work begun in
the hearts of many in Germany, who suffer under oppression, on account of
the many discouraging circumstances which have existed among them, and
which yet prevail, to the great hindrance of the Lord's work. There are
causes for which no human remedy can be prescribed. I have often said in
my heart, If the Lord help them not, vain is the help of man. Much has
been done for them by our dear Friends in England, and much still remains
to be done, in order that they may be preserved together and not become
dispersed as though they had never been a people.
The effectual means of help seems yet to fail,--that of putting the
families in the way of helping themselves by suitable employment. The
families who live in the neighborhood of Minden, mostly on small parcels
of land, have until now got on with a tolerable degree of comfort, by
cultivating their land in summer and spinning yarn in winter; but now the
depression is so great that if they could be put into the way of earning
threepence a day, they would embrace it with thankfulness. I have been
very diffident in proponing any plan for their assistance, knowing that
some former proposals have failed of accomplishing the end. But I have
consulted with those who are best acquainted with their situation, and we
think it safest for them to continue their own employment of spinning
yarn, and endeavor to mend their trade by placing it on this footing. They
must spin such an article as I can make use of in sending it, with what I
buy from other people, to my friends in the linen business in England. I
am to give them a little higher price than they can elsewhere obtain, and
those who have no flax of their own must have a little money advanced to
purchase some, which they must repay in yarn. When the yarn is disposed
of in England, and a profit on the same can be obtained, it must be
distributed among them as a premium to encourage industry and good
management in producing a good article. If this does not answer, I cannot
see any thing at present that will.
How far this scheme was put in practice we are unable to say, but we
believe it was not accompanied by any successful result.
In the next entry he speaks of the advantage which he derived from keeping
a diary.
11 _mo_. 17.--I was this evening accidentally induced to read over a
few of my former memorandums; and it humbled my spirit to retrace the
dealings of my merciful Father with me. I am glad that I have from time to
time penned down a few remarks by way of diary, although it has been done
interruptedly and very imperfectly. 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 not, and hitherto preserved me through the mercies of
his love: praise be to his Name now and for ever. Amen.
After his return from Minden he accompanied John and William Seebohm, who
were going on a journey of business to Leipzig. They went by way of
Brunswick and Halberstadt, and returned by Nordhausen and Eimbeck. In this
tour through the heart of Germany, John Yeardley made many observations on
the state of agriculture, the cities, and the character of the people. Of
the last they met with several curious traits, some of them sufficiently
annoying.
On many great roads, says J.Y., there is a summer and a winter way,
running parallel to each other, with a rail across, on which is a notice
that the way is forbidden by a fine of 6_d_. or 8_d_, for each
horse, that the traveller may know when to take the summer or the winter
road. We stopped on the way [they were not far from Wolfenbüttel] to give
our horses a little bread, and our coachman drove to the side of the road
to make way for carriages to pass. But he had inadvertently gone over the
setting on of the road; and the roadmaster came to us, and told us we must
not feed our horses there, as it was not allowed to drive over the stones
on the side, under a penalty of three shillings per horse. The evening of
the same day we fed our horses at an inn, and walked before, leaving the
man to follow us. I and my young friend W.S. sought the cleanest part of
the way by walking in the course made for the water, which was green and
clean; but so soon as we came by the inspectors, who are mostly employed
on the road, one of them told us we must mind for the future and keep the
right footpath, or pay 6_d_. each. This I considered as an
infringement of English liberty, and was ready to reason with him on the
subject; but I reflected that I was a stranger, and that it is always
better and more polite to submit quietly to the regulations of the country
in which we live, than bring ourselves into difficulty through incivility
or contention.
In returning from Leipzig, J.Y. and his friends committed a more serious
offence against the pragmatical regulations of the German States.
On our journey homewards we had much perplexity with some cloth, &c. which
J.S. had bought in Leipzig to bring to Pyrmont. This arose from want of
better information respecting the laws of the Prussian territory. They are
exceedingly strict as to duties. All kinds of wares are allowed to pass
through the country at what may be called a reasonable excise; but those
travellers who have excise goods with them must preserve a certain road,
called the Zoll-strasse. It was our lot to miss this road; for
apprehending ourselves at liberty to pursue what road we pleased, we took
another way. But we found our mistake when we came to the place where the
duty is paid; for we were informed we had taken the wrong road, and that
transit duty could not be received; we must either pay the full excise as
when goods remain in the Prussian territory, or return back until we came
again into the Zoll-strasse. It took some time to consider which was best
to be done. To be sent about we knew not whither, and on roads scarcely
passable, would prove a serious inconvenience; and on the other hand it
was exceedingly mortifying to pay for such a trifle so enormous an excise.
The officer was very civil, but told us it was not in his power to do
otherwise. We concluded it would be best and cheapest to pay dearly for
our error rather than be retarded on our journey. We had a regular receipt
for what we paid, but inadvertently departing again from the appointed
way, we were in danger of paying the full duty a second time, or having
the goods taken from us. So much for travelling with excise goods.
Early in 1824, John Yeardley returned for a few months to England. He had
ingratiated himself so thoroughly into the esteem and love of his Pyrmont
friends, that his departure even for a short time was the signal of
lamentation through the whole meeting. On the 11th of the First Month he
had a farewell meeting at Friedensthal, which was attended by almost all
his friends. With his parting blessing he had some counsel to impart.
I have so much place, he says, in their minds, that whatever I say, either
in counsel or reproof, is always received in love. Such a scene I never
witnessed; the dear lambs all wept aloud; we were indeed all melted
together. May the Shepherd of Israel never leave them nor forsake them,
and may they become willing to follow his leading. I can truly say that on
their behalf my pillow has been often wet with my tears.
On the 3rd of the Second Month, he left Friedensthal, accompanied by a
young Friend whom he was to conduct to a temporary residence in England,
and in whose religious welfare he was deeply interested. While waiting in
Hamburg for a vessel, he felt keenly his solitary situation in the world.
2 _mo_. 9.--I think I never felt poorer in spirit and more
discouraged than at present. It seems as if visiting my native land had no
cheering prospect for me. If it were right in the divine sight I could
almost wish to spend the whole of my life in solitude; but I must be
willing patiently to suffer, and endeavor to fill the place appointed for
me on this stage of action.
A vessel sailed for England the day before their arrival at Hamburg, a
circumstance which at first made him regret he had not used more
expedition on the way. But he immediately recollected it might he for the
best that he was left behind. This proved to be the case; for the vessel
with which he would have sailed, meeting with contrary winds and dark
weather, ran aground, and was obliged to put back, and when J.Y. left the
Elbe she was lying in Cuxhaven harbor.
They landed at Hull on the 19th.
CHAPTER V.
FROM HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND IN 1824, TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS FIRST
CONTINENTAL JOURNEY IN 1825.
On setting foot again in England, the dejected state of mind which had
accompanied him on the journey returned with renewed force.
2 _mo_. 19.--I do not know how to describe my feelings in landing on
my native shore: I feel a poor discouraged creature. May He who knows the
sincerity of my heart be pleased to strengthen my poor mind, for I feel
almost overwhelmed with fears and difficulties.
Still deeper was his emotion on visiting again the home of former days.
2 _mo_. 20.--Left Hull, and came by way of Selby and Wakefield to
Barnsley. I felt my heart exceedingly burdened before I reached the place:
it seemed as if all the bitter cups I had drunk in former times were going
to be handed to me afresh. This may not be, perhaps, altogether on my own
account. There is at times a fellow-feeling with others; and on my
reaching this place, I soon felt my spirit dipped into sympathy with some
of my dear connexions, who are not without their trials.
A few days afterwards, in allusion to the religious service of Elizabeth
H. Walker of West Chester, U.S., in a public meeting for worship at
Barnsley, he says:--
I do not really know what is the matter, but I fear I am going backwards
from all that is good. When I look at the usefulness of others, O what an
insignificant, useless being I appear!
This lowly opinion of himself, however, was not to serve as an excuse for
idleness, and it was proposed to him to bear Elizabeth Walker company in a
religious circuit in some of the midland counties, previous to the
occurrence of the Yearly Meeting. He accepted the proposal; and they
travelled together through part of Staffordshire, Warwick, Worcester, and
Oxfordshire, visiting the meetings of Friends, and sometimes inviting the
attendance of the public.
The dispirited state of mind which John Yeardley had brought with him from
Germany accompanied him on this journey, and on the 30th of the Fourth
Month he writes:--
I walked last evening in the fields, in a solitary frame of mind, being
very low in spirits on many accounts. My own unfaithfulness deprives me of
strength to cast off my burden as I go along; consequently I grow weaker
and weaker, which is indeed diametrically opposite to growing stronger and
stronger in the Lord. Lamentable case! O for a alteration for the better!
_Fifth-day, the 6th of Fifth Month, at Sibford_.--This is a pretty
large meeting, and there are a good many sweet-looking young folks. The
lovely countenances of such are always refreshing to me, and it is not
much wonder if I have a little more openness for labor, winch was the case
in this place. But in general I sit and bemoan my own uselessness. I have
been a burden to myself in this little journey, in fearing I might be so
to my friends; but I ought to be very thankful that they do not seem to
think me so, but are desirous to encourage me. I think if it was
otherwise, it would be more than I could bear.
In the Fifth Month, he attended the Yearly Meeting in London. At the
Meeting of Ministers and Elders, an unusual number of certificates were
granted for religious service abroad. These various concerns drew from him
the following reflections:--
As I sat under the weighty consideration and disposal of these subjects, I
felt a degree of rejoicing to spring in my heart, that there are still
members who hold the promotion of the cause of righteousness in the earth
dear to the best feelings of their hearts. 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 isle, but also into distant parts of the
earth.
During the Yearly Meeting John Yeardley lodged at William Allen's, at
Plough-court and Stoke Newington, and was introduced to several Friends
with whom he had not before been acquainted.
The acquaintance which I have made with many dear and valued Friends in
the neighborhood of London has, I hope, been a little strength to me in
the best things. It is truly pleasant to be treated with such genuine
kindness; but it is nothing for the soul to build upon,--we must look for
a more sure foundation than the favor of the great and good.
Elizabeth H. Walker had a meeting with the younger part of the Society in
London and the neighborhood. In noticing this meeting J.Y. has some
discriminating remarks on the exercise of the ministry.
During this as well as many other meetings for worship, I sat under
religious exercise, but could seldom believe it required of me to take
part in the public ministry. I often think, when many exercised brethren
and sisters are present; there would be a danger of interrupting the true
gospel order, if all were not careful to wait on the Great Minister of the
Sanctuary. If we patiently abide under the rightly baptizing power, what
we may apprehend preparing in our hearts for utterance may often be
delivered by others, and we only have to say, as it were, Amen. We may
also be brought into a right willingness to speak in the Lord's name, and
still be excused; this may be, perhaps, a preparation of an offering which
may be called for at another place. O the importance of knowing the word
rightly to be divided, and when and where the offering is required!
A part of Elizabeth Walker's errand in coming to Europe was to visit the
Friends in Germany; mid it was proposed that John Yeardley should take
charge of her and her companion, Christiana A. Price of Neath, on his
return to Pyrmont. They went together through Essex and Suffolk, having
meetings on their way; but at Ipswich it appeared that C.A. Price's health
was unequal to the journey, and Elizabeth Walker proceeded to Hull to
cross the water from thence with another company of Friends who were bound
for the Continent. J.Y. was thus left to proceed alone to Pyrmont, and he
sailed from Harwich on the 19th of the Sixth Month. When in Suffolk he
went to Needham to see "dear ancient Samuel Alexander."
I had, he says, long known this fatherly man by name and person, but had
had no acquaintance with him until now: his company and conversation were
exceedingly pleasant and instructive to me. In the evening I took a walk
in a large plantation which he had himself planted when young, and had now
lived to see afford him a comfortable retreat.
John Yeardley was taken ill when in Suffolk, and on settling down again
in his quiet home at Friedensthal he writes:
7 _mo_. 15.--I am drinking salt-spring-water, and my health is
mercifully restored. The air of this country seems to suit my constitution
better than that of England. Time is very precious. I think, to keep a
more correct journal of what I do each day might be very useful, by
inducing a more narrow scrutiny how each hour is spent; for I know not how
many more may be allowed me to prepare for eternity.
To this resolution he did not adhere. With the exception of two short
entries in the same month, he wrote nothing in his diary for the remainder
of the year. The difficulties of his position, perhaps a lack of
sufficient employment, and the want of that instant watchfulness without
which the disciple is ever prone to stray from his Master's side, seem to
have again produced, as they did twelve months before, a season of
spiritual famine.
His own gloomy condition did not, however, altogether disable him from
sympathizing with others. In a letter to his brother of the 4th of the
Eleventh Month he says;--
I have of late been in such a low tried state of mind, that I have been
discouraged from writing thee, under an apprehension I should say nothing
that would afford thee any satisfaction in reading. But though I may not
have it in my power to relieve thee, 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 prosperity. It is a high
attainment to know how to set a right value on perishable things, and it
requires no small degree of fortitude to bear the depression of apparent
temporary adversity, in that disposition of mind which becomes the
character of a true Christian. Although, according to our apprehensions,
the storm may last long, yet it most assuredly will blow over, and then
greater will be our peace than if we had never known a tempest.
On resuming his Diary, which he did in the First Month of 1825, John
Yeardley gives an account of the events which happened to him during the
previous few months.
In the Seventh Month 1824, Thomas Shillitoe and Elizabeth H. Walker came
to Pyrmont, and to the latter J.Y. gave his assistance in various
religious engagements. After her departure he again visited Minden, with
the neighboring villages of Eidinghausen and Hille. His visit to the
last-named place (1 mo. 13, 1825) was marked by a singular circumstance.
Finding a sudden draft [in my mind] to be at the reading meeting in Hille,
to begin at two o'clock, there seemed but little time; however, proposing
it to my dear friend John Rasche, he was quite willing to accompany me,
and driving quickly we came in due time. When the [meeting] was over, the
Friends told me they thought it very remarkable that we should come
unexpectedly on that day, and that what was communicated after the reading
was particularly suited to the state of a woman Friend present, who was
laboring under the temptation that she had committed the unpardonable sin,
and could find no rest day or night. I could not prevent them from
expressing their thankfulness for such a mark of Providential
interference, in this way to afford the poor woman a little relief and
encouragement.
Four days afterwards, having then returned to Friedensthal, J.Y.
adds:--"Since our visit to Hille, the person above-mentioned is dead!"
The depression under which John Yeardley labored, from the loss of that
comfortable presence of his Lord which had been almost from his youth as a
lamp shining continually upon his head, seems to have reached its lowest
point in the early part of this year. Under date of the 24th of the Second
Month he says:--
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
encouragement. In bitterness, and, I may almost say, 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 past, and rendered me unfit for
almost every service, temporal or spiritual.
Thou knowest, O gracious Father, I long to have my ways and steps
regulated by thy holy will. Therefore I beseech thee, have mercy on my
faults, and blot out from thy remembrance all my sins, and everything
wherein I have in weakness offended thee; and be pleased to give me
strength to become more perfectly and lastingly thine. O how sensibly do I
feel my own weakness, and that without thee I can do nothing, not for a
moment preserve my own steps.
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 England.--viz., to sojourn for a time amongst the
Friends in the South of France. Accordingly, early in the Third Month he
went to Minden, and laid before the Two-months' Meeting, his intention of
going to Congenies for this purpose, and also of seeking a religious
interview with some serious people in the neighborhood of Cologne.
This information, he says, was received by my friends with much sympathy
and, I trust, weightiness of spirit, and I felt a little strengthened by
the expression of their feelings and unity with me in this concern. A
certificate of their approbation was ordered to be drawn up. No creature
on earth knows how this prospect humbles me. I always think I am dealt
with in a remarkable manner,--somewhat different perhaps from others.
Notwithstanding all the seemingly insurmountable difficulties which stand
in the way, and which are far too numerous to particularize, my peace is
connected with my obedience. What will be the result I know not; the way
appears not yet quite clear us to the time of departure. O Lord, favor me
to wait on thee for the spirit of discernment not to step forth in the
wrong time.
The obedience which he practised in committing himself in simple faith to
this religious prospect prepared the way for a temporal blessing, as well
as for the return of inward joy. He little knew, when persecuted by the
Accuser of the brethren, and mourning over the weakness of his own corrupt
nature, that his Lord was about to provide for him a congenial and helpful
companion, in the room of her whose loss had left him solitary in the
world. Without this timely sacrifice of his own will, it could not have
been so easy for him to make the journey to France in the way in which it
was done, and which was the means of bringing about the union which shed
so much comfort on the remainder of his life.
Between two and three months after the meeting at Minden, he received the
information that Martha Savory, accompanied by Martha Towell, was about to
pay a religious visit to the Friends at Pyrmont and Minden. He had been
introduced in London to Martha Savory as a minister of the gospel, and one
who had been abroad in its service, but his acquaintance with her seems to
have been slight.[3] On receiving this intelligence he writes:--
The prospect of seeing a few dear Friends from my native land would be
cheering, but I am really so cast down that I seem as if I could not, and
almost dare not, rejoice in anything. May this low proving season answer
the end for which it is permitted!
As he apprehended the Friends who were coming from England might require a
guide, John Yeardley went to meet them at Rotterdam. His journey, and the
singular coincidence of Martha Savory's concern with his own, are
described in a letter to his brother, written after his return from
Holland.
Friedensthal, Pyrmont, 7 mo. 14,1825.
MY DEAR BROTHER,
On my return from Holland I received thy long and very interesting letter.
Martha Savory and her companion Martha Towell are now acceptably with us.
They expect to spend two or three months with us, and then we have some
prospect of going in company to the South of France. As this has fallen
out in a rather remarkable manner, it may not be amiss just to explain it
to thee. We were entire strangers to each other's concern; 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 certificate, dear William Allen wrote to
me desiring a more particular description of my views, time of departure,
&c., and mentioned at the same time M.S.'s concern, which had already
passed the Quarterly Meeting, and it was fully expected she would be
liberated [by the Meeting of Ministers and Elders] to visit Pyrmont and
Minden, and afterwards, if _suitable company offered_, proceed to
some parts of the banks of the Rhine, Switzerland, and Congenies, in the
south of France. I wrote to W.A., and explained to him my prospect, which
was to visit a few individuals in the neighborhood of Cologne and pass
through Switzerland to Congenies. I then received a letter from our dear
friend M. Savory, stating that she and W.A. had been much struck with the
remarkable coincidence in our views; our prospects being to the same
places and in the same way; and that it seemed in the pointing of Truth
for us to join in company.
Fifth mo. 26th, I left Friedensthal to visit my friends in Minden and its
neighborhood; and after spending about two weeks there, I felt very much
inclined to give our friends the meeting at Rotterdam. I set off,
accordingly, the 7th of the Sixth Month, and travelled seven days through
a desert country to Amsterdam, I went almost one half of the way by water,
across the Zuider Zee from Zwolle to Amsterdam. After spending a few days
in Amsterdam, I went, with J.S. Mollet, who is the only Friend in that
city, to Rotterdam, where we met with M.S. and M.T. Thomas Christy,
junior, had accompanied them, from London. M.S. had letters of
recommendation to many persons in Amsterdam, whom we visited; and though
some of them were first-rate characters in the place, it is surprising
with what affection and kindness they received us. J.S. Mollet accompanied
us to Pyrmont.
An account of his journey, both going and returning, is also contained in
J.Y.'s diary: it presents some additional notices which claim a place
here.
Before leaving Minden for Rotterdam, he twice visited Eidinghausen, and
saw some young men who were under suffering because of their refusal to
serve in the militia.
One in particular (he says, in writing up the diary), a sweet young man,
at this moment may be in torture. O, how I feel for him! My soul breathes
to the Almighty Father of mercies on his account, that he may he
strengthened to endure all with patience for the sake of his Lord, who has
given him a testimony to bear against the spirit of war and fighting.
At the conclusion of the second meeting at Eidinghausen, he says:--
The meeting was fully attended, and I afterwards dined alone in the
schoolroom with a light heart. I thought I could say, After the work is
done, food tastes sweet.
At Rotterdam, John Yeardley and his companions made the acquaintance of a
"very interesting missionary student, who believes he has a call to go on
a mission to the Greeks, and is waiting for an opening: his name is
Gützlaff." At Amsterdam, a letter from Gützlaff introduced them to the
priest of the Greek church in that city, Helanios Paschalides, a man of
child-like spirit, and long schooled in affliction, who had become
awakened to his own religious wants, and who believed himself called to
return to Greece and instruct his countrymen. These two interviews are
memorable, as being, probably, the commencement of the strong interest
which J. and M.Y. evinced in the Greek people, and which issued, years
afterwards, in a religious tour in that country. At Zeist, where there is
a settlement of Moravians, the ministers, finding the Friends desired to
convene their members in a meeting for worship, readily consented.
The meeting, writes J.Y., was more fully attended than we had expected.
There is much sweetness of spirit to be felt about these people, but a
want of stillness. I thought some of the hearers were prepared to see
further than their teachers, and the time may yet come when some may be
drawn into a more spiritual worship. We left them a few tracts, and they
kindly gave us a few little boots of theirs. It is remarkable in what a
spirit of love they received us.
The Friends reached Pyrmont on the 1st of the Seventh Month, and shortly
afterwards made a visit amongst the members from house to house in that
place, and at Minden. On the 28th they visited a number of seriously
awakened persons at Lenzinghausen, who felt the necessity of spiritual
worship, and to whom their hearts were much enlarged in gospel love.
Walking in the garden, writes John, Yeardley, in a very solemn and
solitary frame of mind before the meeting, I had such a feeling as I
scarcely ever remember to have had before. I thought I saw, as in the
vision of light, as if a people would be gathered in that neighborhood to
the knowledge of the truth. It appeared to me to be in the divine
appointment that our dear M.S. was come to visit Germany, and a large
field of labor seems to be appointed for her in this land if she is
faithful.
The next two months were occupied with various religious services, public
and private, not omitting meetings at Eidinghausen and Hille, where, as on
former occasions, J.Y. found his heart to go out towards the people with
strong emotions of Christian love. About 150 attended at the former, and
300 at the latter place.
CHAPTER VI.
HIS FIRST CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.
1825-6.
The time was now come for John Yeardley and Martha Savory to pursue their
journey to the Rhine, Switzerland and France. They left Pyrmont on the
11th of the Tenth Month, 1825, and beside Martha Towell, were accompanied
as far as Basle by William Seebohm as interpreter. Every member of the
party wrote in one way or other an account of the journey, and we have
availed ourselves of these various sources in the following narrative.
Passing through Paderborn, they arrived at Herdecke on the 13th. Regarding
his feelings in this place John Yeardley writes:--
This morning I was greatly dejected, and fearful we might find none of the
people whom we were seeking. As I was walking pensively outside the town,
I recollected what I once read in "Cecil's Remains,"--that a way may
suddenly open before us when we the least expect it. This was now to be
verified; for after we had entered the carriage with the intention of
going to Elberfeld, and while we were waiting for a road-ticket, I
accidentally fell into conversation with our hostess, and making inquiry
for people of religions character, learnt that there were a number of such
in the neighborhood.
The Friends alighted, and sent for a member of this little society who
resided in the town. He informed them that a meeting was held at Hageney,
about six miles distant, at the house of a pastor named Hücker. Being
disposed to visit this pastor, they took their informant with them as
guide, turned their horses in the direction opposite to Elberfeld, and
drove along a very bad road to his house. They found him occupied in
teaching some poor children. He told them that their visit was opportune
and remarkable, for that he had been denounced as a delinquent before the
Synod of Berlin, which had sent him a string of questions on doctrine and
church-government. He had returned a reply to the questions, and was then
waiting the determination of the synod, whether he was to be displaced
from his cure or not. The Friends examined his answers, and were well
satisfied with them: the worship which he and his little flock (about
thirty in number) practised was of a more spiritual character than that of
the national church. Martha Savory expressed her deep sympathy with him in
his difficult and painful situation, and John Yeardley also addressed him
in words of consolation and encouragement.
At Elberfeld, where they arrived on the 15th, they met with several
interesting persons. One of these, a young pastor named Ball, became
greatly endeared to them. He informed them that when he had been severely
tempted, he had found support and deliverance in silent waiting on the
Lord. Another was Pastor Lindel, who resided at some distance from the
city, in the Wupperthal; he had been brought up a Roman Catholic, had seen
many changes, and suffered not a little persecution. He took them to see a
neighbor, an aged man, weak in body, but strong and lively in spirit. This
man told them he was present at a meeting at Mühlheim held by Sarah Grubb,
about thirty years before; and that, although ninety years old, he
recollected the words with which she concluded her discourse: "By this
shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another." This love, say the narrators of the occurrence, was felt amongst
us on this occasion, and at parting the good old man gave us his blessing.
They quitted Elberfeld on the 19th, and proceeded to Düsseldorf, where the
reception they met with was equally open and gratifying. They spent an
evening at Kaiserswerth with Pastor Fliedner, who was occupied in
vigilantly guarding a little nock of Protestants surrounded by
unscrupulous Romanists. He evinced much interest in the management of
prisons, and was endeavoring to introduce improvements in that of
Düsseldorf: he had met with Martha Savory in one of her visits at
Newgate.[4]
The next day they went to Düsselthal, and inspected the institution there.
The Count Von-der-Recke conducted them himself through every department.
His countenance, says John Yeardley, evinces the magnanimity and kindness
of his heart; 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
destitute.
At Creveldt, the next town where they stopped, Pastor Molinaar and his
wife, who were Mennonists received them in a very cordial manner: the
latter had seen Thomas Shillitoe at Amsterdam. J.Y. relates several visits
which these worthy persons and some of their Christian friends paid to
them at the inn.
22_nd._--In the evening Pastor Molinaar came, with his wife and some
friends, to tea. They inquired very narrowly respecting our principles.
Pastor M. turned the conversation on women's preaching, and, after some
explanation, appeared to be pretty well satisfied with our views on this
subject. The Mennonists hold strongly to the use of Water Baptism, and the
pastor and his wife defended this practice, the latter with much
earnestness. But when we had unfolded our sentiments, and William Seebohm
had read a passage from Tuke's "Principles," the pastor, seeing that we
aimed only at the spiritual sense, acknowledged that he had often queried
with himself whether the usage could not properly be dispensed with, and
said that he intended still further to examine the question. Our
certificates were then read; and after we had conversed on our church
discipline, the company separated in mutual love.
The Friends inquired of the Mennonists whether any of their Society would
incline to sit with them on the First-day evening.
Our friend, Martha Savory, told them we could not promise that anything
should be uttered, seeing this could only take place through the immediate
operation of the Holy Spirit. At the appointed time there assembled about
fifty persons. After a short conversation they seated themselves, and when
we had sat awhile in silence, M.S. found herself moved to address them in
a feeling manner, W.S. interpreting; and I relieved my mind in German as
well as I was able. Before we separated, Pastor Molinaar rose, and in the
name of the rest expressed his heartfelt satisfaction, adding that he
hoped we should remember them for good, as they should not fail to pray
for our preservation.
24_th._--We told Pastor M. that it would be agreeable if he and any
others of his friends who wished to take leave of us would come to the
hotel. At seven o'clock, instead of a few as we expected, there came about
thirty. The ladies seated themselves quite sociably, and took out their
work, but were evidently prepared to lay it aside in the hope of having
another religious sitting. But as we believed there were those present who
had come from too great a desire to hear words, we were on the guard not
to satisfy this excited inclination; and the evening was spent in
agreeable conversation. Before we separated, however, we thought it well
to read our Yearly Meeting's Epistle, which was acceptable to all. Pastor
M. especially was pleased with the part about church-discipline, and said
he considered it of real advantage that the epistle had been read in
that company, as there were several young women present who might receive
benefit from it.
Feeling attracted towards the inhabitants of Mühlheim on the Ruhr, the
Friends again turned out of the direct road and crossing the Rhine a
little beyond Duisburg, arrived in the evening at Mühlheim. They found a
company of Separatists in the neighborhood of the town, some of whom they
visited; and the next day they passed over the Ruhr, and, with the
assistance of a school-master, convened a meeting for worship. At the time
appointed nearly three hundred persons assembled, mostly of the poorer
class. They were seated in a large school-room, the men on one side and
the women on the other, waiting in silence. They had a good meeting, and
at the conclusion the auditory expressed their unwillingness to part, and
their desire that those who had ministered to them should visit them
again.
On the 27th, after calling upon some descendants of Gerhard Tersteegen,
our Friends proceeded through Düsseldorf to Cologne. They were
disappointed of finding in the neighborhood of this city, that company of
religious people on whose account they had felt much interested, and of
whom they had heard that "they held principles like the Quakers, and were
as obstinate in them as they are." They did no more here than call upon a
few serious persons in the city, and then went forwards to Neuwied, hoping
there to hear of them.
At Neuwied, besides becoming acquainted with the Moravian preachers and
others, they were called upon by some of the _Inspirirten_, who
invited them to their meetings. They attended one of these; but, being
dissatisfied with the manner of the service, and not finding relief for
their spiritual exercise, though the opportunity of speaking was offered
without reserve, they in turn invited the company to meet with them the
next morning after the manner of Friends. The meeting was held to mutual
satisfaction, and one of the leading men amongst the _Inspirirten_
expressed the hope that it would be blessed to them; for he was, he said,
sensible of the want of less activity and more of silent waiting in their
religious assemblies.
The society to which these people belonged divided in 1818 into two
branches, after an awakening which took place that year; those who
separated believing it to be incumbent upon them to lead more self-denying
lives, and dwell more closely under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This
new connection was the people of whom our Friends had heard; and they
learnt that they had retired to a place called Schwartzenau, near
Berlenburg, a small town at the eastern end of the barren hilly region
known as the Sauerland. The distance of this place from Neuwied is
considerable, and the roads amongst the worst in Germany; but John
Yeardley and Martha Savory apprehended they could not peacefully pursue
their journey without attempting to visit them.
Accordingly they left Neuwied on the 1st of the Eleventh Month, and
proceeded to Montabauer. The road led them at first amongst some of the
choicest scenery of the Rhine; but after a while they left the river and
struck into the interior of the country, in a north-easterly direction.
The next day they passed through a place where, a few months before, a
Diligence had been robbed. The robbers, who had been taken a fortnight
after the offence, were then, as they were informed, in Limburg gaol, and
were to be hanged the next day. They were ten in number, all members of
one family. At Burbach they met with an English landlord, thirty-five
years resident in Germany; he was delimited to see his fellow-countrymen,
and exerted himself to give them the best entertainment his house
afforded. The country they passed through was very hilly, and overgrown
with forest; now and then a solitary dwelling was seen in the bottom of
the deep valleys.
On the 3rd they came to Siegen, an ancient and antique town on the side of
a high hill, looking, as one of the party observed, as though they had
reached the end of the world. And, indeed, it seemed almost like the end
of the civilised world; for they were informed that the road from thence
to Berlenburg was in such a miserable condition that they could take their
carriage no farther. They resolved, however, to make the attempt, and
providing themselves with a tandem horse (_vorspann_) and a guide,
and sending on their luggage, they set forth on the way to Letze, a
village where they proposed to lodge; but the waters were abroad from the
overflow of the rivers, and the road being extremely narrow, and the ruts
deep, they made very slow progress. Sometimes the way was so impracticable
that they had to take the carriage through the woods which skirted the
road. Darkness and rain coming on obliged them to halt for the night at
Netphen, and seek shelter in the humble dwelling of a woman, who at first
took alarm at the unexpected appearance of so many strangers. The account
which the guide gave respecting the travellers dispelled her fears, and
she did what she could by hospitality to make up for the scantiness of her
accommodation. She gave them also some information respecting the
_Inspirirten_, whom they were on the way to visit, speaking favorably
of them. The next morning, before they started, they were able to offer
her spiritual good in return for her temporal kindness, John Yeardley
ministering to her condition under religious exercise; and they trusted
his words found entrance into her soul.
On the 4th they pursued their way, up hill and down, the carriage
sometimes becoming so firmly fixed in the narrow deep ruts, that it was
necessary to take out the horses, and for the men of the party, with the
assistance of passers-by, to lift it over to more even ground.
At length they arrived at Erndebrück, and drove to an inn; but not finding
their luggage, they went to another, and while they were preparing to
start for Berlenburg, William Seebohm went to the Custom-office to show
the ticket of clearance they had received on entering the Prussian
territory at Burbach. This ticket should have obviated all delay attendant
on the examination of the luggage; but it happened, most unfortunately,
that the custom officer was the landlord of the inn they first came to.
Their leaving his house without taking refreshment was, in his eyes, an
unpardonable offence, and on William Seebohm presenting to him the ticket,
his countenance and language betrayed the passion which raged in his
breast. He declared their trunks should be examined in the strictest
manner; and when they represented the necessity they were under of
speedily pursuing their journey, and desired him to despatch the business
as quickly as possible, he replied by detaining them until they were
obliged to send back the horse and guide, and consent to pass the night
under his roof. He then demanded their passports, and finding they had not
been _visé'd_ at all the towns through which they had passed, and
that the travellers had departed from the route described in them, he sent
for a gendarme, and placed them under arrest. They were not allowed to
take anything from their trunks without being watched by the gendarme; and
when they took out a letter of recommendation, written by Dr. Steinkopf to
the clergyman of the place, whom they had requested to call upon them, the
gendarme insisted on first reading it. On their expostulating with the
landlord at being treated in this manner, instead of making a direct
reply, he strutted up and down the room, repeating continually, "Ja, ja,
ja, ja! they shall know what they went away from my house for, and that
there is a custom-office here." The Friends took their evening meal, as is
usual in Germany, in-one of the sleeping-rooms--that which had been
allotted to Martha Savory and Martha Towell. Into this chamber, when they
had eaten, the landlord brought a party of eight or nine men to take their
supper. After supper the men smoked, and some of them did not even refrain
from showing their ill-breeding in a more disagreeable way. William
Seebohm overheard the landlord and the gendarme say to each other, "These
people are travelling this way to visit the Separatists, and strengthen
them in their religious opinions; but we will disappoint them."
The next morning they were favored with a short season of solemn
communion, in which they were given to believe that the Name of the Lord
would be their strong tower. Their liberation, in fact, was near; for
their envious jailor, finding probably no excuse for longer detaining
them, suffered them to depart, but sent the gendarme to guard them as far
as Berlenburg. The man proved to be an excellent guide, and being eager to
bring them to the magistrate of that town, where they could be more
effectually checked in their schismatical object, he was very useful in
shouldering the carriage when they came to a stand in the miserable roads.
The town of Berlenburg presented a dismal spectacle, the greater part
having recently been burnt down; so that they had some difficulty in
making their way through the ruins. They were subjected to no delay at the
Custom-house, but, before being allowed to go to an inn, were conducted by
the gendarme to the Castle, to be examined by the _Landrath_, or
magistrate. While John Yeardley and William Seebohm were taken into the
justice-chamber, Martha Savory and Martha Towell remained in the carriage,
where they were presently surrounded by a crowd, who gazed with
astonishment at their equipage, no such vehicle having been seen in the
town for many years, and probably never any persons in such attire. Being
weary of waiting, and anxious to know the result of the examination, they
left the carriage and ascended to the magistrate's room. They were
politely received, and arrived just as he had concluded the examination
and was declaring the Friends entirely free from, the requisitions of the
law. The letters of recommendation which they presented were very helpful
in procuring this result. At the Landrath's request, they stated the
object of their journey, and the reasons which had induced them to deviate
from the route described in the passports, of all which he caused a note
to be taken. At the conclusion he politely dismissed them with the
salutation, "Go where you will, in God's name;" and the abashed and
disappointed gendarme was obliged to imitate his superior and make them a
parting bow. The magistrate referred them to two of the citizen, for
information regarding the Separatists, but remarked that he considered a
visit to Schwartzenau at that critical moment would not be without danger.
One of the persons on whom the Landrath recommended the Friends to call
was the Inspector of the Lutheran or State Church of the country; and on
the 6th, which was First-day, after a time of worship in their own
apartment, they received a visit from this personage. Wishing to act with
entire openness, they informed him of their desire to see the Separatists,
and invited him to accompany them. He gave them the names of several with
whom they might freely have intercourse. As the interview proceeded mutual
confidence increased, particularly after reading their certificates; and
the Inspector expressed himself gratified with the liberality entertained
by Friends towards people of other religious persuasions.
It snowed all the next day, and the roads were deep in water, so that M.S.
and M.T. remained in-doors; but J.Y. and W.S. walked to Homburgshausen, a
village about a mile and a-half from Berlenburg, to call upon an aged man,
a Separatist of the old connection. He had heard of their arrival, and was
overjoyed to see them; he looked upon it as a providential occurrence that
they should have been sent there at that juncture. His forefathers, he
said, had been settled there many years, and had hitherto enjoyed liberty
of conscience; but now he feared they were about to be deprived of that
privilege. Before the Friends left Berlenburg, he called at their inn with
several more of his society; he appeared to be a truly pious man, and
looked, they say, exactly like a _good old Friend_. He declared
himself to be fully convinced of the value of silent worship, but said
that their people in general were not prepared to adopt it; however they
rejected outward baptism, and the use of the bread and wine, and refused
to bear arms. He had been many times summoned before the magistrates to be
examined upon his religious belief. On one of these occasions the Landrath
asked why he did not take the bread and wine, and why he did not have his
children baptised. 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 written. He and his people were solicitous with the Friends to
have a meeting with them; but the minds of John Yeardley and his
companions were pre-occupied with a desire first to see the New
Separatists, who were then under persecution, and they did not think it
proper to accede to the request.
In reply to a message which they sent to some of the new society, they
received, through a young woman (for the men were afraid to come to the
inn), a pressing invitation to visit some of them who lived in a retired
spot called Schellershammer, not far distant. They immediately accepted
the invitation. The road, which was impassable for a carriage, was covered
with mud and water. They were received into a very humble dwelling by a
pious young man and his family, with whom also they found some of the New
Separatists from Schwartzenau. On. sitting down with this company the
restraining presence of the Lord was felt, under which they remained for
some time in silence. Then the poor people opened to them their situation
with humility and freedom. The young man above-mentioned had just drawn up
a statement of their religious principles, which had been sent to the
authorities. This statement he showed to the Friends, as also a letter to
the King of Prussia, which had been prepared by one of their ministers,
but which, from its lofty assumption of prophetic authority, they could
not approve. These people called their ministers, _Instruments_; and
they had fallen into the specious error of attributing to their effusions,
whether spoken or written, equal authority with the Holy-Scriptures. On
other points their principles resembled those of Friends; as the disuse of
outward ceremonies and of oaths, and their testimony against war. It was
on these accounts that they were persecuted. They appeared to dwell under
the cross of Christ, and to live in much quietness of spirit. Under the
existing circumstances the Friends did not feel bound to appoint a general
religious meeting with these people. They contented themselves, therefore,
with unfolding their sentiments in conversation, giving them books, and
before they left Berlenburg, addressing them by letter, in which they
enlarged particularly on the subject of the ministry. They also left some
copies of their Friends' books with the old society; and both parties
declared their belief that the visit they had received was in the order of
Divine Providence, and took leave of them in love and confidence.
The friends quitted Berlenburg on the 9th of the Eleventh Month, and
proceeded towards Frankfort. After a day's journey over bad roads, they
were glad to find themselves once more on the _chaussée_. They
arrived on the 11th at Frankfort, where they called on a few pious
individuals, but stayed a very short time in the city, being desirous of
visiting some Old and New Separatists at Lieblose near Gelnhausen, about
twenty-four miles from Frankfort.
The next morning they accordingly went to Gelnhausen, and had social
interviews with members of both associations, but failed to make use of
the opportunity they had of holding a meeting for worship with the Old
Separatists, which they afterwards regretted.
They then went forward to Raneberg, about six miles distant, to see the
_Instrument_ who wrote the letter to the King of Prussia which was
shown to them at Schellershammer. They found him a young man, inhabiting
an apartment in a lonely castle, romantically situated on a high hill. The
access to the spot was through a forest, and by a very bad road. Whatever
prejudice in regard to him they might have imbibed from the style of his
letter was at once dispelled by his appearance; his look was so humble, so
devoted, and with such "extreme sweetness of countenance." John Yeardley
and Martha Savory conversed with him a long time; he did not rightly
comprehend the nature of the Christian ministry, but he listened calmly
and patiently to all they had to say. They left some books with him, and
received some in return, descriptive of the awakening which gave rise to
the division in the society of _Inspirirten_. 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 country; when at home he worked at his
trade, which was that of a carpenter.
The party retraced their steps to Hanau, and the next day pursued their
way southwards. They passed through Darmstadt and Heidelberg to Pforzheim.
Here they called on Henry Kienlin, whom they found a _Friend_ in
principle and practice, and who had given many proofs of his fidelity to
his principles by the persecution he had endured from his relations, and
the pecuniary loss he had suffered for refusing to comply with
ecclesiastical and military demands. He was a man of station and influence
in the town. He had not previously had personal acquaintance with any
members of the Society of Friends, but had read many of their writings. He
accompanied the travellers five miles out of the town to a little flock of
Separatists, who had not yet obtained religious liberty, and to whom it
was forbidden under a severe penalty to attend meetings held by strangers.
On the visiters entering the house of one of them, a number presently
collected; and as they stood together, a solemn feeling pervaded the
assembly, and John Yeardley was moved to address them in gospel testimony.
Henry Kienlin followed, explaining the principles of Friends clearly, and
giving them some suitable advice. They were laboring under the want of
discipline and organization, and of some one properly to represent their
case to the government. Some of them called the next day at Pforzheim, to
see the Friends again before they left.
The next place where they halted was Stuttgardt, to which city H. Kienlin
gave them his company. Here they visited Queen Catharine's Institution, a
school for the training of girls in reduced circumstances, as teachers,
&c., where 170 young persons were being educated. They were also
introduced to a number of pious individuals, and among them to Pastor
Hoffmann of Kornthal, whose excellent institution they were unable at this
time to visit. An appointment had been made for them to meet at Basle
Louis A. Majolier of Congenies, who was to serve as their guide and French
interpreter through Switzerland and France, and they felt obliged on being
informed of this appointment to pursue their journey more quickly than
they otherwise would have done.
Returning to Pforzheim, they stopped at Mühlhausen, where they called on
Müller, minister of a congregation, consisting of 170 persons, who had
separated a few years before from the Catholics. This young man received
them with openness and affection, and before they parted, John Yeardley
had something to say to him under religious exercise, which he received in
the love in which it was spoken. From Pforzheim they went direct to Basle,
through Freiburg. On their arrival they were much disappointed to find
that Louis Majolier had waited for them many days, and hearing no tidings
of them, had returned to Geneva, supposing they had gone on to that city
by another route.
At Basle they were introduced to many pious persons, conspicuous among
whom was Blumhardt, inspector of the Mission-house, who behaved towards
them "as a loving and kind father in Christ." He encouraged them in their
concern to have a religious meeting with the students. The meeting took
place in the evening when the young men were collected for supper and
devotion; they received the word which was preached to them in gospel
love, and manifested towards our friends no small degree of tenderness and
affection. John Yeardley says:--
We had reason to believe there are among them many precious young men who
are preparing for usefulness. The grounds on which this place is conducted
are different from most of the kind. 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 country. A sweet young man, who was extremely attentive to us,
Charles Haensel, is since gone to Sierra Leone to teach the poor negroes,
from a conviction of duty.
One day during their sojourn, C. Haensel took them to a meeting for
worship, held in the house of C. F. Spittler.
J.Y. says, we sat until they had performed part of their worship, and then
the leader signified to the company that a few Friends from England were
present, and told us that if we had anything to offer we had full liberty
to do so. Silence ensuing, dear M.S. found herself constrained to address
them in a way suited to the occasion; I was also enabled to express what
came before me. They afterwards expressed their thankfulness for the
opportunity.
From Basle William Seebohm returned to Pyrmont, and the English Friends,
hoping that they might meet Louis Majolier at Berne, went forward to that
city, but were again disappointed.
Although they were anxious to reach Geneva as quickly as possible, the
attraction of gospel love towards Zurich was so strong that they could not
continue their journey until they had visited that city. They arrived
there on the 2nd of the Twelfth Month. The state of their own feelings and
the refreshing Christian intercourse which awaited them are thus described
in the Diary:--
First-day, we sat down to hold our little meeting. It was to me a low
time, but I still thought the hand of divine help was near to comfort us,
and before the close dear M. S. was drawn into supplication in a way which
expressed the feelings of all our hearts. After this season of spiritual
refreshment, we called on Professor Gessner, who, with his wife and
family, was truly glad to see us. Being near dinner-time, we could not
stay long; but their daughter offered to accompany us to her aunt's this
afternoon, and accordingly came to our inn, and went with us to "Miss"
Lavater, who, with Gessner's wife, is a daughter of the pious author
Lavater. She received us with open arms, but spoke only German, or at
least but very little French, so that M. S. conversed with her in German.
She spoke of Stephen Grellet with much interest and affection: he lives in
the remembrance of all in this country who have seen and known him, as
well as William Allen. How pleasant it is to find that such devoted
instruments have left such a good savor behind them! Wherever we follow
dear Stephen, his presence has made a sufficient introduction to us; but I
regret exceedingly my own incapability of being sufficiently useful in
these precious opportunities which we meet with: but, as we often say in
our little company, This is like a voyage of discovery; and our humble
endeavors, however weak, may have a tendency to open the way for others
who may be made more extensively useful, should such ever be led to visit
the solitary parts where we have been.
We were invited to drink tea this afternoon by our friend Gessner, and on
a nearer acquaintance found this a precious family; his wife is a
sweet-spirited person, and their daughters pious young women. One of them,
in particular, I thought not only bore the mark of having been with her
Saviour, but a desire was also expressed in her countenance to abide with
him: 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 world! When tea
was ended, we dropped into silence, and Pastor Gessner offered up a prayer
from the sincerity of his heart, and it was evidently attended by the
spirit of divine grace and life. Afterwards dear M.S. and I expressed what
was on our minds; I interpreted for her as well as I could, and I hope
they understood it. We were all much tendered in sympathy together, and I
think the visit to this family will not soon be forgotten: we took leave
of them in the most affectionate manner, they expressing sincere desires
for our preservation.
On their return to Berne they met with some pious ladies:
One of whom, says John Yeardley, spoke German with me, and entered pretty
suddenly on the subject of the bread and wine supper, or sacrament. She
seemed to have lost sight that there is a spiritual communion which the
soul can hold with its Saviour, and which needs not the help of outward
shadows; but it is remarkable when our reasons for the disuse of such
things are given in simplicity and love, how the feelings of others become
changed towards us; they then see we do not refuse the administration of
them out of obstinacy, but from a tender conscience.
On the 8th they drove to Lausanne, and the next day to Geneva. John
Yeardley has preserved, in his diary of this part of the journey, 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 Germans. The coachman, it should be said, was of that
nation.
On the road between Nyon and Geneva a little incident occurred which
showed us the liveliness of the French temperament. A man got up behind
our carriage, and our coachman very naturally whipped him down. The man
followed us quietly for a while, but at length his wounded dignity
overcame his patience, and he came up to our coachman and began to speak
furiously on the impropriety of his having whipped him. Finding he could
make nothing of one who understood not what he said, he addressed himself
to our friend Martha Towell, and said he knew he had done wrong; but the
coachman should have told him to get down, which was customary in their
country, and not to have whipped him. M.T. was prepared to appease his
wrath by a mild reply, which eased the poor man very much; otherwise I
think we should have had more trouble with him; but he seemed to be
quieted, and said, Teach your coachman to say, in French, "descendez."
They reached Geneva just in time to prevent the departure of Louis
Majolier:
Who, says Martha Savory, was indeed rejoiced to see us after all his
anxiety. But, she continues, great as was our mutual satisfaction at
meeting, I am inclined to think it would have been better if this plan had
never been proposed, as it was a means of preventing some movements which
might have tended much to our relief; 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 (to which I expected to return), but
begged us, very earnestly, to return with him to Congenies, as soon as
possible.--
(_Letter to E. Dudley_.)
They found the religious world at Geneva in a state of convulsion.
The secret poison of infidelity, says J.Y., has a good deal sapped the
principle of real religion; and the clergy of the Established Church have
preached a doctrine tending to Socinianism. A few young ministers have
boldly come forth and separated themselves, and are determined, in the
midst of persecution, to preach Christ and him crucified. Some of these
seem to have gone to the opposite extreme, for they hold too strongly the
principles of predestination. It is a remarkable time in this
neighborhood, as well as at Lausanne, where many are awakened to seek more
after the substance of religion.
At Geneva they formed a friendship with several persons, among whom were
Pastors Moulinier and L'Huillier, and Captain Owen, an Englishman. With
the last-named they were united in close bonds of religious affection;
they were enabled to administer to his spiritual wants, and he was forward
to render them assistance in every possible way.
The journey from Geneva to Nismes was tedious, occupying more than a week.
On approaching Nismes, John Yeardley says, the beautiful olives and
vineyards, together with the wild rocky aspect around, form a pleasing
sight; and to see them pruning, digging and dunging about the trees,
reminds one of the relations of Scripture history.
At Nismes they went to see the amphitheatre:--
From the top of which, says J.Y., we had a view of the city and the
surrounding neighborhood, which is indeed beautiful. The great number of
olives, vines, fig-trees, &c., excite a train of ideas pleasing and
indescribable.
In travelling through Switzerland John Yeardley had been often brought
into a low state of mind, and on approaching Congenies, the final object
of the journey, his heart was stirred to its depths. It is very
instructive to observe what were his feelings in reaching a place to which
his mind had been, so long directed.
The road, he says, was better, and the outward prospect a little
enlivening; 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
visit. The prospect is discouraging, but I must be content and sink down
to the spring of life, which can alone make known the objects of duty and
qualify for their fulfilment. In the midst of all my spiritual poverty a
stream of gratitude flows in my heart to the Father of mercies, that he
has been pleased to preserve us in many dangers, and bring us safe to this
part of his heritage; and if it should be his will that I should have
nothing to do but to suffer for his name's sake, may he grant me patience
to bear it.
Martha Savory's feelings on the same occasion were also those of deep
gratitude for the preservation experienced during their journey, united,
she says, with an humbling sense of many omissions and great unworthiness,
yet of help having been mercifully administered in the time of
need.--(_Letter of 2 mo. 10, 1826_.)
Edward Brady was spending the winter at Congenies for the sake of his
health, and his society was a source of no little comfort to John
Yeardley; who, however, still, frequently labored under spiritual
depression.
Before dinner, he writes under date of the 23rd of the Twelfth Month, we
took a walk to M.S.'s windmill, from whence we had a fair view of
Congenies and the neighborhood, which is of a wild description. On
reflecting on the place and circumstances connected with it, my mind was
filled with various ideas, but none of them of an encouraging nature.
His discouragement was increased by ignorance of the language, and, with
his accustomed diligence, on the morrow after his arrival he commenced
learning French. On the recurrence of his birth-day, which was nearly
coincident with the beginning of the year, he says:--
I am once more entered on a new year of my life, I fear without the last
having been much improved; and to form resolutions of amendment in my own
strength can avail me nothing. May He who knows my infirmities assist me
to overcome them and to become more useful in his cause. My discouragement
still continues; I don't feel those refreshing seasons which I have often
experienced in times past; the pure life is often low in meeting, and I am
not so watchful and diligent to improve my time and talent as I ought to
be. I often feel as one already laid by useless, and the language of my
heart is, "O that I were as in days past!"
Soon after their arrival at Congenies, Martha Savory met with a serious
accident. Thinking a ride would be beneficial to her health, when the rest
of the party drove one afternoon to Sommières, she accompanied them on
horseback. She had not a proper saddle, 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 ground. The cap of one knee was displaced by the fall, and,
although she soon recovered so as to be able to walk, the limb continued
to be subject to weakness for some years.
As soon as M. S. was sufficiently recovered, she and her companions
visited the Friends at Congenies and the neighboring villages from house
to house, and also assembled on one occasion the heads of families, and on
another the young people of the Society. In reviewing a part of this
service John Yeardley says:--
3 _mo_. 6.--It has been a deeply exercising time, but has tended much
more to the relief of our minds, at least as regards myself, than I had
anticipated. From the discouraged state of mind I passed through for the
first few weeks at this place, I expected to leave it burdened and
distressed, but am thankful to acknowledge that holy help has been near to
afford relief to my poor tossed spirit, and I have cause to believe it is
in divine wisdom that I am here.
On the 13th of the Third Month they took leave of their friends at
Congenies to return to England, being accompanied by Edward Brady, and
during part of the journey by Louis Majolier. By the way they had some
religious intercourse with Protestant dissenters at a few places; but at
St. Etienne, where they had expected to remain a fortnight, they found the
door nearly closed to their entrance; a company of pious persons in this
town were at that time so nearly united with Friends as to bear their
name.
These, says John Yeardley, in a letter, are now reduced to about twenty in
number. They have suffered and still suffer much persecution from the
Roman Catholics. They are forbidden by heavy fines to meet together,
except in very small companies. We met them several times in their small
meetings to much comfort; there are a few among them who have stood firm
through the heat of trial, and these are precious individuals. The priests
are exceedingly jealous. On our arrival in the town we held our little
meeting with, these pious people on First-day morning; the priest came to
the house of the woman Friend where we had been to demand who we were and
where we lodged, and said it was we who had caused them to err, and he
would convince us in their presence that we were not only in error
ourselves, but had led them into error also. But we saw nothing of him,
and left the place in safety, which we considered a great favor; for such
has been their rage that they have dared to shoot at some missionaries who
have been in the neighborhood (_Letter to Thomas Yeardley, 4 mo.
19_.)
The rest of the journey through France was in general dreary, the external
accommodation being bad, and the consolation of spiritual intercourse very
scanty. At Arras, however, they were refreshed by the company of a
Protestant minister, a liberal and worthy man, who had "to stand alone in
a large district of weak-handed Protestants among strong-headed
Catholics."
Arriving at Calais, Martha Savory and Martha Towell, with Edward Brady,
crossed over to England, leaving John Yeardley to follow at a later
period. On the 14th of the Fourth Month he writes:--
My dear companions left for England. I watched them from the pier until I
could bear to stay no longer, and then returned sorrowfully to my
quarters, and soon repaired to the little retired lodging we had engaged
for me in the country, where I spent a few days in learning French, &c. In
taking a retrospect of our long journey I feel a large degree of peaceful
satisfaction in having been desirous to fulfil (though very imperfectly) a
religious duty; 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 Master.
The little lodging of which he speaks was "a retired chamber on the
garden-wall;" and having left it for a few days to go to Antwerp with the
carriage and horses which they had used on the journey, on his return it
had already acquired, in his view, something of the character of home.
The beautiful green branches, says he, modestly looking in at the window,
give me a silent welcome; and the little birds chirruping in the garden,
which is my drawing-room and study. I cannot but acknowledge how grateful
I feel in being permitted to rest in so quiet a retreat, shut up from many
of those anxious cares which have perplexed the former part of my
life.--(_Diary, 4 mo. 27_.)
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 Calais;
but there is little doubt that they have a wider significance, and contain
also an allusion to his anticipated union with Martha Savory. The prospect
of this union seems to have sprung up during the journey, and to have
become matured before they separated at Calais; and the effect of it was,
amongst other things, to set him free from the necessity of pursuing
business any longer as a means of livelihood, and to ensure to him a
provision sufficient for his moderate wants.
On the 12th of the Fifth Month, John Yeardley left Calais for London. At
the inn in Calais, a little incident occurred, the relation of which may
be useful to others.
A serious Frenchman, who was going on board the same packet, was struck
with my not paying for the music after dinner, and was much inclined to
know my reason, believing my refusal was from a religious motive. At a
suitable opportunity he asked me, and confessed he had felt a scruple of
the same kind, and regretted he had not been faithful. This slight
incident was the means of making me acquainted with an honest and
religious man, as I afterwards found him to be.
How important it is to be faithful in very little things, not knowing what
effect they may have on others!
CHAPTER VII.
HIS MARRIAGE WITH MARTHA SAVORY.
1826-27.
During his stay in London, John Yeardley attended the Yearly Meeting, and
the Annual Meetings of the School, Anti-slavery, and other Societies, with
which he was much gratified. Soon after the termination of the Yearly
Meeting, he went into Yorkshire to see his mother.
6 _mo._ 13.--I left London in the mail for Sheffield, and on the 14th
slept at my dear brother Thomas's at Ecclesfield, who took me on the 15th,
to Barnsley. I was truly thankful to be favored to see my precious mother
once more. On the 19th, I attended the Monthly Meeting at Highflatts. 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 days. The
meeting was a much-favored time, although we felt the want of some of the
fathers and mothers who are removed.
In the next entry there is an allusion to the disastrous commercial panic
by which this year was distinguished.
7 _mo._ 24.--Have been very low and deserted in mind for a long time
past. It is a time for the trial of my patience, and yet I have many
favors for which I ought to be truly thankful. It is a precious privilege
to be relieved from the commercial difficulties which at present abound in
the trading world. May it be my lot ever to keep so, if consistent with
the divine will.
8 _mo._ 21.--Monthly Meeting at Wooldale. The meeting was exceedingly
crowded with strangers; there was not room in the house to hold all who
came. I had been very low all the morning, and to see such a number of
people at the meeting sunk me low indeed. I was enabled to turn inward to
Him from whom help alone comes; and blessed be his holy Name, he did not
forsake me in the needful time, but was pleased once more to give strength
and utterance to communicate what came before me. My certificates from
Germany and Congenies were read and accepted, and many Friends expressed
much unity and sympathy with me on my return to them, which was a comfort
and strength to me.
On the 1st of the Ninth Month, he again went to London. During his stay in
the city, he took the opportunity of visiting the Industrial Schools at
Lindfield, founded by William Allen; a kind of institution which always
engaged his warmest sympathy and approbation.
With the new turn which was given to the course of his life by his
betrothal to Martha Savory, it is not surprising that he should have
considered his residence abroad to be brought, in the order of Divine
Providence, to a natural termination, and that he now turned his attention
to taking up his abode again in his native land. In selecting a place of
residence, he seems to have had no hesitation in making choice of the
neighborhood of Barnsley; the spot, as the reader may remember, which
seemed to him, when he was obliged to remove to Bentham, as that which had
the first claim upon his gospel services. The state of his mind, whilst
preparing his intended residence at Burton, the same village where he used
to attend meeting in his early days, may be seen by the following
memorandum:--
9 _mo_. 26. _At York_.--It was a large Quarterly Meeting. Living
ministry flowed freely, and I thought even poor me was a little refreshed:
but I have been for a long time in a deplorable state, in a spiritual
sense.
Since the Quarterly Meeting, my time and thoughts have been much occupied
in fitting up our intended residence at the cottage at Burton; and I may
truly say, I have been cumbered about "many things," which, I think, has
kept my mind in a poor, barren state. O the many weeks that I have had to
sit with my mouth in the dust to bemoan my own inward misery! My conflict
of mind has been increased by the trying state of my precious mother's
health. My attendance on her in this poorly state, and at this season of
the year, when I lost my poor dearest Bessie, reminded me strongly of my
dear departed lamb.
Before his marriage with Martha Savory was accomplished, he was called
upon to attend the deathbed of his mother, and to follow the remains of
his father to the grave.
11 _mo_. 16.--On the 3rd I left the cottage, and took my luggage to
go from Barnsley by the coach to London. Stepped down to take leave of my
dear mother, but found her so weak that I could not at all think of
leaving her; and was indeed glad that I did not go, for the dear creature
continued to grow weaker and weaker till a quarter past three o'clock on
Seventh-day morning, 4th of Eleventh Month, when she peacefully breathed
her last. She was fully sensible to the close, and also fully sensible
that her end was near.
Her precious remains were interred at Burton on the 7th, after a meeting
appointed for the occasion at Barnsley. In her room, before we left
Redbrook [where she had resided], I was enabled to petition the throne of
mercy for a little help and strength through the remainder of the solemn
scene, which, I think, was in a remarkable manner granted. After having
paid the last tribute of affection and duty to our endeared parent,
fourteen of our dear friends and relations dined with me at the cottage.
It is remarkable that the opening of our residence should be in this awful
manner; but we were much comforted in feeling in the midst of all our
sorrow, the greatest degree of peace and quietude on the solemn occasion.
On Fourth-day, being the day after we had taken leave of our precious
mother's remains, I went with my brother and sister to see our poor dear
father, who had been ill in bed about two weeks. We arrived about seven
o'clock; but, to our great surprise, about an hour before we reached the
place, our beloved father had fallen asleep, never to wake more in this
world. This was indeed awful, but the Judge of the earth must do right. We
attended the interment on First-day, the 12th. The meeting-house at
Woodhouse was pretty full, and a good and tendering meeting it was. It
felt hard work to labor among a number of worldly-minded people; but I
have learned to consider it one of the greatest of privileges to be
appointed to service, even though attended with suffering. Since this time
my poor mind has felt more tender and more susceptible of good. O that it
may continue, and that I may remain humble and watchful for the time to
come, and live prepared for that awful change which I. know not how soon
may be sent to my dwelling!--(11 _mo_. 16.)
On the 18th he pursued his journey to London, and on the 21st, at
Gracechurch-street Monthly Meeting, he presented his intention of marriage
with Martha Savory. "In a private interview at Elizabeth Dudley's," he
writes, "Richard Barrett and E. Dudley expressed their full unity with our
intended union, in terms of much interest and encouragement." On the 13th
of the Twelfth Month the marriage took place at Gracechurch-street
Meeting-house.
The time in silence, says the Diary, was very solemn, and acceptable
testimonies were borne by William Allen and Elisabeth Dudley. After
meeting we adjourned to the Library to take leave, where a stream of
encouragement flowed to us from several of our dear friends, which felt
truly strengthening. About twenty of our friends and relations dined at
A.B. Savory's at Stoke Newington. The day was spent, I trust, profitably,
and on parting, about seven o'clock, we had a comfortable time, and
something was expressed by my M. and self, and dear W. Allen. After taking
a very affectionate leave, we posted on to Barnet. My brother Thomas and
J.A. Wilson took us up the next morning; and we four came down in the
coach to Sheffield, and [the nest day] to Ecclesfield to dinner, and
arrived at our humble cottage the 15th of the Twelfth Month, I trust with
thankful hearts.
* * * * *
It is appropriate to give in this place some account of Martha Savory's
character and Christian experience. That our notice is brief and
incomplete, is owing to the loss of most of her own memoranda, and of the
letters she addressed to those with whom she was on intimate terms. She
possessed, it will be seen, an intellectual character and disposition, as
well as an experience, very different from those of her husband. It does
not follow, however, that this dissimilarity was a hindrance to their
joint service in the gospel, any more than to their social harmony and
love. It may be, on the contrary, that Martha Savory's quickness of
understanding and of feeling, the readiness with which she apprehended the
sentiments and condition of others, her conversancy with the allurements
of city life, and the perils of unbelief from which she had been rescued,
fitted her in a peculiar degree to be her husband's helper in the
ministry, especially in their travels on the Continent.
She was born in London in 1781, and was the daughter of Joseph and Anna
Savory. To an active and vigorous understanding she united a strength of
will which would brook little control, together with much energy and
fearlessness; 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 principle. Her disposition was
generous; all her emotions were ardent, and were seldom subjected to the
discipline of a corrected judgment. There were, however, various
occasions, even in her very early years, when, through the visitations of
heavenly love, her mind was forcibly aroused to a conviction of the need
of redeeming grace. She was particularly impressed by the preaching and
influence of William Savery, whose home in London was at her father's
house. In some memoranda of this period, she remarks, "Frequently in the
meetings appointed by him, I was greatly wrought upon by his living
ministry;" and notwithstanding that she subsequently wandered far from the
way of peace, there is good ground to believe that the remembrance of
those truths which had penetrated her heart through the instrumentality of
this gospel messenger, was never altogether effaced.
Being naturally endowed with a lively imagination and a taste for
literature, she sought to suppress the upbraidings of conscience in
intellectual pursuits, and employed much time in the composition of verses
that were merely a transcript of visionary and romantic ideas, afterwards
published under the title of "Poetical Tales." This volume obtained but a
limited circulation; for, soon after it had issued from the press, the
conviction that it had been an unhallowed and unprofitable exercise of her
understanding was so impressed upon her spirit, that, although the
sacrifice was considerable, she caused all the unsold copies to be
destroyed. It is interesting to observe how, in later years, this talent
for metrical rhythm, which had been so misapplied, became consecrated, as
were all her faculties, to the promotion of piety and virtue.
During the long period in which her mental energies were thus misdirected,
a cloud of darkness enveloped her spirit. She had, when about nineteen
years of age, imbibed sceptical views in reference to the truths of
revealed religion; and as she seldom read the Holy Scriptures, and was
almost a stranger to their sacred contents, her imagination pictured an
easier way to escape from the power and the consequences of sin than in
that self-renunciation which the Gospel enjoins. In some memoranda of her
experience, she says, in reference to the snares by which her mind was
entangled:--"I was led to a love of metaphysical studies, and fancied I
discovered, with clearness, that human vice, and consequently human
misery, sprang from ignorance of the nature of virtue, and that if mankind
would become instructed they would become good; and that it was only
necessary to behold virtue in its native beauty, to love it and to
practise it. O how fallacious was this reasoning! 'The world by wisdom
knows not God; the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of
God, for they are foolishness to him, neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned.'"
At length, however, when, in 1811, Martha Savory had completed the
thirtieth year of her life, she became deeply impressed by the conviction
that she was wandering on the barren mountains of doubt and error; and
through the renewed visitation of divine love, the light of the Sun of
righteousness again shined into her heart, and its humbling influence
brake the rock in pieces. Some circumstances occurred that were
instrumental in promoting this great change. She was introduced into
frequent communication with some honored servants of the Lord,
particularly with the late Mary Dudley, and her daughter Elizabeth. An
attack of indisposition prostrated her bodily strength, and afforded
opportunity for serious reflection. Whilst from this cause confined to her
chamber, a young person (Susanna Corder), with whom she was only very
slightly acquainted, but to whom she was ever afterwards united in an
intimate and confidential friendship, was attracted to visit her. The
interview was a memorable one; the overshadowing wing of goodness and
mercy being permitted to gather their spirits under its blessed influence.
On her recovery from this illness, Martha Savory paid a short visit to her
new friend, which afforded an opportunity for the manifestation of
continued deep Christian interest; and, on her quitting the house, Susanna
Corder put into her hand a copy of the "Olney Hymns." When she had
proceeded a few steps towards home, she opened the book, and without
noticing even the title, instantly cast her eyes on the lines, "The
rebel's surrender to grace," commencing--
"Lord, Thou hast won; at length I yield;
My heart, by mighty grace compelled,
Surrenders all to Thee;
Against thy terrors long I strove,
But who can stand against thy love?
Love conquers even me."
She was deeply affected by the remarkable application of the whole of the
hymn to the experience which she was then passing through; she could not
refrain from weeping, and to avoid the observation of passersby, she
walked through secluded streets, giving vent to her emotion; and she
afterwards repeatedly expressed her belief that there was, in this
apparently casual incident, a divine interposition and guidance; "for,"
said she, "_every word_ of that hymn appeared as if purposely written
to describe _my_ case, so that I could scarcely read it from the many
tears I shed over it. It is no exaggerated picture."
She now spent much time alone, almost constantly reading the Bible; and so
precious was the influence that operated on her spirit, whilst thus
employed, and so wonderfully were the blessed truths of the gospel
unfolded to her understanding, that, as she expressed it, "every page of
it seemed, as it were, illuminated." Sustained by the joy and peace of
believing, she was enabled to follow in faith the leadings of the Holy
Spirit, and, through divine strength, to become as a whole burnt sacrifice
on the altar of that gracious Redeemer, who had, in his rich mercy,
plucked her from the pit of destruction. Having had much forgiven, she
loved much, and shrunk not from the many and deep humiliations which were
involved in such a course of dedication to her Lord. Even her external
appearance strikingly bespoke her altered character. There had always been
in her countenance an expression of benevolence, but it had not indicated
a gentle or diffident mind. In her demeanor and personal attire, she had
conspicuously followed the vain fashions of the times; but now, humility,
with a modest and retiring manner, marked her conduct; everything merely
ornamental was discarded, and the softening, effect of a sanctifying
principle imparted to the features of her face a sweetness which,
impressing the beholder with a consciousness of the regenerating power
that wrought within, was, to more than a few of her acquaintance, both
arousing and instructive. She changed her residence from Finsbury to the
borough of Southwark, and settled near her friend Susanna Corder, with
whom she united in the formation of a philanthropic association,
"The Southwark Female Society for the relief of sickness and extreme
want." The late Mary Sterry, and several other estimable members of
Southwark meeting, together with benevolent individuals among the
different religious denominations of the district, soon joined them, and
the society became a highly influential channel through which assistance
has been variously rendered to many thousands of the indigent poor; and it
still continues, though with a reduced scale of operations, to be an
important source of help to the sick and destitute.
Martha Savory devoted to this work of mercy much time and personal
exertion; but a more important service was also designed for her. 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 way,
the truth, and the life." Deep were the conflicts of spirit which she
endured ere she could yield to this solemn requirement, but "sweet peace"
was, she says, as she records the sacrifice, the result of thus
acknowledging her gracious Lord. "This step," she continues, "appears to
me to involve the greatest of all possible mental reduction, but I
reverently believe it was necessary for me, and mote, perhaps on my own
account than on account of others; for, without this bond, and the
necessary baptisms attending this vocation, I should have been in danger
of turning back, and perhaps altogether losing the little spiritual life
which has been mercifully raised." She adds a fervent petition for
preservation and guidance, and that, by whatever means, however suffering
to nature, the vessel might be purified, and fitted for the Master's use.
She first spoke as a minister in the year 1814. The humiliation and
brokenness of spirit which marked these weighty engagements, were felt by
many, especially among her youthful friends, to be peculiarly impressive,
as tokens of the soul-cleansing operations of omnipotent love, and as an
awakening call to yield to the same regenerating influence.
She was acknowledged as a minister by Southwark Monthly Meeting, in the
year 1818, when she had reached the age of 36; and in 1821, with the
cordial approval of the meetings of which she was a member, she commenced
that course of missionary labor in the gospel, to which she was
subsequently so much devoted. Her mission, on this occasion, was to
Congenics, where, and in the surrounding villages, she remained twelve
months.
A letter to one of her sisters, written a few years after her marriage, so
fully represents her religious sentiments, and the doctrine she was
concerned to preach and maintain, that it may not improperly conclude this
outline of her mental and religious character.
Burton, 13th of Twelfth Month, 1830.
I read thy remarks, my endeared sister, on the present state of things
amongst us, with much interest, from having had corresponding feelings
frequently raised in my own mind in this day of general excitement on
religious subjects.
It remains to be a solemn truth that nothing can draw to God but what
proceeds from him; and whatever may be the eloquence or oratory of man, if
it be not the gift of God, and under his holy anointing, which always has
a tendency to humble the creature and exalt the Creator, it will in the
end only scatter and deceive. It has long appeared to me that true vital
religion is a very simple thing, although from our fallen state, requiring
continual warfare with evil to keep it alive. It surely consists in
communion, and at times a degree of union, with our Omnipotent Creator,
through the mediation of our Holy Redeemer. And seeing these feelings
cannot be produced by eloquent discourses or beautiful illustrations of
Scripture, but by deep humiliation and frequent baptisms of spirit,
whereby the heart is purified and fitted to receive a greater degree of
divine influence; seeing it is produced by daily prayer, by giving up our
own will, and seeking above all things to do the will of our Heavenly
Father, surely there is cause to hope that those who are convinced of
this, and who have tasted of spiritual communion through this appointed
means, will never be satisfied with anything however enticing which, if
not under the influence of the Holy Spirit, may well be compared to
"sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal."
I am far from confining this influence to the ministers of our little
Society, but assuredly believe that those who are brought under the
immediate teachings of the Spirit, under every profession, will be more
and more convinced that they cannot preach to profit the people, in their
own will and at their own command; and that as true and spiritual religion
prevails they must in this respect come to us, and not we go to them. Yet
still it is certainly a day of much excitement, and of danger especially
to the young and unawakened, 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 others, humbly to implore, not only
that the Holy Spirit may not be taken from us, but that a greater
effusion of it may be poured upon us as a body, that so we may all be made
and kept alive in Him in whom is life, and the life is the light of men. I
believe this would be much more our experience, if the things of this
world were kept in subjection by fervent daily prayer and the obedience of
faith, which remain to be the means pointed out by our gracious Redeemer,
of communion with the Father through Him. What can be more pure than the
profession we make to be guided by the Holy Spirit? and if we really are
so, we shall be concerned to maintain this daily exercise of heart before
the Lord, and yet become what I reverently believe is his gracious will
respecting us, and _all_ under every name who are thus guided and
have become living members of the Church of Christ, even that we should be
as lights in the world, or a city set upon a hill which cannot be hid.
* * * * *
The dwelling which John and Martha Yeardley occupied was on the highest
ground in the village, commanding a wide and cheerful prospect, and
overlooking, on the western side, the valley of the Dearn and the
conspicuous town of Barnsley, which, notwithstanding the smoke that
envelopes it, stands out in fine relief on the opposite hill. Their
cottage adjoined the Friends' burial-ground; and just on the other side of
the wall reposed the remains of Frances Yeardley, on the site formerly
occupied by the meeting-house.[5]
The house, says Martha Yeardley in a letter to her sister R. S., is warm
and comfortable, though at best what Londoners would esteem a poor place.
We feel quite satisfied with it; and when we get our garden in order, and
a cow and a few chickens, it will be equal to anything that I desire in
this world. To-day the snow has disappeared, and John is very busy with
his garden.--(1 _mo_. I, 1827.)
John and Martha Yeardley did not remain long idle in their new position.
In the First Month, 1827, they received a "minute" for visiting the
meetings in their Monthly Meeting; and in the Second Month they commenced
a tour amongst the meetings in some other parts of Yorkshire. These duties
occupied them until the 19th of the Fourth Month. We may extract from the
Diary recording the former of these engagements, a brief note of their
visit to Ackworth School.
1 _mo_. 20.--Lodged at J. Harrison's. On First and Second-day
evenings had some time of religious service with the young people at the
school, and felt much united in spirit to this interesting family. On
Fourth-day, Robert Whitaker accompanied us to Pontefract, and we were
comforted in his company, for we felt poor and weak--much like children
needing fatherly care.
Among John Yeardley's notes made during the more general visit, we meet
with a memorandum which may be taken to mark a stage or era in his
Christian experience. 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 service, is less likely to be maintained--and, it
may be, less necessary--in the meridian of life, when the time and
strength are taken up with active labor.
3 _mo_.--I could write much as to the state of my mind, but have of
late thought it safer not to record all the inward dispensations which I
have to pass through. I feel strong desires to be wholly given up to serve
my great Lord and Master, and that I may above all things become qualified
for his service; but the baptisms through which I have to pass are many,
and exceedingly trying to the natural part. Nothing will do but to rely
wholly on the Divine Arm of Power for support in pure naked faith.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SECOND CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.
1827-28.
PART I.--GERMANY.
After John and Martha Yeardley had visited their friends at home, their
minds were directed to the work which they had left uncompleted on the
continent of Europe; and, on their return from the Yearly Meeting, they
opened this prospect of service before the assembled church to which they
belonged.
(_Diary_) 6 _mo_. 18.--Were at the Monthly Meeting at
Highflatts, where we laid our concern before our friends to revisit some
parts of Germany and Switzerland, and to visit some of the descendants of
the Waldenses in the Protestant valleys of Piedmont; and, on our way home,
our friends and some other serious persons in the Islands of Guernsey and
Jersey. Our dear friends were favored to enter most fully and feelingly
into our views, and under a precious solemnity, a general sentiment of
unity and concurrence spread through the meeting, which constrained them,
(as the certificate expresses it) to leave us at liberty, accompanied with
warm desires for our preservation. Hearing the certificate read brought
the concern, if possible, more weightily than ever upon me, 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 work.
They attended the Quarterly Meeting in the latter part of this month, and
returned by way of Ackworth, where, says John Yeardley,
We had a comfortable parting with dear Robert and Hannah Whitaker, in
their own room. E.W. has passed with us through the deeps, and has indeed
been a true spiritual helper to us under our weighty exercises of mind.
On the 8th of the Seventh Month they set out, and on the 17th attended the
Meeting of Ministers and Elders in London.
The Morning Meeting was a precious and refreshing time to our poor tried
minds. There was a very full expression of near sympathy and entire unity
with us in our intended religious service. It is a strength and
encouragement not only to have the concurrence of our friends, but also to
know that we have a place in their prayers for our preservation and
support in every trying dispensation.
On the eve of their departure from London, a circumstance occurred of a
very disagreeable character. The shop of their brother, A.B. Savory, in
Cornhill, was broken open; many valuable articles were taken, and their
travelling trunks, which had been left there, were ransacked. Although
their loss was trifling, the annoyance of such a contretemps may easily
be conceived. J.Y. says:--
It is far from pleasant thus to be plundered of any part of our property;
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 service.
They left London on the 22nd, for Rotterdam. On their arrival, a
disastrous occurrence happened which gave a shock to their feelings. The
manner in which J.Y. mentions the event evinces his tenderness of mind in
commencing a long journey, in which his vocation was to be to sympathise
with the poor and afflicted.
Since we landed safely on shore a circumstance has occurred which has
brought a gloom over us. One of our shipmen being busy about the sails,
part of a beam fell from the top-mast and struck him on the head. He never
spoke more, but died instantly. He has left a widow and two children, not
only to weep for him, but also to feel bitterly his loss in a pecuniary
way. We intend to recommend their situation to some of our benevolent
friends in London. My heart is much affected in having to commence my
journal on a foreign shore by recording such an afflicting event. And, as
it regards ourselves, how much we have which calls for thankfulness that
we have so mercifully escaped.
From Rotterdam they directed their course to Pyrmont, passing through
Gouda, Utrecht, Arnheim, and Münster; at the last place they were laid by
from the heat and weariness. They reached Friedenthal on the 4th of the
Eighth Month, and John Yeardley makes the following reflections on
re-entering his German home:--
As I find myself again in this country, many thoughts of former days
spring up in my mind. Since I was last here I have passed through much;
nevertheless the Lord has guided my steps, and I have cause to give Him
thanks.
They visited Minden and the little meetings around, bestowing much labor
on them; but at Pyrmont, to suffer, rather than to do, was their allotted
portion.
It sometimes seems to me, writes J.Y., that we have in this place little
to do and much to suffer. I am often cast down, and have to sit in silence
and darkness. This state of mind is an exercise of faith and patience,
through which much may be gained if it is turned to right account.
Of the Two Months' Meeting, he says:
On the whole a favorable time. But I am not without my fears that the
little Society in this place will lose ground, in a religious sense, if
more faithfulness is not manifested in little things.
Soon after their arrival in Germany they turned their steps towards the
north-west corner of that country, and the borders of Holland. The object
of this journey was to visit some places on the shores of the North Sea,
near Friesland, where the inundations of 1825 had caused great desolation,
and where a new colony had been formed by the government from among the
ruined families. This little journey was so emphatically, an act of faith,
and the course of it lay so much through a part of Europe seldom visited
by travellers, that we shall transcribe the diary of it without much
curtailment.
9 _mo_. 4.--Having for sometime felt an impression to visit
Friedrichgroden and other places on the store of the North Sea, near the
confines of East Friesland, we set out from Pyrmout in company with our
dear friend Louis Seebohm, travelling with extra-post in our own carriage.
We found this a pretty expeditions way of travelling for this country,
being able to make about fifty-five English miles a day. Between Oldendorf
and Bückeburg, we experienced a remarkable preservation from danger. Our
postillion being a little sleepy, had not sufficient care of the reins,
and the horses suddenly turned off towards an inn, but missing the turn,
instantly fell into a deep ditch, one horse quite down, and the other
nearly so; the carriage wanted only a few inches further to go, and then
it would have come upon the horses, so that a few plunges must have upset
the whole concern. We sprang instantly out, and set the quiet animals
free. The man was so frightened he could scarcely step from, the box. The
whole affair did not last more than a few minutes, when we were on our way
again, with great cause for thankfulness to the Preserver of our lives.
The driver was so honest in acknowledging his fault, that I gave him his
_trinkgeld_, and our friend L. S. gave him some advice. We got well
on through Minden to Diepnau and lodged there.
Next morning set out about seven o'clock, and that day travelled late to
reach Oldenburg, which we accomplished at about one in the morning. Next
morning we were in a dilemma which way to take to find our place of
destination. The landlord was kind in sending out several times to gain
information, but in vain: at length there came into the room a deaf and
dumb man who frequented the house, and who, when he knew our inquiry,
immediately wrote down the particulars of the place, and explained it by
signs on the table. We left two books for this intelligent man for his
kindness, and set forward. Dined at Varel, and had two poor tired horses
and an awkward driver to Jever. We gave him several severe lectures
without much effect; at length we came to a small inn on the road, where
he made a stand, and said he could go no further without two more horses,
which we really believed was true, for if he had not got them we must have
stuck in the sand. The horses being procured we got to Jever about eleven
o'clock.
Here was a good inn, and we rested pretty well; but in the morning
discouragement took hold of my spirits in a way that I have seldom
experienced. I was ready to conclude we were altogether wrong and out of
the way of our duty; but forward we must now go to see the end of this
exercising journey. The country about Varel and Jever is remarkably
fertile in pasture. The cows handsome, rolling in abundance of grass, and
pretty much the whole country had the appearance of ease and plenty; in
Varel we saw the poor-house, a building capable of containing 400 persons,
and only four individuals were there. The inhabitants live in simplicity,
but also in the general ignorance and indifference as to religion. I was
exceedingly low in mind on the way, but felt once more that we were in our
right place, and my precious M. Y. encouraged me by saying we should not
go there in vain. On opening the Bible, I was comforted in turning to
Psalm lxxviii. 12-14.
After having thus travelled some days, as it were in the dark, we arrived
at Friedrichen Siel, near Carolinen Siel, in which neighborhood, on the
border of the North Sea, lie Friedrichgroden, New Augustengroden, and New
Friedrichgroden. It is a tract of land gained from the sea of about ten or
twelve hundred acres, banked round in three divisions, and made arable, on
which are built about twenty farmhouses, which form almost a new world.
This land is the property of the government; a small sum is paid on
entering, and a yearly ground-rent, and then it is the property of the
purchaser for ever.
As soon as we stepped on the banks of one of these _grodens_, and I
set my eye on one of these retired abodes, I felt no longer at a loss
where we should go or what we should do. It opened suddenly on my mind as
clear as the sun at noon-day, that we must remain here a day or two and
visit these new settlers in their dwellings. Accordingly we drove to the
inn at Carolinen Siel. On asking for a map of the surrounding country, one
was put into oar hands containing a plan of the places which had suffered
so severely by the floods in the spring of 1825; which rendered those
people much more interesting to us.
After dinner we commenced our visit, and called on a young man and his
sister who live on one of the farms, and have about seventy acres of land.
They received us with a hearty welcome, and entered into friendly
conversation. The house was one of the first on New Augustengroden, built
in 1816, [swept] down by the water in 1825, and rebuilt the same year. He
was an intelligent young man, and answered many inquiries which we made.
Finding the distance might be too great to walk, next morning we procured
horses, and started about seven o'clock, taking from our small stock of
books one for each family. We commenced intercourse with them by first
interesting ourselves about their families and domestic concerns, not
unmindful of every suitable opportunity to turn the conversation on the
subject of religion, which is too much neglected by most of them. They are
of the Lutheran profession; but the church being at some distance, they do
not regularly attend. Most of them have as many as six children, and some
eight, with fine countenances. We felt deeply interested, particularly for
the mothers, some of whom are tender-spirited, amiable women, and wept
much in the opportunities we had with them. Their late afflictions have
made on some a deep impression, and it was a time when, I trust, such a
visit might be of advantage. In the floods, several had their houses swept
away; and one lost thirty-six head of cattle, and had to drag his children
out of the water naked, and take refuge on the tops of the houses. But the
most touching case was that of a man who lost his wife and five children,
his father, mother, and servants. They were sent away in a waggon, as a
means of escape; but the waggon was swept away by the torrent, and all
perished. The husband, who was left alone in the house, got to land on
some boards, part of the wreck of the house, and expected to find his
family safe; what must have been his feelings when he found they had all
perished in the deep! We felt truly prepared to sympathise with them, and
think they were sensible of our visit being in the sincere love of the
Gospel. Their kindness towards us exceeded description. In going from
house to house, one of them seeing us in the field, and not knowing our
errand, thought we had missed our way, and came running almost out of
breath to set us in the road. When he found that our visit was intended
to him, he seemed overjoyed, and conducted us to his home and his
interesting wife. His name is Friedrich Fockensllammen. He soon showed us
all that was in his house and barns; and I may say he was equally ready to
tell us all that was in his heart. We could not get away without taking
coffee with them.
Having felt much towards seeing them together, the way seemed open to
propose to this man to have a meeting. He readily undertook to consult
with a few others; and he came to our inn next morning with another, when
he said, the good work must have a small beginning, and although he
himself was quite willing, the others did not see the necessity of it, or
were too cautious. This person told us that, with respect to temporals,
they could never have got forward again in the way they had done, had it
not been for the kind and effectual assistance received from England.
After an interesting conversation with these two, we parted in much
affection. My M.Y. drew up a short epistle, which was signed by us all,
and forwarded to them: this was an entire relief to our minds.
Understanding the fair was to commence on First-day morning, we found it
necessary on Seventh-day evening to seek fresh quarters. The First-day is
worse kept in the territories belonging to Hanover than in any part of the
Continent that I have seen, and the greatest religious ignorance prevails
there. The cause may rest with the Government in giving too much power to
the Church: the ecclesiastics are fond of keeping in their own hands all
things relating to religion, and will not suffer the light to shine that
the people may see for themselves. The Edict of Stade has lately been
renewed, prohibiting religious meetings; no unauthorised persons (as they
call it), are permitted to preach or hold meetings, on pain of
imprisonment; all foreign missionaries to be immediately sent beyond the
boundaries. The settlement we were visiting was partly in Hanover, and
partly in Oldenburg.
Besides these colonies on the reclaimed strand of the ocean, John Yeardley
had another object in undertaking this journey, which was to inspect the
Industrial Colony at Fredericks-Oort, in the province of Drenthe, in
Holland. Towards this place the party now directed their way.
Between Wittmund and Aurich (continues J.Y.) is a moor called Plagenburg,
about six English miles square, on which are some of the poorest mud-huts
I ever saw. People who intend to settle here from any part receive a grant
of land for ten years free, and afterwards pay a yearly ground-rent of
about five shillings an acre. The idle and burdensome poor are also sent
here; and by this means the whole neighborhood is relieved from
poor-rates, except for the support of a few individuals who spin, &c., in
the poor-house. We were informed that near Norden there is a colony for
thieves and gipsies, who are sent to this place and compelled to build
themselves huts and cultivate the land. They are strictly watched by the
police, and severely punished when they attempt to go away without leave.
We had a long and tedious ride, through deep sand, to Leer. On our arrival
we made inquiry about Fredericks-Oort, but could obtain no intelligence,
nor could we find it on the maps which we borrowed for examination. This
was very discouraging; for I had hoped, if it was right for us to go, we
should find some one to give us certain directions to it. I slept but
little, and next morning set again to work, and found there was a Jew in
the town who travelled much in Holland. I desired he might be sent for; he
came, and immediately gave us directions where to find the places we
wanted.
I ought not to omit remarking the comfortable feeling that I was favored
with, riding from Wittmund to Aurich [on the way to Leer]. In reflecting
in stillness where we had been and what we had done, I felt not only peace
and inward satisfaction, but thankfulness filled my heart that we had been
thus far enabled to do what we believed to be in the way of our duty. This
Scripture language passed through my mind: "Blessed are ye that sow beside
all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass." (Isa.
xxxii. 20.)
11_th_.--Left Leer about eleven o'clock in the morning, and expected
to arrive at Assen at eleven or twelve at night, but to our great
disappointment we travelled the night through, and only reached Assen at
seven next morning. At Wehndam on our way we rested the horses. Our friend
L.S. went for an hour to bed, and my M.Y. and self sat in the carriage and
would have slept, but there came so many admirers of our vehicle that we
could not sleep for their almost continual remarks about its elegance,
convenience, &c.
This part of Holland is fruitful; the houses are clean and neat; and the
dress of the women very singular. Their caps have a plate of silver or
gold on each side almost like a helmet, and sometimes very costly. At the
inn at Nieuweschans [on the borders of Germany and Holland], the cook had
one of these golden helmets which had cost about 150 florins.
In these flat countries they have no spring water; the land lies so much
below the sea that all is impregnated with salt. Rain water is used for
drinking, and the method of preserving it is in a deep reservoir lined
with boards and puddled with clay. I was surprised to find it kept good so
long: it is seldom known to go bad. One of the farmers on the Grodens drew
water out of his well and handed me a glass to drink; it had a yellowish
tinge, but except this I never saw clearer and have seldom tasted
pleasanter spring water, and the beat tea I ever drank was made from rain
water so preserved. One thing which contributes to its quality is the
great surface of tile which it has to run down, and which tends to filter
it.
The mode of manuring the land is similar to that practised in Brabant, and
the produce proves that it is excellent; for no better meadows, or corn
land in a higher state of cultivation are to be seen than in some parts we
have lately passed through.
The cows, when fresh in milk, are milked three times a day, by which means
more milk is obtained than in the common method; any one wishing to make a
fair experiment of this must try it not for two or three days only, but
for a week or ten days.
John and Martha Yeardley found the institution at Fredericks-Oort of a
deeply interesting kind. It was Established by private benevolence to
improve the condition of the poor, and to relieve the country from
beggars, and was commenced in 1818. The poor families which are placed
there are employed, some in manufacture, some in cultivating the soil, and
every means is made use of to encourage industry and provident habits.
When our friends visited the colony, it comprised 2900 souls, including
the staff by which the institution is worked, and which is necessarily
numerous. They thought the method of instruction in use in the schools
excellent, and found that religious liberty was strictly respected.
From Fredericks-Oort they went on to Ommershaus, where is the poor-house
and penal colony belonging to the former institution. Thirteen hundred
beggary, orphans, and criminals were then in the colony.
How much, remarks J.Y., such an institution is wanted in England; every
inducement is held out for improvement in civil society, and a most
effectual check placed against vice and idleness.
The travellers fared badly in Holland, and they were rejoiced to "set foot
again in honest Germany, where they know how to use strangers with an
honest heart." They returned through Bentheim and Osnabrück, and arrived
at Pyrmont on the 19th. Here they spent ten days in resting, and in
preparing to pursue their journey through South Germany.
On First-day, the 30th, they took leave of their friends.
First-day, says John Yeardley, was a solemn time, both at meeting and at
the reading in the afternoon; I hope both my M.Y. and I were enabled to
clear our minds. In the evening we took an affectionate and affecting
leave of them all; it was to me particularly trying. I could not refrain
from weeping much.
Not much occurs in the diary to claim attention, until they reached
Friedberg, not far from Frankfort.
10 _mo_. 7.--Sat down to our little meeting, after breakfast, and
reading, on First day morning. It was to us both a season of deep feeling.
My dear M.Y. was so filled with a sense of our own weakness, and the
Almighty's goodness towards us in a wilderness travel through a dark
country, that she knelt, 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 were; and also that He would in his tender mercy
remember us his poor instruments, and in the right time cause light to
break forth on our path, preserve us in the way we ought to go, and make
us willing to suffer for the sake of his suffering cause: to which my
heart said, Amen!
At Frankfort they formed acquaintance with J.H. von Meyer, ex-burgomaster
of the city, a learned and pious man, who had made a new translation of
the Bible into German, and had stood firm for the cause of real
Christianity in the midst of much declension. In the afternoon they drove
to Offenbach to see J.D. Marc, a Christian Jew, who had earned experience
in the school of suffering. He said, amongst other things, that he could
never preach but when he believed it to be his duty, and then he could
declare only what was given him at the time; this he considered to be the
only preaching that could profit the hearers. His views on the inutility
of water baptism were so decided, that when converted Jews asked him to
administer to them this rite, he told them he could not recommend it, for
it would do them no good. He gave them many names of awakened persons in
the Palatinate:--
Where, says John Yeardley, there is still a lively-spirited people who hold
meetings for religious improvement; perhaps the descendants of those who
were visited by W. Penn in former days.
The next day they returned to Frankfort, and made the acquaintance of
Pastor Appia, a Piedmontese, who, with his wife, was very friendly; and
when he heard that they had left their own land to visit his native
country, marked out a route for them, and gave them letters of
introduction. "When I am with such good people," observes J.Y., in
relating their interview with Appia, "I am always uneasy in my mind that I
am not more worthy. May the Lord strengthen me!"
On the 10th, they went to Darmstadt, where they met with several
enlightened Christians. One of these, Leander van Ess, had been a Roman
Catholic priest; and although a zealous promoter of Christianity in the
face of persecution, and favored with a more than ordinary degree of
spiritual light, he had thought it right not altogether to forsake that
communion, but remained amongst the Romanists to do them good. He had
translated the New Testament for their use. At parting with his new
friends he embraced them, gave them his blessing, and wished them a
prosperous journey. "I felt myself," says J.Y., "comforted and
strengthened by this visit."
On the way to Heppenheim, he continues, (to which place they next directed
their course), I felt quiet, in mind, and was once more assured that we
were in the way of our duty. As I thought of the difficulties which might
await us, these words were brought to my remembrance, "Touch not mine
anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
Crossing the Rhine, at Mannheim, they stopped, on the 12th, at Dürkheim,
where they became acquainted with Ludwig Fitz, a man of a frank and
inquiring disposition.
For three years, writes J.Y., he has held meetings in his house; in the
commencement he had to suffer no little persecution. On his entering our
room he observed that it was the Lord who had thus brought us together. I
have scarcely been half an hour with you, he said, after a while, but it
seems as if I had known you for seven years. He, with his wife and
daughter, took us to call on a Mennonist, a pious man, who holds firmly by
Baptism and the Supper. He soon began to speak on these points. I replied
to what he said as well as I could, maintaining that in Scripture there
are two baptisms spoken of; that, as the soul of man is spiritual, it can
be reached only by that which is spiritual, and that therefore I did not
see the necessity of maintaining that which, is outward. He said he
desired to possess the former, and not to neglect the latter. As to the
Supper they both advanced is proof of the observance being good, that
often, whilst using it, they experienced inward joy and refreshment. I
said we must not limit to a certain time or place this joy in the Lord, as
if the use of the Supper only were the cause of it. The gracious Lord is
ready at all times to sup with us, and to refresh the sincere and cleansed
soul, and make it joyful in him. We took leave of each other in love; I
said we did not travel for the purpose of turning people from one form to
another, but with the desire only that they might all be brought nearer to
the Lord. It was pleasant to me that Fitz's wife was with us; during the
conversation she remained still and weighty in spirit.
We inclined to attend the evening devotion at Fitz's, but prefaced our
request with the hope that they would not be offended if we did not take
part in their observances. This was immediately granted; and Fitz said, I
feel that your spirit is true and sincere, and I have unity with it. When
their service was ended, we asked them to remain a while in silence, and I
trust may say we were enabled to utter what was required of us in
testimony and supplication.
In Dürkheim there are eleven converted Jews, who dare not meet except in
secret for fear of the rabbins. One night the rabbins attempted to take
away their bibles and other books, but they received a hint of their
intention, and sent the books to Fitz's house. One of them, a servant
girl, as soon as she heard that some Christian friends were come into the
town, went to Fitz's, and took up one of the books we had given him. She
read a little in it hastily, put it in her bosom, and ran home. Her
curiosity and love of the truth impelled her to come to our hotel, and
wait unobserved in the hall to catch a glimpse of us as we came out. We
felt much for these awakened ones of Abraham's offspring; their oppressed
condition rested much upon our hearts; but as we had no opportunity of
conversing with them, I wrote a few lines from Friedelsheim to the young
woman, and sent them with some books by Fitz, who accompanied us to that
place. _Tuke's Principles_ finds much entrance among the awakened
Jews.
Travelling through Spires, Carlsruhe, and Pforzheim, they came on the 16th
to Stuttgardt, where they found Henry Kienlin, of Pforzheim, who, as the
reader will remember, had won so large a place in their love and esteem on
their former journey.
He not only, says John Yeardley, professes our principles, but bears a
clear and fearless testimony for them. His wife is of the same mind with
him, although she does not yet show it in the simplicity of her dress.
On the 18th, we set out in company with our good friend to Ludwigsburg to
see the prison. There are about 600 prisoners, of both sexes, for the most
part employed in labor. Order and cleanliness prevail, and the food is
good. The governor, Kleth, is a worthy, pious man; he himself reads the
Holy Scriptures to the prisoners, and endeavors to promote their spiritual
improvement. When we entered a room in which were a number of men, they
rose, and stood serious and quiet as though they expected we should
address them; and for a short time the love of God was felt amongst us in
an impressive manner; but nothing was given us to utter.
It will be recollected that when John and Martha Yeardley were at
Stuttgardt in 1826, they met with the Pastor Hoffman, and that they
desired to visit the institution at Kornthal, of which he was the
director, but were obliged to forego this visit in order to hasten forward
to Basle. They now prepared to discharge this debt of Christian love.
Kornthal is situated four miles from Stuttgardt; it was founded in 1819 by
dissenters from the Moravians and Lutherans, and consisted in 1825 of
about seventy families. J. and M.Y. went there on the 19th.
We were received, says the former, in a brotherly manner by the Director
Hoffman. On entering the room we were informed that their pastor had died
the night before; but instead of sorrow there seemed to be joy. This
society holds it for a religious duty to rejoice when any of their members
are favored to enter a state of endless bliss. This is religious fortitude
which but few possess, but I believe it is with them sincere, for in going
over the institution with the Director, I observed they spoke of it as a
matter of holy triumph.
No meeting was held with the members of the establishment during this
visit; it was left for J. and M.Y. to attend the usual evening assembly on
First-day, the 21st; and they were informed that it would be an occasion
on which any present who were moved by divine influence might freely
relieve their minds.
At three o'clock, J.Y. writes, we set off to Kornthal under most trying
feelings; I do not know when I have suffered so much from discouragement.
On account of the death of the pastor, many were come to attend the
interment which was to take place the next day. This caused the meeting to
be large; not less than 700 persons were present, and among them six or
seven pastors. The service commenced with a few verses; the first words
were these:--
"Holy Spirit come unto us,
And make our hearts thy dwelling-place."
I can truly say I was awfully impressed with their meaning, and a secret
prayer rose in my heart that it might be experienced amongst us. After the
singing, a silence truly solemn ensued, and I intimated that I felt an
impression to say a few words. When I sat down our kind friend the
Director summed up the substance of what I had said, and repeated it in an
impressive and becoming manner. He did this with the idea that some
present who only understood Low German might not have clearly got the
sense; however, we were told afterwards that they had understood every
word that I had said. Hoffman generously acknowledged to the hearers that
what had been delivered was strictly conformable with Scripture doctrine,
and that he united most fully with it.
Next morning the children being assembled for religious instruction, at
the conclusion I requested they might remain awhile, and I had a few words
to say to them, which was a relief to my mind. Hoffman asked if they had
understood; they almost all answered, Ja, ja, ja.
This visit has afforded an opportunity of our becoming acquainted with
many serious characters out of the neighborhood who were come to the
interment; many of them felt near to me in spirit. Hoffman's wife is a
precious, still character; there is much sweetness in her countenance. All
received us heartily in Christian love; it felt to me as if it were the
night before one of our Monthly Meetings, and I was at a Friend's house,
so much freedom was to be felt. The inn is kept by Hoffman; they would
make us no charge, saying love must pay all. We were most easy to make a
present to the box for the institution, but they would have refused it,
saying feelingly, Travellers like you have many expenses.
The cause for J.Y.'s peculiar discouragement in the prospect of this
meeting was the want of an interpreter. Any one who knows the difficulty
of public speaking or continuous discourse in a foreign language, will
comprehend the anxiety which he felt when he saw no alternative but that
of committing himself to preach in German. Though very familiar with the
language, he never completely overcame the want of early and of thoroughly
grammatical instruction in that difficult and intricate tongue. It was
with feelings of this kind that he penned the following memorandum before
going to Kornthal:--
18_th_.--Extremely low in mind and in want of faith. No creature can
conceive what I suffer in the prospect of having to speak in a foreign
tongue in a religious meeting.
At Stuttgardt they took leave of their endeared friend, Henry Kienlin.
It is, says J.Y., hard to part; but every one must follow his calling,
and mind only the direction of the Lord.
On quitting Stuttgardt, John Yeardley makes a few remarks regarding the
religious state of Würtemberg.
22_nd_.--Würtemberg is a favored land. In Feldbach, three hours from
Stuttgardt, there are about 800 Christian people who hold meetings in each
other's houses: some of them belong to the Kornthal Society. Years ago,
many emigrated to America and Russia, to gain religious liberty; now it is
granted them by their own Government.
On the 22nd, they journeyed to Tübingen, where they visited the worthy
Professor Streundel.
He was surprised and shy when we entered, as if he wanted to say, The
sooner you take leave the better. But as soon as he knew where we came
from, his countenance changed, and he received us heartily. He had his
wife called--a very polite person. He asked many questions as to our
church discipline, &c.; the order of our Society pleased him much. He had
undertaken the study of divinity from an apprehension of duty, and said
that it was only by the assistance of the Holy Spirit we could be made
instrumental in the ministry.
On the 25th they came to Wilhelmsdorf, on the Lake of Constance, where is
a branch of the Kornthal Association. They found the director "a man of
great simplicity, but of inward worth."
He was, continues John Yeardley, six years in Kornthal, and seems to be
sensible of the importance of the situation he fills, and of his
incapability to be useful to others unless assisted by divine grace. He
read our certificate attentively, and said, in a weighty manner, Yes; one
Lord over all, one faith, one baptism. We found they have no regular
preacher, but meet for worship every evening and on First-day mornings. We
were desirous of seeing them together, and they were pleased to find such
was our intention. The bell was rung, and in a few minutes the whole
colony assembled, about two hundred, with children. Much liberty was felt
in speaking among them; and some of them appeared to be sensible of the
value of true silence, and from whence words ought to spring; many shed
tears under the melting influence of divine love which was so preciously
to be felt amongst us. We took an affectionate leave, well satisfied in
visiting this little company, to strengthen them to hold up the cause of
their Lord and Master, in the midst of darkness. Within about thirty
English miles there are none but rigid Roman Catholics, not one
Evangelical congregation. At our departure my wife said: "These words
arise in my mind for thy comfort: Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."
At the inn where we stopped at Wilhelmsdorf, we were spectators of an
occurrence rarely to be seen. Among the laborers who dined there, the one
who had finished first read a chapter from the Bible to the rest. When all
had done eating, one offered a prayer; and then all went quietly back to
their work. This practice shows at least the sincerity of their hearts.
CHAPTER IX.
THE SECOND CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.
1827-28.
PART II.--SWITZERLAND.
On the 27th of the Tenth Month John and Martha Yeardley crossed the Swiss
frontier to Schaffhausen, where their presence was welcomed by several
pious persons. Amongst these were a young woman, Caroline Keller, who from
a religions motive had altered her dress and manners to greater
simplicity, and John Lang, Principal of the United Brethren's Society. In
a social meeting convened on the evening of their arrival, J.L. directed
the conversation to the principles of friends, and J. and M.Y. explained
the views held by the Society on silent worship, the ministry, and the
disuse of ceremonies.
The [French] language, says J.Y., was difficult to me; but by the grace
of God I was helped, and they were quite ready to seize the sense of what
we endeavored to convey. The love of God was felt among us, and the
Principal said, at parting, that he had not before been so impressed with
our views. I sent him Tuke's "Principles," and he told me yesterday he was
attentively studying it. My dear M.Y. told me it had been given her to
believe we were in our right place, and that we were called by religious
intercourse to bear witness for our Lord and Master and his good cause.
I am afraid, he remarks in a letter in which he describes their service at
Schaffhausen, I am afraid thou wilt think me too minute in my details; but
really when I enter into the feeling which accompanied us in these visits,
it seems as if I could scarcely quit it.
They spent the 29th at Schaffhausen in close Christian communion with two
pious families. To C.K. particularly, at whose house they dined, they felt
so nearly united, that they scarcely knew how to part from her.
We have cause to be thankful, says J.Y., for our visit to Schaffhausen;
but if we were more faithful we should be more useful. Our friends were
quite inclined for us to have had a meeting with them, but we were too
fearful to propose it. O vile weakness!
On the 31st they saw the Agricultural School for poor children at Beuggen.
Amongst the boys were twelve young Greeks, who were being instructed in
ancient and modern Greek, and in German. They had been sent to Switzerland
by the German missionaries, and most of them had been deprived of their
parents by the cruelty of the Turks. It was the intention of their
benefactors that they should return to Greece to enlighten their
countrymen. Their religious instruction was based simply upon the Bible,
without reference to any particular creed.
In the Greek school, writes John Yeardley, we observed a serious man about
thirty years of age, who had the appearance of a laborer, learning Greek.
This was a little surprising, and led us to inquire the cause. The
inspector readily gratified us: and gratifying indeed it was to hear that
this poor man had given up his work of ship-carpenter, from pure
conviction that he was called to go and instruct the poor Greeks at his
own expense. He is intending to spend the winter in learning the modern
Greek, and to proceed in the spring to Corfu. He intends to provide for
his own living by working at his trade, and he will take for instruction
about four boys at a time, and as soon as he has brought them forward
enough, set them as monitors over others. Some time ago two young men were
sent out by the Bible Society to Corfu; but before they reached the place
of their destination they were deterred by the missionaries on account of
the unsettled state of the country, and dared not proceed further for fear
of losing their lives. It is remarkable that, at the juncture when these
two young men were turned back by discouragement, this poor man should
receive the impression to go to the same place. We desired to have an
interview with him, and he was instantly sent for to the Inspector's room.
After a few remarks which opened for us to make to him, he confessed he
had no peace but when he thought of giving up to this feeling of duty, and
that when he looked towards going he felt happy in the prospect of every
hardship. It was remarked that, as this call was made from above, the
great Master alone could guide his steps; he appeared fully sensible from
whom his help must come. He is beloved by his employers, and has an
excellent certificate from the pastor, of his moral and religious
character.
On the 2nd of the Eleventh Month they went to Zurich, and the same day
drove out over a very bad road to Pfäffikon to visit the Herr von
Campagne.
We had a cold wet journey, but the good old man gave us a hearty welcome
to his house. He is seventy-six years of age. He asked us pleasantly how
we came to think of visiting an old man who was on the brink of the grave.
He had heard much of Friends, and wished, he said, to become personally
acquainted with some of the Society. He is a most benevolent character,
but we could not unite with all his religious views; he does not think it
necessary to meet for religious worship; in short, his principles are much
the same as those held by Jacob Böhmen.
We slept at his house, and next morning returned to Zurich, where we
called on our particular friend Professor Gessner and his family, and we
rejoiced mutually to see each other again.
In the afternoon they called on Pastor Koch, tutor to the young Prince of
Mecklenburg, who was at that time in Switzerland, and the next morning,
First-day, as they were holding their little meeting for worship, the
Prince himself, with Herr Koch and the Herr von Brandenstein, gave them a
visit. The Prince spoke English; and J.Y. says:--
I had a strong impression to speak to him in a serious way, which I was
enabled to do at some length. On parting he held me with both his hands in
mine, and said, "I thank you, sir, for your kind and instructive
communication; I shall never forget it so long as I live."
A little before twelve o'clock, he continues, came our kind young friend,
Hannah Gessner, to accompany us to the ancient and worthy Bishop Hess. He
is in his eighty-seventh year, but lively in spirit and active in mind. He
is uncommonly liberal in his religious opinions, and his enlarged heart
seemed to overflow with Christian love towards the followers of Christ
under every name. He treated us as a father, and I felt instructed in
being in his company. He gave us his portrait as a token of respect and
friendship.
In the evening we took tea with Professor Gessner's sister, Lavater, in
company with seven of the professor's daughters and sons, who are all
serious persons. After some conversation on the order and ministry of our
Society, it was proposed by dear Hannah, through her aunt, whether we
would like to have a Meeting or the Scriptures read. After a portion of
Scripture had been read silence ensued, in which my dear M. Y. and I said
what was on our minds in testimony and supplication. It is a time of
precious visitation to some of them. We felt sweet unity with Pastor
Gessner, and believe him to be a gospel minister. On parting he took me in
both arms, and said, in such a feeling manner that the words went to my
very heart, "The Lord bless thee, and put the words of his wisdom into thy
mouth."
On the 6th they went to Berne, and the next morning they inspected
Fellenberg's institution at Hofwyl.
It is, says John Yeardley, what it professes to be, for education in the
fullest extent of the word, to give to those committed to their care an
education suited to their circumstances and their future prospects in
life. There is a first-rate boarding school, for young gentlemen; a middle
school, for tradesmen, &c.; a [boys' and] girls' poor school of industry,
for those who can pay nothing.--(_Letter to Josiah Forster_.)
To J.Y. the most interesting department of this institution was the school
of industry for poor children, in which at that time a hundred boys were
clothed and educated. He describes at some length, and with evident
approbation, the system on which the school was conducted; but adds, "I
cannot say much as to religious instruction."
From Hofwyl they proceeded through Lausanne to Geneva, where, being
desirous of improving themselves in French, and the season not permitting
them to travel, they hired a lodging, intending to remain two or three
months.
As on their former visit, they held frequent intercourse with pious
persons, several of them well known in the Christian world; such as
Gaussen, Bost, and L'Huillier. Of Theodore L'Huillier. minister of the New
Church, John Yeardley says:--
Though a moderate Calvinist, he embraced us at once on the broad principle
of Christianity. We became acquainted with him two years ago, but think
him now much deeper in the root of real religion.
11 _mo_. 19.--We called yesterday evening on our dear friend Owen,
and met there a pious lady, Fanny Passavant. We had much serious
conversation, I hope to profit, at least to our own minds; for we were
given to see a little the importance of the situation in which we stand,
and the necessity of being, in our intercourse with these religious
persons, wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
1828. 1 mo. 13.--We have had much satisfaction in becoming acquainted with
Ami Bost. He was one of the first who bore testimony to the light which
broke forth in the corrupt church of Geneva, and he suffered much in
defending the doctrines of the New Church. In Germany he was, with his
wife and six or seven children, driven from town to town by the police,
for holding religious meetings in his house, and for refusing to have his
children baptised. His sentiments in the office of the ministry and the
appointment of preachers, are in perfect unison with those of Friends;
also on the ordinances of the Supper, &c.
1 _mo_. 20.--During the greater part of our stay at this place I have felt
my mind extremely poor, but a secret desire and prayer has been maintained
to be preserved in patience, believing it to be as necessary to learn to
suffer as to do. And although it is apparently little we can do here, we
have felt repeatedly the assurance that it is the ordering of Best Wisdom,
and as such we are well satisfied.
After our little morning meeting we went to dine with dear Captain Owen,
and spent the remainder of the day with a few religious friends there.
When the evening reading was finished, we had a solemn time under the
seasoning influence of divine love. Our hearts were too full for any
religious communication, except supplication, which was offered both by my
dear M.Y. and myself.
Martha Yeardley also gives an account of this meeting, and of a visit they
paid to the Female Prison.
Before our departure for Lausanne and Neufchâtel, a relation of Mary Ann
Vernet's kindly attended us to the female prison, and introduced us to
others of the committee; and in the evening we had a religious opportunity
with the few confined there, during which they evinced much feeling. Our
interesting companion told us the next morning that she trusted the
circumstance would be blessed to them. We had also a very interesting
opportunity at Charles Owen's the evening before we left, at which was
present, as often before, a very precious friend of ours, of the name of
Fanny Passavant, a single woman, very rich, yet who lives in great
self-denial, and gives almost all she has to feed the poor. She is what
they call in this country a very _interior_ character; which means
one that cherishes the inward life. In her company we often felt baptized
together, and she gave us strong recommendations to some of the same class
at Neufchâtel, who are desiring to learn in the school of
Christ.--(_Letter to Elizabeth Dudley_.)
At the expiration of their sojourn in Geneva, they did not, as they had
expected to do, proceed to the valleys of Piedmont, but, as the last
extract intimates, turned their steps towards Neufchâtel. The motives
which influenced them in this change of purpose are described by John
Yeardley, in a letter to his brother, of the 11th of the Second Month,
1828.
In my last to thee I signified our intention of departing for the valleys
of Piedmont, which did not take place. After due consideration of the
subject for more than two months, in a state of humble resignation to be
directed aright in this important matter, 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 way. We have always considered our
safety in such engagements to depend on taking step by step in the fresh
light afforded; and it is a favor to know when and where to stand, as well
as when to go forward.
While the way to Piedmont was thus for a time obstructed, a door was set
open for them in a part of Switzerland which they had not yet visited.
From John Yeardley's reflections before they left Geneva, it would appear
that in the discouragement they felt in the prospect of a long journey
through France, 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 Jura.
In looking towards the long journey before us, writes J.Y., I have been
much discouraged, almost fearing to depart from this place without first
being favored with more quietude of mind, which I was this morning favored
to feel in a greater degree than has been the case for a long time. In my
last solitary walk to La Traille, I was led to pray in secret for
preservation on our journey, and almost to ask an assurance of protection,
but received for answer, "Go, in faith."
On the 21st of the First Month, they left Geneva and went forward to
Lausanne, where they were again refreshed with the society of some
spiritually-minded persons.
23_rd_--We visited several of the pastors. We found M. Févaz,
minister of the Seceders in this place, very interesting, humble, and
spiritual. He related to us, in much simplicity and candor, that in the
commencement of their separation they were strenuous to preach doctrinal
sermons, but now they had been favored to see the necessity of preaching
purification of heart through the operation of the Spirit.
Called on ---- Gaudin, who keeps a boarding-school in a beautiful
situation near the town. We had not been long in the company of him and
his dear wife, before we felt much contrited together, and had a precious
religious opportunity. At parting, the dear man, with myself, was quite
broken into tears. We left with him, as well as with the others, Judge
Hale's "Testimony to the Secret Support of Divine Providence," which we
had translated, and had got printed at Geneva.
On the 24th they proceeded to Neufchâtel. This was a memorable visit.
We soon found cause, writes John Yeardley, to believe the Great Master had
been before us, to prepare the way in the hearts of many to receive the
doctrine he has mercifully enabled us to preach. Our dear F. Passavant had
given us a letter of introduction to Auguste Borel, a man of few words,
but of a remarkably weighty and sweet spirit, who received us with the
greatest affection. He has lately separated from the national worship, and
retires in silence in his own chamber. He soon made us acquainted with a
few others of a similar turn of mind.
Martha Yeardley, describing the commencement of their religious service in
this place, says:--
We were invited to a meeting which we felt most easy to attend, and my
husband was given full liberty to speak if he felt inclined; but for a
while the usual activity of their meetings--such as singing, commenting on
texts with Calvinistic explanations, &c.--entirely closed our way. But
before they separated I ventured to request, in the name of my husband,
that such as inclined would favor us with their company a while longer,
and rest a little in silence. Nearly all remained, and under a solemn
covering he addressed the company, while I translated in much fear, yet
ventured at the end to say a few words for myself. Several of the company
attended us home, and expressed much satisfaction: and from this time a
door was opened to us at Neufchâtel in a very remarkable manner. They
flocked to our inn at all times in the day and in considerable numbers,
many acknowledging, in the course of very interesting conversation, that
they thirsted for something more satisfying than mere doctrines
continually repeated--something that would preserve from evil, that would
cleanse the heart, that would bring into nearer communion with the
Saviour.--(_Letter to Elizabeth Dudley_.)
On the 27th, continues the Diary, A. Borel conducted us to a meeting with
some _interior_ persons, about three miles from town. It was a time
of close exercise of mind, but ended to satisfaction, and, I hope, to the
edification and strength of some present. The master of the house,
Professor Pétavel, said that never until that evening had he been able to
see clearly the beauty and advantage of pure spiritual worship, contrasted
with outward forms.
After, having taken tea with a large company, our kind guide conducted us
through woods and over mountainous and bad roads to a village, where a
large concourse of people were assembled for worship. A schoolmaster was
speaking on a chapter which had been read: we had full unity with what he
delivered, which was accompanied with a power which convinced us that he
really preached the gospel. After he had done, we were introduced as
religious strangers from England; and silence ensuing, opportunity was
given for us to express what came before us.
28th.--Some of the most _interior_ told us they had long been
exercised about spiritual worship, and had often wished to see some of the
Society of Friends. On hearing of our intended visit two years ago, they
said if we had come then [we should have found them] wrapped up in
doctrines, but now they were given to see they could not live on the
letter alone, they must be born again, and partake of that bread which
cometh down from heaven. Many of these awakened persons came to our inn at
all hours, and our hearts were filled with love towards them as a cup
overflowing; so that it was given to us to minister to them almost
individually as they came to us.
On the 29th they went to Berne, and the following morning walked over to
Wabern, where some of A. Borel's friends resided, who received them with
open arms.
After dinner M. Combe drove us in his car to Scherli. We alighted at the
house of one of the peasant-farmers, situated quite among the mountains,
with the Alps fair in view. They received us in the name of disciples with
every mark of love and respect. They were more disposed to sit in silence
than to ask questions. On my asking if they had seen or heard of any of
our Friends, in these parts, one of them, innocently replied, No; we do
not know anything of your religious principles. I then began to explain
them; and when I spoke of our manner of worship, belief, &c., and of some
of our peculiar tenets respecting Baptism, the Supper, &c., it is not
possible to express their emotion; their eyes turned first towards one and
then towards another, and seemed to sparkle with joy, without their
uttering a word till I had done. These were entirely the principles they
held, and about a year ago they separated from the church, about twenty in
number, and attempted to meet for religious worship. This was prevented by
the police; for although, they live in a very remote situation, they are
strictly watched by the pastor, who wishes to compel them to come to his
worship. We were there only an hour or two, but a number of these
innocent-hearted people came flocking to the house, and immediately
settled into a silence truly solemn. We could indeed say our hearts burned
with love towards them.
Two of these young men came to us the nest day, and spent most of the day
with us. One of them, Christian Speicher, told me he did not know how to
express the satisfaction he felt to hear of a body of professing
Christians in a distant land, who held the same religious principles as
they in their isolated situation had been long seeking after and had been
made willing to suffer for.
During our stay under this hospitable roof [M. Combe's at Wabern] it was
an open house for all comers, and they were not few. Our spirits were so
united with many of them we did not know how to leave them; but our great
concern was to recommend them to remain with Him who had so mercifully and
powerfully visited them.
On the 31st they returned to Berne, and the next day called upon a pious
chimney-sweeper, waiting whilst he changed his sooty clothes.
We were not a little surprised to hear him of his own accord, without
knowing who we were, declare the same doctrine as we are concerned to
preach. There are a few _inward_ persons who assemble at his house,
and hold the same sentiments. About a year and a half or two years ago,
there was a remarkable awakening in the canton of Berne, and a few here
and there of a more spiritually-minded sort seceded. There is a ferment to
prevent their meeting together, and to compel them to go to the usual
place of worship; but in vain, for nothing but spiritual food can satisfy
their hungry souls.
On their return to Neufchâtel they visited the celebrated school of the
Moravians at Montmirail, where, says Martha Yeardley--
We soon felt quite at home with a precious, spiritually-minded man, the
master, and his agreeable English wife. This is an excellent institution,
for females only, and several English are there. We were about seventy in
company at dinner, and much sweet feeling prevailed. The master of this
interesting family was delighted to hear something of Friends to whom he
had never before been introduced.
At Neufchâtel, on First-day (2 mo. 3,) they met large companies in the
morning and evening, and the next morning took leave of their friends in
that city, "deeply humbled under a sense of the great Master's work among
them." They went to Locle under the conduct of A. Borel, whose "kindness
exceeded all description."
On the way, writes John Yeardley, we took refreshment at a pious man's
house in the morning, and dined at another friend's, with whom, we had a
precious religious opportunity. It reminded me of the mode of visiting our
own dear Friends in England; we find in the hearts of these visited
children of the Universal Parent genuine hospitality; they hand us of all
they have in their houses in the name of disciples.
At Locle they were met by Mary Anne Calame, with whom their hearts became
instantly knit in the strongest Christian friendship.
She came before we were well alighted. 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 us. Her countenance is strong and impressive, her
hair jet black, cut short, and worn without cap; her dress of the most
simple and least costly kind. Her sole desire seems to be to do the will
of her Lord and Master in caring for 170 poor children, who are in the
institution at bed, board, and instruction. The forenoon was spent in
looking over the schools and hearing the children examined. The house is a
refuge for the lame, blind, deaf, dumb, and sick. Peace and contentment
prevail through the whole. This establishment was commenced about twelve
years ago with five children, and has prospered in a remarkable manner.
M.A.C. is one with Friends in principle, and, as well as some others of
the family, entirely separated from the usual forms of worship.
Martha Yeardley, in a letter from which we have already quoted, describes
the origin of the asylum.
About twelve years since M.A. Calame believed herself called to form an
institution for orphans and unfortunate children. She associated some
others with her for this object, but having peculiar views on religious
subjects, and more perseverance than her colleagues, she was soon left
nearly alone, with means entirely inadequate to the increasing demands,
viz., about three francs yearly from a very limited number of persons. The
children daily augmented, and she dared not refuse admission: when in
necessity she was encouraged to trust from unexpected donations. This
increased her faith; and after some years, a boys' school was added. In
this way the institution has been supported without any regular funds.
Her faith is still often very severely tried, but they have never yet been
suffered to want. Her refuge in times of extremity is prayer, and it has
been in some instances very evidently answered, so that she has severely
reproached herself for daring to doubt. In speaking on this subject she
said to me: "I am at times much beset with temptations when I consider the
number I have thus collected without any visible or certain means of
support; but how can I dare to doubt after so many proofs of the care of
the great Master? He knows our wants; he knows these dear children have
need of food and clothing, and he provides it for them; and he knows that
all I desire is to do his will."
On remarking to her the sweet tranquillity and order which reign in these
schools, she said, "It is the Master's work; they are taught to love him
above all, and to do all for his sake." We felt very nearly united to her
and to an intimate friend who resides with her: they are both what are
called deeply interior characters, and have long withdrawn from the places
of public worship, but fully unite with our views.
She is really a very extraordinary character, extremely simple and
cheerful in her manners, possessing great natural talents, and evincing in
her conducting of the institution, not only the Spirit, but the
understanding also.--(_To Elizabeth Dudley, 2 mo. 7, 1828._)
With Locle, John and Martha Yeardley's mission to Switzerland for this
time terminated. They crossed the frontier into France, and made the best
of their way through that country, in order to proceed to the Channel
Islands.
This morning (2 mo. 5,) writes J.Y., Mary Anne Calame and her friend
Zimmerling, with A. Borel, accompanied us two leagues to the ferry, and
saw us safe over into France. This last parting with friends so dear to us
in a foreign land, was very touching; our hearts were humbled under a
sense of the Heavenly Father's love.
6th.--Passing the custom-house made us late at our quarters, where they
are not accustomed to receive such guests. Their curiosity to see and know
who we are is very great. To prevent French imposition, my M.Y. was to
bargain beforehand for what we had. On asking what the meal would cost, we
were answered they could not tell, for they did not know how much coffee
we should drink. This simple but appropriate reply so amused us that it
put an end to our bargaining.
I shall not soon forget the sensation I felt on passing the river into
France. I could not forbear drawing the discouraging contrast of quitting
those to whom we had become united in the gospel of peace, in a country
the most beautiful that Nature can present, with a long journey in
prospect through a dreary country whose inhabitants wish only to get what
they can from us. These discouraging fears could only be silenced by
reflecting that the same protecting Providence presides over all and
everywhere.
Travelling with their own single horse, their favorite _Poppet_, the
progress they made was necessarily slow, and they did not reach Paris till
the 19th. After spending a few days in that city, they proceeded to
Cherbourg, and arrived there after six days of hard travelling. At this
place John Yeardley writes:--
3 _mo_. 2.--In looking back on our late travels, 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 sight. In looking forward to the dangers we had
still to encounter, I was led closely to examine on what our hope of
preservation was fixed. Should it please Him who had hitherto blessed us
with his presence and protecting care, to put our faith again to the test,
how we could bear it, how we should feel at the prospect of going down to
the bottom of the great deep. I felt a particular satisfaction that our
great journey had first been accomplished; if this had not been the case
it would have been a sting in my conscience. But now an awful resignation
was experienced, and it came before me as an imperious duty to be resigned
to life or death; and the joyful hope resounded in my heart, All will be
well to those who love not their lives unto death.
The presentiment of danger which this passage describes was speedily
fulfilled, as was also the hopeful promise by which it was accompanied.
They were detained at Cherbourg until the 13th, waiting for a vessel.
Leaving port early that morning, they landed in Guernsey the next day; and
it was in going ashore that they were exposed to some danger of their
lives. John Yeardley thus relates the occurrence:--
I descended first into a little boat, and standing on the side to take my
M.Y. down, the man not holding the boat secure to the ship, our weight
pushed it from us, and we plunged headlong into the sea. My dear M.Y.'s
clothes prevented her from sinking, and she was first assisted again into
the boat. I went overhead, and had to swim several turns before I could
reach the boat. The salt water being warm, and the time not long, we
received no further injury. What shall we render unto the Lord for all his
mercies to us, his poor unworthy servants! how often has he made bare his
mighty arm for our deliverance. In the midst of danger fear was removed
from us, and we were blessed with the unspeakable advantage of presence of
mind, and enabled to use the best means under Divine Providence to save
our lives.
They visited the Friends and a few other persons in Guernsey and Jersey,
and then proceeded to Weymouth, and on the 25th to Bristol. At Bristol
and Tewkesbury they were deeply interested in the state of the meetings,
and had some remarkable service in both places. Taking also Nottingham and
Chesterfield in their way, and being "well satisfied in not having overrun
them," they arrived at the cottage at Burton on the 8th of the Fourth
Month, having been absent about nine months.
In the retrospect, say they, of this long and arduous journey, we have
this testimony unitedly to bear,--that the Arm of divine love has been
underneath to support and help us; and although we have had many deep
baptisms to pass through, especially when we beheld how in many places the
fields are white unto harvest, and were fully sensible of our own
inability to labor therein, yet He who, we trust, sent us forth was often
pleased to raise us from the depth of discouragement, to rejoice in him
our Saviour. If any fruits arise from our feeble efforts to promote his
cause, it will be from his blessing resting upon them, for nothing can
possibly be attached to us but weakness and want of faith. But, blessed be
his holy name, he knew the sincerity of our endeavors to do his will, and
has been pleased in his condescending mercy to fill our hearts with his
enriching peace. Amen.
CHAPTER X.
HOME OCCUPATIONS AND TRAVELS IN ENGLAND AND WALES.
1828--1833.
On their return home Martha Yeardley was attacked with a severe illness,
consequent probably on hard travelling and bad accommodation during the
journey.
Under date of the 18th of the Fifth Month, J.Y. writes:--
How circumstances change! Last Yearly Meeting we were in London with the
prospect of a long journey before us, and now my dear Martha is on a bed
of sickness, and I have myself suffered; but through all there is a degree
of peaceful resignation in the belief that all is done well that the Great
Master does, and that what He keeps is well kept.
Later in the day he thus continues his Diary:--
This has been a day of great trial on account of my dear Martha being much
worse. My poor mind has been distressed at her weak state: I should sink
under discouragement, did I not consider that He who sends affliction can
support in it, and he who brings low can raise up in his own time, if it
be his blessed will, to which all must be submitted.
In the Seventh Month he took her to Harrowgate, where her health became
very much restored, and soon after their return they paid a religious
visit to Ackworth School and to the families of Friends in Barnsley.
Some of the opportunities at Ackworth, writes John Yeardley, were seasons
of much contrition of spirit; feeling deeply humbled under a sense of
Divine goodness and mercy in restoring this large family to usual health
after a time of deep affliction.
In the latter part of this year they were much occupied in establishing an
Infant School at Barnsley; and also in collecting and remitting
subscriptions to Mary Anne Calame for her Orphan Institution. In
acknowledging to Martha Yeardley one of these remittances, M.A.C. writes
thus:
May our Heavenly Father render thee a hundredfold what thy charity has
prompted thee to do for my numerous family of children; and may his
blessing rest on all those who have contributed to it.
We think of you every day, and we desire to live only to do the holy will
of our God. Your visit has been a testimony of his love towards us; he has
permitted that it should be blessed to us; for the remembrance of you
carries as towards Him who is the finisher of our faith, where we mingle
with you in the unfathomable sea of the divine mercy.
My large family is much blessed; good and happy tendencies manifest
themselves in many, and in general peace reigns through the house. The
assistant masters and mistresses walk more or less in the presence of the
Lord; the governess [M. Zimmerling] especially grows deeper in the divine
life: she is often ill, but she bears this cross, by the help that is
given her from above, with much submission and faith.
Last month we had the pleasure of making a little journey to Berne and the
neighborhood, to visit our friends there who love you so much. We heard
that you had both fallen into the sea, and that thou wast ill in
consequence. Thou mayst understand how the wishes of our hearts
encompassed thee; I have felt my soul for ever united to thine in the
Lord; and it seems to me that if my eyes should never again meet thine in
this land of exile, I should speedily recognize thee in the happy mansions
where the goodness of the Redeemer has prepared us a place. O, my sister,
may he bless thee, may he bless John whom he has given thee to accomplish
his work; may he open thy mouth and direct all thy steps, and give seals
to thine and thy husband's ministry, and make you increase together unto
the stature of Christ.--(12 _mo_. 14, 1828.)
The entries in the Diary at this period are not numerous: we select from
them the following short memorandum:--
1829. 4 _mo_. 9.--In our usual reading this morning, I was struck
with these words: "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
heaven." (Matt, xviii. 19.) A fervent desire was raised in my heart that
we might unitedly ask for faith and strength to do the will of our
Heavenly Father, and that his blessing and preservation might attend all
that concerns us.
In the Fifth Month they attended the Yearly Meeting; and John Yeardley was
present at the anniversary of the Peace Society.
5 _mo_. 19.--Attended a meeting of the Peace Society, much to my own
satisfaction. It was truly gratifying to hear from those not in profession
with us, such strong and decided sentiments against all war, as being not
only inconsistent with the spirit of Christianity, but also contrary to
sound policy. I am convinced _public_ meetings are necessary to keep
alive _public_ feeling, as well as to excite individual interest. As
it regards myself, I can say, before attending the meeting I felt but
little concern with respect to this great question.
Soon after their return home, they were comforted by the intelligence that
a few of those persons at Neufchatel who had so joyfully received their
gospel message, had found strength to establish a meeting for worship.
This information was contained in a letter from Auguste Borel, from which
the following is an extract:--
He who tries the heart, and who knew the sincerity of my desires, deigned
to hear my prayer on the 24th of February, when, without any previous
understanding, we met four in number at my house at ten o'clock in the
morning. This day is called with us _Torch Sunday_, and is a day of
rejoicing in the world; and, if I ought to say so, during my carnal life
it was to me a day of true pleasure, which I always looked for with
impatience, because of the great bonfires which are then lighted, and
which are seen from our city, illuminating every point of the wide
horizon. It is my hope that the God of love, in the analogy of the
spiritual order of things, may have kindled in our hearts his sacred fire,
and will condescend to maintain and increase it in time and in eternity.
Since that time we have continued our meetings without interruption: our
number has not yet exceeded six or seven. We do not force the work, but,
recognising that it is the Lord alone who has begun it, I feel daily more
and more that He alone ought to direct it.
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 Meetings. Amongst the notices in the
Diary of these meetings, are the following:--
8 _mo_. 16.--A public meeting at Wooldale, to which name many more
people than could get into the house. The Friends said they never saw so
large a meeting in that place. Many of those present expressed their
satisfaction by saying they could have sat till morning to hear what was
delivered. It is an easy matter to become hearers of the word; but it was
the doers of the word that were pronounced happy.
23_rd_.--Meeting at Otley, in the Methodist chapel. It was not very
full, but very solid and satisfactory. The last public meeting in this
place was held in silence, which might probably be the cause of a small
attendance on this occasion. It is bard work to bring the people to see
and feel the advantage of silent worship: the time is not yet come, and
perhaps never may. We must be willing to help them in the way pointed out,
and try to strengthen the good in all; for if they are only brought to the
Father's house, it matters not in what way or through what medium.
In the Eleventh Month they returned to the Monthly Meeting the minute
which had been granted them, and received at the same time a certificate
to visit some meetings of Friends in the midland and south-western
counties.
Before they left home for this journey, they received intelligence that
John Yeardley's early and intimate friend James A. Wilson was no more.
11 _mo_. 24.--My heart, says J.Y., is pained within me, while I
record the loss of one with whom I have been for many years on the most
intimate terms. He has long had an afflicted tabernacle and a suffering
mind, which, I believe, contributed to his refinement, and prepared him
for the awful change. He had been recommended to go to a warmer climate,
and had taken up his residence at Glouchester, where he died, which
prevented us from attending him in his last moments. He possessed much
originality of character, joined to sincerity and genuine piety; and I
doubt not he experienced the fulfilment of this promise: "Behold, I have
caused thy iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change
of raiment." (Zech. iii. 4.)
On the 11th of the Twelfth Month they left home, and during the next two
months were closely occupied in visiting various meetings from Yorkshire
to Devonshire.
Their service commenced with an encouraging meeting at Monyash, in
Derbyshire.
13_th_.--The first meeting we attended was at Monyash. It was larger
than we had expected, in consequence of strangers coming in, and proved
rather a lively commencement to our spiritual course of labor.
On the 14th they held a meeting in the Potteries, in a cottage belonging
to one of the few Friends in the place. Word having got abroad that
strangers were expected, many of the neighbors came in, so that the rooms
below-stairs were filled: it was a refreshing time. They found in the
woman to whom the cottage belonged a bright example of piety and charity.
She has been, says J.Y., a cripple from her childhood; but is able to
maintain herself by keeping a school for little children; she is not
unmindful, also, to help her poorer neighbors out of her small earnings.
At Bristol, where they arrived on the 1st of the First Month, 1830, they
rested a few days at H. and M. Hunt's.
We had, says J.Y. much pleasure in being in this family. Bristol is the
largest meeting we have in our Society in England, and to me it was a very
trying one on the First-day morning. I was much cast down after meeting;
but we staid over the Monthly Meeting on Third-day, which afforded me
relief of mind, and I left with as much comfort as I could well desire.
At Plymouth John Yeardley found an object of lively interest in Lady
Rogers' Charity School, established to fit girls for becoming household
servants. He was gratified with the good order, simplicity, and economy,
which pervaded the institution. Martha Yeardley suffered much during their
journey in Devonshire, from the inclemency of the weather; and a heavy
fall of snow on the night of the 17th prevented their leaving Plymouth at
the time intended. In consequence of this, they hired a lodging, and
employed themselves in visiting the Friends from house to house, and in
organising an infant school, which the Friends had long desired to see
established.
On their return from Plymouth they stopped at Sidcot, where they spent
some time at the Friends' school. Here the subject of offering prizes to
children came under the notice of J.Y., and like all other subjects
connected with education, engaged his serious reflection.
It would certainly be better, he says, if the basis of good actions could
be laid in the children's minds on a principle of rectitude and justice,
so that they might be taught to do well from a love of truth, and not from
a fear of punishment or a hope of reward; but so long as human nature
remains unchanged, a check against the one and an incitement to the other
seem to be necessary, as a help to overcome the evil in the mind, until
that which is good shall become predominant.
They returned to Yorkshire through Warwick and Leicester, and on reviewing
the journey John Yeardley has the following reflections:--
2 _mo_. 22.--Almost all the meetings we attended on this journey of
800 miles are very small, except Birmingham and Bristol, and the life of
religion is low among the members in general; which is not much to be
wondered at, 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 Christians, without the power or
form of religion, no outward means to excite them to faith and good works.
If they neglect the spirit of prayer in themselves, it is not surprising
they should grow cold in love and zeal for the noble cause of truth on the
earth. But in the lowest of these [meetings] there is something alive to
visit, and in going along we felt the renewed evidence that we were in our
right allotment in thus going about, endeavoring to strengthen the things
that remain; and though we have had to pass through much suffering, both
outward and inward, yet we have also experienced times of rejoicing in
doing the will of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
After the Quarterly Meeting in the Third Month they visited each of the
meetings within their own Monthly Meeting, "thinking," says J.Y., "a
little pastoral care was due to our Friends at home, seeing we are often
concerned to go abroad."
In the Fifth Month they went up to the Yearly Meeting, via Lincolnshire,
taking several meetings in the way. Among the subjects which occupied
Friends in their annual conference this year was that of missions to the
heathen, which, it was proposed by some, should he taken up by the
Society.
The subject, writes John Yeardley, was fully entered into, and the
interest was very great. Many Friends spoke their sentiments freely and
feelingly, and the subject was taken on minute to be revived nest year. If
this important matter were brought home to each individual of us, there
would be more missionaries prepared and sent forth to labor; but we love
ease and our homes, contenting ourselves with reading and talking about
what is going forward in the great cause of religion and righteousness in
the earth.
They returned home through the midland counties, visiting most of the
meetings in Oxfordshire, and in the parts adjacent; which they had been
unable to do the previous year in returning from the West.
It was comforting to us, John Yeardley says, to be with Friends in
Oxfordshire, whom we had so long thought of. Many of their meetings are
small; but there are a few individuals among them precious and improving
characters, who, I believe, are under the preparing hand for greater
usefulness in the Lord's church. With these we were often dipped into near
union of spirit, which sometimes caused the divine life to rise among us
to the refreshing of our spirits.
In the Sixth Month they again left home, being minded to see how the
churches fared in the eastern part of Yorkshire. The point which most
interested them in this tour was Scarborough, where they were attracted
both by the town itself and by the little society of Friends. "It felt to
us," says J.Y., "very much like a home. We lodged at Elizabeth Rowntree's,
a sweet resting-place." (7 _mo_. 4.)
At the same time that they reported to their Monthly Meeting the attention
they had paid to this service, they received its sanction to undertake a
journey in Wales.
It is truly humbling to us, writes John Yeardley, in describing this
occasion, thus to have to expose ourselves, poor and weak as we are; but
the cause is not our own, but is in the hands of our great Lord and
Master. May he help us! (7 _mo_. 19.)
They left home on the 7th of the Eighth Month, and spent the 11th at
Coalbrookdale, in the company of Barnard Dickinson and his wife. From
thence Samuel Hughes accompanied them as guide into Wales, and continued
with them a week.
He proved, says J.Y., a most efficient helper in this wild country,
knowing the roads well, and he was kind and attentive to us and our horse.
The stages are long and hilly, and we are often obliged to go many miles
round the mountains to make our way from one place to another. The road to
Pales is over the moors; we scarcely saw a house for miles, except here
and there a little cot, on a plot of ground obtained as a grant to
encourage industry. These little dwellings were generally surrounded by a
few acres of well-cultivated land enclosed from the moor. It is much to be
regretted that the plan of cottage culture is not more generally promoted;
wherever I see it practised I view it with pleasure, as tending to
increase the comforts of the poor.
On the 19th they attended the Half-year's Meeting at Swansea. A Committee
of the Yearly Meeting was present. Elizabeth Dudley was also there, with a
certificate for religious service; and she and John and Martha Yeardley,
finding that the errand on which they were come was the same, resolved to
join company and travel together through South and North Wales. They were
accompanied throughout the journey by Robert and Jane Eaton of Bryn-y-Mor.
As there are very few meetings of Friends in Wales, the chief part of
their service was beyond the limits of the Society. They met with great
openness in many places from the Methodists and other preachers and their
congregations. From the notes which John Yeardley made of their religious
labors in this journey, we select several passages.
9 _mo_. 13. Aberystwith.--Our first object was to inquire for a place
of meeting. We found they were all engaged for that evening, which
detained us here a day longer than we had expected; but this little
detention enabled us to make acquaintance with two of the Independent
preachers, to whom we became much attached in gospel fellowship, A.
Shadrach and his son. The father preaches in Welsh, and the son in
English. It was comforting to us to meet with two such pious,
humble-minded Christians, laboring diligently to forward the cause of
religion. They kindly offered us their chapel for the evening, and after
the meeting they both expressed much satisfaction in having been favored
with such an opportunity.
9 _mo_. 15.--We arrived pretty early at Machynlleth, which is a clean
little town. We did not know but that we might have proceeded on our
journey after having refreshed ourselves and our horses; but, E.D. feeling
much interested for the people of the town, it seemed best to have a
meeting with them. I walked out, and seeing a good meeting-house, inquired
to what persuasion of people it belonged, and found it was an Independent
chapel, and that the minister lived about a mile and a half in the
country.
The prospect of being unable to make the people understand us was
discouraging; for in the streets there was nothing to be heard but Welsh.
However there was no time for reasoning, it being near twelve o'clock, and
all must be arranged by seven in the evening. After some difficulty we
found the preacher, a kind-hearted pious man, who readily granted his
chapel, and undertook to act as interpreter should occasion require. This
was the only place where we adopted the vulgar mode of giving notice by
the town-crier, so common on all occasions in this country; but the time
was short, and many of the people were not able to read our English
notices, which we generally filled up for the purpose.
The meeting was pretty fully attended, and the people were mostly quiet,
considering there were many who could not understand. When E.D. sat down
the minister repeated in substance what she had said; for, not being used
to speak through an interpreter, she declined his giving sentence by
sentence. When he had done, I felt something press on my mind towards the
poorer classes present, who I was sure could not understand English: so I
stepped down from the pulpit, and placing myself by the minister,
requested he would render for me a few sentences as literally as he could.
This he did kindly, and, I believe, faithfully, to the relief of my mind.
He then addressed a few words on his own account to the assembly and
dismissed them. We regretted the want of the native language, as we could
not have the same command over the meeting as would otherwise have been
the case.
At Barmouth, instead of convening the people to hear the word, they had to
exercise a Christian gift of a different kind--the gift of spiritual
judgment.
9 _mo_. 19.--On entering Barmouth we thought of a meeting with the
inhabitants; but on feeling more closely at the subject the way did not
appear clear; there was something which we could neither see nor feel
through. This power of spiritual discrimination is very precious. How
instructive it is to mark our impressions under various circumstances and
at different times!
9 _mo_. 25.--At Ruthin we obtained information respecting the few
individuals at Llangollen who profess with Friends, and set off to pay
them a visit. We arrived at the beautiful vale of Llangollen to dinner,
and alighted at the King's Head Inn, at the foot of the bridge, which
afforded us a fine view of the Dee. There are at present only four or five
persons who meet regularly as Friends. They live scattered in the country,
and are in the humbler walks of life; but we thought them upright-hearted
Christians who had received their religious principles from conviction. We
saw them on First-day morning in the room where they usually meet, and
again in the evening at our inn, and were much comforted in being with
them. The room where they meet is in such [an obscure situation] that we
should never have found it without a guide. We thought it right to procure
them a more convenient room, which we did.
27_th_.--In the evening we had a public meeting in the Independent
Chapel, which was crowded; there is much openness in the minds of the
people to receive the truths of the gospel. Before the assembly separated,
we proposed to them to establish a school for poor children; several
present their conviction of the want of such an institution, and the
minister was so warm, in the cause that he proposed their commencing
without delay.
28_th_.--We went to Wrexham, and had a meeting in the evening. The
notice was short, but the people came punctually, and a precious time it
was. After it was over several bore testimony to the good which had been
extended to them that evening, and were ready to cling to the instruments,
inviting us to have a meeting with them when we came again that way.
This favored time, at the close of our labors among a people whom I much
love, seemed like a crown on our exit from long-to-be-remembered Wales. My
heart was humbled in reverent thankfulness to the Father of all our
mercies, who had graciously preserved us in outward danger, and sustained
us in many an inward conflict.
At Coalbrookdale they bade an affectionate and gospel farewell to the
Friends with whom they had been so closely united in this long journey,
and returned to Burton on the 20th of the Tenth Month.
In the Eleventh Month they made a circuit through Lancashire, taking all
the meetings of Friends in course. They found "several meetings chiefly
composed of such as had joined the Society on the ground of convincement,
mostly in places where no ministering Friend resided." In visiting one of
these small meetings, John Yeardley relates a circumstance in the gospel
labors of his friend Joseph Wood:--
We visited a little newly-settled meeting at Thornton Marsh, near Poulton
in the Fylde. Our worthy friend Joseph Wood had the first meeting of our
Society that was ever held in this part. It is so thinly inhabited that
the Friends wondered at his concern to request a meeting; but one was
appointed for him at an inn, I think a solitary house; a good many poor
people came, and it was a most remarkable time. J.W. said afterwards he
believed there would be a meeting of Friends in that neighborhood, but
perhaps not in his time. It has now been settled about eighteen months.
This journey occupied them about two weeks, and on returning home John
Yeardley makes the following animating remark:--
The retrospect of this journey in connexion with that of Wales afforded a
sweet feeling of peace. We were often low and discouraged, but help was
mercifully extended in the time of need. I often wish I had more faith to
go forth in entire reliance on the Divine Arm of power, for truly in the
Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
On the conclusion of this engagement followed a month of quiet but
industrious occupation at home.
12 _mo_. 25.--A month has been spent in the quiet, in reading, writing,
and many other things in course. Leisure being afforded, I have spent a
good deal of time in reading diligently and attentively the Holy
Scriptures, I trust to some profit.
After this seasonable pause, John and Martha Yeardley were much occupied
with a projected change in their place of residence, which issued in their
removal, in the spring of 1831, to Scarborough. The motive which induced
them to make choice of this place, and the feelings under which the change
was accomplished, are fully unfolded in the Diary.
We have for some time been on the look-out for a change in our residence.
Inclination would have led us to remain in our own Monthly Meeting, but a
strong impression that it might be right for us to remove for some time to
Scarborough, has remained with us ever since we visited that place in the
Seventh Month, and has always stood in the way of our fixing elsewhere,
although very often have we tried to put it from us. We were so desirous
to settle at C. [near Pontefract], that only five pounds a year in the
rent saved us from taking the step. It was my prayer at the time, and
always has been, that we might be rightly directed, and I had a hope that
if it was not right for us to go to C. something might turn up to prevent
it. And since we could not agree for the house which was offered us in
that place, we concluded to go for a short time to Scarborough, and try
the fleece there, under the belief that we should then be enabled rightly
to determine. This I hope has been the case, for we had not been many
days, I may say hours, in the town, before we were fully convinced it was
the place for us to settle in.
Having made trial of Scarborough, they returned to Burton to arrange for
their removal, which took place on the 7th of the Fifth Month.
We have now seen John Yeardley for many years in the devoted exercise of
his calling of a gospel minister. It is instructive to follow him, as we
are able to do soon after his removal to Scarborough, into his chamber,
and see how, when alone with the gracious Giver, he was wont to regard the
precious gift; how he lamented that he had not used the talent more
diligently; 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 heart.
6 _mo_. 8.--The important duty of a gospel minister has this day been
brought closely under my consideration. It is most assuredly the imperious
duty of those who are called to feed the flock, to labor diligently for
the good of others. With respect to myself, I feel greatly ashamed; and it
has occurred to me that should I he cast on a bed of sickness, or
otherwise be deprived of an opportunity of exercising this gift, it would
be an awful consideration, and cause of deep regret, that I had not better
improved the time. The hardness of heart in others, as well as in one's
self, is difficult to penetrate; nothing but the power of divine grace can
reach it, and this requires not only waiting for, but also laboring to
overcome the wandering and unsettled thoughts to which the poor mind is
subject. Merciful Father, give me more confidence in the gift which, thou
hast bestowed on me, and favor me with a greater portion of strength to
minister thy word faithfully. "Who then is that faithful and wise steward
whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their
portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when
he cometh shall find so doing."--(Luke xii. 42, 43.)
Tenderly mindful of the religious wants of those whom they had lately
left, so early as the Seventh Month John and Martha Yeardley revisited the
several congregations in Pontefract Monthly Meeting. They were both
humbled and comforted in the course of this visit.
We were, says J.Y., united in sympathy to many dear friends within the
circle from whence we have removed, and I was strengthened to labor
according to the ability received from day to day.
Since this little journey, he continues, we have been pretty much at home
attending the meetings in course in the neighborhood. We are comfortably
settled in our new abode, which feels to us really a home as to the
outward in every respect; and in a religious sense we entirely believe it
is our right allotment for the present.
In this new halting-place of his earthly pilgrimage, John Yeardley
experienced an increase of freedom, of spirit, and of faith and joy in his
Saviour.
10 _mo_. 7.--For a few days past I have felt my mind raised above the earth
and fixed on heavenly things. 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 Christian. I humbly trust this quietude
of mind is in answer to prayer; for I have long supplicated for a renewal
of faith, and that a little spiritual strength might he given me to rise
above the slavish fear of man. My heart was almost sick with doubting; 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 ministry, if I were faithful in accepting the portion of strength
which is offered. Grant that this may be the case, dearest Saviour!
10 _mo_. 23.--My heart is filled with wonder, love and praise, in
contemplating the goodness of Almighty God to his poor, unworthy
creatures. When we have done all that is required of us, we are
unprofitable servants; but how often we come short of doing this. And yet
so gracious, so good, and so just is our Divine Master, that he suffers
not the least act of obedience to lose its reward, but is continually
encouraging and stimulating us to greater devotedness of heart.
The persuasion which he and Martha Yeardley entertained of the need there
was in the Society for increased means of scriptural instruction, led
them, soon after they removed to Scarborough, to propose the establishment
of a Bible class. The plan was for questions on the Scriptures, to be
given in anonymously in writing by the members, and answers to be returned
in the same way at the next meeting. The scheme was at that time almost,
if not quite, a novelty in the Society, but it was accepted with pleasure
and confidence by the Friends of Scarborough, and the meetings were
maintained for many years. There is an intermission in J.Y.'s diary at
this period, but he makes allusion to the class soon after its
establishment in a letter to his sisters S. and R.S.
Chapel House, 6 mo. 30, 1832.
By way of a relaxation from haymaking this charming morning, I have been
again perusing your affectionate notes, which you were so kind and
thoughtful as to forward us by our dear brother and family. I felt the
deprivation exceedingly of not attending the last Yearly Meeting, but
quite think it may have been all for the best.
But I will proceed at once to the real object of my now addressing you,
which is to say we cannot be satisfied without your paying us a visit this
summer. We think we have much to invite you to. I think you would feel
some interest in our Bible class: it becomes increasingly instructive and
agreeable to all engaged in it. I so highly approve of this mode of
Scripture instruction, that I think the time is not far distant when they
will become more general. We meet once every two weeks when nothing
intervenes to prevent.
The autumn of this year was taken up with a series of public meetings,
mostly in the East Riding, in the greater part of which J. and M.Y. had
the company of Isabel Casson of Hull.
In the Eleventh. Month, at the same time that they returned the minute
which had been granted them, for this service, they laid before their
friends the prospect of more extensive travel in the work of the Gospel
than any they had undertaken before. 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 mind; 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 service, and to take up their abode for a
while with companies of persons whom they should find like-minded with
themselves; and also to perform the unaccomplished duty of visiting the
Piedmontese valleys. Considering the extent of country over which they
travelled, the varied nature of their labors, and the large number of
serious-minded and sympathizing persons with whom they were brought into
relation, this journey may perhaps be regarded as the most active and
fruitful period of their lives. We are able, as we have so often been
before, to read their impressions of duty, and their feelings, their
hopes, doubts, and aspirations, in J.Y.'s simple and faithful Diary.
11 _mo_. 7.--Yesterday was our Monthly Meeting at Pickering, and to me a
very memorable one. We stated to our friends the prospect of a visit to
some of the Grecian Islands and the Morea, the Protestant valleys of
Piedmont, and some parts of Germany, Switzerland, and France. 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 kind. For the
last nine months it has not been absent from my thoughts for many hours
together. It has cost me not a little to come at resignation; but my
Heavenly Father has been very gracious, and has brought me into a
willingness to do his will. If I know my own heart I have one prevailing
desire, and that is to devote the remainder of my days to his service; and
my prayers are very fervent that he may be pleased to give me faith,
patience, and perseverance to do and to suffer all that his wisdom may
permit to befal me. I am often ready to covenant with him to go where he
may be pleased to send, even to the ends of the world, if he will
strengthen me with his strength, enlighten me with his light, guide me by
his counsel, and prepare me for glory. "If thy presence go not with me,
carry us not up hence."
They left Scarborough in the Second Month, and spent the time which
intervened before the Yearly Meeting in social visits in London and the
neighborhood, in preparing for the journey and studying the modern Greek
language.
Nothing, says J.Y., 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 us.--(3 mo. 4.)
A chief desideratum had been to find a Greek who should accompany them as
guide into his native country. "Ever since," says M.Y., in a letter of the
Twelfth Month, 1832, "we have resigned ourselves to this arduous mission,
my dear husband has frequently said, 'If we are to go into Greece, how I
wish we might find some companion for the journey, some _Greek_ to
conduct us into his country, to us altogether strange and unknown!'" A
letter from Stephen Grellet to William Allen, which was sent down to J.
and M. Yeardley, was the opportune means of supplying this want. It spoke
of a Greek girl then at the school at Locle, named Argyri Climi, who was
exceedingly desirous of returning to Greece, and whose simple and
teachable character recommended her at once to their attention. "When,"
continues M.Y., "we came to this part of Stephen Grellet's letter, we were
both deeply moved, believing that thus the way might be prepared before
us."
They communicated their thoughts on this interesting subject to M.A.
Calame, proposing when they visited Locle to take A. Climi as their
companion into Greece. During their sojourn in London they received a
letter from A. Climi, written in French, in which that amiable young
person signified the pleasure and gratitude with which she accepted their
proposal.
Locle. 29th of April, 1833.
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
country. How could I have ventured to hope that I should have the
happiness of being with such kind and beloved friends. I cannot express
the joy I felt when Mademoiselle Calame made your proposal known to me.
How great is the mercy of God! How often might he have turned away his
face from me and cast me off; but instead of forsaking me he has looked
upon me in mercy, and shown me that he wills not that sinners should
perish, but that they should have eternal life. Was it not he who saved me
from the hands of the Turks, and brought me to Switzerland, and placed me
with charitable protectors, who are never weary of doing me good? And now
he has crowned it all, by giving you to me as guides and protectors in my
long journey, and that I may settle again in my own country.
Your grateful
ARGYRI CLIMI.[6]
The meeting in London at which their prospect of foreign travel was
ratified, was a time of spiritual favor. With such credentials, and with a
sense of the divine commission and guidance, clear and unmistakable, like
that which John Yeardley enjoyed, many may be ready to exclaim, Who would
not go forth on an errand like this to the ends of the earth! Such may be
reminded, for their consolation, that if the will is laid as an unbroken
offering at the foot of the cross; if all their powers are consecrated to
the Lord, and his Spirit is suffered to penetrate and transform every part
of their being; though a field of labor such as that which was appointed
to John and Martha Yeardley may not be appointed to them, they will, in an
equal degree, inherit the blessing of doing their Lord's will, and may
rest in the promise, "They that wait upon Him shall not want any good
thing."
5 _mo_. 21.--Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Third-day morning. Our
visit to the Grecian Islands, &c. claimed the attention of the meeting. It
was a very precious time; a sweet solemnity prevailed; several Friends
said afterwards, they thought they had never known quite so full an
expression of unity and encouragement on any former occasion. What a favor
it is to have the sympathy and concurrence of the church in such important
concerns! My heart's desire and prayers are that we may be preserved
humble and watchful, relying for help and strength on nothing short of our
Divine Master, the holy Head of his own church. Whatever may befal us on
our intended journey, I wish once more to record my firm conviction that
it is the Lord's requiring, and come life, come death, I desire that my
heart and soul may be given up fully to follow Him who laid down his own
precious life for my sake,--a poor unworthy sinner.
CHAPTER XI.
THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY, OR THE JOURNEY TO GREECE.
1833-4.
PART I.--THE JOURNEY TO ANCONA.
John and Martha Yeardley left London on the 21st of the Sixth Month, 1833.
Travelling through France they found in the places where they halted more
of simplicity and Christian life than they had expected. In Paris,
especially, they were quickly brought into contact with a number of pious
persons to whom their society and their doctrine were welcome, and they
visited many benevolent institutions conducted on broad Christian
principles. This was in the early part of Louis Philippe's reign, and
under the administration of Guizot. In reading their account of these
institutions, 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 power.
Here, and elsewhere during their journey, they wrote letters to members of
the Foreign Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings, descriptive of their
religions labors, from which, after their return, a selection was printed
for the use of Friends. Besides these letters, John Yeardley kept his
usual Diary, which often enables us to add to the narrative, traits of
character and reflections not to be found in their joint epistles.
Amongst the first persons upon whom they called in Paris, were the
Protestant bookseller Risler, and Pastor Grandpierre: the former they
found to be devoted heart and soul to the diffusion of evangelical
religion; the latter they had known on their former journey, and he
received them as his Christian friends. He introduced them to Mademoiselle
Chabot, a lady who spent her time in translating religious and useful
books into French, and had a class of children in the First-day school.
Respecting this lady, they say:--
Our introduction to this precious character was much to our comfort. We
rejoiced together in contemplating the wonderful work which the Lord has
in mercy begun, and is carrying on in this great city. On First-day
afternoons she attends a school, to which the children of the rich go, as
well as the poor, to be instructed in the Scriptures. The young persons in
her class learn texts, and are questioned to see if they thoroughly
understand the subject. On our asking whether the children answered the
questions from what they had learnt by heart, she replied, "No; it would
be of no use, you know, for the dear children to repeat merely by rote; we
want the great truths of the gospel to sink into their hearts."
After this visit, which refreshed our spirits a little, we called on
Madame D'Aublay, sister-in-law to Brissot, who was executed in the time of
Robespierre. She is a Roman Catholic, and thinks the groundwork of true
religion to be in their church, but that their customs and the mass are
nothing worth. We left her some tracts, and amongst them one of Judge
Hale's, which struck her so forcibly on reading it, that she followed us
to our hotel, to say how much it was suited to her state of mind.
6 _mo_. 30.--After our little meeting this morning with the few
friends resident here, and some others, we went to the Protestant Chapel,
in the Rue Taitbout, to hear the children examined in the Scriptures. Many
of the parents were present. The class which we attended was conducted by
Mademoiselle Chabot. The subject was the crucifixion of our Saviour, the
27th chapter of Matthew. The children repeated the portion they had
learnt, and then Mademoiselle C. questioned them in a simple, sweet, and
instructive manner, calculated to impress the great truths of Christianity
on their minds. A gentleman examined a class of boys; and after this
course of exercise was finished, De Pressensé gave them a lecture from the
Old Testament. The subject was the healing of Naaman, and the manner of
proceeding was simple; the child called upon stood up and answered pretty
much as they do at Ackworth; he repeated a few verses directly bearing on
the subject, and the application which was made was admirable. We were
really edified in being present. How much this kind of instruction is
wanted for many of our poor children in England! How delightful it is to
see a large room filled with Roman Catholic children and parents, all
receiving Christian instruction together! The Roman Catholics no longer
object to send their children to Protestants, because they know they will
be well instructed. The chapel is a beautiful room, with a circular
gallery supported on pillars, and a dome top; and it is the identical
place where, only two years ago, the Saint Simonians held forth their
doctrines:--
...... Oh reformation rare,
The den of modern infidels is become a house of prayer!
7 _mo_. 2.--We had a long walk to the Rue St. Maur, to meet by
appointment our kind friend De Pressensé to visit the schools for mutual
instruction. At this season of the year the children are more busy with
their parents than usual; but in winter there are 200 boys, 200 girls, and
200 children in the infant school, with an evening school for adults.
Scripture extracts are made use of, and also the Scriptures themselves. We
were struck with the quiet and good order of all these schools. I have
seen very few in England where the same stillness is observable. With the
exception of some three or four, all the children are Roman Catholics; and
on First-days, particularly in winter, the room is filled with Roman
Catholic men and women, mostly parents of the children, who come to hear
them examined in the Scriptures and to receive instruction themselves. Our
conductor showed us the boys' gardens. On the walls were grapes hanging in
large bunches, belonging to the master. The boys are so far from stealing
them, that if they find any on the ground, they take them to him. Of the
children who attend at the school, forty-six are provided with bed, board,
and clothing, at a neighboring establishment.
One of the most interesting men with whom J. and M.Y. became acquainted
was Pastor Audebez.
He was, say they, formerly minister at Bordeaux, but received a strong
impression that it was his religious duty to come to Paris. Soon after he
left Bordeaux, a great awakening took place in that neighborhood under the
ministry of his successor, while with himself at Paris all seemed darkness
and discouragement. This induced him to think he had done wrong in
removing, and he was much distressed; but as he persevered in doing what
presented as his duty, his way for usefulness in this great city opened in
a remarkable manner. He first opened the chapel in the Taitbout, and then
one in the Faubourg du Temple, where his labors have been crowned with
success. He told us with great simplicity that he never premeditated or
wrote his sermons, but after reading a portion of Scripture proceeded to
speak from what he felt to impress his mind at the time. He said some of
the ministers considered their discourse before delivering it, and he
believed their mode of preaching was also blessed. Being accustomed to
arrange their thoughts in methodical order, perhaps such might not perform
so well in any other way, and the people were used to it; but he preferred
speaking from a more spontaneous spring of thought, though not so well
arranged as to theological order.
We felt much inclined to hear him for ourselves, and attended in the Rue
St. Maur on First-day evening; and we have this testimony to bear,--that
we heard the _gospel_ preached to the _poor_. He first read the
25th Psalm, and then part of the Epistle to the Romans, which formed the
basis of his exhortation. It reminded me of [what I have read of] the
preaching of the early Christians. My very heart went with his impressive
exhortation to believe in the Lord Jesus as the only means of salvation,
and of the necessity of bringing forth fruits unto holiness.
7 _mo_. 5.--Pastor Grandpierre came to pay us a visit with four of
his missionary students. We had a precious religious opportunity with
them. The Pastor expressed his belief that the power and presence of the
Saviour had been evidently felt among us. The young men were much
tendered; one of them was a grandson of the late Pastor Oberlin, 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 Roche. Three of the young
men who were in the institution at our last visit to Paris are now in
Africa. We admire the principle on which this establishment is conducted;
the inmates are not sent out unless they believe it to be their duty to
go; if this be not the case at the expiration of their term, they return
home.
On the 7th John Yeardley, accompanied by Joseph Grellet, brother of
Stephen Grellet, visited the Sabbath-school in the Rue St. Maur. Martha
Yeardley was indisposed and unable to leave the house.
When the classes had finished, says J.Y., De Pressensé proposed to give a
lecture on a subject from the Old Testament, and bestowed great pains to
make it clear to the infant capacities of the children. I had intimated to
my worthy friend a desire for liberty to express what might arise in my
mind when he had done, which was most readily granted, and after I had
spoken to the children, there seemed great liberty in addressing the
teachers, parents and young persons present. There was much seriousness
the whole time and a precious sense of divine love was over us. Our kind
friend, J. Grellet, interpreted for me in an impressive and clear manner.
The name of Mark Wilks has been for many years identified with the cause
of evangelical religion in Paris. John Yeardley had an interview with him,
and makes an interesting note in his Diary regarding his opinions on the
state of religious parties at this period.
7 _mo_. 9.--This morning I had an interview with Mark Wilks. He
received me very cordially, and, as I expected, I found him full of
religious intelligence; he is just returned from a tour in Switzerland,
and speaks encouragingly of the state of the Christian church in general.
He has resided in Paris fifteen years, and of course seen many changes. He
assured me that the arm of infidelity is weakening; nothing like the same
exertion is made to spread the vile doctrine. The fact is, in some degree,
the people are too indifferent to trouble themselves about it, and would
not spend a son for its promotion; on the other hand, zealous Christians
are doing all in their power to promote the spread of gospel truth.
On the 15th John S. Mollet, who had arrived in Paris after them,
accompanied J. and M.Y. to Madame d'Aublay's.
We met, they say, several of her relations who professed to be Catholics,
but were rather of the philosophical school. They were interested in the
conversation, though nothing of a religious nature occurred. Madame
d'Aublay has distributed many of our books and tracts. The next day she
took us to see more of her friends, much of the same character. We have a
hope that our drawing some of these to the really Christian characters may
do good, since each class expressed surprise to hear us speak to them of
the other. It will be no small satisfaction if any of our Society here
should be like the mortar to bind parties together, and weaken prejudice,
that the one true knowledge may increase.
21_st_--Attended the chapel at the Taitbout this morning. Heard a
discourse by Pastor Grandpierre; he preaches the gospel in its purity,
with much of the right unction. We did not feel out of our place in being
present, and I trust it may have its use both on ourselves and others.
This kind of Christian liberty seems to open our way among the people. In
the evening we had quite a large meeting in our room; several of the
attenders at the Taitbout coming in, together with the Friends in Paris.
It was, adds John Yeardley, a precious tendering time, and I trust
strength was given to preach the gospel; the sick and afflicted were not
forgotten by my M. Y. In supplication.
By "the sick" in the foregoing passage was probably intended Rachel, wife
of Dr. Waterhouse of Liverpool, and daughter of David and Abigail Dockray.
This young Friend, who was ill in the neighborhood of Paris, was about to
be removed to England, but at the very time when the carriage was at the
door she was struck with paralysis. This happened two days before the
meeting just described, and J. and M.Y. had hastened to offer their
sympathy and aid to her afflicted husband and mother. They deferred their
departure from Paris in order to remain with the family, and they both
took turns in assisting to watch, by the bed-side of the sufferer. She
survived only a few days, and expired, in the hope and peace of the
gospel, the day after they quitted the city.
We may conclude the narrative of this interesting visit to Paris with a
short reflection by Martha Yeardley.
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 man, and this is the doctrine preached and maintained by the
writings of the truly devoted Christians in this place, who are brought to
profess living faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the
Beginning and the End.
They found the country on the road to Nancy very agreeable.
29_th, evening_.--The white houses among the trees, and the vines on the
hill-sides, form a picturesque landscape. The reapers were busy in the
harvest fields; and the ground that is cleared of its burdens gives proof
of the diligence of the French farmer; the plougher, if not the sower,
literally overtakes the reaper. In the forepart of the route we saw much
wood and water, hill and dale, with cattle feeding in the peaceful
pastures, which is a lovely sight. As we advanced towards Chalons, it
became less interesting, more flat, with fewer trees and meadows.
Everywhere the harvest more forward than in England, but the crops much
more light and thin.
They entered Nancy under a feeling of gloom, and it was some time before
they could find relief to their minds; but by patiently pursuing the paths
of intercourse which opened before them, they were enabled to deposit with
some serious individuals their accustomed testimony to the simple
spiritual nature of the gospel. In allusion to this trial of their
patience John Yeardley remarks:--
I cannot, I dare not, complain, when I think of the difficulties some of
our Friends had to encounter who travelled on the Continent years ago,
when darkness prevailed to a much greater extent. The want of the
language, &c., which some of them experienced, must have been very trying.
It is to me an unspeakable comfort to be able to understand the language
of the country where we travel.
Travelling by the Diligence being too rapid for Martha Yeardley's state of
health, they hired a carriage and horses to take them to Strasburg, and
found this mode of travelling less expensive, as well as much less
fatiguing, than the public conveyance.
8 _mo_. 5.--Left Nancy at 6 o'clock in the morning, and had a
delightful journey. I feel particularly peaceful in spirit, and a degree
of resignation pervades my heart to be given fully up to do the will of my
Heavenly Father.
Our mode of travelling afforded us an opportunity of calling at
Phalsbourg, where we found a handful of Protestants, about twenty-six
families, mostly German settlers. On inquiring for the minister, we found
he was engaged with his class at the college. His wife appeared surprised
at seeing such strangers, thinking from our dress and our speaking French,
we were no doubt Roman Catholics. We soon perceived the family were
Germans, and I then addressed them in their native tongue, which
immediately, opened the way to their hearts. Nothing would satisfy the
good woman but that we must call at the college to see her husband. He was
embarrassed on being so suddenly called out of the class, and appeared a
little fearful; but when he understood who we were, and our mission, he
became almost overjoyed to see us. There has been a little awakening in
this place, and a desire to obtain the Scriptures. One of them said, "I
have been accustomed to smoke tobacco, but have now left it off, and I
will put the money into the box to save for a Bible." Another said, "I
have been accustomed to take snuff, but I will now save the money for a
Bible." And another said, "I have drunk more wine than I need; I will take
less, and subscribe for a Bible." This little account in such a dark
place was quite cheering; for they are surrounded and oppressed by the
Roman Catholics, in whose presence they are afraid to speak.
On entering Alsace, the view of the country was enchanting. We dined at
Sarrebourg, which appeared at a distance like a town in the midst of a
wood.
At Strasburg they were received in an ingenuous manner by some enlightened
Roman Catholics, who did all in their power to forward their object; but
it was not until they fell in with the Protestant Professor Cuvier, that
they found the proper channel for the work of the gospel. In few places
did they find brighter tokens of inward spiritual religion.
8 _mo_. 6.--Called on Professor Cuvier and delivered the letter which
Mark Wilks had kindly given us. We found the professor an humble-minded
Christian, kind and affectionate. He conducted us to Pastor Majors, who
was born in Prussia, and speaks German and French well. We soon became
united to him in spirit. He is one of the _inward_ school, and a
diligent laborer in the Lord's vineyard. He has been here about three
months as pastor of a little handful of Christians. He is fully sensible
of the necessity of a right preparation of heart before acceptable worship
can be performed. He said when the people came to their place of worship
they were full of the world, and the word preached did not profit, because
it did not sink into their hearts. I believe he fully comprehends the
nature of true silence; and he is acquainted with many _interior_
persons whom we wish to see in Switzerland, &c. This dear man was nine
months in Corfu, preparing to be a missionary there; but he was taken ill,
and suffered much in body and mind. The way in which he mentioned the
wonderful dealings of the Lord with him was to me very instructive. He
told me he had not been sufficiently careful to seek divine counsel before
he undertook the mission; and it had pleased the Almighty to bring him
into the deeps, and instruct him in the school of affliction; and he can
now most fully acknowledge there is no safety but under the guidance of
the Holy Spirit. He and a few others have united for the purpose of
printing and circulating small tracts, purely Scripture extracts. They
are now engaged in forming a selection for every day in the year, from the
Old and New Testament. I accord much with their work; it is just what I
have thought of for a long time.
Pastor Majors conducted us to Professor Ehrmann, a worthy Christian,
simple-hearted and spiritually-minded. His two daughters are precious
young women; the older of them recollected to have seen us at Kornthal,
in 1827. She knew us instantly, and appeared overcome with joy and
surprise, though we could not recollect her. It is no wonder we should
have felt so much attraction to this place, though on entering the town I
was, as usual, extremely discouraged, and I feel unworthy to be employed
in the least service of my holy Redeemer.
On the 7th they dined at the La Combes, a Catholic family, who took them
to see the House of Correction, where John Yeardley interrogated the boys
in the prison school, and afterwards addressed them. In the evening they
were present at Pastor Majors' Bible-class.
It is composed, says J.Y., of ten young men, who meet once a week at his
lodging, and he instructs them in the Scriptures. I rejoiced to meet with
them. Before the conclusion we had a religious opportunity, in which I was
strengthened to express what was on my mind. The pastor offered a prayer
in which our hearts truly united. The Saviour's love was very precious to
our souls, and I trust we were edified together in the Lord.
8_th_.--The Pastor Majors called for us to pay a few visits. He is so
spiritual and _interior_ in his walk with God that it does me good to
be in his company. Passing along the street, he said, We will just speak
to a man who has been in England; he will be pleased to see you. He was
alone in his meal and flour shop, which is apart from the house. He
received us heartily; and on our coming away he pressed us to go up and
speak to his daughters. 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 missionaries, and to read. After sitting a while with them, one of
the girls in much simplicity handed the Bible to our friend, and he read a
chapter in the First Epistle of Peter, which was followed by a Friends'
meeting with these dear young persons. I felt great openness in addressing
them, and thankfulness filled my heart to the Father of mercies for
having given us this casual opportunity of preaching the gospel.
In the evening we went to meeting with Pastor M.'s flock. He has taken the
first floor of a good house, and appropriates three rooms opening one into
another for a meeting-house, placing his pulpit, which is on wheels, in
the doorway, so that when the meeting hour is over he can put the pulpit
aside and make the rooms his dwelling. The rooms are fitted with long
benches; the men and women sit separate and enter by different doors. The
worship is conducted with much solemnity; they have for the present
discontinued singing. They sat in silence some time at the commencement,
when Majors offered a short prayer, and then read and expounded a small
portion of Scripture. When he had finished he introduced us as English
friends. He had told me previously that if I felt anything to say, I had
only to intimate it to him. This liberty was acceptable to me, for I had
felt much exercise of mind for the people; and after we had rested some
time in silence, I was strengthened to speak with great freedom, and the
power of the Most High was over us. Many thirsty souls were present, who,
I believe, know the value of true silence. The two rooms for the women
were crowded, and the stillness which pervaded was remarkable. A military
man addressed me after the meeting, in English, expressing his great
satisfaction and joy in being present; he is a regular attendant at this
place of worship. The pastor said he was comforted and thankful that the
Spirit of the Lord had been with us, and divided his word to the state of
the people.
On the 9th, Professor Krafft and Pastor Majors conducted them to the
Agricultural School for destitute children at Neuhoff, four miles from the
city. This well-known institution was founded by a man who had been taken
as a child out of the streets, and whose wife had been brought up in an
orphan-house. John Yeardley says:--
The arrangement of the farm-yard, &c., and the cropping of the land are
pretty much the same as at Beuggen, near Basle, and what is now practised
at Lindfield; and it is just what we want Rawden to be--at least what I
should like to see it. Before leaving the premises, we had the children
assembled in the schoolroom, and held a meeting with them, with which we
were well satisfied. There is a sweet spirit of inward piety in the master
and mistress.
On First-day, the 11th, they attended Pastor Majors' meeting in the
morning, and in the afternoon appointed a meeting of their own in the same
place, at which some hundreds were present.
It was a precious tendering season; much openness was felt in preaching
the word, and I trust many hearts were reached by the power of the Holy
Spirit. At 7 o'clock we held our usual meeting in the room at the inn, to
which came many of our friends; and I trust we were again favored with the
presence of the Divine Master. To conclude the evening, we went to
Professor Ehrmann's, where we partook of tea, fruit, wine, &c. It felt to
us a true feast of love.
This has been a day of much exercise; but best help has been near in the
time of need, and I feel sweet peace. There is a great awakening in this
place; thirty of the young women are preciously visited. In accompanying
them home, some of them expressed to me that it had been a blessed and
happy day, they hoped never to be forgotten. These dear lambs are near to
us in gospel love, and I am glad they have such a minister in Pastor M.:
he stands quite alone, not being connected with any other Society.
In reading of days spent like that which has just been described, 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 obedience. The stage on which
he was called to act was not the most public; the part which he had to
perform was unobtrusive; but when the value of strengthening the weak,
comforting the afflicted, and, above all, skilfully dividing the word of
truth in the anointed ministry of the gospel, comes rightly to be
estimated, it cannot be said but that the fruit was in some sort
commensurate with the power of the call and the extent of the preparation.
The next day and the succeeding were occupied by John and Martha Yeardley
in an excursion to the Ban de la Roche, of which the former gives the
following account in his Diary.
12_th_.--In company with Majors, we set off at 6 o'clock to the Ban
de la Roche. We had a most delightful drive by the side of the river,
flowing along the fertile meadows: the hills on each side variegated with
trees of almost every color, and occasional vineyards added to the
richness of the scene. After travelling twelve leagues, we arrived at
Foudai, where we met with an affectionate and hearty welcome from the
whole family of the Legrands. The two families live together in one house,
with their lovely children. We took tea with them, and then proceeded up
Steinthal to Waldbach, to the house of the late pious Oberlin. Pastor
Raucher's wife and daughter were out when we arrived; but we spent a
little time with the dear old Louise, who is lively in spirit, us to be
near her. The pastor's wife and daughter came home in the evening, and
received us with open arms. We spent the night there, and they accompanied
us the next morning to the Legrands' to breakfast, about a league in
distance. After we had breakfasted, we requested a chapter might be read,
and then had a precious meeting with them. We were so knit together in
spirit, that we could hardly separate from one another. They accompanied
us, on leaving, all the way up the hill, when we again took an
affectionate farewell.
The conversation of our dear friend Majors has been to me truly
instructive, and I trust our being thus thrown together is in divine
wisdom. We have gone very fully into the nature, of our church discipline,
and have had much spiritual conversation to the refreshment of our souls.
We arrived at Strasburg about 7 o'clock, and I attended the class of his
young men, which afforded me once more an opportunity to speak to them of
the things that belong to their eternal peace.
Their religious service in Strasburg finished with a visit to the family
of Professor Ehrmann, in which Martha Yeardley ministered to the company,
and they commended one another in solemn supplication to the safe keeping
of Israel's Shepherd.
Both the German and French languages are spoken in Strasburg. In their
religious communications to those who spoke German, J. and M.Y. sometimes
availed themselves of the interpretation of Pastor Majors, who they found
was never at a loss, and who said, "It is no difficulty for me to
interpret for you, because you say the very things that are in my heart."
From Strasburg they went on to Colmar and Mülhausen. The latter place,
particularly interested them, from the number of persons recently awakened
there, and they held several meetings in the town. John Yeardley says:--
In the whole district of Alsace there is a great deal of spiritual
religion among the different professors; but in some of the ministers
there is great deadness, or else infidelity.
The next halting-place on their route was Basle. This city, and the little
canton of which it is the capital, were then in a state of civil war. The
great political eruption of 1830, by which half Europe had been convulsed,
continued to agitate Switzerland long after it had spent its force
elsewhere. On the 3rd of the month, a little more than two weeks before
the date at which we are arrived, a large body of the citizens, under
arms, went out to reduce the peasants to subjection: the latter gave them
battle amongst the hills and entirely defeated them, killing 200 of their
number. The ferment was gradually subsiding when J. and M.Y. were in the
city.
They found the town pretty quiet, though full of soldiers. A general
sentiment seemed to prevail amongst serious persons, that the judgments of
the Lord were upon the country.
Poor Switzerland, exclaims J.Y., what an awful judgment is come upon thee!
Is it to be wondered at? within the last six months they have persecuted
and banished twenty ministers from the Canton of Basle, simply because
they preached the gospel, and the unbelieving inhabitants could not bear
it.
They visited the Mission-House, and held a large meeting there with the
students and others; Pastor Majors, who was present, from Strasburg,
interpreting for them. "It was," says J.Y., "a season long to be
remembered."
From Basle, they took the Diligence direct to Locle, where they spent two
days with M.A. Calame's large and interesting family. They were introduced
to Argyri Climi, whom they describe as a girl of "pensive character and
genteel manners." On the 26th they descended the slope of the Jura to
Neufchâtel.
About 5 o'clock, says John Yeardley, we came in sight of the snow-capped
Alps. I saw them for some time through the trees, but the sun shone so
bright that I did not for a moment imagine they were any other than
clouds; but coming out from the wood I soon discovered my mistake; and a
most majestic, sublime sight, indeed it is.
At Neufchâtel they took a lodging a little way out of the town, by the
lake, and remained there a month, receiving and making calls and holding
meetings for worship at the houses of their friends, as Professor
Pétavel's, ---- Châtelain's, and in their own rooms. At the close of a day
spent in this manner J.Y. says:--
I feel this evening a degree of sweet peace, and a strong desire to become
more united to my Saviour, who died that we might live. When the mind is
fixed on eternity, how little do all other things appear! Lord, redeem me
from the world, and grant me power to live for thee alone!--(9
_mo_. 1.)
His observations on another similar occasion mark the religious state of
the deeply interesting company in this place, amongst whom they went about
in the liberty of the gospel.
9 _mo_. 24.--In the afternoon had a long walk with our dear friend
Pétavel's family, quite to the top of the mountains, from which we had the
most delightful view possible. In the evening we took tea with them; and,
a few others coming in, we had a religious opportunity before parting. It
is extraordinary how great is the desire to hear the word in its
simplicity; they love the simplicity of the gospel, but probably are not
prepared, as yet, to hold silent meetings alone. They all say it is
remarkable we should be sent among them in this time of war in the land
with the message of peace.
The little meeting which had been begun by Auguste Borel had been
discontinued in consequence of his removal into the country. He visited
them, and they found him alive in the truth and full of affection as
before.
Amongst a number of new acquaintances, one of the most interesting was a
Polish Countess. She lodged near them, with her husband and child, and
sent to desire the liberty of calling on them. Martha Yeardley had often
longed to become acquainted with her; and she, as she told them
afterwards, had felt so strongly inclined towards them when she met them
on the promenade that she could not rest without seeking their
acquaintance.
At the time fixed, say J. and M.Y., the Countess came alone, her husband
being unwell, and asked a few questions respecting our views in
travelling. She is a Roman Catholic by profession, but has been brought up
in great ignorance of her religion, and quite in the gaiety of the world.
She deeply lamented the state of her unhappy country, to which a fatality
seemed to attach, and spoke of her own particular trials, having lost four
of her children. Whilst we were endeavoring to make her sensible of the
mercies which are often hid under the most painful dispensations, an
English missionary, who had been engaged in preaching to many of the
Polish refugees in the country, came in with Professor Pétavel. They
became much interested for the Countess, and in reply to some of her
questions, the missionary explained the truths of the gospel in a clear
and satisfactory way. We rejoiced in the unexpected meeting; several
others came in, and it proved a memorable visit.
When again alone with the Countess she continued her history, opening her
heart to M.Y. with the greatest confidence. In former years, she said, she
had been drawn to seek the Lord, but for awhile affliction seemed to
harden her heart, and she lost the religious impressions she had received;
but now she felt again a desire to become acquainted with her Saviour, for
she was miserable and felt the need of such a refuge.
22_nd_.--In the afternoon the Count and Countess paid us a visit. He
is a man of strong mind, weary of the disappointing pleasures of the
world, and happily turned to seek comfort in the substantial truths of
religion. The Countess was delighted to find that we were of the same
Society as William Penn, whose name her father much revered. They desired
permission to attend our meeting; and a little before the hour we called
on them, and they accompanied us to Professor Pétavel's, where we had a
room quite filled and a good meeting. At the conclusion M.Y. made some
apology to the Countess for the imperfect manner in which the
communication was made; but she replied, "It comes from the heart, and it
goes to the heart." After the meeting none seemed disposed to move, and
the Countess commenced asking questions directing to passages of the
Scriptures, apparently desirous to confirm the practices of the Romish
Church, but sincerely seeking to have the conviction of her own heart
confirmed that they were errors. It is not easy to describe the interest
which this scene presented. An accomplished Roman Catholic lady proposing
questions of the deepest moment, and the learned but pious and humble
Professor Pétavel answering them with the Bible in his hand, while a
roomful of attentive hearers were, we trust, reaping deep instruction.
Argyri joined them on the 27th at Neufchatel,[7] and they left that city
the same day for Geneva.
Here they tarried nearly a fortnight, were received with much affection by
their old friends, and had a few religious meetings. Martha Yeardley
says:--
We met with several very interesting persons at Geneva, and had three
religious opportunities with them; at the last meeting the number was much
increased, but the place is not like Neufchâtel. The different societies
make bonds for themselves and for one another, so that love and harmony do
not sufficiently prevail amongst them.
Our stay in this place, writes John Yeardley, has been a time of distress
of mind and perplexity of thought, arising probably from the great weight
and importance of the journey before us, and the anxiety of providing a
conveyance through a strange and dark country. After much difficulty, we
have concluded a written contract with an Italian _voiturier_ to take
us to Ancona. May our Divine Keeper, in his infinite mercy, grant us
protection and safety, even in the hands of ungodly men!
The journey to Ancona took them seventeen days; they crossed the Alps by
the Simplon, and traversed Italy through Milan and Bologna. Martha
Yeardley touches upon a few points of the journey in a letter to Elizabeth
Dudley.
Ancona, 11 mo. 4.
We had much to do before we could meet with a suitable conveyance, and at
length trusted ourselves with our Italian coachman, who could not speak
French. For a certain sum he was to give us three places in his coach, and
provide us with food and lodging by the way. The other passenger inside
was an Englishman, who spoke very little French and no Italian, and
another Englishman outside was in the same situation. We could not but
feel ourselves a very helpless company when arriving at the inns, which
were quite of an inferior class, and little or no French spoken. We did
pretty well, however, till we got to Milan, where we rested some days; and
our Englishmen were exchanged for an Italian priest who spoke no French,
and a Swiss who was a little useful to us as far as Bologna; after this
place we travelled five days alone. The inns on this side of Milan are
much worse, and from the detention of our passports in the towns we passed
through, we were often prevented from reaching the place of destination,
and obliged to lodge at villages, where we suffered much in the way of
food and lodging; yet through all we were favored to bear the journey much
better than I expected. My J.Y. was rather poorly for two days, and I was
extremely anxious about him; but the sight of the Gulf of Venice seemed to
help to restore him.
At Sinigaglia, a town eighteen miles from this, they told us that we
should just meet the vessel which was to sail on the 30th. Judge then what
was our disappointment when, on arriving at the inn here, we found that it
was gone.
This disappointment was a severe trial of their patience; but they
consoled themselves with reflecting that "good in some shape might arise
out of the seeming evil."
Ancona, says John Yeardley, is beautifully situated on the side of a high
hill, in appearance at a distance a perfect model of Scarborough. There
are in the place a good many Greeks, one of whom Argyri recognised as we
inquired at his shop the way to the Post-office. On returning she made
herself known to him, and he shows us every attention; he is a fine
looking man, with a countenance as strong as brass. We are comfortably
lodged, with a delightful view of the harbor, but our hearts are in Corfu.
Our young companion, adds M.Y., is amiable and very quick, but not of much
use to us respecting her native tongue, which she retains but very
imperfectly, and is not at all fond of speaking it.
The houses are high, and many of the streets narrow and offensive, for
want of cleanliness and from an immense population; such numbers are
continually in the streets, that there is no quiet or good air in the
town. The darkness is extreme, and the dissipation apparently very great;
the oppression of our spirits at some periods is almost insupportable; and
yet I am at times very sensible of the calming influence of divine love,
with a sense that, having acted to the best of our judgment, we must
resign ourselves to wait for the return of the steam-packet from England.
When on arriving here we found there were no letters, and that probably
they were sent to Corfu, my heart sank within me. We have, however, been
since cheered by receiving a very kind letter from dear Robert Forster;
nothing could have been more in season than this token of remembrance.
Finding no suitable vessel for Corfu, with the assistance of their Greek
friend they hired a lodging, and gave their time to the study of Italian
and the Modern Greek. Religions labor was hardly to be thought of; the
government of the town and every public office was under the direction of
the Roman Catholic priests, of whom there were more than 400. However,
they were enabled to hold improving intercourse with some individuals,
mostly Greeks; "for whom," says Martha Yeardley, "we felt much interest,
and some, I believe, became attached to us; we gave them a few books."
Before commencing with their visit to the Ionian Islands, it will be
interesting to glance at the circle of Friends whom they had left in
England. From the letters which have been preserved, we select the
following extract: the first is from the pen of one who may be described
as sound in heart and understanding, of extensive knowledge and large
Christian charity.
Scarborough, 10 mo. 16, 1833.
MY DEAR FRIENDS.
Accept my grateful acknowledgments, and through me those of all your
friends in this neighborhood, for the copies which I have received of your
interesting journals. It is indeed a cause of rejoicing to us that you
have been so favored in meeting with so many pious persons with, whom you
could hold Christian fellowship, and among whom there is strong reason for
believing your labors have not been in vain. It is to me very gratifying
that you feel and exercise so much Christian freedom in mingling among
persons of various denominations, whom, though owing to education and to
various circumstances, they may differ considerably in opinion on subjects
of minor importance, yet conscious of one common disease--that of sin, and
looking for or experiencing the only remedy--reconciliation with God
through one Saviour,--you can salute as brethren and sisters in the truth,
and feel your spirits refreshed whilst you enjoy the privilege of
refreshing theirs; and like Aquila and Priscilla, with Apollos, are made
the instruments, I trust, of "expounding unto them the way of God more
perfectly." My dear mother thinks that the persons you meet with must be
more spiritually-minded than Christians in this country. They have,
perhaps, from external circumstances, experienced deeper baptisms, and
have made greater sacrifices, than many amongst us have been called upon
to make; and we know that ease and outward prosperity have not been
favorable to the interests of the true Church: but, without doubt, they
are exposed to similar dangers to those in this land whose minds have been
awakened to the importance of religious truth.
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
Riding, the writer continues:--
On the journey I received intelligence of the decease of Hannah Whitaker;
the account produced a strong sensation in the minds of Friends generally,
who felt much for our dear afflicted friend Robert Whitaker, and for the
loss which the institution at Ackworth has sustained. I have had a note
from R.W., written evidently under very desponding feelings; yet he knows
where alone consolation is to be sought, and I still cherish the hope that
his valuable services will not be lost to the establishment in which they
have been so long blessed.
We intend to meet as a Bible class on Second-day evening: our number will
be small, but I hope we shall persevere. Your house and garden look much
as usual; but I scarcely like to look at them, since I cannot go to spend
such pleasant evenings as I used to do there. However, I believe you are
in the way of your duty, and I know it would he wrong in me to repine at
the loss of your company.
I trust you do not forget our poor little company in your approaches to
the throne of grace. You are, I believe, the subjects of many prayers: O
that the parties who offer them were more worthy!
Your affectionate friend,
JOHN ROWNTREE.
This letter was endorsed by one from J.R.'s mother (the Elizabeth Rowntree
whom the reader may remember as the hostess of J. and M. Yeardley on their
first visit to Scarborough,) from which we extract a few lines.
The accounts I have received have often helped to cheer my drooping mind,
to hear how many you have met with in various places, who could sit down
with you in worshipping the Father in spirit and in truth. I have thought
of the privileges many of us have had, yet I think many you have met with
may make us ashamed of ourselves; and the desire of my heart has often
been that we may be more deepened.
John Rowntree's letter contained the information that Richard Cockin, of
Doncaster, a Friend universally known and respected in the Society, had
been physically disabled by a stroke of paralysis. R. C. himself wrote at
the same time to John and Martha Yeardley, describing his affliction,
which he received with childlike resignation as a message of love from a
Father's hand.
I have, he says, no expectation of getting again to meeting, and it does
not appear probable I shall be able again to get down stairs. With respect
to the state of my mind, it was an occasion of grateful admiration to me
that such & poor unworthy creature as I felt myself to be, should be so
favored as to have my will entirely subjected, as to become resignedly
willing either to live or die; and, for a time, the prospect of not
continuing long appeared to be most probable. I, however, felt no reliance
upon anything that I had done or could do; my dependence was entirely upon
the unmerited mercy of God through Jesus Christ.
CHAPTER XII.
THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.
1833-4.
PART II.--GREECE
On the 21st of the Eleventh Month John and Martha Yeardley left Ancona,
and had a safe but suffering voyage of two days to Corfu, the capital of
the island of that name.
The atmosphere in this place, writes J.Y., soon after they landed, is
different from Ancona in every respect. It has to us a feeling of home,
and our minds are clothed with peace and, I trust, gratitude to the Father
of mercies. What we may find to do is yet a secret to us, but He who has
brought us here will in his own time open the way before us.
Isaac Lowndes of the London Missionary Society received us with much
affection and kindness, and his wife and daughter are very desirous to
promote our comfort. They took us to see a furnished house in the town, a
part of which will suit us remarkably well. We think it a providential
thing to have such comfortable quarters to come to.
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 island.
11 _mo_. 24.--I went with J. L. to the First-day school in the village
about a mile from the town. A delightful morning, and a delightful sight
to see about sixty fine Greek children reading the New Testament in the
modern language. Their countenances are lovely and interesting, and their
anxiety to hear and answer questions is great; their aptitude in
comprehending the subjects offered to them exceeds all I have hitherto
seen in any class of children of similar standing. The little group was
composed of nearly all girls, clean and neatly dressed in the costume of
the country.
27_th_.--To-day we received a long visit from Lord Nugent, President
of the Ionian Government, who had heard of our arrival on the island, and
was anxious to see us. He is very kind and extremely open with respect to
his plans for the improvement of the jail, and for cottage cultivation. He
desired me to go and see some unoccupied land without the gate.
28_th_.--According to appointment we went to the palace, and were
received by Lady Nugent with marked simplicity and kindness. We were
introduced to Lord L. and other persons of influence, took tea, and spent
a most agreeable evening, and I hope a profitable; for all our
conversation was on the subject of bettering the condition of the poor and
destitute children.
12 _mo_. 3.--This morning we received a visit from a roomful of
Greeks. We are desirous to cultivate the acquaintance of the Greeks as the
object of our visit of gospel love. Yesterday we were visited by several
of the military officers and their wives, who will I hope co-operate with
our plans of benevolence. Lord Nugent's taking us by the hand opens the
way to all others of rank and standing.
11_th_,--This morning we had a visit from Dapaldas, Greek professor
of theology in the university. He is a pleasing and enlightened man, and
speaks French well, which gave us the opportunity of conversing with him
pretty freely. I feel to love him much. He is one of the laborers in
translating the Old Testament.
13_th_.--To-day we have received letters from England. Many of our
beloved friends have been called from this state of being to another
world. How much my heart feels humbled; how unworthy I am of the least of
the mercies daily received at the hand of a bountiful Creator. Since we
have been here I have been favored with a strong conviction that we are
here in the ordering of Divine Providence. What may in time open before us
in the way of gospel labor I know not. It requires time, caution, and much
perseverance, to find a way to the hearts and best feelings of the Greeks.
I greatly desire that we may be found in humble watchfulness and prayer;
and that, if found worthy to be the feeble instruments of declaring the
way of salvation to the natives of these islands, we may embrace every
opportunity to preach repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ, for this is the great object for which we have left our native
land and all that is dear to us in this world.
26_th_.--Argyri left us and is gone to Syra. She was very sorrowful,
and the parting to us all was painful. Although reserved and timid, she
has become extremely attached to us, and we trust the three months we have
passed together will not soon be forgotten. Her company has often been
sweet and cheering, and in our little meetings for worship her heart has
not unfrequently been tendered with religious feeling. She is desirous of
being useful in schools, and of making a stand against the many
superstitions which prevail, influencing others by her example, and
through the aid of divine grace leading them to that vital religion in
which she was instructed at Locle, and which is now a strength and comfort
to her own mind.
1834. 1 _mo_. 6.--To-day we received a visit from the young Count
Francois Sardina. We had much conversation with him on the subject of the
intercession of saints. He could not admit that they practiced the
adoration of saints, they only meant to hold them up as examples of piety
and virtue, and to induce others to follow them. We pointed out to him the
importance of taking Him for our example who spake as never man spake, and
has left us an example that we should follow his steps. This young man is
very inquisitive and inclined to be sceptical, but under all has serious
impressions. Many of the Greeks who are not entirely built up in their
superstitions are inclined to doubt respecting the truths of Christianity.
We were glad to put into his hand J. J. Gurney's _Evidences_.
23_rd_.--This evening we had another long visit from the Count. We
entered very fully into Church discipline, and left few points of faith
and doctrine untouched, either in his Church or ours. I do not remember
ever to have been more closely questioned; but I think this young person
sincere in his inquiries. I believe it is a precious time of visitation to
his soul; he is very amiable and affectionate, and acknowledges the evils
and vanity of the world.
27_th_.--This evening we have had a long conversation with Pathanes,
our teacher in the language, and a deacon in the Greek Church. He is much
attached to the rites of his own Church, but acknowledges the necessity of
regeneration. They have a fatal error in the ceremony of baptism,
positively asserting that when the child (or individual) has received
this, he is really born again, and a fit heir of salvation. Such is the
efficacy which they attach to this ceremony, that their creed sets forth,
in the most unqualified manner, that whoever receives not the form cannot
enter the kingdom. We could not forbear lifting up our testimony against
the injurious effects of such a creed.
28_th_.--We have had a ride to-day with I. Lowndes and family across
the island, sixteen miles, to the sea on the other side. Our road led us
through a perfect wood of olive-trees, thickly planted and loaded with
fruit. The hills are often variegated with the cypress, &c., and near to
the sea are beautifully romantic. We dined at the fortress of
Paleocastazza, on the top of a high hill, on provisions we took with
us,--the air good, and the prospect delightful. This place was formerly a
convent; the church still remains in use, and we visited two of the old
Greek priests. One of them is ninety-five years old; he was lying on a
dirty hard couch in a miserable apartment; the other performs the liturgy.
I. L. gave him the book of Genesis, which he could read but very
indifferently. He was besides extremely cross, full of complaints of the
soldiers who were stationed there. What a proof that to those who are in
the gall of bitterness there is no peace, even in such a remote place.
2 _mo_. 1.--Another long and pleasant visit from Count Sardina. He is
mild and condescending, but close in argument His mind appears gradually
to become impressed with the truths of the gospel; and I trust the notions
he has received from sceptical writers are giving way to a hope of
salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord. Fearful of doing anything to make
the members of his own Church his enemies, he comes to us by night,--not
for fear of the Jews, but for fear of the Greeks.
9_th_.--How often our hearts are ready to sink within us in the midst
of this dark and superstitious people. We have now been here nearly three
months, and have not had one opportunity of publicly preaching the gospel.
The power of prejudice in favor of their own superstitious rites, and the
overwhelming influence of moral evil, seem entirely to close our way in
this line. We have had much conversation with our friend, Isaac Lowndes,
who has resided on this island thirteen years, on the subject of publicly
preaching the gospel to the people; 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 denomination.
I. Lowndes is a character with whom we feel much Christian unity, and his
family is like a little lamp shining in the midst of gross darkness.
This darkness, adds Martha Yeardley, is increased by the dissipation of
the greater part of the English. The military have great influence here,
and their practices tend greatly to demoralize the unhappy people. We have
just heard that they have obtained leave of the Senate to hold a ball in
the new school-rooms, and to break down the partition-wall between them
for this purpose, which will prevent the school from being opened for
another month.
On the 23rd John Yeardley continues:--
To-day my drooping spirit has been refreshed by six precious letters from
England, expressing the interest of our dear friends in our mission; but
oh, how my heart is humbled in the sense of how little we do. During our
stay here I have been closely engaged in translating Judson's Questions on
Scripture. The correction is nearly finished, and we propose having a
number printed for the school.
Ignorance of the language was a perpetual hindrance in their way. Although
they devoted a very large portion of time to acquiring it, the difficulty
was almost insurmountable. They learned to read and translate; but to
converse in Greek was for a long time almost entirely beyond their power.
Although to preach and teach the gospel was the primary object of John and
Martha Yeardley's errand, the temporal improvement of their fellow-men
was by no means foreign to their mission; and we have often seen that
plans for the promotion of industry and self-support were to the former
objects of peculiar interest. During their residence at Corfu no small
portion of his time was occupied with the establishment of a model farm,
which seems to have been a joint scheme on his part and that of the
administration. A grant of land was obtained from the Senate, and the
prisoners, with some of the poor, were set to work to cultivate it. Some
of the landowners watched the progress of the experiment, with the
intention, if it should be successful, of introducing the plan upon their
estates.
We may conclude this account of their residence in Corfu with some general
remarks on the religious character and condition of the inhabitants.
We trust, say they, our sojourn in Corfu may not have been in vain: if we
may only be permitted to prepare the way for the further enlargement of
the Saviour's kingdom on the earth, we may well be content. Preparing the
way it may truly be called, for there is a great deal to be done among a
people just emerging from barbarism, and bringing with them all the fixed
habits of ignorance and superstition, before a door can be opened for the
direct preaching of the gospel. Their mode of reasoning is strong and
wily, and they ask questions which can only be answered in private
conversation and by Scripture proof. A great means of affording help must
be by educating the rising generation and by the diffusion of Scriptural
knowledge. Many of the priest are extremely ignorant, and some of them
have only learned by _rote_ the service of their own church in the
ancient Greek; their knowledge, therefore, cannot be founded on their own
search for Scriptural truth, seeing they have not had the opportunity of
examining for themselves. In some instances when we have presented to them
the New Testament in the modern language, they have said, with a look of
anxious gratitude, This is what we want; we priests teach in the churches
what we do not ourselves understand.
On the 26th of the Second Month they crossed the sea to Santa Maura,
having a delightful passage of eight hours. Captain McPhail, the governor,
a friend of William Allen's, met them himself with a boat, and conducted
them to his house. He showed them every attention during their short
sojourn, and introduced them to those persons whom they desired to see.
They made an interesting call on the bishop;--
A nice old man, who was many years priest in a village in the mountains,
and, what is a wonder, he has been promoted on account of his virtuous
life. He was a good example in his own village, and a great promoter of
schools. The old man is candid enough to confess that he was happier among
his rustic peasants than he is now in more refined society. We gave him
the book of Genesis in Modern Greek; 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 tongue.
We thought the opportunity favorable for proposing the Scriptures to be
read by the clergy in the modern instead of the ancient language. He made
no objection, and appeared to see the great utility which might arise from
it.
Something has been said about the semi-barbarism of the Greeks. What our
friends learned respecting crime and violence, whilst in this island,
places the manners of the people in a very strong light.
Nothing can show more strongly the demoralized state of these islands than
the frightful acts of cruelty done to the cattle out of pure revenge. One
shudders to think of the skinning of beasts alive, cutting off the ears of
asses, breaking the legs of horses; yet of these sorts of cruelty not less
than 500 acts have been committed in the last four years, and the
offenders have escaped being brought to conviction!
This dark picture is happily relieved by some traits of moral beauty. The
narrative of a ride into the mountains of Santa Maura, which J.Y. made
under the escort of the governor, proves to how great a degree virtuous
and gentle manners grew and flourished in the remoter parts of this
island.
3 _mo_. 1.--This morning we set out for a ride about nine miles up
the mountains to a village called Carià, which contains about 1200
inhabitants, and in the surrounding hamlets there are about the same
number.
About half-past 9 o'clock we started; Captain McPhail and myself on his
two sure-footed horses, and another English gentleman on a fine mule.
After we had left the newly-made road, we pursued a track perfectly
unequalled in any part where I have travelled; rugged precipices, shelving
rocks, and large loose stones, which assailed the feet of the poor beasts
every step they took. However, for my part, I was well rewarded; it gave
me an opportunity not only of seeing the interior of the island, but also
a specimen of the disposition of the natives. Before we reached the
village, I observed, with some surprise, a tribe of people assembled on
the top of the cliffs to see us come in, and on ascending a few more paces
of rock, we found the children of the boys' school arranged like a little
army, with myrtle branches in their hands to welcome us to their
sequestered hamlet. After greeting us with great respect, they followed us
to the country-house of our English friend.
The mountain multitude waited with patience until we had made our repast,
when a few of the leading villagers were introduced to our room. And what
was their request? A school for their daughters. They were asked what they
would give towards its support. They answered, Whatever we can afford; we
that are able will pay for the poor, and they shall go free. It was then
intimated to them, that their friends would assist them in establishing a
school; but that they themselves must join in the effort, and that it
would be well to consult together, and put down their names and the number
of children they would send. Here the town-crier came forward, and said he
had for the last twenty years cried everything the government wished to be
made known in the town, free of cost, and he would now go round and cry
for the benefit of the school. Next came forward the father of the young
woman proposed for the mistress, who it was proposed should be further
instructed in the village, and then sent to the town to learn the system.
We asked them if they were sensible of the advantages of a school for
girls, of having them brought up to be good wives, capable of managing
their households, and able to read the precious things in the New
Testament. One of them replied, Without instruction what are we?--we are
like the beasts. One peasant had been so anxious for his daughter to learn
to read, that he had made interest to send her to the boys' school. When
we asked why he did so, he said, Because I had no other means, and I
wished to have her read the New Testament to us; now I have the advantage
of hearing that precious book read to me by my own daughter. It was
delightful to witness a feeling like this in a people so uncultivated;
surely the friends of education in Greece have encouragement to go on and
prosper.
After this pleasing interview we proceeded to the boys' school, followed
by as many as could get into the room. When the boys had read, I desired
that questions might be put to them on what they had been reading, but
soon found that this important mode of instruction was neglected; the
master promised to introduce the questions which we are having printed, if
we would send him the books. On returning to our quarters, we found among
the crowd who were still present, the three priests, come, I suppose, to
pay their respects to the governor. We were glad of an opportunity of
conversing with them. On asking their opinion as to a school, one of them
said, in Greek, It is good, blessed and honorable. I could not let this
favorable opportunity pass without impressing on them, through McPhail,
the advantage of reading the Scriptures to the people in the modern tongue
which they could understand, telling them that the book of Genesis was
already printed in Modern Greek. They could hardly believe me, and on my
showing them a new copy of this and of the Psalms, their eyes sparkled
with pleasure. Our friend the governor read aloud a portion of Genesis,
and one of the priests a little out of the Psalms. The long-robed,
patriarchal looking man said, Ah, this is what we want! We priests read in
the churches what we don't understand ourselves, and how can we explain it
to others. They modestly asked if they might have the books for a while;
and when we said they were given to them, there was a little jealousy who
should have them; this we removed by saying that more should be sent. Many
of the kind-hearted people accompanied us to the precipice, and ran before
to clear the way; and, through divine mercy, we reached the dwelling of
our kind host in safety; not without a steeping of mountain rain.
When the good Bishop of Santa Maura heard the result of our interview with
the peasants, 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 schools, thus promptly giving his sanction to general education.
3 _mo_. 2.--First-day. After breakfast we read a chapter and held our
meeting with Captain McPhail and his wife, and felt a little comfort in
holding up the standard of religious worship. Something was given us to
utter, both in testimony and supplication.
The next evening we dined with the governor. It was a state dinner, given
to the judges and persons of rank in the town; about twenty of us sat
down; the repast was splendid and the dishes innumerable. At the head of
the table was Captain McPhail in full uniform; on his right our hostess in
a rich Greek dress; on his left a young lady in the full Italian style; my
M.Y. and myself were not the least singular in appearance. All was done in
good order, and a sweet feeling prevailed.
4_th_.--We are like prisoners at large, not being able to leave the
island till the steamer returns. Captain McPhail has kindly proposed our
paying a visit to the continent to see a little colony of the natives who
live in wigwams. These people like many others suffered greatly from the
Turks, and took refuge in Santa Maura, which has excited in them a feeling
of gratitude for the protection of their English neighbors.
About 9 o'clock we started in the Captain's boat, a family party, not
leaving even the baby at home. We had a pleasant sail of less than an
hour, and found seven ponies waiting for us at the landing-place. The
ponies were brought into the sea, and we mounted the pack-saddles; some of
our company being carried from the boat on men's backs. Thus arranged we
set out, one by one, along the narrow goat-paths, accompanied by our
retinue, some going before, and some following with the baggage. We
winded our way among bushes of myrtle and mastic till we reached the
willow-city. It consists of about sixty perfect wigwams of one room each,
with no other light but what is admitted by the doorway, four feet high,
with here and there a glimpse that makes its way through the wattles.
The people having received notice of our visit had made a general-holiday,
and were all assembled, with lively good-humor in their countenances, to
greet our arrival. 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 town, which stood at about half an hour's distance. Some of them
possess property in land and cattle, and all live on the produce of their
own farms, and produce their own clothing. These simple-hearted people
show their good sense by avoiding all lawsuits, so common among the
Greeks. They choose one upright old man, with two assistants, to govern
them, to whose judgment they submit, and the greatest punishment is to be
shut up for two or three days in a solitary room in the convent.
The wigwam where we alighted was soon filled with visitors. We were served
with coffee by our hostess,--an interesting woman, with much expression of
mildness in her countenance. After conversing awhile with the villagers,
and satisfying their curiosity as well as we could, I thought it a
suitable time to bring about the primary object of our visit, and inquired
who among them could read. A young man came forward who had been educated
in the school at Santa Maura; we gave him a New Testament, and he read the
greater part of a chapter in the Gospels. Those who were in the room
listened with surprise and attention, and many without looked eagerly in
at the doorway to hear what was going on. This was probably the first time
they had heard the gospel in their own language. We gave them a few copies
of the New Testament and some tracts, for which they hardly knew how to
express their gratitude; and we requested the reader to continue the
practice he had commenced.
When this scene of interest was over we took a turn round the other huts.
They are situated on the side of the hill, among myrtles, and command a
delightful view of the valley. We passed by the common oven, and on
looking in saw our dinner preparing. The table was spread in the
hospitable wigwam which we first entered, a clean white tablecloth and
napkins on a large board, with cushions around on boxes for chairs. The
repast consisted of a whole lamb, well roasted, and two sorts of
Yorkshire-pudding, one of which was particularly good.
This patriarchal repast being finished, we again went forth, and visited
the convent of Plijâ, distant from the wigwams about ten minutes' walk.
Many of our new friends accompanied us, the judge with great solidity of
manner leading the way. We passed a beautiful fountain at the head of the
glen, and entered the monastic edifice, which is built of stone. The
abbot, a fine old man, met us at the door with a pleasant countenance. He
invited us into his cell; we had to stoop very low to save our heads, and
the door-case was rubbed bright on all sides by the friction of this
solitary inmate passing in and out. The hermitage consists of one room
with a bed in the corner, screened by a slight partition; a lattice-window
admitted a peep into the rich and lovely vale below, and the pure air of
the mountain was not obstructed by glass. I had often heard of the Eastern
custom of sitting cross-legged, but never till now experienced it in
reality. We were desired to sit on cushions spread on the floor for our
reception, and were served with the finest walnuts and honey I ever
tasted; and while we partook of this hermit-like repast, there was a
precious feeling of good, and I believe we had the secret prayers of the
good abbot, as he had ours. When we presented him with the New Testament,
Genesis, and the Psalms, he kissed the books and pressed them to his
bosom, expressing his gratitude for the treasure.
Our next visit was to the habitation of the judge, which is of the same
description as the rest, where we were served again with coffee. What
pleased us was the sweet feeling of quiet which prevailed, of which I
think some of them were sensible; one woman, our first hostess, put her
hand to her heart and said very sweetly, "I love you."
They would not let us depart without showing us their ancient custom of
taking hold of hands and dancing round, singing meanwhile a sort of chant.
Many of them came with us to the water's edge, and prayers were raised in
our hearts for their good, and thanksgiving to our Divine Master for the
comfort and satisfaction of the day.
3 _mo_ 8.--Under the hospitable roof of Captain McPhail we have felt
much at home. His wife said our coming had been a blessing to her; she is
near to us in gospel love. The captain accompanied us in his boat to the
steamer.
From Santa Maura they proceeded to Argostoli, the chief town of
Cephalonia.
We arrived about five o'clock in the morning. The entrance to the town for
a considerable distance is like a perfect lake: the white houses along the
side of the harbor, and the craggy hill with the olives growing out of the
rocks, had a pretty appearance at the break of day. Our young Greek
interpreter, Giovanni Basilik, was with us. We had to call up the
inhabitants of the only inn in the place before we could get shelter. At
first the host refused to receive our little company, but after some
explanation he consented to arrange the desolate-looking rooms into
habitable order.
They visited the schools and the prison, and they received from the
Resident, H.G. Tennyson, and the schoolmaster and mistress, a friendly
reception; but the islanders are generally careless of instruction, and
progress of all kinds is slow.
From Cephalonia they traversed the sea to the beautiful island of Zante.
Though they had ten men to row, the passage occupied thirteen hours.
Contrary wind, writes John Yeardley, compelled us to approach the island
slowly, which gave us an opportunity of viewing the villages and scattered
houses at the foot of the mountain. The town of Zante is very long; the
main street has piazzas on each side for a considerable distance. In many
of the windows (I suppose a Turkish custom) there are something like
cages, through which the women peep without being seen, under the pretence
of modesty; but it is horrid to hear of the wickedness committed in-doors.
However, I am glad to find the custom is dying away, and that the young
women are now permitted to walk in public more than they were a few years
ago. This island is by far the finest we have visited; it is very fertile
and well cultivated, and supplies England with currants; but, like their
neighbors, the people have the character of being immoral, treacherous,
and revengeful. It is sorrowful to think that, under the system of
picture-worship, there is scarcely a sin of which the poor Greek is not
guilty to an enormous extent. With God all things are possible--he can
change the hard heart of man by the power of his Divine Spirit; but,
morally speaking, it must be some great convulsion that can work a real
change in the nation. W.O. Croggon has labored here more than seven years,
and knows not of one conversion among the rich Greeks--not one attends the
service for worship. He is the Methodist missionary here, and is called
the friend of every man: he has been a real friend to us.
The Governor and his wife have paid us marked attention. The former took
us to see the prison, which is well conducted, and the prisoners are
classed. We suggested the benefit likely to result from the prisoners
being employed, and Major Longley [the Governor] intends to introduce
basket-making. We have, in addition to the public schools, visited several
private ones, and are pleased to find so many children receiving
education: this is really the chief source of hope for improving the
morals of the Greeks, and dispersing the gross darkness which surrounds
this people, whose long servitude and sufferings under very hard masters
have almost driven them back to barbarism.
17_th_.--There was a shock of earthquake, more violent than has been
felt for some years in this place. Our room shook almost like a ship at
sea; the walls, beds, tables, and glasses were all in motion, and the
sensation, while it lasted, was that of sea-sickness. The noise may be
compared to the rolling of a carriage with many horses coming at full
speed, and suddenly stopping at the dwelling. (See _Eastern
Customs_, p. 78.)
Having thus explored the four principal islands of the Ionian Archipeligo.
John and Martha Yeardley turned their course towards the Morea.
30_th_.--At 6 o'clock in the morning we put ourselves once more at
the mercy of the waves of the Mediterranean, and had a quick passage of
fourteen hours. The landing at Patras was frightful; a sudden squall threw
us off the shore, and caused us to lose part of the rudder, so that we
were obliged to get into a very small boat, which threatened to upset
every moment. We were, however, favored to land in safety on a projecting
rock: it was nearly dark, and the whole had a terrific appearance.
The plains near Patras, once beautifully planted with currants, olives and
vines, are now perfectly desolate. The castle was in possession, of the
Turks eight years, who made continual sallies from it for provision and
firewood; while, in order to disappoint them, the Greeks themselves
assisted in the destruction of all vegetation; so that there is scarcely
any green thing to be seen. The old town is a scene of ruins; the site of
the new town is near the sea, where temporary shops and houses have been
erected.
It was difficult to find a shelter for the night; but a kind
fellow-traveller assisted us, and at length we were pressed into a
miserable dirty room, with only a board for a bedstead.
At Patras we had abundance of consultation, whether to undertake the
journey to Corinth and Athens by land, or to encounter the gulf. We
concluded to venture on the latter, and contracted with the captain of a
little boat to depart at five the next morning. He deceived us by not
sailing at the time proposed; but we made an agreement with other sailors
to go off in the evening, hoping to get to Corinth the next morning: but,
after tossing all night, we found in the morning the ship had only made
twenty miles; and about mid-day the captain declared he could not get to
Corinth, and must put into a small port on the opposite side of the gulf,
called Galaxidi, and wait for better weather. We were so exhausted as to
feel thankful in the prospect of being once more on land. Nothing can be
more comfortless than these small Greek vessels; in the cabin you can
neither stand nor lie at full length.
After some difficulty in getting on shore, we were led to the khan, a very
large room with a fire in one corner for boiling water, and a wine store;
and round the side were benches which served for sitting by day, and on
which the traveller spreads his mattress for the night, if he has one; if
not, he must go without. We were desired to mount a ladder to a loft like
a corn-floor, badly tiled in, and divided into four parts by boards about
five feet high. The one division of this place assigned to us had no door,
and when the windows were shut, which were of wood, there was no light
what shone through the tiling or was admitted between the boards. The
place was soon furnished, for the boy brought us a mat and spread it on
the floor, which was all we had a right to expect; but as we seemed to be
visitors who could pay pretty well, they brought also a rough wooden table
and three wooden stools.
2_nd_.--Galaxidi is in ruins, presenting only mud cottages and
temporary wooden houses; ships also are in building.
4_th_.--This morning we walked among the huts of the town, and found
an old man keeping school near the ruins of his own school-room, which had
been destroyed by the Turks. It happened to be his dinner-time, and he was
seated cross-legged on a stone, with a footstool before him, enjoying a
few olives and a morsel of bread. Around him stood his ragged pupils,
reading from leaves torn out of old books, some of which were so worn and
dirty that the poor boys could scarcely discover what they had once
contained. The weather was by no means warm, yet we could not wonder at
his choosing the open air for the place of instruction, when we saw his
dwelling, which was a mud hut not quite nine feet square, with no opening
for light but through the doorway. In this hovel he taught his forty
scholars when the inclemency of the weather did not permit their being out
of doors. The grey-headed father was surprised that his humble company had
attracted the notice of strangers; but, seeing the interest we manifested
in his calling, he inquired for a New Testament, which we gladly
furnished, with the addition of some tracts to such of the children as
could read them. This sight was gratifying to us as showing a disposition
to teach and to learn, even under the most disadvantageous circumstances.
Our quarters at the khan became more uncomfortable; the people were so
uncivil they would hardly give us cold water without grumbling. The second
night we witnessed one of the most dreadful storms we ever remember to
have seen. Violent gusts of wind shook our desolate abode, while the rain
poured down in torrents and found entrance in various parts of our
apartment.
They intended, as we have seen, to go to Athens by way of Corinth, and
when they were disappointed of sailing to that city, and thrown upon the
opposite shore of the gulf, they still seem to have supposed it impossible
to reach the capital by any other route.
5_th_.--Being, says John Yeardley, on the contrary side of the gulf,
and thus deprived of helping ourselves by means of horses, we gave up all
hope of reaching Athens, and thought we must of necessity return to
Patras. We therefore inquired for a vessel to take us thither; but never
shall I forget my feelings of horror while trying to contract with a man
for a boat. I said in my heart, O that I might be permitted to try the
fleece once more in turning our faces towards Athens. The man was
exorbitant in his demands, and it was too late to reach Patras without
risking the night on the sea. To stay where we were was next to impossible
without serious injury, especially to my dear Martha. Strong indeed was
our united prayer for direction and help in this time of distress, and
ever-blessed be the name of our adorable Lord who heard and answered our
prayer. Out of the depths of distress a little light sprung up, and we
thought if we could take a boat and cross over to Scala, a little port on
the opposite side of the creek, we might then take mules to [Castri the
ancient] Delphi, and if not able to proceed further on our way, the change
we hoped would be use to M.Y. We did make the effort, and were favored to
get to Scala, where we found only a few scattered mud houses; but on
landing, there was a change of feeling immediately experienced. We were
rescued from ship-builders and sailors, the vilest of the vile, and placed
among a simple country people.
The master of the custom-house, to whom we had a few lines of
recommendation, invited us to his house and gave us coffee. He provided us
with four mules; three for the interpreter and ourselves, and the fourth
for the baggage. It was about eight miles, or two and a half hours' ride,
to Delphi; and no sooner had we begun to feel the mountain air than my
dear M. began to revive. We had to climb precipices where nothing but
mules could have carried us. At the foot of the mountain we came in
company with two camels, which was a new sight to us.
The situation of Delphi is the most beautiful that eyes can behold:
mountains of rock, such as we never before saw, and in the back ground the
far-famed Parnassus, covered with snow. The village consists of about one
hundred cottages, some of them built in the rock. We were conducted to one
of the best of these rustic dwellings, and met with a very friendly
reception from the inmates. The house consisted of two rooms, and we were
offered the use of one of them; they furnished us with mattresses laid
upon a sort of dresser, where we slept much better than for many previous
nights; even the hen and her thirteen chickens under our bed did not
disturb us. The novelty of the visiters soon brought in several of the
neighbors, who did not leave us, even while we took our tea. As there was
a good feeling, we thought it well to improve the opportunity, and
inquired who could read. The master of the house, a sensible man, said
there were only about twenty in the village who know anything of letters,
but that he could both read and write, for his father was a priest.
After tea we produced a New Testament and the book of Genesis, and our
interpreter read aloud the first two chapters of Genesis. Our host had
never seen the Scriptures in his own language, and we think we never
beheld a countenance more full of delight and intelligence than his was
during the reading. After a short explanation of what had been read, and a
word of exhortation, we thought to close; but the company were so pleased
with hearing the account of the creation and fall of man [from the sacred
record itself], that they requested us to read more. I desired them to ask
any questions on the subject they might wish; and the first which our host
put was, What kind of tree it was, the fruit of which Adam was forbidden
to eat? We answered that it was translated in our language _apple_.
He said they thought it was a _fig_. We told them it might be a fig,
or it might be an apple; but that the object of the Almighty was to try
Adam's obedience. They at once agreed to this; and the master of the house
wisely observed, Jesus Christ came to restore to us what was lost by
Adam's transgression. He then said, It would have been better if Adam,
after his transgression, instead of hiding himself, had confessed his sin
to God, and begged his forgiveness. We all agreed that it was a natural
act for man, in his fallen state, to wish to seek excuse, rather than to
confess his sin and repent. We then made some remarks on the prophecy of
the Saviour in the third chapter of Genesis, and ability was given us to
preach the Gospel of life and salvation. All hearts seemed touched, and
our own overflowed with gratitude. We may in truth say, Our Heavenly
Father has plucked our feet out of a horrible pit and out of the miry
clay, and set them upon a rock, and put a new song into our mouth, even
praise to his glorious name. On considering afterwards our situation, we
could not but behold the hand of a gracious Providence which had led us to
this spot; had we attempted to go by Corinth to Athens, we should [as they
afterwards learned] have been stopped by the waters, and have missed
seeing this interesting people; but from hence the way was passable, and
only four days' journey by land.
After dinner we walked through the village up to the rock. We came to a
fountain where several women were washing; one of them, a young-looking
person, suddenly left her companions, and with hasty step and entreating
air advanced towards us, as we supposed to ask something; but she bowed
her head almost to the ground, and then kissed our hands; after which she
withdrew in a cheerful and diffident manner. The reason of this salutation
was, that the young woman had lately been married, and it was customary
for the last bride of the village to kiss the hands of strangers.
The temple of Apollo once occupied nearly half an acre of ground: a great
many of its marble pillars are still to be seen, half buried by the
plough, and corn growing over them. About a hundred yards from this temple
is the cave in the rock from whence the priestess pronounced the oracle.
Among the curiosities of this wonderful place, the tombs in the rocks are
not the least remarkable. They are built of the most beautiful white
marble; the entrance is by a large archway, and round the circle are
several recesses in the stone, one above another, where the dead had
evidently been deposited. They illustrate the history of the maniac
dwelling among the tombs (Mark v. 3.), for these caves formed a perfect
sort of house in which persons might dwell.
8_th_.--We were not able to leave Delphi on account of the high wind
with some rain. In the evening we again enjoyed our Scripture reading on
the hearth. We continued the book of Genesis, and our host inquired
whether those who died before the birth of the Saviour were lost. He was
informed they were saved through faith in the promise. He had supposed
they went into hell, and that when Christ came he released them. We asked
him if Enoch, who walked with God and was translated, could have been sent
to hell. Of this he knew nothing, never having read the Scriptures.
9_th_.--This morning we procured four mules and four men, and
proceeded on our pilgrimage towards Livadia, thirty-three miles from
Delphi. Our kind host recommended us to the special care of one of the
muleteers, who put his hand to his heart, and feelingly accepted the
trust. We were most of the day winding round Parnassus, whose height above
us was tremendous. The road was frightful; over rocks, waters, and swampy
ground; we could hardly have believed it possible to pass through the
places where our mules penetrated. The muleteer performed his trust
faithfully, rendering us all the assistance in his power. On parting we
presented him with some tracts; he could read, and was much gratified with
the gift.
At Livadia we were badly lodged, in a smoky room, and suffered much from
extreme fatigue; but we found ourselves with an interesting family, to
whom we read the Scriptures, seated with them on the floor; and we could
not but feel grateful to our Divine Master, for leading us among those who
were thirsting to receive the Holy Scriptures in a language they could
understand.
10_th_.--We travelled on horses through a comparatively flat country,
despoiled of all its verdure by the ruthless hand of war. The evening was
wet; we reached the once celebrated Thebes in the dark, and were glad to
take shelter in a smoky room, in the first house that could receive us.
The situation is fine, but the present town occupies only the part which
was the fortress of ancient Thebes.
11_th_.--This day we had much mountain country to pass through. Every
tree we could see was either partly burnt or partly cut away. Towards the
end of our day's travel we went through an immense wood, difficult of
passage, on leaving which the Gulf of Aegina appeared in view. We rested
for the night at a little settlement of Albanians near the coast. We
obtained shelter in the cottage of an old woman, who seemed a little
startled at the appearance of strangers, whose language she could not
understand. Concluding, however, that we had the common wants of nature,
and having no bread to offer us, she quickly prepared a little meal, made
a cake, and baked it on the hearth under the ashes. We made signs to be
furnished with a vessel in which we might prepare a little chocolate, our
frequent repast under such circumstances; and, at length, a very rough
homely-looking pitcher was produced; but the greater difficulty was to
find something in which to boil the milk and water. After waiting till
their own soup had been prepared, we obtained the use of the saucepan.
These difficulties overcome, we enjoyed our meal; and offered some to a
Greek woman who had walked beside our mules for the sake of company, on
her dreary journey to Athens; but she refused, with thanks, saying, I am
not sick; for the Greeks seldom take beverage of this sort, except when
they are indisposed. As the inmates of this homely cottage, as well as the
neighbors, who usually come in to see travellers of our uncommon
appearance, did not understand Greek, we were deprived of the opportunity
of reading the Holy Scriptures to them, or of conversing with them on the
subject of religion. All that we could do was to prepare for rest, of
which we stood in great need, having had a very fatiguing ride through the
woods to this place. The room in which we had taken shelter was also to be
our sleeping-place, in common with the old woman and her family and the
Greek traveller; in another part of the room were also a sheep and several
other animals. We swept as clean as we could a space in the neighborhood
of the quiet sheep, and spread what bedding we had upon the mud floor,
surrounding it with our baggage, except our carpet-bags, which served us
for pillows; and after commending ourselves and the household to the
protecting care of the great Shepherd of Israel, we obtained some
refreshing repose. (See _Eastern Customs_, pp. 17-19.)
12_th_.--We started with tired bones. After a pleasant ride of four
hours the Acropolis of Athens burst upon our view. The city is beautifully
situated in a plain bounded by mountains, and near to a rich grove of
olive-trees, which has been spared amid the ravages of war. I felt, says
John Yeardley, low and contemplative; many and various thoughts crowded
into my heart. Every foot we set in Greece, we Bee desolation. I can
scarcely believe that I am in the place where the great Apostle of the
Gentiles desired to know nothing but Christ crucified; and in sight of
Mars Hill, from which the same apostle preached to the Athenians the true
God.
We reached the only inn in the town, much worn by fatigue and bad
accommodation, yet very grateful for having been preserved from any
serious accident during our perilous journey, and under a precious sense
that it was in right ordering we persevered in coming to this place.
We introduced ourselves to the American missionaries, Hill and King, and
met with a hearty reception. The schools under their care are the most
gratifying sight we have seen. J. Hill and his wife have nearly 500
children on their list. We were much pleased with the arrangements of the
schools: the classification is the best I have ever seen, and the children
exhibit intelligence and thirst for instruction. The effect of Scriptural
instruction on the minds of the Greek children is very gratifying. A young
girl whom the directors had taken into the school as an assistant teacher,
entered the family with a mind fortified in the superstitions taught in
her own church, observing scrupulously the feast and fast-days, the making
the sign of the cross before eating, and the kissing of pictures. The
mistress wisely avoided interfering with what the girl considered to be
her religious duties; but after she had attended the Scriptural reading
and the family worship for a short time, the light of divine truth broke
in upon her heart; and as she embraced the substance of the religion of
Jesus Christ, her attachment to the superstitious forms became gradually
weakened, until at length she left them altogether. The mistress one day
said to her, I observe you do not keep the fast-days, nor cross yourself
before eating, nor kiss the pictures. No, replied the child, I am
convinced that making the outward sign of the cross cannot purify the
heart from sin; and as to meat and drink, I read in the Scriptures, that
it is not that which goeth into the mouth that defiles the man.
15_th_.--Visited the schools under the direction of Jonas King, of
the Boston mission. He has an academy for young men, and a school for
mutual instruction, containing together 150. I think the mode of Scripture
lessons particularly efficient. The instruction given in the schools at
Athens seems more complete than in any we have visited during the journey.
J.K. has service in modern Greek three times on First-days, at which some
of the young men attend, along with other Greeks, but not many.
During our stay in this city we visited many Greek families, and
distributed among them religious tracts and portions of the Holy
Scriptures, and exhorted them to the observance of their religious duties,
often calling their attention to those points in which their own practices
are at variance with the doctrine of Holy Scripture.
The ancient ruins are exceedingly grand, and raise mingled feelings in the
heart not easily described, but tending to humble the pride of human
greatness. We saw the Temple of Theseus, the prison of Socrates, the
famous Temple of Minerva; but the spot that most nearly interested us was
Mars Hill, whose rocky mount was in view from lodgings, where we sat and
conversed together of the Apostle Paul preaching the true God; and in the
sweet stillness which covered our spirits, earnestly desired that the pure
Gospel might again be freely preached and received throughout this
interesting but desolated country.
There are not more than sixty really good houses built in the town; but,
including great and small, there may be 1500 dwellings. It is settled that
Athens shall be the seat of the Greek government; and the young king,
Otho, laid the foundation-stone of the new palace in his last visit to
this place.
18_th_.--Being anxious to get to Patras in time to sail by an English
packet to Corfu, we set off for the port. J. Hill met us, to see us embark
in a boat for Kalimichi. The Greek sailors have a superstition against
sailing at any time but in the night; but after being deceived by one
captain, we prevailed, on another to set sail [in the daytime], in the
full hope of reaching Kalimichi the same evening. A favorable gale wafted
us on for some time, but a slight storm coming on, the cowardly captain
ran us into a creek, and kept us tossing all the night in his open boat.
About eight o'clock the next morning we were favored to reach Kalimichi in
safety, where we procured mules and reached Corinth to dinner.
Here there are only a few houses standing in the midst of ruins. We took
up our abode at the only inn, from the windows of which we looked upon the
busy scene of a fair. Our hearts were not enlarged, as the great Apostle's
was; for our spirits were clothed with mourning in contemplating the
darkness of the place. Many persons to whom we spoke could not read; and
on offering a Testament to the man of the inn he refused to receive it.
We pursued our travels, and at mid-day met with a trying detention from
the muleteer having neglected to obtain a permission. We were at length
suffered to proceed, but arrived late at a miserable khan, where we passed
the night in a loft. This poor place could only furnish two mules and a
donkey, with a man to attend them; but we were encouraged to hope we
should find four horses about two hours further on; but here we were
disappointed, and could get no horses to proceed. We felt truly destitute,
and took refuge in a loft from the scorching rays of the sun. We had very
little food with us, and saw no probability of quitting our desolate abode
till the next day at any rate. Thus situated we were endeavoring to be
reconciled to our allotment, when most unexpectedly, about two o'clock, we
espied a small fishing-boat sailing towards Patras, and immediately ran
down to the shore, a considerable distance, to make signals to the
boat-man, and inquire whether he would convey us to Vostizza, a place
within a day's journey of Patras. We directly procured a mule to convey
our baggage to the shore, and descended by a very rough path to a creek
where the boat lay to. Here we were again detained by the guard making
great difficulty in allowing the boatman to take passengers without a
permit, which could only be obtained in the town, so strict and perplexing
are the regulations for travellers under the new government. However,
after detaining us an hour and causing us to lose most of the fair wind,
he suffered the man to take us. We sailed along pretty well for a time,
when the wind suddenly changed, and the boatman told us we could not get
to Vostizza that night, but added they would put us on shore where we
should be within an hour's walk of it, and that we could readily find a
mule to carry our baggage. This we gladly accepted, and were soon landed
and on our way.
Although sick and weary on board, we seemed to receive new strength for
our walk, and arrived at Vostizza at about eight o'clock. Here our
accommodation for the night was much like our former lodging; for this
large town has also been, burned by the enemy, and presents a scene of
ruins. We engaged horses for the next day to convey us to Patras, and were
a little cheered with the prospect of being near that place of attraction.
The man of the house where we lodged could not read, but informed us there
was a school in the town of fifty boys. We saw a person in the next shop
writing, and offered him a Testament, which he very gratefully received,
and sent for the schoolmaster, who seemed much pleased with our offer to
send him books and lessons. We also gave books to several we met with,
who began eagerly to read them aloud, and soon obtained hearers, so that
it became a highly interesting scene: boys who received tracts from us
showed them to others, and numbers crowded about us, even to the lust
moment of our stay. If we had had a thousand books we could have disposed
of them. What a difference between this place and poor Corinth!
Our trying journey through Greece has given us an opportunity of judging
of the state of things, and I hope will enable us to relieve some of their
wants. It is cause of humble thankfulness to the Father of mercies that he
has preserved us in the midst of many dangers, and brought us in safety so
far back on our way with hearts filled with love and praise.
They arrived at Patras on the 22nd, but found that the English steamer had
sailed two days before. They employed the interval before the sailing of
another packet in establishing a girls' school, which was commenced soon
after their departure. At Corfu they received information of the opening
of the school, conveyed in a letter from the sister of the English consul
in the following encouraging terms:--
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 auspices. The first day we had twenty-two girls; we have now
forty-eight. Nothing can exceed the eagerness shown by the children to be
admitted, and their parents seem equally anxious to send them; with very
few exceptions they come clean, and on the whole are attentive and well
behaved. Of the forty-eight there are only nine who can read. The little
Corfuot you recommended is first monitor, and of great use.
They reached Corfu on the 12th of the Fifth Month, and were kindly
accommodated at the office of the Commissary Ramsay.
Immediately on our arrival at Corfu, our young friend the Count Sardina
renewed his visits. We saw him almost daily; our conversations were often
truly spiritual; he opened his heart to us, and we rejoiced to believe
that he had attained to a degree of living faith in his Redeemer.
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 Corfu. Now, on revisiting this island,
they had the satisfaction of holding two meetings for worship with Isaac
Lowndes' congregation.
6 _mo._ 1.--Isaac Lowndes had now obtained leave to hold his meeting
for worship in the large school-room, and I felt at liberty to propose
having an opportunity to address the congregation. This he gladly
accepted, and gave notice of our intention. It was pretty well attended,
but not full; a good feeling prevailed.
15_th_.--We had another meeting with the little company who meet in
the school-room. The room was better filled than on the former occasion:
it was a precious season of divine favor; utterance was given to preach
the word, and I trust there were some into whose hearts it found entrance.
A few days before we left the island, I.L. took us to visit the Jewish
Rabbi, who, though full of argument, appears extremely dark and
bewildered, dwelling on mysterious words whose interpretation is confined
to the rabbinical office. He said they looked for a temporal king, who
should give a temporal kingdom to Israel. It was a truly painful visit,
and we left him with the desire that he might be instructed even out of
his own law, which, if properly understood, would prove as a schoolmaster
to bring him to Christ.
After spending about five weeks at Corfu on this second visit, they again
crossed the Adriatic to Ancona.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE THIRD CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.
1833-4.
PART III.--THE RETURN FROM GREECE.
Of the numerous letters which John and Martha Yeardley received from
England during this long journey, very few have been preserved. We shall
extract short passages from two which came to their hands not long before
they left the Islands. The first is from John Rowntree, and is dated the
13th of the First Month, 1834.
On my own account, and on behalf of the Friends of our Monthly Meeting, I
feel grateful for the information respecting your proceedings. There is
some difficulty in satisfying the eager anxiety of my friends to know all
that is to be known about your engagements, and I may truly say that the
kind interest which you feel about us is reciprocal. Often do I picture
you to myself, laboring in your Master's cause, receiving as
fellow-partakers of the same grace all whose hearts have been touched
with a sense of his love, who are hoping to experience salvation through
Him alone.
Our reading meetings are pretty well attended this winter. We have been
reading James Backhouse's journal: he was still engaged, when he sent the
last account of his proceedings, in Van Diemen's Land. Like you, he and
his companion rejoice at meeting with those to whom, although not exactly
agreeing with us in some respects, they can give the right hand of
fellowship as laborers under the same Master. Like you, too, they devote
considerable attention to the improvement of schools, and the improvement
of the temporal condition of the poorer classes among whom they labor.
In a letter from William Allen, written the 31st of the Third Month, occur
the following words of encouragement:--
I have heard, through letters to your relations and others, that you have
been much discouraged at not finding a more ready entrance for your gospel
message; but really, considering the darkness; the sensuality, and the
superstition of the people in those parts, we must not calculate upon much
in the beginning. If here and there one or two are awakened and
enlightened, they may be like seed sown, and in the Divine Hand become
instruments for the gathering of others. Should you be made the means of
accomplishing this, in only a very few instances, it will be worth all
your trials and sufferings. And again, you must consider that, in the
performance of your duty, seed may be sown even _unknown by you_,
which may take root, and grow, and bring forth fruit to the praise of the
Great Husbandman, though you may never hear of it. Be encouraged
therefore, dear friends, to go on from day to day in simple reliance on
your Divine Master, without undue anxiety for consequences; for depend
upon it, when he has no more work for you to do, he will make you sensible
of a release.
The passage to Ancona was tedious.
We embarked at noon, and had a long passage to Ancona of twelve days. We
landed on the 29th, and soon found ourselves occupying an empty room in
the Lazaretto, without even the accommodation of a shelf or closet. The
term of quarantine is fourteen days, but four days are remitted by the
Pope. The heat is oppressive, and the mosquitoes annoy us much, but we are
preserved in a tolerable degree of health; and in taking a review of our
visit to Greece and the Ionian Islands, we are still sensible of a very
peaceful feeling, under a belief that we have followed the pointings of
the Great Master, and a hope that the day is not far distant when the way
will be more fully opened in those countries to receive the gospel. The
preaching of John in the wilderness has often appeared to us to be
applicable to this people,--Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
7 _mo._ 6.--We left Ancona, and took the route through Foligno and
Arezzo to Florence. That part of the Pope's dominions through which we
have passed is highly picturesque; hill and dale continually, and the
whole country cultivated absolutely like a garden. Most of the towns are
on the hills, and nothing can exceed the beauty of their situation. But as
to vital religion, the spirit of those who desire the promotion of the
Redeemer's kingdom, on the broad and sound basis of common Christianity,
must be clothed with mourning in passing through this superstitious and
illiberal country. What we have seen of Tuscany is not so fine, but the
appearance of the peasants is much superior. The inns are much more
agreeable than we found them on the road from Geneva to Ancona.
We arrived at Florence on the 10th. The persons to whom we had
recommendations were absent, on account of the heat of the season, except
the Abbot Valiani, a spiritually-minded man, who showed us great kindness.
He has refused many advantageous offers of promotion, choosing to be
content with a little, rather than to be hampered with fetters which I
believe he thinks unscriptural, and not for the good of the Church; he is
of the opinion that it would be better for the common people to have the
Bible, and to be more acquainted with its contents. He conducted us to see
the School for Mutual Instruction, founded under the patronage of the
Grand Duke, about twelve years ago. The school-room is very large, airy,
and well lighted; it was formerly a convent. The system of education
differs a little from that practiced in England; but the children, about
240 in number, are apparently under an efficient course of instruction and
discipline. The younger boys have a string put round the neck, which
confines them to the place during the lesson, but I observed it did not
confine their attention. We were much pleased with the countenance and
manners of the director, the Abbot Luigi Brocciolini; his heart appears to
be in his work, which is by no means easy.
We left Florence early on the 13th, and had four days' hard travelling to
Genoa. From Sestri to Genoa, a day's journey, is by the sea, and under the
mountains, some of them of a tremendous height, and beautifully covered
with olives, vines, and figs: the houses hang quite on the sides of the
mountains amidst the olives; I do not remember to have passed through any
country equally picturesque.
We had packed as many books and tracts as we well could in our wardrobe
trunks, which were not once opened at the different custom-houses, but the
surplus tracts, &c., we were obliged to put into a spare box by
themselves, and this box was not suffered to pass the frontier of
Sardinia. The first officer was embarrassed, not knowing how to act, and
sent a gendarme with us to the bureau of Sarzana, the next town. The
officer there was remarkably civil, but told us the law is such that books
cannot enter except on conditions to which we could not in our conscience
submit. We therefore left them in the bureau, desiring that they might be
made useful: a person in the office said, in a half-whisper, These are the
books to turn the people's heads. We were glad this loss did not prevent
us from distributing others out of our remaining store, at the inns, and
pretty freely on the road.
Their object in returning by Genoa was to visit the valleys of Piedmont.
They reached Turin on the 19th, and proceeded on the 22nd to Pignerol.
From this place they visited most of the valleys, went into all the
families where Stephen Grellet had been, and had frequent religious
conversation with the pastors and some of the people.
We spent, says J.Y., five days amongst them. The old pastor Best died soon
after the time that Stephen Grellet was there. We met his son, lately
appointed chaplain to the Protestant congregation at Turin. He is a young
man of talent, lively and intelligent, and desirous of being useful in his
new sphere of action. He came to us often at our little inn, and made many
inquiries as to the nature of our religious principles; our conversation
mostly turned on the necessity of the assistance of the Holy Spirit in the
exercise of Christian ministry. This he fully admitted, but was not
prepared to dispense with the necessity of an academical preparation. I
fear that sending the young men to Geneva for this purpose has not always
had a salutary effect.
We thought it right to attend their worship on First-day morning at La
Tour. The congregation consisted of about 900 clean and well-dressed
peasants, many of whose countenances looked serious. The short discourse
of Pastor Peyron was orthodox, and the application impressive and edifying.
He afterwards dined and spent the afternoon with us at the widow Best's,
with several branches of her interesting and pious family. I humbly trust
this day was spent to mutual comfort.
They were disappointed to find that strangers were forbidden by law to
hold public meetings, or preach in the assemblies of the Protestants; and
although they met with many pious individuals, they thought the life of
religion on the whole at a low ebb, and deplored the prevalence of the
forms and ceremonies used by the Church, of England. The schools, too,
they found to be in a very poor state; the masters deficient in education
and badly paid, and the schools conducted without system. The ministers
showed them great kindness, and on their quitting La Tour, Pastor Best
encouraged them by the expression of satisfaction with their visit. They
returned to Turin on the 28th.
Passing over Mont Cenis, they directed their course to Geneva, where they
arrived on the 3rd of the Eighth Month, rejoiced to be once more on the
English side of the Alps. On their outward journey their sojourn in this
city had been short, but now they found it needful to make a longer visit,
and were thankful in being permitted to mingle again in intimate communion
with those who understood the language of the Spirit. They paid and
received many visits, and held two religious meetings at their hotel, at
the latter of which about fifty persons were present.
One of the most interesting occasions of which they speak was a Missionary
Meeting, in which the minister Olivier unfolded his experience of a divine
call to leave his country, and go abroad on the service of the gospel. The
voice which he described as having been sounded in his spiritual ear, and
the manner in which he received it, 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 days, and which, like
Olivier, he had for a long time hidden in his heart.
8 _mo_. 4.--In the evening I attended the Missionary Meeting in the
Chapel de l'Oratoire. Pastor Merle [d'Aubigné] opened the meeting by a
short prayer, and singing, and then gave a narrative of the liberation of
the slaves in the English colonies, according to the account received from
England. Pastor Olivier, from Lausanne, was present. He is about to depart
for Lower Canada, and he spoke in a very touching manner of the way in
which the mission had first opened on his own mind. When the concern was
made known in his heart, he kept it there in secret prayer to the Lord for
direction, and whenever he heard what he believed to be the same voice, it
was always--Go, and the Lord will go with thee. A real unction attended
while he gave us this account; the way in which he spoke of it resembled
the manner of one of our Friends laying a concern before a meeting: many
hearts present felt the force of his words. His exhortation to the young
persons was excellent. Pastor Gaussen concluded the meeting with an
address and lively prayer.
Among the friends with whom they had religious intercourse were Pastors
L'Huillier, Gallon, and Molinier. The last was a "father in the church" to
them. After some conversation on the state of religion in Geneva, he
proposed their sitting awhile in silence, well knowing the practice of the
Society of Friends in this respect. John and Martha Yeardley had each a
gospel message to deliver to him, after which he took them both by the
hand, and offered up prayer for their preservation and the prosperity of
the Society to which they belonged. "It was," says J.Y., "the effusion of
the Holy Spirit, accompanied with power, and refreshed our spirits."
With Pastor Gallon John Yeardley had a long conversation on the principles
and operations of the Société Evangelique.
I find them, he says, more liberal in their views than had been
represented, and their extent of usefulness is already considerable. In
their Academy they instruct young men with a view to their becoming
ministers, missionaries, school-masters, &c., as the prospect for their
future usefulness may open under the direction of Divine Providence. In a
place like Geneva, such an institution may be well: while we regard it
with some caution lest it should run too high on points of doctrine, we
cannot but hail with peculiar satisfaction such a favorable opportunity of
educating young men in the sound principles of Christianity, that they may
happily prove instruments in the Divine Hand to check the spread of
infidelity.
From Geneva they went to Lausanne. Their old friend, Professor Gaudin,
took them to see several pastors, and other pious persons, and on
First-day, the 17th, he and his family, with some other serious-minded
individuals, joined them in their hour of worship at the inn.
It was, says J.Y., a time of a little encouragement to our tried minds,
for we had been brought into doubt as to the utility of resting here,
although we had seen, as we believed, in the true light, that we ought to
seek out a few who could unite with us in our simple way.
On the 18th they went on to Neufchâtel, where they were received as before
with much affection, and where they proposed to settle down for the
winter, after making a tour in some neighboring parts of Switzerland.
On the 20th they went to Berne, and hired a lodging, for the purpose of
devoting themselves to religious intercourse with persons of the
_interior_ class. As soon as it was known they had arrived, their
acquaintance rapidly increased, and they found it difficult to receive all
who came. One of their first acts was to renew their intercourse with the
Combe family at Wabern, where their visit in 1828 had left a sweet
remembrance.
They spent a fortnight in Berne and the neighborhood, and some passages
from John Yeardley's account of this interesting visit may properly find a
place here. The continual flow of Christian sympathy which it was now
their happiness to experience, formed a strong contrast to the dreary
spiritual wastes they had traversed in Italy and Greece. It was at this
time that they contracted or renewed a friendship with Sophie
Würstemberger, since well known to many other English Friends.
8 _mo_. 24.--How greatly I feel humbled under the prospect before us
in this place; many thirsting souls are looking to us for help, and we
feel poor and weak; we can only direct them to Him from whom all strength
comes. O my Saviour, forsake us not in this trying hour; give us the
consolation of thy Holy Spirit, and a portion of strength to do thy will!
Our meeting is appointed for this evening; enlighten our understanding, O
Lord, that we may be enabled to instruct the people in the right way.
25_th_.--More came to the meeting last evening than we expected. They
were still, and a good feeling prevailed; there were those present who
knew something of inward retirement with their Saviour.
Madame Combe called yesterday to ask some questions on the Supper and
Baptism. I believe it would be an advantage to these pious people, if they
were to read and compare one part of the Scripture with another more
diligently. She left us well satisfied with the explanation given to her
questions. We never touch on these points, unless we are asked questions
upon them.
The various visits received this day have closed with one of no common
interest from Dr. Karl Bouterwek, a young man from Prussia. He told as he
had received much benefit in the church of the Dissidents, but was on the
point of separating from them, because he could not agree in acknowledging
they were the _only true_ visible church. After some observations on
the Supper, &c., we observed that there were individuals in this place
whom the Most High was calling into more spirituality and purity of
worship. He asked why we thought so. Our reasons were given, and he made
no reply; but a most solemn and precious silence came over us, which it
was beyond our power to break by uttering words. Our hearts were filled
with love, and the dear young man went away to avoid showing the feelings
of his heart by the shedding of tears.
28_th_.--Took tea at the Pavilion, a pleasant country walk of twenty
minutes from town, with Mad'e de Watteville and her daughter. She had
invited a number of friends to meet us. We passed a couple of hours,
pleasantly conversing, mostly on religious subjects. It is a little
extraordinary, with what openness some of these dear people speak to us of
the state of their minds. When the circle was seated, we formed a pretty
large company. The daughter of Mad'e de W. whispered to my M.Y., Are we
too dissipated to have something good? We told her it was always good to
endeavor to retire before the Lord in humility of soul. I trust a parting
blessing was felt amongst us.
30_th_.--From 9 o'clock till half-past 12, we received visits in
succession, I think not fewer than fifteen. At half-past 2, Mad'e de Tavel
accompanied us to the Penitentiary prison. For cleanliness and order, I
think, it exceeds all I ever saw of the kind. I fear the religious
instruction is very superficial; none but formal prayers and written
sermons are used.
31_st_.--Attended Mad'lle Berthom's Scripture class, at the
Institution for the Destitute. There are eighteen girls in the house to
bed and hoard; it has been established about six years. M.B.'s method of
examining the children is the most simple and spiritual of any that I have
seen; she has an extraordinary gift for the purpose.
9 _mo_. 2.--Attended the Monthly Meeting in the missionary room. Many
of the company were peasants from some distance. The singing excepted, it
resembled a Monthly Meeting for worship in our Society; for all had
liberty to speak one after the other, five or six speaking by way of
testimony: the doctrine was sound, and the way in which they coupled this
with their Christian experience was really excellent. I had much unity
with the concluding prayer by Pastor Merley.
2_nd_.--The evening was spent at Mad'e W.'s, with a pretty large
company. ---- proposed for a few verses to be sung; afterwards he read a
chapter, and gave a long exposition, somewhat dry. When this and a prayer
were gone through, it was late; neither my M.Y., nor myself, were able to
express what was on our minds. Some uneasiness and disappointment were
expressed by several; and two of these dear friends came to our lodgings
the next day, with whom we had a precious time. My M.Y. had to speak a few
words to the particular state of M.B., and at the close she acknowledged,
in brokenness of spirit, that it was the truth.
There is a remarkable awakening in the town and canton of Berne, both
among those of the higher walks of life and the peasants; but there is not
strength enough to come out of the forms. There are thirty females to one
man among those who are lately become serious.
From Berne, J. and M.Y. proceeded to Zurich, arriving there on the 5th of
the Ninth Month. They spent three days in the city, chiefly in the company
of the Gessner-Lavater family, and renewed with the various members of it
the intimate friendship of former years. A short passage descriptive of
this sojourn is hero appended.
9 _mo_. 7.--We attended the worship of the National Church, and heard
the pious Gessner. What he said was excellent, but I never enter these
places without feeling regret that good Christians can be so bound by
book-worship; it certainly damps the life of religion in the assemblies.
How much we ought to rejoice in being delivered from the forms.
I was instructed yesterday evening by hearing a reply of one of the first
missionaries of the Moravians [?]. He had labored diligently for
twenty-five years, and when asked how many souls had been turned to the
Lord by his means, he modestly answered, Seven. The person expressing
surprise at the smallness of the number in so many years, he replied, How
happy shall I be to stand in the Lord's presence at the last day, and to
say, Lord, here am I and the seven children whom thou hast given me. We
ought to labor in faith, and not expect to see fruit.
The next town where they halted was Schaffhausen, like Zurich, dear to
them in the recollections of past visits. Here they examined the school
for poor children in the town, and that of Buch in the neighborhood. They
were delighted with both these institutions. The mistress of the former
possessed an extraordinary natural talent for her office; she was
originally a servant, when, instead of seeking her own pleasure on the
First-days of the week, as other servants did, she would take a few
children to teach them to read and instruct them in the Bible. Their visit
to the school at Buch is described by John Yeardley in No. 10 of his
Series of Tracts, _The Six Secrets_.
On the 13th they went to Basle, where they conversed with most of the
pastors, and several other individuals of religious character.
Serious, retired persons, says John Yeardley (9 mo. 21), frequently come
to us and open the state of their minds with great freedom and confidence.
If we are of any use to their thirsty souls, it is the Saviour's love that
draws us into sympathy with them, and his good Spirit that enables us to
speak a word in season to their condition.
As usual, they visited the Mission House. Inspector Blumhardt informed
them that the translation which had been made of J.J. Gurney's "Essays on
Christianity," and of which 2000 copies were printed, had been productive
of great good; they had been distributed chiefly among those who were
connected with the German universities.
They remained at Basle until the 1st of the Tenth Month, and then returned
by way of Berne to Neufchâtel. At Berne a sudden diversion was given to
the current of their thoughts by the intelligence of the death of Thomas
Yeardley. J.Y. has left a memorandum of the occurrence, and of the
singular foreshadowing of it upon his own mind which took place at Zurich.
10 _mo_. 2. _Berne_.--We found many letters from England waiting
for us here, one of which, from my nephew John Yeardley, brought the
sorrowful intelligence of the sudden and unexpected removal of my
dearly-beloved brother Thomas, of Ecclesfield Mill. This took place on the
6th of the Ninth Month, about 20 minutes past 2, without sigh or groan,
even as a lamb. These are the expressions of J.Y.; he adds several sweet
expressions of my precious brother's, which show that the solemn change to
him was a joyful one: and I do believe his tribulated spirit is now at
rest. On recurring to the 6th ultimo to see where we were, and what were
the contemplations of my mind, I find we were at Zurich. That morning the
following lines which I heard when a child, and had not repeated for the
last twenty years, came forcibly into my mind:--
It's almost done, it's almost o'er,
We're joining them that are gone before;
We soon shall meet upon that shore
Where we shall meet to part no more.
I not only repeated them to myself the whole of the day, but even sung
them aloud so often that my dear M.Y. said to me, "Whatever can be the
meaning that thou so often repeats these lines?" I replied, "I do not know
that I have repeated them for the last twenty years, but to-day they are
continually with me." This can have been nothing but the spirit of
sympathy with the soul of my dear departing brother, for the awful
impression of sorrow and solemnity in my mind on that day will never be
forgotten; I mourned with the bereaved family without knowing it. My M.Y.
had opened her portfolio to begin a letter to our sister Rachel, and I
wrote the verse on a piece of loose paper, and she slipped it into her
papers, and said to herself, Surely these lines are not prophetic of
something that is going to happen? Last evening she banded me out of her
portfolio the piece of paper containing the lines.
At Berne they received also the tidings that "the excellent" M.A. Calame
was no more; the Christian mother of 250 orphan children was taken from
the scene of her labors and the conflicts of time to the heavenly rest in
her Saviour. The following appear to be among the last words which she
wrote; they were no doubt addressed to her faithful companion Zimmerlin:--
In my numerous shortcomings I have enough constantly to humble me, and
without being surprised at it, since evil is my heritage; but my help is
in the Lord, who delights in mercy. I have hope also for all my brethren
whom I love, whatever name they hear. There are twelve gates by which to
enter into the Holy City, and if they have passed through the great gate,
which is Christ, I am sure that those who enter from the east, as well as
those who have been brought in by the west, will be there; but those who
enter with me are better known to me than the rest whom I shall meet in
that celestial Jerusalem, whither my sighs daily carry me, yet in
submission to the heavenly decrees, desiring only that the will of God our
Saviour be done.
You think my task is light? Ah, no! the love which the Lord has given me
spends itself on so many hearts closed to their true interests; I see the
hand of the enemy in their souls; I am so often deceived in my hopes, that
my work is watered by my tears. From time to time, however, the Lord gives
me hope; a soul awakes from sleep, and is kindled into light by the torch
of the gospel.
And now, dear sister, have no longer any esteem or consideration for me;
only let the love of Christ live in thy heart for me: the desires of my
heart carry you with it to the feet of Him who is Love.
When they returned home, John and Martha Yeardley printed a short memoir
of this extraordinary woman, whose name, though comparatively little known
upon earth, is doubtless enshrined in the hearts of many who still
survive, and shall one day shine with a lustre which the most brilliant of
her sex, whose ambition it is to adorn the court, the concert or the
drawing-room, will desire in vain to wear.
At Berne J. and M.Y. commenced a Bible class, similar in kind to the
Scarborough reunion, which was continued until their departure, and was
the source of much pleasure and profit to those who attended. Before
quitting Berne, thinking it might perhaps be the last opportunity they
should have of meeting with their numerous and beloved friends in that
city, they invited them to join them in worship in their apartment.
Many, says John Yeardley, gave us their company; much tenderness of spirit
was felt, and through the mercy of Divine Love many present were, I trust,
comforted and refreshed.
We quitted Berne on the 30th. We had become so affectionately attached to
many Christian friends, that parting from them was severely felt. But what
happiness Christians enjoy even in this world I those who love the Saviour
remain united in Him when outwardly separated.
Neufchâtel, for the sake of those who resided there, was equally
attractive to them as Berne.
We arrived at Neufchfâtel, writes John Yeardley, on Fifth-day, and on
Seventh-day (11 mo. 1) settled into a comfortable lodging on the border of
the lake. It feels to us the most like home of any residence we have had
during our pilgrimage in foreign lands. Our suite of cottage-rooms runs
alongside the water, with a gallery in front, and the little boats on the
lake, and the mountains in the distance, covered with snow, are objects
pleasing to the eye. What gives us the most satisfaction is the feeling of
being in our right place, and to meet with such a warm reception from our
dear friends.
This feeling was succeeded by some religious service of an interesting
character, in reviewing which John Yeardley says:--
23_rd_.--Among those who meet with us, a little few know how to
appreciate true silence, others are not come to this. But for what purpose
are we here? 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 souls, we ought to be content; and, blessed be his
Holy Name, his presence is often felt in our hearts.
As has been already said, they looked forward to spending the winter at
Neufchâtel. This intention, and their ulterior project of visiting Germany
in the spring, were frustrated by the alarming illness of Adey Bellamy
Savory, Martha Yeardley's only brother, the news of which reached them on
the 29th of the Eleventh Month.
This day's post, writes John Yeardley, brought us the sorrowful news of
the severe illness of our dear brother A.B. Savory. The family at
Stamford-hill have expressed a strong desire for us to return, if we could
feel easy so to do, and seeing that we have pretty much got through what
we had in prospect in Switzerland, we are, on the whole, most comfortable
to go direct for London, and leave Germany for the present. Our great
Master is very gracious to us, giving us to feel sweet peace in the
termination of our labors, and to look forward with hope to seeing our
native land once more.
The next day was First-day; the parting with their Neufchâtel friends was
very affecting.
11 _mo_. 30.--A precious meeting this morning. The presence of Him
who died for us was near, to help and comfort us; our hearts were much
tendered by his divine love. The taking leave of our dear friends here was
almost heartrending. There is a precious seed in this place, which I
trust, is a little deeper rooted since our last visit, and it is the
prayer of my heart, that the Saviour may water and watch over it, and that
it may produce abundance of fruit to his praise.
They took their departure on the 2nd of the Twelfth Month, and arrived in
London on the 13th, travelling through the north of France twelve days and
six nights.
Through divine mercy we arrived safe in London, on Seventh-day evening,
and lodged with our beloved relations at Highbury, who received us with
all possible affection. Our spirits on meeting, mingled in silent sorrow,
while we were enabled to rejoice in God our Saviour. On First-day morning
we went over to Stamford-hill, and soon were introduced to our beloved
brother, who was perfectly sensible, but extremely weak. The peace and
serenity which we were favored to feel by him was an inexpressible comfort
to our sorrowful hearts.
A.B. Savory died the next Third-day evening, and his remains were interred
on the First-day following.
21_st_.--This was the day fixed for the solemn occasion of
accompanying the remains to the tomb. The body was taken into the
meeting-house at Newington, and the company of mourners and all present
were, I believe, comforted and edified through the tender mercies of our
Heavenly Father. J.J. Gurney's communication was particularly precious; he
also paid a consoling visit to the family after dinner.
We shall conclude this chapter with some reflections made by John
Yeardley, on reviewing the changes which death had produced in the circle
of his relations:--
1835. 1 _mo_. 31.--Waking this morning, I took a view of the great
ravages death had made in our families; when this exhortation pressed
suddenly and with peculiar force on my heart,--Be thou also ready. My soul
responded, Thou Lord, alone, canst make me ready. O gracious Saviour, who
died for me, be pleased to redeem me from the bond of corruption, and
purify my heart from earthly things.