Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the GospelYeardley, John
Religion
Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel
Yeardley, John
Clergy -- United States -- Biography; Quakers -- Biography; Yeardley, John, 1786-1858
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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