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
* * * * *
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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