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
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account