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