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
On our journey, says John Yeardley, we had heard of a man near this town
who bore the name of Quaker, and we inquired of the lawyer if he knew
whether he was sound in the Christian faith. The lawyer spoke with respect
of the so-called Quaker, but thought that in his opinions he favored
Arianism. "If so," said I, rather hastily, "we will not seek him or
recognize." "Why," said the advocate, "it is the very reason you should go
to see him, and try to do him good." At this reply my conscience was stung
on account of my hasty conclusion; and after reflecting on the matter, we
walked next morning five or six miles into the country in search of the
new Friend. He received us with joy, and we soon satisfied ourselves as to
his soundness in the Christian faith; but he was rather ardent in his
expectations of the reign of Christ on the earth. Twenty years ago he
refused to take an oath on a jury; the judge told him he must go to
prison, to which the Friend replied, "I am willing to go to prison, but I
cannot swear to condemn any person to death; if you place me as juryman I
shall acquit all the criminals." The judge, believing his scruples to be
sincere, dismissed him without further trouble. This dear man attached
himself to us in such a manner that it was difficult to part from him; he
pressed us to remain some days in his house, but this our duty did not
permit.
From Castres they returned through Beziers to Nismes, visiting various
little companies of Protestants by the way, and arrived in the latter city
on the 1st of the Fourth Month. They found that the school had increased
in numbers, and the scholars had made good progress.
On entering the school-room, says J.Y., the girls all flocked to us, their
black eyes sparkling with joy, while they clung round us with their little
arms to be embraced. The harmony and peaceful feelings which pervade the
family are truly comforting to our hearts.
In taking a retrospect of what they had done up to this time, they write
thus to their Friends in England:--
The manner in which our gracious Lord has condescended to open the way for
a portion of labor in this part of his vineyard, adds a grain to our
faith: the service which has hitherto fallen to our lot on this journey is
of that nature towards which we had a view before we left our native land;
and we are bound gratefully to acknowledge, amid many conflicts and
discouragements, that sweet peace is sometimes our portion. But our dear
friends in England will readily conceive that our baptisms are various and
deep, during our separation from the bosom of our own little visible
church; and we hope to retain a place in their sympathy and prayers, when
they are favored with access to the throne of mercy. Our love flows freely
and unceasingly to all our dear friends, from whom it is always comforting
to hear. Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free
course and be glorified.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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