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
My mother inquires as to my mode of living, and if I have comfortable
accommodations. Please to tell her that I am provided for in a way which
is exceedingly agreeable to me. I have a large airy sitting-room with
three windows, and a bed-room adjoining, situated, on one side, under the
shelter of a wood, and the other opens to a beautiful and romantic dale.
The mode of cooking is just as I would wish it; I am only anxious
sometimes that my very kind friends of the house are too much concerned
for my help and comfort. It seems scarcely possible to find an outward
situation more suited to my wishes. When I have studied in the house, I
take my books in suitable weather into the wood, and there walk and read
and think. It is true I am sometimes very flat for want of company; but if
I incline to go to Pyrmont, they are always pleased to see me, and would
willingly have me always with them.--(2 _mo._ 17, 1823.)
Very soon after his arrival at Pyrmont, John Yeardley entered into active
service in behalf of the gospel. In what religious state he found the
people towards whom he had so long been attracted in spirit, and how he
was enabled to preach to them the word of life, is exhibited in several
entries in his Diary.
7 _mo._ 21.--The Two-months' Meeting was held at Minden; I went,
along with several of my friends from here. The first sitting was very
large, many coming in who do not usually attend. It was a very solid
meeting; I thought there was the good savor of an honest-hearted few to be
felt among a mixed multitude. Such was the sweet, peaceful satisfaction I
felt after this meeting, that I almost said in my heart, This is enough to
repay me for setting my feet in Germany. These are precious seasons, yet I
always recur to such in fear, and rejoice with trembling; for in the midst
of the Lord's goodness to his children one seems to be falling on one
hand, and another on another; so that the language seems to be, "Will ye
also go away?" and truly we shall never be able to stand if we look not
for help to Him who has the words of eternal life.
About this time Thomas Shillitoe arrived in Germany, in the course of his
religious visit on the Continent; and John Yeardley, on his return to
Pyrmont, united with him in a visit to the families of Friends belonging
to that meeting.
8 _mo_. 13.--My feelings are this morning deeply discouraged. I am
entering on a visit to the families here with my dear friend T.S., whose
company I have had since the 23rd ult. This service is to me a very
important one. It is an easy matter to say to a brother or a sister, Be
comforted, be strengthened; but it is no light matter to dip so feelingly
into the state of our fellow-mortals, as to feel as though we could place
_our_ soul in their soul's stead, in order that they might be
strengthened and comforted.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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