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
a day; there are many honest creatures
to be had at these wages who have nothing in the world to do.
From the first of my leaving England, I had no expectation of being
liberated from this country before the expiration of about four years, and
I have always been desirous that something should turn up that would
afford me support by suitable employment; so that what I have now in view
does not seem to clash with my former prospects. It is (he adds with
affectionate feeling) a source of great consolation that I can always
unbosom my mind so freely to thee; and I consider it among the greatest
blessings I enjoy, that thou hast never yet failed of being made an
instrument of support to me, and my prayer is that thou mayst never lose
thy reward.
Pyrmont is one of the oldest watering-places north of the Alps. The
inhabitants are very much dependent on the visitors who resort thither
during the three summer months, and amongst whom may frequently be
reckoned some of the first families in Europe. This year, 1823, the Prince
and Princess of Prussia (the present Regent of Prussia and his consort)
were there, and one Fourth-day morning attended the Friends' Meeting. The
meeting-house stands in one of the _allees_, and although its
position is not central, it is sufficiently public to be an object of
attraction to the curiosity of strangers. A memorandum under date of the
18th of the Sixth Month records the royal visit, and John Yeardley's
spiritual exercise on the occasion.
6 _mo_. 18.--To-day the young prince and Princess of Prussia, with
the Princess their mother, and the Hofmeister, have been at our Fourth-day
meeting. They entered with such seriousness on their countenances that I
felt my spirit suddenly drawn towards them in love, and a secret prayer
was raised in my heart for their everlasting good. Feeling the influence
of divine love to increase, I believed it right to kneel down, and in
brokenness of spirit I expressed what had opened on my mind, which
afforded me peace; and I hope good to others was imparted, although I may
say through the unworthiest of instruments. For truly I have for some time
been as in a state of death and darkness, owing to my unwatchfulness. O
what would I give for more circumspection, that I might be more prepared
to receive the _word_, and when command is given, publish the same.
But, unworthy creature, I often deprive myself and others of seasons of
good through my negligence and barrenness. When will the time come when I
can say, all earthly things are under my feet, and the cause of religion
and virtue rules predominant in my heart! Lord, hasten the day; and
preserve my feet in thy path in the midst of many snares; and rather let
me die than be suffered to do anything which would dishonor thy gracious
and holy Name, and the profession I am making of thee before the world.
Loose my bands, and enable me to say in sincerity of heart, I am willing
to serve thee freely.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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