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
With the cause for self-condemnation, which is alluded to in this entry
was no doubt connected the neglect to keep up his Diary; no entry occurs
for more than five months previous. It was probably much more difficult in
the position which he occupied in Germany to maintain a spirit of
watchfulness and self-recollection than among his more experienced Friends
in Yorkshire. There is an allusion to this in an entry of a little later
date.
7 _mo_. 8.--My mind feels a little more gathered than it has been for
some time past; but the little outward difficulties which are continually
arising have a great tendency to disperse the best feelings. I think it is
almost the greatest lesson that we have to learn, to stand so fast in
times of trouble as not to suffer loss. If we would so conduct ourselves
that the change of times and seasons should not have such an unfavorable
influence on our minds, this would be one great point gained; it would
enable us to meet the difficulties of the day in a better state to combat
with them.
But if daily trials abounded of a nature the most likely to retard his
spiritual progress, we shall see that He who had appointed his lot,
provided in his faithfulness the needful corrective, and by the discipline
of filial fear in the ministry of the word, kept him safe in his
sanctuary.
The attendance of visitors at the meeting-house was often numerous,
although it was seldom that they remained during the whole time of
worship. Meetings of this kind were very trying to John Yeardley's faith
and feelings; but sometimes they were seasons of heavenly blessing such
abundantly to make amends for past humiliation.
7 _mo_. 6.--To-day the small meeting-house and passage were quite
filled with strangers, and I was told many went away who could not get in,
and some remained under the windows. No creature on earth knows what my
poor mind suffers when I go to meeting under such circumstances. Many whom
curiosity brings in the expectation to hear words may some times be
disappointed, but I hope there are some whose intentions are sincere, and
who are desirous to be informed the way to Zion. I hope strength was
afforded me to preach Christ crucified. O that the Lord may support me in
these very trying seasons, and take from me the fear of man, and fill my
heart with a holy fear of offending Him whom I humbly trust I am desirous
of choosing to be my Lord and Master.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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