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
7 _mo_. 27.--"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me
bless his holy name." Notwithstanding my many seasons of poverty and
inward distress, the foregoing language is sometimes put into my heart on
my return from our meetings, which are, in the bathing season, almost
always crowded with strangers. Their manner of coming in and going out
during the time of worship is exceedingly disturbing, and yet I cannot but
admire the stillness which prevails when anything is delivered. The help
which I at times experience in these trying seasons is wonderful in my
eyes. When I am concerned to stand up in His dread and fear, what have I
else to fear? This fear would always cast out the fear of man which ever
brings death; and yet so weak am I, that after all these precious helps
and comforting times, I tremble when the meeting-day comes again lest, I
should fail in doing the Lord's will. Such is my fear before I can rise to
my feet in meetings that I say with Samson, Be with me this once more that
I may bear testimony to thy name; then, if it be thy will let me die for
thee, and I will not think it too much, to suffer. O that He would be
pleased to enlarge his gift in my heart, and he unto me mouth and wisdom,
and give me tongue and utterance to declare his name unto the nations.
7 _mo_. 30.--Our Fourth-day meeting to-day has been a precious
heavenly season. Much more weightiness of spirit appeared to exist in the
strangers who attended, and consequently more stillness. I had not long
taken my seat before I believed it right to stand up with the words of the
apostle, "Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the
knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." The women's side was nearly
full of richly-clad females; they bore the marks of worldly distinction,
and were indeed as fine as hands and pins could make them. But the
tenderings of divine love reached the hearts of some among them in a
particular degree. I felt such a nearness of spirit towards them that I
had great openness in speaking of the things which came before me. After
meeting they very willingly accepted of some books. One of them was much
reached, and went into the little plantation to weep. Another went to her
to comfort her; but she replied, Go from me and leave me alone. We may
truly say with the apostle that God is no respecter of persons, but those
who fear him and work righteousness will be accepted of him, to whatever
nation, kindred, tongue or people they may belong. All distinctions of
religious sects and party spirit are laid aside when our hearts become
prepared to embrace each other in true Christian love. I do believe the
Lord's work is begun in the hearts of many in this land; and the fervent
prayer of my spirit is that he may be pleased to carry it on to
perfection, and that we may live to see the glorious day when
righteousness shall cover the earth as the waters cover the channels of
the sea.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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