ng road, and that
transit duty could not be received; we must either pay the full excise as
when goods remain in the Prussian territory, or return back until we came
again into the Zoll-strasse. It took some time to consider which was best
to be done. To be sent about we knew not whither, and on roads scarcely
passable, would prove a serious inconvenience; and on the other hand it
was exceedingly mortifying to pay for such a trifle so enormous an excise.
The officer was very civil, but told us it was not in his power to do
otherwise. We concluded it would be best and cheapest to pay dearly for
our error rather than be retarded on our journey. We had a regular receipt
for what we paid, but inadvertently departing again from the appointed
way, we were in danger of paying the full duty a second time, or having
the goods taken from us. So much for travelling with excise goods.

Early in 1824, John Yeardley returned for a few months to England. He had
ingratiated himself so thoroughly into the esteem and love of his Pyrmont
friends, that his departure even for a short time was the signal of
lamentation through the whole meeting. On the 11th of the First Month he
had a farewell meeting at Friedensthal, which was attended by almost all
his friends. With his parting blessing he had some counsel to impart.

I have so much place, he says, in their minds, that whatever I say, either
in counsel or reproof, is always received in love. Such a scene I never
witnessed; the dear lambs all wept aloud; we were indeed all melted
together. May the Shepherd of Israel never leave them nor forsake them,
and may they become willing to follow his leading. I can truly say that on
their behalf my pillow has been often wet with my tears.

On the 3rd of the Second Month, he left Friedensthal, accompanied by a
young Friend whom he was to conduct to a temporary residence in England,
and in whose religious welfare he was deeply interested. While waiting in
Hamburg for a vessel, he felt keenly his solitary situation in the world.

2 _mo_. 9.--I think I never felt poorer in spirit and more
discouraged than at present. It seems as if visiting my native land had no
cheering prospect for me. If it were right in the divine sight I could
almost wish to spend the whole of my life in solitude; but I must be
willing patiently to suffer, and endeavor to fill the place appointed for
me on this stage of action.

A vessel sailed for England the day befo