was that of a
strong and independent mind.

2 _mo_. 6.--I am too apt to let in that slavish fear about men and
things which render me unable to cope with the world, and even unfits me
for properly seeking after the assistance of my Maker. O, may He who sees
my weakness enable me to overcome it!

During the summer of this year, several parties of Friends travelling in
the work of the ministry came to Burton; Sarah Lamley of Tredington, with
Ann Fairbank of Sheffield; Ann Burgess (afterwards Ann Jones); Elizabeth
Coggeshall from New York, with Mary Jefferys of Melksham; and John Kirkham
of Earl's Colne. The labors of these Friends are recorded by John Yeardley
with delight and thankfulness. He accompanied John Kirkham to Sheffield,
where they found Stephen Grellett.

How sweet it is, he remarks, to enjoy the company of these dedicated
servants, whom their great Master seems to be sending to and fro to spread
righteousness in the earth! I often think it has a tendency to help one a
little on the way towards the Land of Promise. When I consider these
favors, I am led to covet that a double portion of the spirit of the
Elijahs may so rest on the Elishas that others may also be raised to fill
up the honorable situations of those worthies, when they shall be removed
from works to rewards.

But of all the above-named, the visit of Sarah Lamley and Ann Fairbank was
for him by far the most memorable, and was the means of developing that
precious gift of ministry to which he had been called from his youth. The
extracts from his Diary which are given below speak of this visit, and
most instructively describe the time and manner in which he first received
his gift, as well as the weight which the approaching exercise of it
brought upon his mind.

5 _mo_. 27.--Sarah Lamley and Ann Fairbank lodged six nights with us,
and I accompanied them to Dirtcar and Wakefield. I can acknowledge their
innocent and agreeable company has been truly profitable to me, and has
united me very closely to their spirits in tender sympathy.

7 _mo_. 30.--Such a load of exercise prevails over my spirit, that it
requires some extra exertion to support it with my usual cheerfulness of
countenance. If I go into company, I find no satisfaction; for I cannot
appear pleasant in the society of my friends, feeling it irksome to
discourse even on matters of common conversation. From the feelings which
have attended my mind, it is evident that the clou