r to
beset them the next meeting-day, and disperse them. W.W. was strongly
impressed that it was right for him to proclaim an awful warning to
some--that the judgments of the Almighty awaited them, that eternity was
nearer than they were aware and he wished them to consider and prepare for
it. One of the disturbers was taken suddenly ill, and died before the next
meeting-day; which produced such an effect on the others that they never
more molested the little company in their worship.

In reviewing this journey, J.Y. says, under date of the 25th of the Sixth
Month:--

I trust my faith is afresh confirmed in the gift of the Holy Spirit to
lead in the way of religious duty, and to give strength to do His will.
Lord, grant that the remainder of my days, whether few or many, be
entirely devoted to the holy cause of endeavoring to promote the Saviour's
kingdom on earth.

In 1837, John and Martha Yeardley were occupied with making circuits in
the service of the gospel through several counties of England. They were
attracted to Lancashire, which they visited in the autumn, by the peculiar
state of some meetings in that county, an extensive secession having taken
place not long before. The difficulties which they had to encounter on
this journey are represented in a letter from Martha Yeardley to her
sisters, written at Manchester the 4th of the Ninth Month, 1837.

I do not recollect that, in my little experience, I ever had more
preparatory exercise of mind to pass through; and I believe it has been
the same with my dear J.Y. We have, however, in many of our visits, been
much comforted under the belief that those who remain firm in the
testimonies given us to bear are in a more lively state, and more banded
together, than has been the case heretofore, and that, through the mercy
of our holy Head and High Priest, there is a renewed visitation to many.
In the public meetings, of which we have had many, there has been a rather
remarkable openness to receive the truths of the gospel, united with our
view of the spirituality of this blessed dispensation.

We approached this place in deep prostration of spirit; and truly we feel
that all the previous baptism has been needful, in order to enable us in
any degree to perform our duty here. There has been a sore rending of the
tenderest ties, and the wounds are not yet healed. There are a few who
entertain ultra views, and their over-activity tends to keep up excitement
in