s life in countries which they had
not yet visited. Accordingly, in the Fourth Month of 1842, they acquainted
the Friends of their Monthly Meeting with the prospect of missionary
service which had opened before them, informing them that from the
conclusion of their last European journey they had believed it would one
day be required of them to re-enter that field of labor. The Monthly
Meeting accorded its full and sympathetic approbation, which was endorsed
by the Quarterly Meeting at a conference of men and women Friends, of
which John Yeardley says:--

The great solemnity which prevailed was truly refreshing to our spirits,
and I believe to the spirits of many others. Our friends gave us their
full unity, _encouragement, sympathy,_ and _prayers_.

Martha Yeardley thus expresses the feelings with which she contemplated
this arduous journey, in a letter to Josiah Forster:--

It is indeed an awful engagement, now in the decline of life, and, with
respect to myself, under increasing infirmities; but I believe it best for
me not to look too far forward, but simply to confide in the mercy and
guidance of that blessed Saviour who has been our support and consolation
under many deep trials, humblingly believing that whether enabled to
accomplish the important prospect or not, it was an offering required at
our hands, and that we must leave the event to the Great Disposer of all
things.

In the same letter she mentions their having heard of the death of Louis
A. Majolier of Congenies, which, she says, although a cause of rejoicing
as it regards him, was read by us with mournful feelings, from the
recollection of his fatherly kindness in days that are past, and also from
renewed solicitude for the little flock in that country.

Before their departure they went once more into the West Riding, to see
how their brethren of J.Y.'s earliest acquaintance fared. They were
joined by William Dent of Marr, near Doncaster, with whom they were
"sweetly united in the fellowship of the gospel;" and they returned to
Scarborough with "grateful and peaceful hearts."

CHAPTER XV.

THE FOURTH CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.

1842-3.

In the journey which now lay before them, John and Martha Yeardley were
about to explore a part of Europe hitherto untried,--the province of
Languedoc, conspicuous in past ages for its superior enlightenment, but
now, owing to the temporary mastery of error, wrapt in ignorance and
gloom. In this missi