sia Minor and the
countries beyond, in order to deliver to the inquiring inhabitants amongst
whom those stations are planted, the message of Christ's love to their
souls with which he believed himself to be charged. And when he
communicated to his friends the apprehension that this journey was
required of him as the last offering of thanksgiving before his day
closed, they were satisfied to "lay their hands upon him" for the work,
thinking, perhaps, that the veteran soldier could not better end his
campaign than with his arms in his hands, actively contending for the
faith. That such might not improbably be the issue of the enterprise, John
Yeardley himself believed; but it is doubtful if he correctly estimated
the arduous nature of the journey. It would have been a bold undertaking
in the vigor of his days: at his time of life, and with his declining
strength, it was, humanly speaking, impossible that he should accomplish
nearly all he had in view.

His Diary unfolds his spiritual exercises and his natural feelings in the
prospect before him.

3 _mo_. 17.--The last two months have been to me an awful time of
deep conflict of spirit, arising out of a prospect of a religious visit to
some places in Asiatic Turkey, and parts adjacent. I do not know when I
have had more conflict to arrive at a clear pointing. I prayed earnestly
and waited long for that clear pointing of Divine Wisdom, without which I
can never move in concerns of this importance. In the end, I am thankful
to say, the cloud was removed and the sun stone with brightness, and no
longer was my poor tried mind left in doubt as to the line of religions
duty; and before mentioning it to any one, I communicated it to the
Monthly Meeting in the Second Month. Much unity and sympathy were
expressed, and the certificate ordered. It is now signed, and is a sweet
document, short and explicit.

I see and deeply feel the perils and sufferings which await me, in
venturing on untrodden ground, as it regards any minister of our Society,
and to such a distance, and among, for the most part, an unbelieving
people. But I can and do look forward in calm confidence, trusting, as I
have ever done, in the aid and protecting care of my Heavenly Father,
whose cause I desire to serve, and whose will I wish above all other
things to do. My earthly career can never end better than in the work of
my Divine Master; and should it be his will to terminate my life in the
Arab tent, I sh