Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel | Page 5

which had been so fitly spoken took deep root in John
Yeardley's heart, and on the following New-year's day he went up to
Newhouse to converse with his experienced and sympathizing friend.
On the 1st of the First Month, 1804, (writes Joseph Wood,) John
Yeardley came to my house, on purpose to see me. He got here betwixt
ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon, attended our meeting and tarried
with us until after tea, and then returned home. He is a hopeful youth,
tender in spirit, and of a sweet natural disposition; was convinced of the
truth in an opportunity I had at his father's house, and, I hope, is likely
to do well. I love him much, and much desire his preservation, growth,
and establishment upon the everlasting foundation, against which the
gates of Hell are not able to prevail.
Shortly after this, we obtain from John Yeardley's own hand an insight
into the depth of those religious convictions which had so mercifully
been vouchsafed to him. The manner in which this interesting
memorandum concludes is quaint, but it expresses a resolution to
which he was enabled to adhere in a remarkable degree throughout the
course of his long life; for of him it may be said that, beyond many, his
pursuits, his aims, and his conversation were not of the world, but were
bounded by the line of the Gospel, and animated by its self-denying
spirit.
Blacker, 2 mo. 9, 1804.--As I pursued these earthly enjoyments, it
pleased the Lord, in the riches of his mercy to turn me back in the

blooming of my youth, and favor me with the overshadowing of his
love, to see the splendid pleasures that so easily detained my precious
time. He was graciously pleased to call me to the exercise of that
important work which must be done in all our hearts, which appears to
me no small cross to my own will, and attended with many
discouragements; yet I am made to believe it is the way wherein I
ought to go; and I trust Thou, O Lord, who hast called, will enable me
to give up, and come forward in perfect obedience to the manifestations
of thy divine light, so as a thorough change may be wrought, that I may
be fitted and prepared for a place in thy everlasting kingdom. Though at
times I am led into great discouragement, and almost ready to faint by
the way, fearing I shall never be made conqueror over those potent
enemies who so much oppose my happiness, O be Thou near in these
needful times, and underneath to bear me up in all the difficulties
which it is necessary I should pass through for my further refinement,
whilst I have a being in this earthly pilgrimage. Strong are the ties that
seem to attach me to the earth; but O! I have cause to believe, from a
known sense, stronger are the ties of thy overshadowing Spirit than all
the ties of natural affection. Great and frequent are the trials and
temptations, and narrow is the way wherein we ought to walk; alas! too
narrow for many. O may I ever be preserved, faithfully forward to the
eternal land of rest!
Dear Lord, who knowest the secret of all hearts, thou knowest I am at
times under a sense of great weakness; but thou, who art always
waiting to gather the tender youth into thy flock and family, hast
mercifully reached over me with thy gathering arm. Mayst thou ever be
near to strengthen me in every weakness; and make me willing to leave
all, take up my daily cross, and follow thee in the denial of self, not
fearing to confess thee before men. Always give me strength to perform
whatsoever thou mayest require at my hands; wean my affections more
and more; attract me nearer to thyself; and lead me through this world
as a stranger, never to be known to it more but by the name of JOHN
YEARDLEY.
In the Third Month Joseph Wood again addressed his young friend by
letter, encouraging him to be steadfast in trial, and to beware of the

gilded baits of the enemy; and promising him, that if he followed the
Lord faithfully, his works should appear marvellous in his eyes, his
wonders be disclosed to him in the deeps, and he on his part would be
made willing to serve him with a perfect heart.
In the Sixth Month, again visiting Blacker, he had a "precious,
heart-tendering religious opportunity with all the family."
About this time Joel Yeardley was so much reduced in his
circumstances as to be obliged to give up farming, which compelled his
sons to seek their own means of livelihood. Thomas and John went into
Barnsley, where they