Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel | Page 8

the testimonies of his love which are so often manifested!
8 mo. 17.--Meeting for discipline at Burton. The forepart was
conducted, I think, to edification; but in the latter, one subject occupied
much time unnecessarily, and did not conclude to general satisfaction.
When some whose spirits are not well seasoned, speak to circumstances
which they may not have sufficiently considered, it sometimes does

more harm than they may at first apprehend.
The entries in the Diary at this time shew many alternations of
discouragement and comfort, and of that deep searching of his own
heart from which he seldom shrank, and which is the only way to the
liberty and peace of the soul.
4 mo. 12.--In contemplating the gracious dealings of the Almighty with
me from time to time, I have been led to query, Is it not that I might, by
patiently submitting to the turnings and overturnings of his most holy
hand, become fashioned to show forth his praise? But alas! where are
the fruits? Is not the work rather marring as on the wheel; can I, in
sincerity say, I am the clay, Thou art the potter? I feel weary of my own
negligence; for it seems as if the day with me was advancing faster than
the work, I fear lest I should be cast off for want of giving greater
diligence to make my calling sure. O may he who is perfect in wisdom
strengthen the feeble desire which remains, and melt my stubborn will
into perfect obedience by the operation of his pure spirit.
In the next memoranda which we shall transcribe we see when and how
his mind was imbued with the love of Scriptural inquiry and illustration.
Two or three good books well read and digested in younger life often
form the thinking habits of the man, and supply no small part of the
substance, or at any rate the nucleus, of his knowledge. This shows the
vast importance of a wise choice of authors, at the time when the mind
is the most susceptible of impressions, and the most capable of
appropriating the food which is presented to it. Those who knew John
Yeardley will recognise the intimate connexion between these early
studies and the character of his future life and ministry. If any should
think his language on this or kindred subjects marked by excessive
caution, they must bear in mind the comparative by unintellectual circle
in which he moved.
I trust, he writes, under date of 4 mo. 28, a few of my leisure hours for
two or three weeks past have been spent profitably in perusing some of
A. Clarke's Notes on the Book of Genesis; and although I am fully
aware that the greatest caution is necessary, when these learned men
undertake to exercise their skill on the sacred text, yet I am of opinion,

if used with prudence and a right spirit attended to, it may tend
considerably to illustrate particular passages. I think this pious man has
not only shown his profound knowledge of the learned languages, but
some of his observations are so pertinent and so judiciously made, as
may have a tendency to produce spiritual reflection in the mind of the
reader.
5 mo. 24.--Having read with some attention Fleury's "Manners of the
Israelites," by A. Clarke, I am convinced that even a slight knowledge
of those ancient customs tends to facilitate the proper study of the
sacred writings; for many of the metaphors so beautifully made use of
by the prophets and apostles, and even our dear Redeemer himself, to
convey a spiritual meaning, seem to have had an evident allusion to the
antique manners and customs which I find explained in this little
volume.
The commotions referred to in the reflections which follow, were no
doubt the great European war which was then raging. Buonaparte, it
may be remembered, was at that time making preparation for his
Russian campaign, and a universal alarm prevailed as to the final result
of his insatiable lust of conquest.
5 mo. 7.--In viewing the commotions of the times, it has induced me
seriously to consider the great importance of procuring, as far as ability
may be afforded, a free access to the never-failing source of our help;
and in a little contemplating this subject I have been comforted in a
hope that, if we only abide stedfast and immovable, He whom the
waves of the sea obeyed will in his own time speak peace to the minds
of his tossed ones, and a calm will ensue.
The perusal of Elizabeth Smith's "Fragments" occasions him to remark
how profitable it is to read the writings of others; but he wisely adds:--
I am often desirous not to rest satisfied with a bare perusal of these,
believing they