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 shall have more consolation there than in an English home under the stinging sense of a dereliction of my religious duty.

I am giving all my leisure hours to learn something of the Turkish language, for travelling purposes, and for a little social intercourse.  Ever since this concern fastened on my mind, it has been connected with having the company of my young friend from the South of France, Jules Paradon.

May the Lord grant me resignation, faith, grace, and strength to do his holy will; and then, whether it end in life or death, his great name shall be praised.  This testimony I record in gratitude and love to the mercy of my God.  Amen.

Before leaving England, he paid a visit to Staines.

4 mo. 20.—­I went down to Staines, and spent two weeks with Margaret Pope, which sojourn proved a strength and comfort to me.  This dear friend is a succorer of many, and, I can truly say, of me in particular.  We had several pleasant drives, and made friendly visits to the neighboring meetings and Friends.  I also applied pretty diligently to the Turkish language.

Amply provided, by the kindness of many friends, with whatever could administer to his wants or ease the roughness of Eastern travel, John Yeardley left his home on the 15th of the Sixth Month.  He arrived at Nismes on the 17th, and was joined there by Jules Paradon.  His Diary supplies some notes of the voyage to Constantinople.

23_rd_.—­Malta.  Here we arrived at 4 o’clock this morning, after a favorable passage; thanks to the Preserver of our lives; great is his mercy and his love.  My heart is filled with deep thoughtfulness, and I am very anxious to procure an interpreter, either at Smyrna or Constantinople.  My faith is weak, but I trust the Lord will provide.