At the expiration of their sojourn in Geneva, they did not, as they had expected to do, proceed to the valleys of Piedmont, but, as the last extract intimates, turned their steps towards Neufchatel.  The motives which influenced them in this change of purpose are described by John Yeardley, in a letter to his brother, of the 11th of the Second Month, 1828.

In my last to thee I signified our intention of departing for the valleys of Piedmont, which did not take place.  After due consideration of the subject for more than two months, in a state of humble resignation to be directed aright in this important matter, we did not feel it press with sufficient weight on our minds to warrant our moving in the face of so much difficulty as is at present in the way.  We have always considered our safety in such engagements to depend on taking step by step in the fresh light afforded; and it is a favor to know when and where to stand, as well as when to go forward.

While the way to Piedmont was thus for a time obstructed, a door was set open for them in a part of Switzerland which they had not yet visited.  From John Yeardley’s reflections before they left Geneva, it would appear that in the discouragement they felt in the prospect of a long journey through France, they were little aware of that plentiful repast of spiritual food which was to be served to them before they would have to cross the Jura.

In looking towards the long journey before us, writes J.Y., I have been much discouraged, almost fearing to depart from this place without first being favored with more quietude of mind, which I was this morning favored to feel in a greater degree than has been the case for a long time.  In my last solitary walk to La Traille, I was led to pray in secret for preservation on our journey, and almost to ask an assurance of protection, but received for answer, “Go, in faith.”

On the 21st of the First Month, they left Geneva and went forward to Lausanne, where they were again refreshed with the society of some spiritually-minded persons.

23_rd_—­We visited several of the pastors.  We found M. Fevaz, minister of the Seceders in this place, very interesting, humble, and spiritual.  He related to us, in much simplicity and candor, that in the commencement of their separation they were strenuous to preach doctrinal sermons, but now they had been favored to see the necessity of preaching purification of heart through the operation of the Spirit.

Called on ——­ Gaudin, who keeps a boarding-school in a beautiful situation near the town.  We had not been long in the company of him and his dear wife, before we felt much contrited together, and had a precious religious opportunity.  At parting, the dear man, with myself, was quite broken into tears.  We left with him, as well as with the others, Judge Hale’s “Testimony to the Secret Support of Divine Providence,” which we had translated, and had got printed at Geneva.