On the 24th they proceeded to Neufchatel.  This was a memorable visit.

We soon found cause, writes John Yeardley, to believe the Great Master had been before us, to prepare the way in the hearts of many to receive the doctrine he has mercifully enabled us to preach.  Our dear F. Passavant had given us a letter of introduction to Auguste Borel, a man of few words, but of a remarkably weighty and sweet spirit, who received us with the greatest affection.  He has lately separated from the national worship, and retires in silence in his own chamber.  He soon made us acquainted with a few others of a similar turn of mind.

Martha Yeardley, describing the commencement of their religious service in this place, says:—­

We were invited to a meeting which we felt most easy to attend, and my husband was given full liberty to speak if he felt inclined; but for a while the usual activity of their meetings—­such as singing, commenting on texts with Calvinistic explanations, &c.—­entirely closed our way.  But before they separated I ventured to request, in the name of my husband, that such as inclined would favor us with their company a while longer, and rest a little in silence.  Nearly all remained, and under a solemn covering he addressed the company, while I translated in much fear, yet ventured at the end to say a few words for myself.  Several of the company attended us home, and expressed much satisfaction:  and from this time a door was opened to us at Neufchatel in a very remarkable manner.  They flocked to our inn at all times in the day and in considerable numbers, many acknowledging, in the course of very interesting conversation, that they thirsted for something more satisfying than mere doctrines continually repeated—­something that would preserve from evil, that would cleanse the heart, that would bring into nearer communion with the Saviour.—­(Letter to Elizabeth Dudley.)

On the 27th, continues the Diary, A. Borel conducted us to a meeting with some interior persons, about three miles from town.  It was a time of close exercise of mind, but ended to satisfaction, and, I hope, to the edification and strength of some present.  The master of the house, Professor Petavel, said that never until that evening had he been able to see clearly the beauty and advantage of pure spiritual worship, contrasted with outward forms.

After, having taken tea with a large company, our kind guide conducted us through woods and over mountainous and bad roads to a village, where a large concourse of people were assembled for worship.  A schoolmaster was speaking on a chapter which had been read:  we had full unity with what he delivered, which was accompanied with a power which convinced us that he really preached the gospel.  After he had done, we were introduced as religious strangers from England; and silence ensuing, opportunity was given for us to express what came before us.