On the 31st they returned to Berne, and the next day called upon a pious chimney-sweeper, waiting whilst he changed his sooty clothes.

We were not a little surprised to hear him of his own accord, without knowing who we were, declare the same doctrine as we are concerned to preach.  There are a few inward persons who assemble at his house, and hold the same sentiments.  About a year and a half or two years ago, there was a remarkable awakening in the canton of Berne, and a few here and there of a more spiritually-minded sort seceded.  There is a ferment to prevent their meeting together, and to compel them to go to the usual place of worship; but in vain, for nothing but spiritual food can satisfy their hungry souls.

On their return to Neufchatel they visited the celebrated school of the Moravians at Montmirail, where, says Martha Yeardley—­

We soon felt quite at home with a precious, spiritually-minded man, the master, and his agreeable English wife.  This is an excellent institution, for females only, and several English are there.  We were about seventy in company at dinner, and much sweet feeling prevailed.  The master of this interesting family was delighted to hear something of Friends to whom he had never before been introduced.

At Neufchatel, on First-day (2 mo. 3,) they met large companies in the morning and evening, and the next morning took leave of their friends in that city, “deeply humbled under a sense of the great Master’s work among them.”  They went to Locle under the conduct of A. Borel, whose “kindness exceeded all description.”

On the way, writes John Yeardley, we took refreshment at a pious man’s house in the morning, and dined at another friend’s, with whom, we had a precious religious opportunity.  It reminded me of the mode of visiting our own dear Friends in England; we find in the hearts of these visited children of the Universal Parent genuine hospitality; they hand us of all they have in their houses in the name of disciples.

At Locle they were met by Mary Anne Calame, with whom their hearts became instantly knit in the strongest Christian friendship.

She came before we were well alighted.  We had heard much of the character and benevolent exertions of this dear woman but could say in truth the half had not been told us.  Her countenance is strong and impressive, her hair jet black, cut short, and worn without cap; her dress of the most simple and least costly kind.  Her sole desire seems to be to do the will of her Lord and Master in caring for 170 poor children, who are in the institution at bed, board, and instruction.  The forenoon was spent in looking over the schools and hearing the children examined.  The house is a refuge for the lame, blind, deaf, dumb, and sick.  Peace and contentment prevail through the whole.  This establishment was commenced about twelve years ago with five children, and has prospered in a remarkable manner.  M.A.C. is one with Friends in principle, and, as well as some others of the family, entirely separated from the usual forms of worship.