10 mo. 7.—­For a few days past I have felt my mind raised above the earth and fixed on heavenly things.  I desire that the blessed Saviour may more and more be the medium through which I may view every object as worthy [or unworthy] the pursuit of a devoted Christian.  I humbly trust this quietude of mind is in answer to prayer; for I have long supplicated for a renewal of faith, and that a little spiritual strength might he given me to rise above the slavish fear of man.  My heart was almost sick with doubting; but on Fourth-day last a bright hope livingly sprang in my soul that I should yet be favored to attain to greater liberty in the exercise of my gift in the ministry, if I were faithful in accepting the portion of strength which is offered.  Grant that this may be the case, dearest Saviour!

10 mo. 23.—­My heart is filled with wonder, love and praise, in contemplating the goodness of Almighty God to his poor, unworthy creatures.  When we have done all that is required of us, we are unprofitable servants; but how often we come short of doing this.  And yet so gracious, so good, and so just is our Divine Master, that he suffers not the least act of obedience to lose its reward, but is continually encouraging and stimulating us to greater devotedness of heart.

The persuasion which he and Martha Yeardley entertained of the need there was in the Society for increased means of scriptural instruction, led them, soon after they removed to Scarborough, to propose the establishment of a Bible class.  The plan was for questions on the Scriptures, to be given in anonymously in writing by the members, and answers to be returned in the same way at the next meeting.  The scheme was at that time almost, if not quite, a novelty in the Society, but it was accepted with pleasure and confidence by the Friends of Scarborough, and the meetings were maintained for many years.  There is an intermission in J.Y.’s diary at this period, but he makes allusion to the class soon after its establishment in a letter to his sisters S. and R.S.

Chapel House, 6 mo. 30, 1832.

By way of a relaxation from haymaking this charming morning, I have been again perusing your affectionate notes, which you were so kind and thoughtful as to forward us by our dear brother and family.  I felt the deprivation exceedingly of not attending the last Yearly Meeting, but quite think it may have been all for the best.

But I will proceed at once to the real object of my now addressing you, which is to say we cannot be satisfied without your paying us a visit this summer.  We think we have much to invite you to.  I think you would feel some interest in our Bible class:  it becomes increasingly instructive and agreeable to all engaged in it.  I so highly approve of this mode of Scripture instruction, that I think the time is not far distant when they will become more general.  We meet once every two weeks when nothing intervenes to prevent.