it altogether, and sit down with a few others in silence.  At first they met with opposition, and even persecution, from persons who came to their meeting to disperse them.  On one of these occasions a few rude young men had banded together to beset them the next meeting-day, and disperse them.  W.W. was strongly impressed that it was right for him to proclaim an awful warning to some—­that the judgments of the Almighty awaited them, that eternity was nearer than they were aware and he wished them to consider and prepare for it.  One of the disturbers was taken suddenly ill, and died before the next meeting-day; which produced such an effect on the others that they never more molested the little company in their worship.

In reviewing this journey, J.Y. says, under date of the 25th of the Sixth Month:—­

I trust my faith is afresh confirmed in the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead in the way of religious duty, and to give strength to do His will.  Lord, grant that the remainder of my days, whether few or many, be entirely devoted to the holy cause of endeavoring to promote the Saviour’s kingdom on earth.

In 1837, John and Martha Yeardley were occupied with making circuits in the service of the gospel through several counties of England.  They were attracted to Lancashire, which they visited in the autumn, by the peculiar state of some meetings in that county, an extensive secession having taken place not long before.  The difficulties which they had to encounter on this journey are represented in a letter from Martha Yeardley to her sisters, written at Manchester the 4th of the Ninth Month, 1837.

I do not recollect that, in my little experience, I ever had more preparatory exercise of mind to pass through; and I believe it has been the same with my dear J.Y.  We have, however, in many of our visits, been much comforted under the belief that those who remain firm in the testimonies given us to bear are in a more lively state, and more banded together, than has been the case heretofore, and that, through the mercy of our holy Head and High Priest, there is a renewed visitation to many.  In the public meetings, of which we have had many, there has been a rather remarkable openness to receive the truths of the gospel, united with our view of the spirituality of this blessed dispensation.

We approached this place in deep prostration of spirit; and truly we feel that all the previous baptism has been needful, in order to enable us in any degree to perform our duty here.  There has been a sore rending of the tenderest ties, and the wounds are not yet healed.  There are a few who entertain ultra views, and their over-activity tends to keep up excitement in those who are wavering and have not yet left the Society:  this makes it very difficult for moderate people to stand between them, and calls for very deep indwelling with the blessed source of love.  On the other hand there are, I fear, very many who rejoice in the delusive suggestions of our