In the evening came three young women, with an elderly lady, the mother of one of them.  We had much conversation, and a precious little meeting, which concluded with solemn supplication—­a nice finish to our sojourn in interesting Kreuznach.

Our friend Ott has accompanied us; he has been to us as eyes in the wilderness.

From Kreuznach they returned to Bonn, stopping at Darmstadt, Wiesbaden and Neuwied.  John Yeardley had allowed some discouragement to enter his mind in regard to the meeting they had had the previous month at the Countess Stynum’s.  They found, however, on repeating their visit to this place, that the occasion in question had been one “of peculiar benefit and encouragement.”  They renewed their religious intercourse with the Countess and her friends to their great refreshment and joy.

12_th_.—­The evening was spent with the Countess, in a quiet and more private interview than she had with us the last time, owing to so many strangers being present.  After tea we had a long conversation on various religious subjects, particularly on some points relating to the principles of Friends, arising from what she had read in the books we left with her in our former visit.  We were glad of an opportunity to answer her questions.  A few of her private friends were present, much to our comfort.  Before leaving, the forty-sixth Psalm was read, and we had a comforting time together:  the Lord be praised!  How sweet in him is the fellowship of the gospel!

Writing to Josiah Forster from Bonn, John Yeardley makes some general remarks on the religious state of Germany, as they had found it in their frequent intercourse with individuals of various character during this journey.

There is no doubt that there is in the German character generally a tendency to the visionary.  We have found a few who hold doctrines on certain points, which it might do harm to publish; but we find or hear nothing of fanaticism now as formerly.  Those who are spiritually-minded are more chastened, and more sound and scriptural in their views of religious truth; but not without exception.

A meeting at Muehlheim “not large, but a good time,” closed their religious service in this part of their long and arduous engagement.

They arrived in England on the 20th of the Tenth Month, “with peaceful feelings, and in gratitude to their Heavenly Father for all his mercies towards his unworthy servants;” but “mourning the loss of some beloved ones who had died in the Lord in their absence.”

After about five months passed in the quiet of home, they made preparation once more for accomplishing the work to which they had been called.  The prospect of distant travel was discouraging, both on account of Martha Yeardley’s weak health and of the state of the Continent; but, writes John Yeardley, “my mind is peaceful, and I have an abiding conviction that it is right to proceed, trusting in the Lord for light, strength and safety.”