John Yeardley did not take his actual farewell of Barnsley until the end of the year.  The reflections which he has recorded on leaving his home of so many years are very characteristic of the man:—­

1818. 1 mo.—­The Twelfth Month was spent at Barnsley in settling my affairs.  Just before I left Bentham for that purpose, I was exceedingly unhappy at the idea of leaving my home, friends, &c. at Barnsley, and thought the parting feeling would be almost more than I could support.  I was enabled to pray fervently to the Father of spirits, that he would be pleased to afford me strength to bear the change with Christian fortitude, and resign all to the disposal of his divine will; and thankful I am to relate, he so answered my request that I could leave the place to which I had been so long attached without a sigh.  I have no doubt my removal, without consulting more of my friends, will appear strange to many.  This I could never feel liberty to do; nor could I make any person living acquainted with my entire motive, but my precious wife.  Whatever may be the opinion of others, this is a matter which rests between me and my God; and I often think it a favor that we are not accountable to man, who views too much the outside appearance, while He with whom we have to do looks at the heart.

After I had left Barnsley I went to Pontefract, to spend a few days with my friends there, where my poor lass had been for a week.  I don’t know that this time was unprofitably spent; but this I know—­it never requires more care and watchfulness to be preserved in a seasonable frame of spirit than when the mind is set at ease to enjoy the company of a few intimate friends.  We are too apt to get our thoughts dissipated, and thus our conversation becomes less seasoned with grace than it would be if the girdle of truth were kept tightly bound.

The next entry notices a remarkable interview which, he had with a woman Friend from America:—­

15_th_.—­This day a meeting has been held at the desire of Hannah Field from North America.  I stepped down to see her at J. Stordy’s; and in the few minutes we were together, before she took leave, she addressed herself to me in a very feeling manner.  Although she was an entire stranger, she spoke so pointedly to my state of mind, and expressed the reward of faithfulness in such encouraging terms, that my feelings were in nowise able to resist the power which attended, but I was forced to acknowledge it as a nail fastened in a sure place.

Amongst some letters addressed by Elizabeth Yeardley to Susanna Harvey of Barnsley, is one in which mention is made of the visit of Hannah Field to Bentham; and, although the passage does not relate to the private interview described above, it is interesting as the reminiscence of a remarkable woman.

Bentham, 2 mo. 2, 1818.

We have been favored lately with a visit, unexpected but highly acceptable, from that great minister, Hannah Field, from America.  She very much resembles Sarah Lamley; and when she began, it seemed as if one had been informing her of the state of the meeting.  Her discourse began with the parable of the Ten Virgins, which was very beautiful but awful.  Addressing herself again, she was very consolatory and affecting.  She is tall and inclined to embonpoint; her age fifty-three.