After being recognised by the Church as a minister, he was again tried with a season of spiritual desertion; and this phase in his religious history, with his reflections upon it, and the holy resolution and hope with which he concludes, may be useful in strengthening the faith of others under similar circumstances.

10 mo. 4.—­O what a stripping time have I had since I wrote last!  My pen would fail to set forth the inward desertion I have experienced for months past, so that my poor mind is almost worn out with waiting and watching in the absence of the Bridegroom of souls.  My enemy seems to have set up his throne in me, and leads my wandering thoughts captive at his pleasure.  I have no weapons of my own to fight him with, and it seems as if Infinite Goodness had refused me the grant of that armor which I have before experienced the means of putting my adversary to flight.  For what end this may be I know not, but the suffering time is hard to the natural part.  If I am left to perish, O may it be in praying, trusting and believing in my Redeemer’s love! and if I am not suffered to behold again the brightness of his glorious countenance here on earth, may I be favored with it shining on me in heaven!

At the commencement of this year, 1819, apprehending himself required to pay a religious visit to the families of Friends in Barnsley, he consulted Joseph Wood on the subject, who encouraged him “not to be afraid to pursue” the path which had been opened before him.  In relation to this prospect of service, J.Y. has the following pertinent remarks on the ministry:—­

2 mo. 19.—­If I am suffered to go, may the humble spirit of Jesus go with me, and put a word in my heart that may prove as a sword in my hand, with which I may fight his battles!  This is the only way in which his servants can minister so as to reach the witness in the hearts of his children.  We might speak on subjects which might seem right and fit in themselves, but it is as our hearts come to be acted upon immediately by the Spirit of truth, the same principle which prepares us to utter sound words, prepares also a counterpart in the minds of others to receive them.  Thus it may be said we become one in spirit and truly edified together in the love of the Gospel.

In order to perform the visit, J.Y. had, in the good order in use amongst Friends, to receive the concurrence of his Monthly Meeting.

3 mo. 10.—­Was at the Monthly Meeting, where I mentioned to my friends my prospect of visiting Barnsley, and obtained their sympathetic concurrence, with a copy of a minute expressing their full unity and approbation.

My feelings on the occasion were very different from what I had anticipated.  A divine solemnity appeared so to cover the minds of all present, that the enemy was trodden under foot, and not a fear was suffered to approach.  What condescending goodness of a tender Father to his weak children!