Bentham, 10 mo. 20.—­We [J.W. and James Harrison] set out for Wray, our beloved friend John Yeardley being our guide.  We called by the way at Thomas Barrow’s, of Wenington Hall, and drank tea; then proceeded to Wray.  There were but few Friends here, but they have a very large ancient meeting-house, and my concern being principally towards the inhabitants, and proper information thereof being given, abundance attended; the meeting-house both above and below stairs was pretty well filled; and their behavior was deserving of commendation.  The Lord’s presence eminently crowned the assembly, and the truths of the gospel were largely and livingly declared amongst them, and it was a time of extraordinary favor to many.  I had first a long testimony to bear therein, from Luke iv. 41.  A pretty long time of silence then ensued, and great was the solemnity which appeared to cover the assembly.  After which John Yeardley stood up and said, Some were ready to say there was no worship without words, but from the precious solemnity which he believed had covered many minds since the former communication, he was ready to conclude many were feelingly convinced to the contrary.  He was then pretty largely led forth in opening the advantage of silently waiting upon God.  I a pretty long time next, from Isaiah liv. 11,13.  James Harrison next, from Matt. xiii. 44.  John Yeardley was next concerned in prayer.  The meeting held about two hours and a half.

21_st_.—­About the middle of the day my companion (J.H.) called upon me, and betwixt twelve and one o’clock we left here for Lancaster, Thomas Barrow being our guide, and his wife, Charlotte Russell, and Emma Hodgson, accompanying us.  Emma Hodgson is the daughter of a clergyman of Rochdale:  she had been some time on a visit at Thomas Barrow’s and went with the family to the meeting at Bentham when we were there, and was much reached and tendered therein; and attending the meeting at Wray last evening she declared after her return that she was fully convinced of the truth.

Returning to John Yeardley’s diary for this year, we find some passages from which profitable instruction may be gathered.

11 mo. 8 was the Monthly Meeting at Settle; my dear love and I both attended.  To me it was a poor low season; if there were any good, I was too much like the heath in the desert,—­I knew not when it came.  In addition to this, it felt as if I had to mourn over the barren state of some others.  O, how I dread the state of a lukewarm Quaker!  May I ever be preserved from this sorrowful state of a lukewarm Quaker!  I believe it is often the means of bringing a damp over our solemn assemblies.

12 mo. 7.—­Query. What is the most likely means for me to adopt to approach nearer to holiness? Answer. To spend more time in retirement silently to wait upon God.  The more conversant I am with him, the more I shall know of his will and receive power to do the same.  To do the will of the Almighty is the way to perfect holiness.  The nearer acquaintance we cultivate with him, the stronger will become the ties of his affection.  The more devoted we are to him, the more confidence will he repose in us.