Diary.—­7 mo. 16.—­The Committee from the Yearly Meeting—­viz., Josiah Forster, Joseph Marriage, and Peter Bedford—­have visited the families of Friends here, and attended the Preparative Meeting which was held on First-day last.  Things here appear to be very low every way among those who profess with us; yet there are a few sincere-hearted to whom I already begin to feel closely united in spirit.

From the time of my arrival until First-day last, I do not remember ever to have been more oppressed in mind.  I could, if I dared, almost have wished myself in England again, for I feared I should not be able to obtain any relief.  I went to meeting on First-day in fear and trembling; but, as is sometimes the case, it proved better than I had expected.  When we are stripped of all help but what comes from the Lord alone, it is then that he delights most to help us.  Through the acceptable assistance of my friend B. Seebohm, I was enabled to communicate what came before me, and the great dread which I had always had of speaking through an interpreter was mercifully removed, for which I was truly thankful.  The three Friends were favored most instructively to labor in the meeting for business.  They are now gone to Minden; I feel tenderly united to their spirits in much love.

John Yeardley’s residence was at Friedensthal, a hamlet about a mile from the town of Pyrmont.  In a letter to his brother he thus describes the situation of the place, and his own comfortable accommodation:—­

My mother inquires as to my mode of living, and if I have comfortable accommodations.  Please to tell her that I am provided for in a way which is exceedingly agreeable to me.  I have a large airy sitting-room with three windows, and a bed-room adjoining, situated, on one side, under the shelter of a wood, and the other opens to a beautiful and romantic dale.  The mode of cooking is just as I would wish it; I am only anxious sometimes that my very kind friends of the house are too much concerned for my help and comfort.  It seems scarcely possible to find an outward situation more suited to my wishes.  When I have studied in the house, I take my books in suitable weather into the wood, and there walk and read and think.  It is true I am sometimes very flat for want of company; but if I incline to go to Pyrmont, they are always pleased to see me, and would willingly have me always with them.—­(2 mo. 17, 1823.)

Very soon after his arrival at Pyrmont, John Yeardley entered into active service in behalf of the gospel.  In what religious state he found the people towards whom he had so long been attracted in spirit, and how he was enabled to preach to them the word of life, is exhibited in several entries in his Diary.