At Geneva they formed a friendship with several persons, among whom were Pastors Moulinier and L’Huillier, and Captain Owen, an Englishman.  With the last-named they were united in close bonds of religious affection; they were enabled to administer to his spiritual wants, and he was forward to render them assistance in every possible way.

The journey from Geneva to Nismes was tedious, occupying more than a week.

On approaching Nismes, John Yeardley says, the beautiful olives and vineyards, together with the wild rocky aspect around, form a pleasing sight; and to see them pruning, digging and dunging about the trees, reminds one of the relations of Scripture history.

At Nismes they went to see the amphitheatre:—­

From the top of which, says J.Y., we had a view of the city and the surrounding neighborhood, which is indeed beautiful.  The great number of olives, vines, fig-trees, &c., excite a train of ideas pleasing and indescribable.

In travelling through Switzerland John Yeardley had been often brought into a low state of mind, and on approaching Congenies, the final object of the journey, his heart was stirred to its depths.  It is very instructive to observe what were his feelings in reaching a place to which his mind had been, so long directed.

The road, he says, was better, and the outward prospect a little enlivening; but it is not easy to describe the feelings my mind was under in approaching a place which has so long occupied my thoughtfulness to visit.  The prospect is discouraging, but I must be content and sink down to the spring of life, which can alone make known the objects of duty and qualify for their fulfilment.  In the midst of all my spiritual poverty a stream of gratitude flows in my heart to the Father of mercies, that he has been pleased to preserve us in many dangers, and bring us safe to this part of his heritage; and if it should be his will that I should have nothing to do but to suffer for his name’s sake, may he grant me patience to bear it.

Martha Savory’s feelings on the same occasion were also those of deep gratitude for the preservation experienced during their journey, united, she says, with an humbling sense of many omissions and great unworthiness, yet of help having been mercifully administered in the time of need.—­(Letter of 2 mo. 10, 1826.)

Edward Brady was spending the winter at Congenies for the sake of his health, and his society was a source of no little comfort to John Yeardley; who, however, still, frequently labored under spiritual depression.

Before dinner, he writes under date of the 23rd of the Twelfth Month, we took a walk to M.S.’s windmill, from whence we had a fair view of Congenies and the neighborhood, which is of a wild description.  On reflecting on the place and circumstances connected with it, my mind was filled with various ideas, but none of them of an encouraging nature.