Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel - John Yeardley
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On the 18th they reached Simpheropol, where they were glad to rest. The
next day they wished to visit Pastor Kilius of Neusatz, to whom they had
an introduction: as they were considering how they should get to him, he
opportunely came to the hotel. He introduced them to several estimable
persons, and took them the next day to his dwelling, situate in a
picturesque mountain village, twenty versts from the city. At Neusatz
commences another chain of German colonies, settled by the Evangelical
Lutherans. The next morning they attended the public worship, and in the
afternoon the Scripture-teaching for the children. On the 22nd they went
to Zuerichthal, a village formed of well-built houses, but where they found
the school in a very low state. The 23rd they started early for the Sudag
colony, intending to spend the time there until the departure of the
steamer for Odessa; but they found nothing to interest them in this
settlement, and accordingly proceeded to Feodosia, (or Kaffa,) a
watering-place on the south coast of the Crimea. The German inns in this
place were all full, and to procure a wholesome lodging, the; drove the
next day four miles among the hills, where they hired a large apartment at
the house of a German. The situation was romantic, with an extensive
prospect over sea and mountains; and on the hill-side was a thicket,
forming a delightful bower, where John Yeardley and his companion "live by
day, walked, talked, reposed, and wrote." In this retreat, breathing cool
air and quietude, J.Y. received the physical refreshment he so much
needed, while he reviewed the course of his laborious journey.
Notwithstanding his discouragements, he was able to cast all his burden
upon his Saviour, with whom he seems to have dwelt in nearer communion as
his day on earth went down.
8 _mo_. 26.--This morning I felt more sweet union with my God in
spirit than for a long time; and a strong desire has arisen to live in
closer communion with Jesus, the beloved of my soul, the only access to
the Father--the only place of rest, safety, and true _peace_. I long
more than ever not to be troubled with cross occurrences over which I have
no control, and which have too long perplexed me and disturbed my inward
peace. I long more than ever to spend my few remaining days on earth as
with my God in heaven, to refer everything to Him, and to pray more
earnestly and diligently for his grace to preserve me near to himself
under _all_ circumstances, until he shall have prepared me to be
taken to heaven, to join the happy company there in a blissful eternity.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because
he trusteth in thee."--Isa. xxvi. 3.
On the 1st of the Ninth Month they sailed to Odessa, where they had to
remain eight days. In this city they received a visit from a pastor, who
conversed with them on the work of the heavenly kingdom then going on in
the Bast, especially in Constantinople and Asia Minor.
The Saviour's kingdom, writes John Yeardley, in allusion to this
conversation, is spreading, and many instruments are being raised up in
various nations to help forward the great work. The kingdom of Satan is in
danger; he sees it, and stirs up the jealousy of men, setting them against
one another, and, by their seeking through party-spirit to exalt their own
particular religion, hindering the Lord's work. Into whatever nation the
beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine, the inhabitants begin to inquire
the way to Zion, and turn their faces thitherward. This alarms the rulers
whose kingdom is of this world.
From Odessa to Constantinople they had a quick and safe passage. At
Constantinople John Yeardley was deeply interested in the institutions
which the American missionaries have founded for the religious and
temporal improvement of the Armenians. He visited two of these, the high
school at Bebek and the girls' seminary at Has-keui, both beautifully
situated on the shores of the Bosphorus. In the former they found
forty-eight young men,--sixteen Greek and thirty-two Armenian. The
industrial part of the education was particularly gratifying to him.
Cyrus Hamlin, he says, who has the superintendence of their studies and
labor, is wonderfully adapted for his vocation. He is assisted only by
native teachers. The young men looked serious: some of their countenances
were peculiarly impressive, indicating that they had been with Jesus. I
saw them assembled in the school-room, and addressed them for some time;
and C. Hamlin most willingly interpreted into Armenian what I said. It was
a sweet and memorable time. The Armenian teacher would scarcely let go my
hand after the meeting, he had been so touched with the power of divine
love. In the girls' boarding-school we found twenty-five girls, all
Armenians, with the exception of two or three Greeks. It was a lovely
sight to see so many of this class under a course of religious and useful
instruction. Many of the countenances were marked and pleasing, and were
_fixed_ on me with great apparent seriousness while I addressed them,
along with some of the neighbors.----Everett (the conductor of the school)
kindly and most willingly interpreted what I had to communicate. He and
his wife have also a day-school for boys and girls. I consider these
institutions as bright and hopeful spots in the East, from which much
good may arise.
The persevering and well-directed efforts of the American missionaries for
the evangelization of the Armenians, and the field of Christian labor
which was thus opened, took firm hold of J.Y.'s mind; he longed to visit
the schools and congregations in Isnik and Brusa, and probably only
abandoned the journey at this time in the hope of undertaking it at some
future day. John Yeardley describes Constantinople as--
Built entirely on the hills which slope from a considerable eminence down
to the Bosphorus. The trees towering among the houses, the high spires and
gilded domes, have a most imposing effect; but what is the astonishment of
the traveller when he commences his ascent up steep, narrow,
clumsily-pitched streets. I could only compare them to the
worst-constructed bridle-roads in England which the packhorses traversed
centuries ago. The three days we were in the city I only saw one or two
carriages,--the most curious vehicles; indeed, there is scarcely a street
in which two carriages can pass. Donkeys are the chief carriers. As to
dogs, they are born and bred in the streets and are the property of the
town, and in the day-time He by dozens in the streets, young and old, are
always under the feet of the traveller, and he must constantly poke them
out of the way with his stick; by night they are furious. The shops
present a jumble of all kinds of wares; and the Turks sit cross-legged in
the window, or work at their trade inside.
They left Constantinople on the 15th, and on the 17th went on shore at
Smyrna, where, at the house of the American missionary Ladd, they met with
another missionary, named Stacking, returning with his family from Persia,
where he had labored sixteen years among the Nestorians. The account which
he gave John Yeardley of the creed and condition of the Nestorian Church,
and of the schools which had been opened in Persia, aroused his deep
sympathy and produced an abiding impression on his mind.
Smyrna, like the other Turkish cities which they saw, vividly impressed
the travellers with its Oriental character.
Like Constantinople, says J.Y., it is a town of all nations. The streets
are narrow, with a run of dirty water down the middle. We met docile
camels in great number, bringing figs from the interior. In the
fig-market were thousands of boxes being prepared and packed for
exportation. It is a sight of interest to see Turks, Greeks, &c., huddled
together, walking, talking, or sitting cross-legged and smoking their long
pipes. We took donkeys and ascended the hill, where we obtained a good
view of the town, and then examined the ruins where the ancient city
stood, and saw the place where the message from Heaven was received by the
angel of the church of Smyrna. The church of Polycarp stood not far from
that of John the Baptist. After a visit of peculiar interest, I returned
to the steam-ship and read the message to the church of Smyrna, which gave
rise to more reflections than I can here record.
Steaming on the sea of Marmora, (to continue J.Y.'s narrative of his
homeward journey), the Bosphorus and the Greek waters, was very pleasing.
We had a good sight of the walls of ancient Troas, where the apostle Paul
received the message in vision from the man of Macedonia, to come over and
help them. The quarantine prevented us from landing at Syra; but I
conveyed a note through the English Consul to my old friend Hildner, who
came alongside our steamer. I learned from him that Argyri Climi was five
years in his school, and usefully filled the office of teacher of the
higher classes; had been married about ten years to a lieutenant in the
army; had three children, and was living happily with her husband at the
Piraeus. It appears she retains her religious principles.
21_st_.--Arrived at Malta. Ours is the first steamer that has reached
the island since the removal of the quarantine; we went on shore directly
after breakfast. Isaac Lowndes was rejoiced to see me. We met in the
street, and he conducted us to his house. He has been in Malta seven
years, acting for the Bible Society; he gives no bright account of among
the Greeks, as to spiritual religion, nor of the island generally. The
present governor has admitted the Jesuits into the island, who are doing
mischief; privileges are being granted to the Romanists to the prejudice
of the Protestants; and a regulation has been proposed which would subject
a Protestant to six months imprisonment for not taking off his hat when he
meets the procession of the Host.
Isaac Lowndes took John Yeardley and William Rasche to visit Selim Aga,
or, as he was named after baptism, Edward Williams; who with his wife,
sister-in-law, and four children, formed an interesting Christian
household. J.Y. published the history of this man in No. 13 of his series
of tracts, _Turkey and the Converted Turk_, where also he has
depicted several scenes from the latter part of this journey.
Arriving at Marseilles, they proceeded quickly on to Nismes. It was with a
gush of natural sorrow that J.Y. revisited a place whore he had often
sojourned with his beloved wife.
The thought, he writes, of the difference in my circumstances now and when
last in this place fills me with sorrow. The beloved one of my bosom, then
the stay and solace of my heart, is no more with me to help and comfort me
in the toils of life. Yet when I consider what a large amount of suffering
she has escaped, I cannot but rejoice that she is at rest with her God and
Saviour, where I humbly hope soon to meet her. Lord, prepare thy unworthy
worm for that awful but joyful day!
John Yeardley held a small public meeting at Nismes, and the next day, the
3rd of the Tenth Month, set out for the bathing-place of Bagneres de
Bigorre, in the Pyrenees. His principal reason for going there was to
recruit his shattered health. "On our arrival at Nismes," he says, "and
during our few days' sojourn there, I began to feel the effects of my
long, toilsome Russian journey; and, in the hope of preventing a return of
my suffering complaint, I thought it justifiable to make trial of the
sulphur baths and water of Bagneres." But he had also another object in
view: "I had long thought," he adds, in a letter from Bigorre, "whether
there was not a seeking people in this neighborhood, and now I think there
is."
His first care on arriving at Bigorre, was to call on Pastor Frossard,
formerly of Nismes, who feelingly reminded him of the changes which had
happened to each of them since they had met before. He proposed to John
Yeardley to meet some Christian friends at his chapel. This was just what
J.Y. had been wishing for. The meeting was held; and after it was over he
gave the company an account of his travels in Russia, with which they were
highly gratified.
In a letter to his sister, Mary Tylor, which he wrote from this place, is
the following characteristic sentiment:
Thy welcome letter duly readied me at Nismes, and drew forth my tender
sympathy for thee and your whole circle in the loss of a kind and beloved
brother. It is another link taken from the family chain, and the shorter
it becomes the nearer we are drawn together in the bond of affection. How
the spirit seems to ascend with those loved ones who are taken from us,
and from earth to heaven! Our desire for a blissful eternity becomes more
ardent, because they have already entered upon it; but above all, we
desire to be with Him in whom we shall be one, and all will be glory.
Returning to Nismes, he occupied himself with holding meetings in many
places in that neighborhood. In some meetings which he attended in the
city, he had for fellow-laborers Eli and Sybil Jones, from the United
States, with their companions. Amongst the audience at one of these
meetings were three soldiers, who, with two others, had been awakened at
Lyons, and who manifested the progress they had made in Christian doctrine
by refusing to kneel before the procession of the Host. Their officer
observing their disregard of this required practice, held his sword over
the neck of one of them, saying he would strike off his head if he did not
bow down. The man was firm in his refusal, and was sent to prison. To
encourage one another in their new profession, these men were accustomed
to keep religious meetings. They were in consequence accused of sedition,
and when they asserted the simply religions character of their meetings,
one of them was required to swear to the truth of his statement; he
refused to take an oath, pleading that the New Testament commanded him not
to swear. A second was then called upon in the same way; he also refused;
and their stedfastness was reported to the commanding officer as an act of
contumacy. The officer happened to be a Protestant, of an enlightened and
pious disposition; he said that soldiers were called upon to vindicate the
innocence of their companions, not to procure their condemnation, and that
if they did not choose to give evidence the law would not compel them. Two
of the five received their discharge from the army; the rest were removed
to Nismes. John Yeardley had some conversation with these three after the
meeting, with which he was well satisfied. They told him that when they
were awakened they wrote and received so many letters that it excited
suspicion, and that the police who examined the letters took the texts of
Scripture, or rather the figures that referred to the chapters and verses,
for a secret language, used to deceive their vigilance.
On the 8th of the Eleventh Month, J. Yeardley and W. Rasche, accompanied
by Jules Paradon, went to Valence, and visited Bertram Combe, at Pialoux,
where they remained a few days. B.C. had fitted up a commodious room
adjoining his own dwelling, where he held meetings regularly:--
And where, says J.Y., we had several solemn and edifying occasions; and as
our being there became more known the attendance increased, so that the
last gathering was quite a large one, and peculiarly quiet and
satisfactory. Among some meetings which we appointed in the neighborhood
two were held in the _temple_ of the Protestant Church, which was a
mark of great liberality; these two occasions were peculiarly favored. In
the latter B.C. alluded to the persecution he had had to endure on account
of the disuse of the Supper and Baptism. He boldly avowed the conviction
he felt as to the non-use of these things, and that the preaching of the
gospel ought to be free. I have seldom been in a district where there is
more openness for the gospel message in its simplicity, than in this
mountain region.
From Valence, John Yeardley returned direct to England, only stopping at
Friedrichsdorf. where he visited the boarding-school.
I reached my home, he says, on the 24th of the Eleventh Month, with a
thankful heart to my Heavenly Father for his merciful preservation.
CHAPTER XX.
FROM HIS RETURN FROM RUSSIA TO HIS LAST JOURNEY.
1853-1858.
John Yeardley had scarcely returned to England before war was declared
with Russia. The confirmation he received from this lamentable event, that
his journey had been made at the opportune time, filled his heart with
gratitude. The work he had been able to do had been small, but he had the
satisfaction of knowing that it had been accomplished at the only juncture
in which it would have been practicable.
The year 1853, he writes, closed with many mercies to a poor unworthy
servant. I consider it a great blessing to have accomplished the visit
through Russia and to Constantinople before the horrible war broke out.
What a frightful state are things in at the present moment!--no access
could be had to those countries.
In the Spring of 1854 he spent some time at Bath. He attended, whilst
there, a public meeting appointed by Sarah Squire, in which he had a
testimony to offer in the gospel. Hearing afterwards that a military man
who was present had been brought to conviction by the doctrine which had
been declared, J.Y. noted in his Diary the subject on which he had
preached.
4 _mo_. 2.--I recollect, he says, alluding to the awful state of the
times in which we live, and the need of a refuge in God, and the
blessedness of the consolations of the Holy Spirit in a time of trouble.
That the Spirit of God was the first agent in the work of man's salvation,
bringing to the Saviour who died for sinners: the Father drawing to the
Son, the Son perfecting the work, and presenting each member of the living
church without spot or wrinkle to the Father. Blessed unity of Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit! The Father creating, the Son redeeming, the Holy
Spirit sanctifying.
In making a brief note of the Yearly Meeting this year, John Yeardley
takes occasion to record his sentiments on a subject which then, as now,
strongly engaged the attention of the Society.
The Yearly Meeting has been a precious time; it has strengthened the bond
of love and unity. There is, under all discouragements, a love to the
Society manifested in the young people of both sexes. It is true there is
a great want of bearing of the cross, and many are seeking for excuses to
persuade themselves that many of those things that have long distinguished
our Society are now no longer of use. But I still think there is more
religion in many of our young members than their outward appearance would
authorize us to believe. I love to cleave to the good, and to hold out a
helping hand to encourage the tender budding of grace, and for the good to
overcome the evil. I want them to be brought to conviction, and to be told
that they are not required to wear plain clothes, and to use plain speech,
because our Friends have done so, but because Christianity leads into
simplicity, and the language of Scripture is that of truthfulness, and to
follow the changing fashions of the world is too low for the notice of the
Christian whose heart is placed on heavenly things, and whose time is too
precious to be spent on trifles. There is no peace to the regenerated
heart equal to a devotedness of life in promoting the extension of the
Saviour's kingdom upon earth.
He soon after alludes to the Memoir of Joseph John Gurney, then just
published, and to the sharp stimulus which he received from its perusal--a
stimulus which minds fixed upon improvement always receive from the vivid
representation of time and talents diligently employed.
6 _mo_. 16.--Many of my solitary moments are cheered, and I am
greatly edified, in reading J.J. Gurney's Memoirs. It is a real privilege
to be introduced into the daily walk of the life of a Christian man with
such an enlightened and enlarged mind, whose expansive heart is filled
with love for the whole human race. Strengthened by faith, and filled with
the unction of the Spirit, his life was devoted to doing good to the
family of man, laboring for the conversion of sinners, and comforting
believers.
The diligence of J.J. Gurney in study, &c., has stimulated me to renew the
reading of the Greek New Testament, but I sink into the dust when I see
what he accomplished in comparison of my own insignificance. It is,
however, a comfort to know that I have a merciful Lord, who will not
require of me the exercise of gifts that I have not received. O that I may
he more faithful in the employment of the capacity which has been
entrusted to me, for the good of souls and the honor of my Lord!
The reflections which follow add another to the numberless testimonies of
the saints' experience, that the Christian life is a continual warfare.
I am sensible of having lost ground for some time past for want of more
diligence in watchfulness and prayer. I have been deeply sorry for it, and
I do hope my compassionate Lord has forgiven me. As a proof of his
forgiveness, I am permitted to enjoy once more the smiles of his
countenance, which cheer my lonely walk. How greatly do I long for more
intimate communion with the Beloved of my soul, the precious Saviour! Lord
_preserve_ me in _every moment_ of _temptation_, and make
me more entirely thine! Grant me more confidence in the immediate action
of thy Spirit in the ministry of the word, that my communications of this
nature may be deep and clear, and under the unction of thy Holy Spirit.
_Amen_!
6 _mo_. 23.--This morning I have been favored, more than usual, in my
endeavor to pour out my soul before God in prayer, in desiring more purity
of heart, more faith; and that it might please my compassionate Lord to
sustain and console me in my solitary lot, and preserve me faithful to the
end of the race. Many relatives and near friends were brought to my
remembrance, whom I endeavored to present to the mercy of a merciful God.
In the same diary is an appropriate notice of Dr. Steinkopf, and a tender
tribute to the memory of Martha Yeardley.
The other evening was spent at J. and M.C.S.'s with Dr. Steinkopf. "The
hoary head" of this aged and experienced Christian is as "a crown of
glory," for "it is found in the way of righteousness." He is full of love,
speaking constantly out of a grateful heart of the mercies of his God.
Before parting he read a few verses, exhorted us and supplicated for us.
A little more than three years have fled away since my precious and
dearly-beloved M.Y. entered on a blissful eternity. How do I feel the loss
of her sweet, cheerful, and edifying society! Ever since her blessed
spirit fled from earth to heaven, she has never by night or day been long
absent from my thoughts. How often does my soul pant and pray for a
preparation of heart for that blissful state where she now is, near to her
precious Saviour, who redeemed her with his own blood. He enabled her to
serve him when on earth, and now she sings his praises in heaven. What a
charm did she impart to my daily life! Our pursuits were always one and
the same; and now what a desert I still have before me,--but it may be
very short.
In the Eighth Month, John Yeardley went to Minden on a visit to Ernst
Peitsmeyer, whose daughter Sophie had been for some time his kind and
cheerful companion, and who now, with her parents and other friends,
welcomed him again to Germany. Whilst at Minden he derived benefit from
the sulphur baths of the Klause, not far from the town.
The bath, he says, is one hour's gentle exercise on the saddle. The farm
where the spring is stands quite alone in the midst of a wood, and the way
to it is delightful,--much suited to my taste. Sophie rides sometimes with
me: it cheers me to have her trotting by my side.
The handful of inquiring persons at Obernkirchen, whom J.Y. visited on
his return from Norway, continued to claim his sympathy, and one First-day
he joined them at their usual place of worship.
It was, he writes, a refreshing time in this little meeting. When the
little company first met together they were dragged into the street by the
police; but they persevered, and, on making an appeal to the magistrate at
Rinteln, stated their case with so much simplicity that the government has
granted them liberty to meet together undisturbed. How marvellous, the
Friends are protected; and the Baptists, under the same government, are
persecuted with increasing rigor! No interference on their behalf has been
of the least use.--(_Dairy and Letter_.)
In the Fourth Month of 1855 John Yeardley received a certificate "to visit
his friends in Yorkshire, and to hold meetings with persons not in
church-fellowship" with Friends.
I arrived at Halifax, he says, in a letter of the 28th of the Fourth
Month, on Fifth-day evening, and attended the Monthly Meeting of Brighouse
on the 20th. It looked formidable to me in prospect on the first entering
into harness; but I hope the meeting proved a good introduction, and I saw
a good specimen of a large, harmonious, and well-conducted Monthly
Meeting. There might be near 250 members present.