eting--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 behal