ir return to Neufchatel they visited the celebrated school of the
Moravians at Montmirail, where, says Martha Yeardley--
We soon felt quite at home with a precious, spiritually-minded man, the
master, and his agreeable English wife. This is an excellent institution,
for females only, and several English are there. We were about seventy in
company at dinner, and much sweet feeling prevailed. The master of this
interesting family was delighted to hear something of Friends to whom he
had never before been introduced.
At Neufchatel, on First-day (2 mo. 3,) they met large companies in the
morning and evening, and the next morning took leave of their friends in
that city, "deeply humbled under a sense of the great Master's work among
them." They went to Locle under the conduct of A. Borel, whose "kindness
exceeded all description."
On the way, writes John Yeardley, we took refreshment at a pious man's
house in the morning, and dined at another friend's, with whom, we had a
precious religious opportunity. It reminded me of the mode of visiting our
own dear Friends in England; we find in the hearts of these visited
children of the Universal Parent genuine hospitality; they hand us of all
they have in their houses in the name of disciples.
At Locle they were met by Mary Anne Calame, with whom their hearts became
instantly knit in the strongest Christian friendship.
She came before we were well alighted. We had heard much of the character
and benevolent exertions of this dear woman but could say in truth the
half had not been told us. Her countenance is strong and impressive, her
hair jet black, cut short, and worn without cap; her dress of the most
simple and least costly kind. Her sole desire seems to be to do the will
of her Lord and Master in caring for 170 poor children, who are in the
institution at bed, board, and instruction. The forenoon was spent in
looking over the schools and hearing the children examined. The house is a
refuge for the lame, blind, deaf, dumb, and sick. Peace and contentment
prevail through the whole. This establishment was commenced about twelve
years ago with five children, and has prospered in a remarkable manner.
M.A.C. is one with Friends in principle, and, as well as some others of
the family, entirely separated from the usual forms of worship.
Martha Yeardley, in a letter from which we have already quoted, describes
the origin of the asylum.
About twelve years since M.A
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