on, the opportunities which they found for reviving
and gathering together the scattered embers of truth, were nearly confined
to social intercourse; in seeking occasions for which, they availed
themselves of introductions by pious Prostestants from place to place,
whilst they were careful, as had always been their practice, to wait, in
every successive step, for the direction of the Divine Finger. The mission
was performed in much weakness of body, and under frequent spiritual
poverty; yet it will be readily acknowledged that theirs was a favored
lot, to be able, with the clue of gospel love in their hand, to trace the
pathway of Christian truth, and the footsteps of true spiritual worship,
and of a faithful testimony for Christ, through the midst of a degenerate
and benighted land.

They went to London on the 2nd of the Eighth Month, and spent the time
before they sailed in gathering information and counsel for their
approaching journey, and in social visits. Speaking of one of these visits
(to their nephew J. S., at Clapton), John Yeardley says:--

Before parting we had a religious opportunity, in which a word of
exhortation flowed in gospel love, and ability was granted to approach the
throne of mercy in solemn supplication. I often wish we were more faithful
in raising our hearts to the Lord before separating from our friends when
met on social occasions; a blessing might attend such simple offerings.

In a visit they paid to Thomas and Carolina Norton, the subject of
establishing a school for the children of Friends in the South of France
came under consideration; a project which, as we shall see, they were able
in their visit to that part of the country to carry into effect.

They left London on the 16th, and on the 19th arrived at Amiens, where
they halted for a few days. They found in this city a movement among the
Roman Catholics, a number of whom had joined the Protestant worship. The
Protestant Pastor, Cadoret, was very friendly to them; when he heard that
they belonged to the Society of Friends, he pressed John Yeardley's hand
and said, I am very glad to make your acquaintance; it is the first time I
have seen any of your Society, of whom I have heard much.

On the 20th J.Y. writes, in allusion to the spiritual darkness which so
generally covered the land of France;--

My soul is cast down, but when I am afflicted because of the wickedness of
the people, I call to remembrance these words: "Fret no