r of a
fellow-laborer, constrained by the force of Christian love to the same
field of service, and partly as his companion and helper in countries
where she did not otherwise feel herself called to labor. The course of
their anticipated travel is described in the following extract from the
Diary. They were unable, as it proved, to obtain admission into the
Russian Empire; and this part of the mission was accomplished by John
Yeardley alone, and at a later period.

1848. 2 _mo_. 8.--At our Monthly Meeting at Gracechurch street, I
proposed my concern to visit some parts of South Russia, particularly the
German colonies; also some places in the Prussian and Austrian dominions,
parts of Switzerland and France, particularly Ardeche, and a few places in
Belgium, and to revisit parts of Germany. My precious M.Y. also was
constrained in gospel love to tell her friends that she had long thought
of a visit to France and Belgium; and, if health permitted, should think
it her religious duty to accompany me to South Russia. We had the full
unity of our friends, who expressed much sympathy and encouragement, to
our great comfort. It is about twenty years since I first thought
seriously that I might have to visit the Crimea, and for thirty years I
have had a prospect of some parts of Bohemia. Truly the vision has been
for an appointed time; and if the period be now come, I trust it is the
Lord's time, and that his presence may go with us. Many have been the
conflicts and deep the baptisms through which I have passed, before coming
to a willingness to offer to do what I believe to be the will of my
Divine Master. Feeble as are my powers, I desire they may be devoted to
his cause for the remainder of my days; and I do esteem it a great mercy
to have arrived at a clear pointing in this important prospect. May the
blessing of preservation rest upon the beloved partner of my sorrows and
my joys, and on myself; and may He whom we desire to serve heal all our
maladies of body and mind!

While their attention was thus turned to foreign lands, a storm was
gathering in France which in the course of this month burst upon Europe
with extraordinary violence, and overturned or endangered half the thrones
on the Continent. This convulsed state of the European nations rendered it
needful for them to wait a few months before they commenced their
undertaking. In the Seventh Month, John Yeardley speaks of having obtained
the further concurrence of