4 _mo_. 12.--In contemplating the gracious dealings of the Almighty
with me from time to time, I have been led to query, Is it not that I
might, by patiently submitting to the turnings and overturnings of his
most holy hand, become fashioned to show forth his praise? But alas! where
are the fruits? Is not the work rather marring as on the wheel; can I, in
sincerity say, I am the clay, Thou art the potter? I feel weary of my own
negligence; for it seems as if the day with me was advancing faster than
the work, I fear lest I should be cast off for want of giving greater
diligence to make my calling sure. O may he who is perfect in wisdom
strengthen the feeble desire which remains, and melt my stubborn will into
perfect obedience by the operation of his pure spirit.


In the next memoranda which we shall transcribe we see when and how his
mind was imbued with the love of Scriptural inquiry and illustration. Two
or three good books well read and digested in younger life often form the
thinking habits of the man, and supply no small part of the substance, or
at any rate the nucleus, of his knowledge. This shows the vast importance
of a wise choice of authors, at the time when the mind is the most
susceptible of impressions, and the most capable of appropriating the food
which is presented to it. Those who knew John Yeardley will recognise the
intimate connexion between these early studies and the character of his
future life and ministry. If any should think his language on this or
kindred subjects marked by excessive caution, they must bear in mind the
comparative by unintellectual circle in which he moved.


I trust, he writes, under date of 4 mo. 28, a few of my leisure hours for