CHAPTER II.


FROM HIS ENTRANCE ON THE MINISTRY IN 1815, TO HIS COMMISSION TO RESIDE IN
GERMANY IN 1820.

1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley
passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with
brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed;
and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry
in a simple and affecting manner.


1 _mo._ 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's
house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought
I could almost have publicly declared it; but not feeling that weight and
certainty which I had apprehended should accompany the performance of such
an important act, I was afraid of imparting that to others which might be
intended only for my own instruction; and so it has ended for the present.
But I am thankful in hoping that I am come a little nearer to that state
of resignation which was so beautifully exemplified by our great Pattern
of all good, who when He desired the bitter cup might pass from Him,
nevertheless added, "Not my will, but thine be done." And if I am at all
acquainted with my inward feelings, I trust I can in some degree of
sincerity say that my heart desires to rejoice more in the progress of
this state of happy resignation, than at the increase of corn, wine, or
oil.