Martha Yeardley, in a letter from which we have already quoted, describes the origin of the asylum.

About twelve years since M.A.  Calame believed herself called to form an institution for orphans and unfortunate children.  She associated some others with her for this object, but having peculiar views on religious subjects, and more perseverance than her colleagues, she was soon left nearly alone, with means entirely inadequate to the increasing demands, viz., about three francs yearly from a very limited number of persons.  The children daily augmented, and she dared not refuse admission:  when in necessity she was encouraged to trust from unexpected donations.  This increased her faith; and after some years, a boys’ school was added.  In this way the institution has been supported without any regular funds.

Her faith is still often very severely tried, but they have never yet been suffered to want.  Her refuge in times of extremity is prayer, and it has been in some instances very evidently answered, so that she has severely reproached herself for daring to doubt.  In speaking on this subject she said to me:  “I am at times much beset with temptations when I consider the number I have thus collected without any visible or certain means of support; but how can I dare to doubt after so many proofs of the care of the great Master?  He knows our wants; he knows these dear children have need of food and clothing, and he provides it for them; and he knows that all I desire is to do his will.”

On remarking to her the sweet tranquillity and order which reign in these schools, she said, “It is the Master’s work; they are taught to love him above all, and to do all for his sake.”  We felt very nearly united to her and to an intimate friend who resides with her:  they are both what are called deeply interior characters, and have long withdrawn from the places of public worship, but fully unite with our views.

She is really a very extraordinary character, extremely simple and cheerful in her manners, possessing great natural talents, and evincing in her conducting of the institution, not only the Spirit, but the understanding also.—­(To Elizabeth Dudley, 2 mo. 7, 1828.)

With Locle, John and Martha Yeardley’s mission to Switzerland for this time terminated.  They crossed the frontier into France, and made the best of their way through that country, in order to proceed to the Channel Islands.

This morning (2 mo. 5,) writes J.Y., Mary Anne Calame and her friend Zimmerling, with A. Borel, accompanied us two leagues to the ferry, and saw us safe over into France.  This last parting with friends so dear to us in a foreign land, was very touching; our hearts were humbled under a sense of the Heavenly Father’s love.

6th.—­Passing the custom-house made us late at our quarters, where they are not accustomed to receive such guests.  Their curiosity to see and know who we are is very great.  To prevent French imposition, my M.Y. was to bargain beforehand for what we had.  On asking what the meal would cost, we were answered they could not tell, for they did not know how much coffee we should drink.  This simple but appropriate reply so amused us that it put an end to our bargaining.