In making a brief note of the Yearly Meeting this year, John Yeardley takes occasion to record his sentiments on a subject which then, as now, strongly engaged the attention of the Society.

The Yearly Meeting has been a precious time; it has strengthened the bond of love and unity.  There is, under all discouragements, a love to the Society manifested in the young people of both sexes.  It is true there is a great want of bearing of the cross, and many are seeking for excuses to persuade themselves that many of those things that have long distinguished our Society are now no longer of use.  But I still think there is more religion in many of our young members than their outward appearance would authorize us to believe.  I love to cleave to the good, and to hold out a helping hand to encourage the tender budding of grace, and for the good to overcome the evil.  I want them to be brought to conviction, and to be told that they are not required to wear plain clothes, and to use plain speech, because our Friends have done so, but because Christianity leads into simplicity, and the language of Scripture is that of truthfulness, and to follow the changing fashions of the world is too low for the notice of the Christian whose heart is placed on heavenly things, and whose time is too precious to be spent on trifles.  There is no peace to the regenerated heart equal to a devotedness of life in promoting the extension of the Saviour’s kingdom upon earth.

He soon after alludes to the Memoir of Joseph John Gurney, then just published, and to the sharp stimulus which he received from its perusal—­a stimulus which minds fixed upon improvement always receive from the vivid representation of time and talents diligently employed.

6 mo. 16.—­Many of my solitary moments are cheered, and I am greatly edified, in reading J.J.  Gurney’s Memoirs.  It is a real privilege to be introduced into the daily walk of the life of a Christian man with such an enlightened and enlarged mind, whose expansive heart is filled with love for the whole human race.  Strengthened by faith, and filled with the unction of the Spirit, his life was devoted to doing good to the family of man, laboring for the conversion of sinners, and comforting believers.

The diligence of J.J.  Gurney in study, &c., has stimulated me to renew the reading of the Greek New Testament, but I sink into the dust when I see what he accomplished in comparison of my own insignificance.  It is, however, a comfort to know that I have a merciful Lord, who will not require of me the exercise of gifts that I have not received.  O that I may he more faithful in the employment of the capacity which has been entrusted to me, for the good of souls and the honor of my Lord!

The reflections which follow add another to the numberless testimonies of the saints’ experience, that the Christian life is a continual warfare.