On our journey homewards we had much perplexity with some cloth, &c. which J.S. had bought in Leipzig to bring to Pyrmont.  This arose from want of better information respecting the laws of the Prussian territory.  They are exceedingly strict as to duties.  All kinds of wares are allowed to pass through the country at what may be called a reasonable excise; but those travellers who have excise goods with them must preserve a certain road, called the Zoll-strasse.  It was our lot to miss this road; for apprehending ourselves at liberty to pursue what road we pleased, we took another way.  But we found our mistake when we came to the place where the duty is paid; for we were informed we had taken the wrong road, and that transit duty could not be received; we must either pay the full excise as when goods remain in the Prussian territory, or return back until we came again into the Zoll-strasse.  It took some time to consider which was best to be done.  To be sent about we knew not whither, and on roads scarcely passable, would prove a serious inconvenience; and on the other hand it was exceedingly mortifying to pay for such a trifle so enormous an excise.  The officer was very civil, but told us it was not in his power to do otherwise.  We concluded it would be best and cheapest to pay dearly for our error rather than be retarded on our journey.  We had a regular receipt for what we paid, but inadvertently departing again from the appointed way, we were in danger of paying the full duty a second time, or having the goods taken from us.  So much for travelling with excise goods.

Early in 1824, John Yeardley returned for a few months to England.  He had ingratiated himself so thoroughly into the esteem and love of his Pyrmont friends, that his departure even for a short time was the signal of lamentation through the whole meeting.  On the 11th of the First Month he had a farewell meeting at Friedensthal, which was attended by almost all his friends.  With his parting blessing he had some counsel to impart.

I have so much place, he says, in their minds, that whatever I say, either in counsel or reproof, is always received in love.  Such a scene I never witnessed; the dear lambs all wept aloud; we were indeed all melted together.  May the Shepherd of Israel never leave them nor forsake them, and may they become willing to follow his leading.  I can truly say that on their behalf my pillow has been often wet with my tears.

On the 3rd of the Second Month, he left Friedensthal, accompanied by a young Friend whom he was to conduct to a temporary residence in England, and in whose religious welfare he was deeply interested.  While waiting in Hamburg for a vessel, he felt keenly his solitary situation in the world.

2 mo. 9.—­I think I never felt poorer in spirit and more discouraged than at present.  It seems as if visiting my native land had no cheering prospect for me.  If it were right in the divine sight I could almost wish to spend the whole of my life in solitude; but I must be willing patiently to suffer, and endeavor to fill the place appointed for me on this stage of action.