The origin and discovery of these Friends can hardly fail to interest those who are not already familiar with them. They were often visited by Stephen Grelet, who greatly strengthened them and increased their influence. One who has not been among them can hardly realize how this little flock, surrounded on all sides with perils and enemies, rejoice to welcome those who come to bring them strength and cheer. Many leave the country to escape the army, some marry with other Protestants, and the outlook is not encouraging for their continuance as a distinct body; but they have a good history behind them, and should receive every possible support to hold firm for the help of coming generations.
When Eli and Sybil Jones went among them it was a time of discouragement, and they both felt that there was a great service for them to do. It is not easy to find just what they did, but we know that for three months they carried on almost ceaseless labor to help and instruct not only the Friends, but all the Protestants and Catholics where it was possible. The pastors with one accord opened their places of worship and approved and welcomed them.
There are many now in Nismes and vicinity who speak with great feeling of them, and it is evident that all were deeply impressed by their consecration and earnestness. We need not seek too eagerly for the results of such work, for it is impossible to measure the good done, either in counting those converted or those renewed. Two earnest Christian ministers exert an influence and power in a community which can be no more easily weighed than the ripples on the sea can be counted.
SOUTH OF FRANCE.
"Set off in the diligence for Lyons, ninety miles distant; fine roads, good accommodation. The grand scenery delighted us, though tinged with autumnal frosts. We did not make ourselves known in Lyons. It was First day, and it was odd and deeply affecting to an American guest to rise on this morning and behold it a market-day, all bustle and tumult. The state of morals is very low on the Continent.
"31st. Took steamer on the Rhone for Avignon. Met a very interesting missionary from New York going to Rome. We had an interesting conversation on the qualifications of missionaries, their trials, painful separations, etc. Having both known them, we could the more readily enter into sympathy and fellowship. Lodged in a hotel in the dull popish town of Avignon.
"1st of 11th mo. Set off by rail for Nismes, where we were greeted by our friends.
"2d. Attended Friends' meeting, and received visits from several members. We were comfortably settled at a hotel near the Friends' school, which we wish to visit when we have leisure from other service.
"3d. Dear Eli went to Congènies to-day to attend meeting. We have seen dear John Yardly on his return from his Russian mission. He gave us pleasant accounts of the work of the Lord in that land and in Turkey—said he found much openness and many Christian brethren. Some have suffered loss of nearly all things for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.
"5th. The two-months' meeting commenced. Great discouragement seems to prevail, and little contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. It is indeed to be lamented that the light burns so dimly that was no doubt kindled by divine love, but for want of watchfulness it gleams but faintly amid surrounding darkness. If those who profess the blessed Name in this land were real converted characters! But, as in ancient time, 'All are not Israel that are of Israel.' Oh may it please the Lord to revive His work in this day! Toward the close life seemed to spring up, and much solemnity prevailed. Meeting for business assembled in the afternoon, and was a refreshing season. We trust some were made to see where they had been straying. The meeting concluded with more religious weight and signs of life, and from the hearts of some arose the song of thanksgiving. Dear John Yardly's company was indeed precious. I like his evangelical spirit and devotion to the gospel of Christ.