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I am persuaded, that many who have been called to the work of the ministry, and who have appeared, for a short time, fresh and lively in a few words in our meetings, and afterwards have dwindled and withered as "the grass on the house-top," have suffered this great loss principally for want of dedication to the altar. Some such, perhaps, being tempted to think that the little committed to their care was hardly worth improvement; that it was not likely to edify the people, but it may be rather to be despised, and that it procured to themselves no honour; but that, if they had received talents like some others, they would have been willing to occupy with them. Thus, indeed, I fear that many, whom the Lord has raised up amongst his people, for Nazarites and for prophets, have, through entering into this sort of reasoning with the serpent, been beguiled of their reward; and, instead of being fixed, as stars of different magnitudes, in the firmament of the Lord's power, have, through the pride and subtlety of the serpent, been drawn down to the earth. I had no thoughts of writing so much on this sub

ject; but, under a sense of its importance, I often feel a strong desire that all, who are called to any degree of stewardship of the grace of God, might happily obtain mercy to be found faithful, that in the solemn day of reckoning, they might give in their account with joy.

Our ancient, respected, honourable friend, John Routh, departed this life the 31st of 1st month. He had a short illness, (about four days) attended with little pain; and we had, I hope, the best reason to believe that he was favoured to depart in peace. His sister bears this event in a manner truly Christian; she is herself but feeble, and in so weak a state of health as does a little alarm our fears.

My wife unites in the salutation of unfeigned love to thyself and whole family, with thy affectionate friend,

JOHN THORP.

L*

Letter XXVIII.

TO RICHARD REYNOLDS.

Manchester, 1st Mo. 22, 1793.

My dear Friend,

I have often, of late, felt something like the salutation of love moving in my mind towards thee, in which I wish thee both natural and spiritual health; and as there is no medicine that can be prescribed or taken, equal to wholesome food and exercise for the preservation of bodily health, so, I believe, that by this means also our spiritual health is best preserved. But we may observe some people, as to the outward, whose constitution is not bad, yet feeling some slight indisposition, would rather have recourse to medicine, or give themselves up to the feeling of their infirmities, than employ the strength they have in necessary exercise, and content themselves with such food as would be most profitable for them.

Something like this I apprehend to be the case with some religious characters, who, attending too much to every little feeling of

very

weakness, and comparing themselves with others, whose gifts and callings may be different to theirs, (though not at all more acceptable to God, or more accordant to His will) are ready to be discouraged, and count themselves fit for nothing; whereas the Lord is only glorified by our obedience, in that station in which he hath placed us; so that, let the sphere of our activity be what it may, let the orbs in which we are placed be high or low in human estimation, let our gifts or callings be less or more conspicuous and admired by our fellow-pilgrims, those who are faithful and honest in their varied allotments, and seeking nothing for themselves, but to bring glory to God by a life of humble dedication to Him; these, however they may have been regarded amongst men, and however they may, at times, be ready to judge of themselves, will finally meet with an equal welcome from the blessed Master, as approved, good, and faithful servants. Oh! how wisely then do they act, who, taking no anxious thought for to-morrow, are attentive, according to present ability, to the duties of the present day; who, satis

fied with their own allotment of suffering, of exercise, of consolation and labour, cheerfully comply with the Divine appointment. These neither desire more nor fewer talents than what they have received, but, wisely occupying with those which they have received, experience an improvement.

I hardly know how to put into words what I have in view to recommend, and what I am favoured, at seasons, to see is the most excellent way; though possibly, my dear friend, thou art much more advanced in this way than I am; it is to be "careful for nothing, but in every thing, by prayer and supplication," to let our wants be made known unto God, casting all our care upon Him who careth for us; to cast off every weight and every burden, and "run with patience the race that is set before us," doing with our might whatever our hands find to do. But what meaneth this language, which we sooften feel, and so often hear?-I can do nothing, I have no ability, I have neither strength nor understanding; and in whose heart hath this language been raised more feelingly than in my own? for, who is so

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