"combat of the soul doth arise and proceed, "that it would fain see God, and yet can"not at all times attain the same, then know "that it fighteth for the noble trophy, of "which the external man knoweth nothing;

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yet the Spirit of God fighteth in the na"tural soul for that which is supernatural, "that so he may lead the creature into God. "He would always fain crown the soul with "the precious image, if the blind reason "would but give Him room, and suffer the "understanding to co-operate. We must "labour and strive against the external reason, and also against flesh and blood, and "wholly oppose the assaults and objections "of the devil, always breaking them, and "casting them away, and resist the evil "thoughts, motions, and influences, and ef"fectually with our whole soul, with prayer, "supplication, or internal resignation, press "into God's mercy."

Thou mayst be sure enough, my dear friend, that if Providence seeth meet to make any other use of thee, than that which He hath long done, as a preacher of righteousness in life and conversation, as a Father to

the poor, and a succourer of many, when the right time shall come, thou will not be left in any doubt about it; but if otherwise, it is all right; it is enough if we are found faithful stewards in the station which the Master hath appointed us, whether as stewards of grace, or of the things of this life. What cause have we, not only to be satisfied with, but thankful for our lots? our outward circumstances, our mental powers, and spiritual gifts, are diversified by Him who only is wise; and it is deeply fixed as a sentiment in my mind, that the allotment or gifts of each individual of us, if we act well our part, and are faithful in the improvement, will conduce more completely to fill up measure of our happiness through all eternity, than any other or varied portion could possibly do. The great point, by which glory, honour, and peace, both here and for ever, would certainly be gained, is for each of us to stand in our own lot, resigned to the will of God in all the varied dispensations of His providence; seeking no more, either of prosperity or adversity, of poverty or riches, of suffering or rejoicing, in things spiritual

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the

or temporal, than He knows to be best for

us.

I note all that thou hast hinted, of some circumstances which, as a parent, do furnish for thee some degree of affliction. Experience hath taught me to sympathize in a case which, though somewhat dissimilar, hath been to me exceedingly distressing; but, my dear friend, what can we do for our children? nothing of ourselves, to be sure, that will do them any good; but, through Divine help, we can love, pity, and pray for them; and, indeed, with some, this is the last and only resource; and oh! the fear that I have felt, lest I should be deficient here. "The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much;" let us be found diligent in this holy exercise. The example of Job is worthy our imitation, and with what fervency did. the father of the faithful address the Most High with this petition; "O that Ishmael might live before thee!" "God forbid," said the prophet Samuel, concerning the rebellious house of Israel, "that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." Oh! that both thou and I may be found fer

vent enough, and frequent in this great duty; often retiring to the closet of our hearts, the temple which God hath chosen, and there pouring forth our supplication to "our Father which is in heaven," that He would take our children under His care. Much benefit would arise from this practice. I am very far from thinking thee a stranger to this Christian exercise; for any thing I know, thou mayst have gone far beyond me in the practice. If so, permit me to recommend it to thee to persevere; and, for thy encouragement, let us remember the example of the woman, who came to Christ, and would not be denied, Mat. xv. 22; and likewise the parable of our blessed Lord, by which He taught that men should always pray, and not faint, Luke xviii. Oh! the consolation and support we also should derive from thus spreading our cause before the Lord, and committing ourselves, our children, and our all into His hand, who is the Shepherd and Bishop of Souls.

I do not expect to be in London this year; so probably may miss the pleasure of seeing thee there; some more distant period may

furnish the opportunity. I have, however, much pleasure and comfort in thinking of thee, because I am so fully persuaded of the sincerity of thy desires; and that, in the great day of recompence, thou wilt be numbered amongst the humble, faithful servants of God.

Wishing thee every comfort and every blessing consistent with the Divine will, I remain thy ever affectionate and sincere friend,

JOHN THORP.

N. B. Present the salutation of my love to thy wife, and to Priscilla Hannah Gurney; tell her to remember the parable of the talents, and I also ought to remember it, particularly that part, "Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers," the Lord's money, nothing of our own.