reasoning about this or that; but abide in the simplicity, and in the patience, and never suffer the enemy to lead thee to doubt this most certain truth, that all the dispensations of God, which thou hast passed through, or art now under, are administered in unerring Wisdom, and are adapted, by that Wisdom, to accomplish thy complete redemption.

Being an entire stranger, I do not know how proper it may be for me to say, that to be pretty constantly employed in any way useful, according to thy ability, would make time less tedious, and the attempts of Satan less grievous. Improper, distressing, and wandering thoughts, will not, I think, long afflict those who are usefully employed, and turn away from them. We can no more help wandering thoughts, than we can prevent the birds from flying over our heads; but we can prevent them from making nests in our hair.

With desires for thy comfort, and peace in God, through an humble, patient submission and resignation to Him, I am thy respectful friend,

JOHN THORP,

Letter LVII.

TO RICHARD REYNOLDS.

Manchester, 4th Mo. 23, 1810.

My dear Friend,

I know that, with all the comforts we can have in this life, old age has infirmities and wants which the consolations of this world cannot relieve: and therefore, we look forward in humble hope to a better life and country, where our enjoyments will be both permanent and complete. I look upon my dear friend as near the celestial shore, and moving towards it under the auspicious conduct of the Captain of our Salvation; and with greater certainty, because under the influence of that awful fear, which keeps the heart clean.

The removal of dear Deborah Darby, however others may view it, to me affords a comfortable reflection; she had fought a good fight, she had finished the work that was given her to do, and is no doubt now entered into that rest which is glorious. With regard to the Church's loss, I dare say

nothing; we know who it is, that of "stones can raise up children unto Abraham," who can work by many or by few, with or without instruments. We may safely leave the work, the great work of redemption, to Him who hath the power, and to whom belongs the glory, evermore,

JOHN THORp.

Letter LVIII.

TO ELIZABETH RATHBONE.

Manchester,

Thou hast been so much the companion of my thoughts, for some days back, attended with such a degree of solicitude on thy account, that I am induced to think it will afford myself some relief, and perhaps not be burdensome to thee, if I attempt, though in a few lines, some little communication.

Thou sayst nothing to me about thy health, and yet I fear and care abundantly about it. It is, if I am not mistaken, in that love which springs from the Centre of Unity,

in which the children of our Heavenly Father fear, and love, and care, for one another, that I have felt so much nearness and solicitude for thee; it is not that I have any fear, more or less, with regard to thy eternal state; not the least shadow of a doubt attends my mind in this respect, that all will be well; that an inheritance in the Holy City will be secured, that a Heavenly Mansion will be prepared for thee, by Him who suffered for us, who trod "the wine-press alone," and there was none with Him, whose "visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men!" He hath trodden the gloomy path, and sanctified it unto us; He hath prepared for thee, He hath cast up for all who love Him, a Holy Highway into the Paradise of God. Whatever doubts or fears may at any time arise; however thy faith may at any time, in the hour and power of darkness, be ready to fail; for truly "we wrestle not against flesh and blood" only, yet, through His gracious and sure help, to whom "all power is given in Heaven and in earth," thou wilt be sustained, supported, and made more than con

queror,

and finally experience thy robes to be washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, so that thou mayst be fitted to unite with the "hundred and forty and four thousand," whom John saw standing with the Lamb on Mount Sion, and with all them who have obtained the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over the number of his name, in that new song, (which the redeemed only can learn) the song of Moses and of the Lamb.

Farewell, my dear friend, I will only add, the sincere prayer of my heart, that the great, the good, the true Shepherd of Israel, who loves, who cares, who watcheth over His people for good, who laid down His life for them, may direct and guide thee by His counsel, and have thee always in His keeping.

JOHN THORP.