alas! how often do we fall short of our poses. pur I have several times lately heard a good account of thy health, which was very pleasant to me; for, whilst we remain in this country, which we neither of us expect to do very long, it is indeed cause of humble gratitude, to be favoured with health, as it gives us the best opportunity of improving the dregs of time. I also am still favoured to enjoy the blessing of health, and am still engaged in the Christian warfare, and in the exercise of faith and patience; for I have cause to fear I have not yet attained to that state of purity and holiness to which we are called; but I may say, "I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Although I fear it would be difficult to find, amongst all our religious acquaintance, one who is perfectly free from all infirmities, yet I have known many, who now are, and do know many others who, when these mortal bodies shall be put off, will be bright spirits in glory. What thou hast said of thyself, and the state of thy own mind, is so just a descrip tion of my own, that I question if I could have given it more exactly. Let us, then, say with holy Job," all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." Thomas Cash used to say, we could not think too lowly of ourselves, if we did not despair; and that, I hope, after so many years' experience of Divine mercy and goodness, we shall be preserved from doing; we have more cause to "thank God and take courage," more and more to press into that kingdom which is righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Our day's work is nearly over; let us employ the little time yet remaining in trimming our lamps, and for me to watch and pray, that all my transgressions may be blotted out, and my sins forgiven, by Him who "taketh away the sin of the world." JOHN THORp. W* Letter LXV. To RICHARD REYNOLDS. Manchester, 1st Mo. 18, 1815. My dear Friend, Thy letter of the 4th of 11th month last, I received with pleasure, as an additional fruit of thy friendship, which has afforded me much comfort now for many years. It was grateful to me to hear of the continuance of thy health, which is a great favour to thyself and many others; that Sarah Allen enjoys the same blessing I am glad to hear; remember my love to her, to dear Priscilla, and S. Naish. I would not have these good women to forget me. When thou wrotest, I suppose thou hadst forgotten the conversation we had about Hugh Turford; perhaps it may occur to thee some future time. The account thou hast given me, of the state of thy own mind, is very descriptive of my own; for, though I have been aspiring (perhaps too feebly) for more than fifty years, after religious attainments, yet my portion is often deep poverty, both in and out of meet ing; yet am I not greatly dismayed, nor is my confidence much shaken, feeling as I do, some degree of that hope which is "an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail." All the dispensations of our Heavenly Father, and all the various turnings of His holy hand upon us, are, I believe, intended in mercy for our further refinement, and necessary preparation for a residence in His everlasting kingdom, which it is His gracious purpose to accomplish in us through the mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. At the age we both now are, we shall not have long to conflict with the trials of this present life, so that I hope it will not be presumption for us to adopt the language of this hymn: "It will soon be done, it will soon be o'er, Through great mercy, I am favoured with usual health, and yet I feel so much the effects of age, that I seem to myself to be almost good for nothing. Commending thee, with my own soul, to the keeping of Israel's Shepherd, I am, with dear love, thy affectionate friend, JOHN THORp. Letter LXVI.. TO RICHARD REYNOLDS. Manchester, 8th Mo. 9, 1815. My dear Friend, As we meddle not with the news of the day, nor the commotions that are in the world, and believing it to be best for us to "study to be quiet" and do our "own business," so the subjects of our letters have mostly been ourselves, and often our own infirmities, having nothing else to boast of, and these (bodily infirmities I mean) increasing with years, it is natural they should have much of our attention. In these there is no reason to expect any improvement; we should do well, and I hope we do endeavour, to live in a thankful state of mind, that we are so well as we are, and that at an age |