wherever it is begun, if we are but enough resigned, and interrupt it not. But various are the courses of His operation, and various the dispensations of his gracious providence, and oftentimes inscrutable to us. David experienced many conditions, between the sheep-fold and the throne; and was ready to cry out, when tottering on the verge of despondency, “I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul:" but David's God, the God who chose him from amongst his brethren, and called him to execute all His will, though He suffered him to be tried, yea, and often distressed too, yet He never did forsake him; but in His own good time, which ever is the best time, established him on the throne of Israel, and gave him rest from all his enemies. А word to the wise may suffice, and I would not darken counsel by multiplying words without knowledge.

JOHN THORP.

WESTMINSTER, 4th Mo. 11, 1767. My dear Friend,

This week, as I looked over the contents of thy letter to me, I felt a sensible sympathy and affection, which engaged me to propose addressing

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to thee a few lines ; but truly, now I consider on what occasion, and to whom I am writing, I am almost persuaded that my labour might be spared, being assured thou art not destitute of a Comforter and Counsellor, that never faileth. What then remaineth, but that I may, pursuant to the example of the apostle, endeavour to stir up the pure mind, by putting thee in remembrance of those things which inevitably bow the heart to the dispensations of Heaven, and inspire the mind with the language of holy Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord;” and as Eli hath expressed it, " It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good !"

Sensibly, my friend, hast thou put the interrogation, why should we murmur? Surely it is our business to be resigned; we ought, indeed, humbly to acquiesce, entirely to concede, age, and wait to say amen, to every dispensation of the Divine Providence towards us, both in our temporal and spiritual affairs ; and by this Christian conduct through the various vicissitudes of life, every dispensation would be sanctified unto us. Why then should we murmur? who shall say unto God, what dost thou? Are not His judgments unsearchable, and His ways past finding out? How do we know for what good cause Infinite Wisdom might see meet to select and separate, to take from the earth and receive into heaven, to

involve in sorrow for a moment, or crown with everlasting joy, whom, when, and where, and how He pleases ?

This we know, (and I think there is a great deal of comfort in it,) that whatsoever our most gracious Father does, is indubitably right; and know, dear friend, that “all things work together for good to them that love God." Let us then, I pray thee, in every probation, in every trial and trouble, that Infinite Wisdom may see meet should attend us in our probationary progress through this vale of tears, where truly we have no continuing city ; let us, pursuant to the example of the holy Jesus, submit ourselves to the will of God, saying, “if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

I might add much, but rather choose to conclude, which I will do by earnestly recommending thee for comfort and counsel, where I infallibly know both are for ever to be received, even to Him who is called the Comforter, the everlasting Counsellor, in whom is all safety and everlasting consolation.

I am, dear friend, with the sincerest affection and esteem, thine, &c.

JOHN THORP.

MANCHESTER, 1st Mo. 13, 1768. Dear Friend,

The last letter I had from thee is with the rest of my things at London; the contents and sentiments I retain, which I thought both sorrowful and very Christian. Indeed, dear friend, it certainly becomes us, (I have often thought so,) as we can do nothing of ourselves, to rest entirely resigned to the will of God, not only in the dispensations of His providence in things without us, but also in the deep proving baptisms of the mind and spirit within us.

Our blessed Lord, in all these things, hath left us an example in suffering and doing, and in humility and obedience unto death ; it is He, who is the Truth itself, who bath told us, that « Whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life, for my sake, shall find it” unto life eternal. “ No man," saith He, • having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God;" neither is there a possibility of our serving two masters : we cannot be heirs of two kingdoms, nor at once dedicate ourselves to God and to the world. The Lord will not accept a partial offering. “Choose you this day,” said Joshua to

Israel, “whom ye will serve ;" and then, according to the advice of David, let us “serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind.” “ If any man will come after Me,” said the blessed Jesus, “ let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”

Dear friend, though I had no particular engagement, yet I think, in abundance of goodwill, I had freedom to say thus much, being, at least part of it, what hath been frequently impressed on my mind with invincible conviction, to wit, the necessity of being altogether redeemed from the world, and all that is in the world, in order that we might follow our blessed Lord in the regeneration. This, with my love, is all at present from thy real friend,

JOHN THORP.

P.S.-I should be glad to hear from thee when thou hast freedom. I would not that we should forget one another, especially when we are most sensible of good.