especially to that daughter, I know not her name, who, I have heard, has lately appeared in a few words in your meetings; though a stranger at this distance, I feel something like sympathy with her, and a degree of solicitude attends my mind for her preservation, and that she may grow from "strength to strength," and increase in every good word and work, to an establishment upon that unfailing Rock, whereon they only can build, who hear the sayings of Christ and do them.

I have a mind to tell thy daughter a dream; for he that has one, thou knowest, the prophet says, may tell it, though I have told this to very few. It is a dream I had the night before I first appeared in a few words in a meeting, though I may say, what afterwards I was very thankful for, that though it made some impression on my mind in the morn ing, I did not once think of it whilst I was in the meeting. I thought I was intently engaged with some others, in some outward business, when, all on a sudden, a message was communicated by Divine authority, but I knew not well from whence the voice pro

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ceeded; however, the words I heard distinctly to this purpose: "Cease, or thou must cease, from the business thou art now engaged in; there is another work for thee to do; for the Lord is about to work a more thorough reformation in the earth than any which hath hitherto taken place:" to which I thought I answered,-" Alas! how is it possible that I can be of any service in, or contribute to this work, being so exceedingly poor, and destitute of every degree of strength and ability to do it ;" and indeed I thought I felt myself so, when I spoke it, as much as ever in my life; unto which I thought the voice replied,-"Thy strength and ability will not be required; this work can only be effected by the strength and power of God." Perhaps this may be some little encouragement; it is with that view I write it, that we should not sink under the feeling of our own insufficiency and weakness, but, in a state of humble dedication to the Fountain of all sure help, have our whole dependence and expectation from Him, whose is the work, "the power, the kingdom, and the glory. Amen."

It will be news to tell thee, that I intend going for Lancaster to-morrow, to our Quarterly Meeting. I have been several little journeys on religious occasions, since I saw thee in Manchester; and can tell thee truly, I have ever been favoured to return in humbling gratitude and peace.

I have heard of thy good works, in going about here and there to sit with Friends in distant meetings. This is doing wisely; it is making the best use of time. Oh! how precious is that council of the wise man, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." This is the way to serve our generation with faithfulness, and to secure that most desirable answer at last, when our accounts are given in, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I am, my dear friend, in much nearness and affection, with a heart filled with desires for thy present and everlasting welfare, thy loving and true friend,

JOHN THORP.

Letter XXV.

TO ELIZABETH RATHBONE.

Manchester, 7th Mo. 19, 1790.

My dear Friend,

A degree of solicitude has, at times, attended my mind, for thy preservation, arising, I believe, from the love of "my Father and thy Father, of my God and thy God;" and therein, as my mind was led this morning to look towards thee, a hint, or word or two, like counsel, which I think right to communicate, presented itself to my mind:-Be quiet, abide in the holy patience, and let it have its perfect work, that thou mayst "be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Let us remember, my dear friend, (I have need awfully to remember it,) that the sacrifice of our will, as a whole burnt offering, is what the Lord is requiring of us; and is, indeed the root or essence of that life that must be given up, if we would be the disciples of Christ, who came not to do His own will, but the will of Him that sent Him: and it

is only in this state of resignation that we can pray to "our Father which art in heaven, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."

It is an acceptable thing to the Lord, to keep the word of His patience: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, (said the Lord to the church of Philadelphia,) I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation." I long for thee, my dear friend, that thou mayst be preserved in patient resignation and dedication to the Lord; and therein abide all the varied dispensations and turnings of His holy hand, that so thou mayst be formed by Him, a vessel to His praise. Look not back; but I have no jealousy that thou wilt do this, but look not forward either, with too much anxiety or desire to explore the Divine purpose: "sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Thus I wish thy patient perseverence, under the exercise of the blessed cross of Christ, and endurance in the furnace, and under the forming of His holy hand; and when the dross is purged from the silver, "there shall come forth a vessel for the Finer."

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