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I would not make any unnecessary addition, but I am so fully satisfied that it is not the will of our Father, who is in heaven, that any of His children should be discouraged, under whatever disadvantage, in their own apprehension, they may be placed, or whatever cup they may have to drink, or baptism to pass through; but that they should be encouraged to put their trust in Him, to cast their care upon Him. None, who ever did so, ever where or ever will be confounded. Oh! let nothing move us from this Foundation, and we shall be safe. Oh! how memorable is that declaration of David, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want ;" and again, “Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Thus in heights and depths, in seasons of trial and of rejoicing, let our whole dependence, our humble trust and confidence, be in and upon the sure mercy of God in Christ Jesus; and then, I am sure, He will sanctify all His dispensations to thee; that He will bless thee indeed; and that, as it hath pleased Him to appoint thy lot as in "a south land," so He will also continue, as He hath in mercy

hitherto at seasons done, to give thee 'springs of water," yea, the sure, nether, inexhaustible springs of consolation that flow from His presence.

I am thy sincere, affectionate friend,

JOHN THORP.

Letter XXVII.

TO RICHARD SHACKLETON.

Manchester, 3d Mo. 18, 1791.

My dear Friend,

Though I have for some time, and often of late, thought of writing to thee, yet somehow, I have so little aptitude to the business, that I am not prepared with one single sentence to begin with. It is true, I could tell thee that I do feel an increasing nearness and regard for thee; and, if I am not mistaken, it is on that Foundation that will endure for ever. And in the spiritual relation as a brother, I have comfort in thy remembrance of me, and wish for thee an increase of all spiritual blessings in Christ.

I wish, I hope sincerely, that every birth in the ministry thou hast mentioned, that is of the heavenly Father's begetting, may live, and grow, and prosper, and bring forth fruit to His praise. Here will be work for you, who are fathers and elders in the church, to endeavour to bring them forward healthfully, to enter into sympathy with them, to feel and care for them, and in the gentle wisdom and love of Christ, to communicate freely such hints of caution and counsel as may appear necessary, not in the deadness of formality, not in the authority of office, not under the influence of partiality, or the wisdom of this world, which shall come to nought, but in the meekness and gentleness of Christ. This will be most likely to contribute to the preservation of all that should live. I do not like too much dressing, and pruning and nursing; I think little good hath ever come of it; neither do I approve that conduct in young ministers, that, like spoiled children, run to complain of every pain and exercise that may attend them. It ·would, I believe, be far more profitable for them, to keep their attention inward, to pon

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der these experiences, and ask wisdom, strength, and counsel, of Him, who "giveth liberally, and upbraideth not."

It should ever be remembered, as instruction for those who judge of the ministry, that "there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; and differences of administrations, but the same Lord;" and that this diversity is so almost infinitely great, that we can hardly tell when we have made sufficient allowance for it. There is a vast variety, thou knowest, in the flowers of the field; how abundantly does the carnation or the rose excel the daisy; and yet every one of these possesses a distinct beauty, and unites in the general incense, or the display of their Creator's power. What a variety in the notes and songs of the birds of the wood! what a difference between the sparrow and the nightingale! and yet we know who it is that careth for the sparrows; and do they not all increase the general harmony? Let not then the smallest gifts ever be despised, or their cultivation and improvement neglected. It was said to him who had improved the two talents, and would no doubt have been said to him who

had received but one, had he improved it, as well as to him who had received and improved the five,—"Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Give my love to thy daughter; I feel a sympathy and care for all who are called to service in the Lamb's army, and are desirous to move on the right Foundation. O! that all such would abide in the patience, and under the clothing of humility; and in a dedication of heart, under the exercise of the cross, faithfully do the will of their Heavenly Father, and "be content with their wages." I am apprehensive the enemy has greatly injured many, by secretly working in the unrenewed nature, and leading them to expect, or to do, great things; whereas it would be right for such "to study to be quiet," to abide in simplicity, to "take no thought for the morrow ;" but, in singleness of heart, attend to the requisitions of the present moment. And let us ever esteem it a rich reward, to be favoured with the evidence of peace in our own bosoms: this will be found of infinite value, in a solemn, hastening hour.

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