To P. H. Gurney, London.

BELOVED FRIEND,

Whitby, 16th 1st mo. 1804.

I attempt once more to assure thee, that thy advice (contained in the last letter) was not only acceptable then, but since has been seasonably applied, therefore, I am led to intimate it, to shew that thy labour of love thus far is not in vain. A portion of suffering is my principal food, though at seasons I feel the Living Shepherd to "Carry me in His Bosom," which is according to His unbounded Love, and rich Mercy, extended to all His weak follow

ers.

My spirit has been drawn out in supplication for some weeks; I think I may say incessantly; but short is the prayer, even "Lord help me." Now, my endeared friend,

I call thee to observe how the Great Master looked upon the "Woman of Canaan," who first uttered those expres sive words, "Lord, help me," which was on account of her daughter, who was "Grievously vexed with a devil."

I have of late been ready to esteem myself as a dog, for Ethiopia's sake, who is to me as a daughter, and I have thought of the impropriety of eating "The children's bread," that is, possessing the dainties of the Lord's table.

I acknowledge with humility, and thankfulness, that thy letters are delicious to my soul, whereby I have been much replenished when in a land of famine: yet I am sensible that" It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto dogs," which are the words of our blessed Jesus. There are, perhaps, children among thy acquaintance, who have not been indulged thus far, because they cry not after Him, who saith "I am the Bread of Life."

Thou hast often testified, by evincing proofs, that thy sympathy was not diminished towards me, and I hope an increase will be experienced by faithfulness to the Head of the Church. I could not forbear describing the situation of my mind to a real friend, who sincerely covets to

see my advancement in the Truth, believing thou wilt in due time be led again to administer to my necessity, while in this debilitated state, though I know not of any profit thou canst derive in the continuance of my communications. After thou dost point out certain requisites for qualifying those who are put forth by the True Shepherd, to lead others into the "Green pastures," the whole is closed by ardently requesting "That I may abide in my present occupation a considerable time longer;" which I desire, if it is the design of Wisdom, having complied thus far to do whatsoever He appoints. Surely when the mind is brought into subjection, it will be preserved in the path of duty, though it be in the most "Humiliating process," which thou dost very justly observe.

There are many mercies of an outward nature, that I am in possession of, which, no doubt, will excite me to obedience, could I only see my privilege: but, a state of inward poverty is my present lot, that I may have no more dependence upon what I have heretofore witnessed, when filled with those joys which are unspeakable; yea, such as have absorbed all my powers, so that all around concluded me in a state of insanity, because I could neither think, or talk of what pertained unto this world. O how my soul doth envy those happy moments when the Glory of the Lord was visibly seen: but I must not look back; no, let it suffice me, that more abundant will be discovered when I am prepared to receive His divine Excellences, which I prefer before all things else.

The reason why I wrote so early to thee, is, it appeared the right time; therefore, I hope it will not meet with thy disapprobation, as thou hast liberty to wait answering it till thou art moved thereto by His Spirit, which has guided thee to the present, to my advantage.

With weakness I have proceeded, knowing my inability to accost one who is a mother in Israel, feeding the flock of Christ by His permission, while I suffer His adorable Will in learning to esteem myself as a dog.

With affectionate desire for thy health, and peace, I

C

finish those imperfect lines, praying that the mantle of love may cover every defect thou beholdest in

DOROTHY RIPLEY.

To Priscilla H. Gurney.

Whitby, 13th 5th mo. 1804.

ALTHOUGH my beloved friend has not answered my last, I think it expedient to drop a few lines, by way of testimonial love, to intimate that I have had a visit from Friends, which was acceptable, though there was close work for the mind that warreth against the Spirit of God.

The Friends under appointment, signified if I would centre down to the Light, which might prove death to all performances, I then should experience unity with them. I felt much affected by the communication of each, because I verily believed none of the committee had a view of my tried situation: but those were to prove me, and in the Master's Hand, instruments of refinement; therefore, am I made subject to His divine pleasure. For many days after, my consolation was "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou ?" Power attended those short sentences given forth by the Tender Shepherd, who feedeth His lambs, and knoweth His own sheep.

William Jackson, a minister from America, visited us since the commencement of this year. He intimated I must eat my bread alone in this place; for the people were not prepared to receive it of me. This dear minister requested an opportunity with me alone, that he might give me some seasonable advice; a part of which was, Say little to Friends here of what thou hast passed through; or the experience thou hast had: for the way is not clear; but all things will come right. I thank God that He has preserved thee and brought thee safe home.” Affectionately, he added, with tears, "Few know the heart of a stranger; but thou hast been a stranger, in a strange land; and I am now one therefore, we each can tell what they feel; though there are seasons when I seem as among brethren." I impart this, expecting it will evidence

the Lord's continued love, and stimulate thee to put forth thy hand to lead me into the "Green pasture."

Since my pen was last occupied in writing to an endeared friend, many have been my conflicts, occasioned by the subtlety of him, who awaits me as a serpent, and who assumes the nature of an angel of light: but, Wisdom, who is "The brightness of the everlasting Light, the unspotted mirror of the Power of God, and the Image of His Goodness," "She goeth through all things by reason of her pureness, and manifests the works of darkness to me.” In much simplicity, and unity with thee, I bid farewell, relying on the Word for every comfort.

DOROTHY RIPLEY.

To David Sands, Liverpool.

Whitby, 26th 8th mv. 1804. AFTER I had given up all expectation of hearing. from thee (whom I esteem as a father) an acceptable letter was brought me by G. S. which testified, I still remained to be thy care, though I think myself unworthy of thy notice. The first part of thy letter informs me, that thou hadst some view of seeing me in York, adding, "It would have given me great pleasure to have met thee there." I venture to assure thee, that my affectionate regard is not diminished by the want of that opportunity which was ordered by Wisdom. Thy prospect of looking home, is not so painful to me, as one would suppose; knowing that, shouldst thou go soon, it will cut off all hopes which I have indulged respecting thy continuance in this land. till my return to America, which I am apprehensive will be the approaching winter, if in this state of mutability. I thought it expedient to communicate this, and also to inform thee, that it is likely I may sail from Liverpool.

Many have been my conflicts in the retrospective view, of the poverty I passed through, in my spiritual warfare, when a resident in thy country, though the Shepherd of Israel never forsook me.

I am of the same sentiment thou art, concerning the

impropriety of ministers (when strangers) interfering with individuals who may apply for membership, unless it should be the appointment of Truth.

Thy solicitude for the continuance of my patience is pleasant, because I know that resignation ought always to possess the children of the Highest, even when they are oppressed, and derided by gainsayers.

At times I feel exceedingly discouraged, and should. have sunk under the weight of my concern, had not the interposing Arm of my Heavenly Father yielded me support in the pursuance of my duty. When I have to move contrary to the advice of my friends, nature assumes her authority, and tempts me to disobey Him who surrounds me with His Fear. If Friends in this quarter, do not give me membership, I verily believe it will answer some wise end: yet, how desirable is it to be united to that Fold which I suppose to belong to Jesus Christ? Since I gave up to follow the Light, my peace abounds; so that I hope I may be led soberly in my doings; and preserved by the Holy Power.

It is six months since I begun to prepare myself for the important prospect, and I have laboured in my own vineyard, depending on the True Shepherd for every qualification which will prove conducive to my everlasting happiness.

While I admire how thou hast wandered to and fro in the service of Truth, sacrificing thy health, time, and talents, I cry out, "O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel! O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour! Much experience is the crown of old men, and the Fear of God is their glory." Thy unshaken love and regard, I doubt not to a worm; and I esteem it among the mercies my life is blessed with. May humility adorn my soul, that I may demonstrate by lowly actions, I acknowledge myself a servant for Him who "Was wounded for our transgressions." In tender affection, I look to thee for a father's care.

DOROTHY RIPLEY.