P. S. I cannot forbear imparting to thee, that our public Theatre was our place of worship this evening, at the sixth hour, where were a large company convened, which I trust were edified. I believe I may with safety add, that hundreds went away for want of room. I stood at the right hand of Deborah Darby, on the stage, and thought she was no less famous than Deborah of old, who delivered Israel from Jabin and Sisera. There appeared great disquietude when the people first gathered, but she arose, not waiting for their attention, and immediately a tranquility seemed to possess numbers, who, I hope, will remember her powerful testimony in behalf of her Lord and Master, whose glorious person she exalted. We were dismissed in peace, after an ardent supplication from her companion.

To Elizabeth Moline, Godalming.

Whitby, 8th 9th mo. 1804.. IN the retrospection of my travels, I find something still due to E. M. who was willing to contribute towards my preservation, when a lonely pilgrim, passing through Godalming. I do not wonder you thought me one of the insane patients, who resided at the Retreat, in the city of York for, surely my spirit was oppressed with grief beyond measure, on account of the poor natives of America, who were drove away from their possessions; and also the vast number of exiles captivated by the powers of Europe, who have made the sons and daughters of Ethiopia to groan through their servile bondage.

I have been in my native place ever since my return from America, which is near thirteen months: but am now preparing for a second voyage, through the unity I feel to each of those nations already mentioned. The suffering I passed through on their account, at present I am exempted from; being made subject to divine appointment, by repeated baptisms of a fiery nature, that have completed resignation so far, as to oblige me to say, I am

willing to follow the Shepherd of Israel whithersoever He may lead.

When I was first convinced that a continued dedication was required, it caused me to request death to put an end to the severe exercises which I laboured under; supposing there remained no ability in me to aid those mournful sufferers; but finding that rebellion was the cause, I gave way to the Spirit's influence, and "Put my feet into her fetters, and my neck into her chain;" since then my peace flows as a river, and I verily believe, if I am found faithful, I shall not only witness preservation, but likewise His Power to be with me to make my way plain.

Should my once sympathizing friend exist still among Zion's travailing children, I tenderly salute her with this pathetic language, "Sing, O Heavens! and be joyful, O earth! and break forth into singing, O mountains! for the Lord hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted." A small testimony of my love and gratitude may not be deemed improper by thee, whom I feel sweetly cemented unto by that Spirit which unites the whole family of Faith, as into one Body, though scat tered abroad over the face of the earth.

I received an affectionate letter from D. Sands, in Leeds, about a month ago, which was truly consolatory, tending to stimulate me to obedience in the way to the Canaan of rest, the quiet Habitation, where no storms arise to dismay its glorified Host, who stand disrobed of mortality, viewing an Almighty Father, whom angels adore with profound silence.

It is with reluctance I leave off, though I am lost in the transporting confidence, that we shall soon quit those corruptible bodies, to enter on the tranquil shore of eternity, where harmonious thanks will flow spontaneously to the Preserver, and Redeemer of all the lowly seed, "Which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes, and made them white în the blood of the Lamb." In great affection, I remain thy grateful friend, QOROTHY RIPLEY,

To Elizabeth Ellerby, Sinnington.

Whitby, 16th 12th mo. 1804.

IT was with pleasure I read thy letter, which came in an acceptable moment, when travailing in spirit for some, as I did for thee. Thou sayst, "Thy heart rejoiced to see me" because I was made "The messenger of peace sent to pluck thee as a brand out of the fire." O, my dear child! let me rejoice also over thee to Eternity! Give not the creature, what is due to the Son of God: for He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." I feel a comfortable hope that thou wilt persevere to the end, and learn the spiritual worship of the Father, who teacheth all the righteous seed to imitate the lowly Jesus, who marked the way to glory by obedience to His divine Authority. My spirit at this time is bowed in awful reverence before Him who filleth all space with His incomprehensibility.

Let us ponder the path of the just, which is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day; then shall we see Him "Face to face," whom "Now we see through a glass darkly." Before I conclude, I must signify to thee, that I felt thou didst resist the Power when I was appointed to plead with the Father, through the Son, for the entire sanctification of thy soul and body.

Thy letter would have been answered sooner, but feeling the time was not yet come, I waited for the renewed visitation of that Light which alone can direct when, and how to communicate to each other's necessity.

I am in expectation of leaving this land, and purpose setting off from here in the coach on the 25th inst. (if God permit) and intend going to York that night. In dear love I salute thee, fervently breathing for thy preservation, and establishment in the Unchangeable Truth. To the "Sure Word of prophecy," I recommend thee, whereunto thou wilt do well to "Take heed as unto a Light

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that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in thy heart," which will direct thee in thy journey to celestial glory, where I hope to see thee among the lambs of Christ's flock, which shall be secured by His care, and fed by His bounty to endless ages. DOROTHY RIPLEY.

To Jane Sanders, of Whitby.

MUCH ESTEEMED FRIEND,

26th 12th mo. 1804.

I EMBRACE the first opportunity to give thee an account of my preservation thus far. We got into York about nine, and I went to Joseph and Mary Awmack's, where I was hospitably entertained, and where I pen those lines. It will be painful for thee to hear, that my strength was not adequate to my journey; for I felt the movement of the coach to affect me to such a degree, that I thought it utterly impossible to proceed.

This morning I went to the meeting for worship, which was a favoured time. The testimony of Elizabeth Oyland was truly acceptable. This valuable minister indicated some present to be separated as Joseph was from his brethren, and that their minds were in a prepared state, and sanctified for the Master's use. Her incitement to obedience to the dictates of Truth, animated my drooping soul to utter forth this language, "Thy will be done ;" yea, I thought some part of her ministration was to me as the "Oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." I came home alone, repeating as I walked through the streets, "Whom have I in Heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth I desire beside thee." In this stripped situation may I always remain, and then I believe I shall richly partake of God's "Blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts," which nourish every humble follower of the Lamb. I have submitted to the cross of preparing the Gospel net in righteousness, and shall dedicate my life answerable to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, notwithstanding I know that I shall

be censured by my dear relatives, and the Body of Friends, who are anxious for me to remain quiet, till such times as they think it convenient to receive me into membership. Feeling the time approach daily, that I must return back to America, without those credentials from England that are considered necessary, caused dejection of spirit so far as made me request death to put an end to my disconsolate life but, alas! the reply was, "Thy work is scarce begun, and submission to the Divine Will must be accomplished, if the path be ever so humiliating to the creature: besides, it will bring more honour to the Lord, if thou dost follow patiently the Spirit of God, who will assuredly lead thee forth by His might, and prepare thy way at all times, though opposition arise to prove thee, or block up thy path." At length, my beloved friend, I gave up my will, and sought the Lord to subdue it with His purifying grace, that I might yield my spirit to be guided where His Wisdom should direct; if it be from Pole to Pole, or even to the wild coasts of Africa, or the Deserts of Juda. In this situation I covet to remain, whatever reproach is my lot to endure; and may my hands, that are feeble, be strengthened; and my heart, which has been faint, and sick, be comforted by the restoring Light of God's reconciling Countenance, which is more to me than ten thousand worlds; yea, what would avail millions of gold, if my life were not blessed with the Smiles of Him, who renounced all His Glory, and voluntarily became a suffering Servant for my sake; bearing my iniquities in His Body, till the pressure of sin forced from His sacred veins, sweat like "Great drops of blood falling down to the ground,” when praying in the garden, " Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my Will, but thine be done." The obedience of Jesus Christ, submitting to the death of the cross, should humble me so far, as to produce resignation to withhold not my natural life from - Him, who has a right to dispose of it as He sees meet.

Persecutions I prepare for, and I fear that the hearts of Friends will not receive me, because I do not move in