The Letters of John Thorp

by: John Thorp

John Thorp (1742-1817) was not brought up a member of the Society of Friends, but from very early life, was aware of the workings of evil in his own heart, and also the manifestation of the divine Seed of light and grace which showed him the evil. Finding himself very frequently confounded and sorrowful because of the strength of his unrestrained self-will, he was led to consider whether this was the irrevocable lot of man, or whether there was a possibility of deliverance from such a state. In this humble and seeking condition, he was taught to deny himself and bear the cross patiently, and thus it became more and more his delight to walk in that law which is light, and to live continually as in the Lord’s holy presence. John Thorp’s deep experience of the trials and perplexities of the Christian race, and his patient wading through seasons of great weakness, barrenness, and suffering, made him conspicuous for his ability to “comfort others with the comfort with which he himself was comforted by God.” (Original title: Letters of the Late John Thorp, of Manchester, A Minister of the Gospel In the Society of Friends: To Which Is Prefixed, A Memoir of the Life of the Writer.)