_To Mr. Thomas P._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Dear Sir_,
THOUGH unknown to you in person, yet as you was pleased to think me
worthy of the care of your dear son, I think it my duty to acquaint
you of his welfare. I bless GOD that he came with me. He is diligent
and pious, and I trust will be a comfort to you in your declining
years: His mind seems settled and composed, and by reading and
following the bible, he is partaker of that peace which the world
cannot give. His dear and honoured father is much upon his heart.
How would it rejoice him to hear that you also was become a christian
indeed? Be not offended, dear Sir, at my expressing myself thus.
Assure yourself that christianity is something more than a name and
a bare outward profession. Morality of itself, dear Sir, will never
carry us to heaven; no, JESUS CHRIST is the way, the truth, and the
life. There is no being happy without a lively faith in him, wrought
in the heart by the blessed spirit of GOD. This faith transforms the
whole man, delivers him from the tyranny of his passions, and makes
him entirely a new creature. This is the reason why it is foolishness
to the world. Your son’s case in this respect was not singular. As
soon as ever we commence christians, we commence fools for CHRIST’s
sake. Every truly religious man must be deemed a madman. Forgive this
freedom, dear Sir; whilst I am writing, I find a love for your soul
arising in my heart, and methinks I could do any thing to bring your
grey hairs with comfort to the grave. Dear Sir, there is mercy with
CHRIST even for those who come in at the eleventh hour. CHRIST came to
save poor sinners; he came to save you, dear Sir, if you lay hold on
him by a living faith. That GOD may give you this faith, and thereby
make you happy in time and to eternity, is the hearty prayer of, dear
Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant,
_G. W._