_To John D――――, at Boston._
_On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741._
_My dear child_,
I Thank you for your letter: I neither forgot you nor my promise. O
that GOD may effectually work upon your heart betimes, for you cannot
be good too soon, or too good. The little orphans at _Georgia_ are
crying out, “What shall we do to be saved?” And I am glad to hear,
that this is the language of some little ones in _New-England_. If
you know any of them, pray give my love to them, and tell them, I pray
that JESUS CHRIST may be revealed in their dear hearts. How early was
JESUS CHRIST in the Temple, first hearing, and then asking questions?
How did he love the little children, how did he take them up in his
sacred arms and bless them; and when he was just ascending to the
highest heaven, how tenderly did he speak to _Peter_, and bid him
“feed his lambs.” Let all this encourage you to come unto him. He
will certainly receive you, tho’ you have been wicked; nay, he will
abundantly pardon you. And what comfort will you enjoy, when you know
your sins are forgiven you? You will then have a heaven upon earth.
In expectation of seeing you a christian indeed, and grown in grace,
I subscribe myself
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._