Good People,
My father and mother brought me up tenderly and honestly, and always
gave me good advice, whilst I was under their care. They put me
apprentice to a glazier. My master not being so careful of me as he
ought to have been, I took to ill courses, and before my time was
expired, married a woman that brought me to this untimely end; for
she could not live upon what I got at my trade, and out of my
over-fondess for her, I did whatever she required, or requested of
me. At length she was taken up for some fact, and transported. Then
I married a second wife, and she was as good as the other was bad.
She would do anything to help to support me that I might not commit
any wickedness, but I could not take her advice, but still ran on in
my wicked course of life, till I was overtaken by my folly. For if
we think ourselves safe in committing sin, God will certainly find
such out, because He is just, and will punish accordingly. This my
miserable end, I would have all take warning by, and that they
follow not the devices of the world, the snares whereof are apt to
lead men into evil courses, unless they endeavour to shun them, and
seek the grace of God to assist and enable them for the good of all
men, and ask pardon of God for my evil doings, and forgiveness of
all whom I have wronged, and particularly the forgiveness of God to
those who have sworn away my life. I beg reflections pass not upon
my wife, for I declare, whatever wrongs she may have committed, was
through my persuasion, of herself being inclinable to good. I would
lastly request that the follies and vices which have brought me to
this untimely end may not by any means be a cause to afflict my
grievous parents, both father and mother, but would have all to
consider when ever they are persuaded to any manner of ways, tending
to their ruin, they would likewise remember to call upon God to help
and assist them, in shunning such, and all other wicked courses.
Good people, pray for me, that God may receive me through his
mercies, which I trust he will.
Newgate, August 22nd, 1729.