Satan transformed into an Angel of Light, or copy of a Letter
from Mr. EVIDENCE MURRAY, to his nephew, SIR DAVID MURRAY, of
seventeen or eighteen years of age, in
jayl in the city of York, 1747.
[Sidenote: _fol._ 415.] The pleasure it gave me to hear that the king
had been graciously pleased to grant you a reprieve, was far greater
than the world could perhaps be willing to imagine for one in my
situation, as mankind is most apt to be concerned about their own
misfortunes. As I look upon it as my duty to give you the best advice
in my power, I would not fail to lay hold on the liberty granted me
to observe some few things which I hope may be of service to you,
when I may not have an opportunity to advise you by word of mouth.
I must first observe that the grace shown you must have proceeded
entirely from a greatness of soul and a compassion of your youth, as
it was not in the least in your power to atone for the offence. I
know that you are brave, and I have no doubt but you are generous,
the latter being ever looked upon as a concomitant of the former.
Gratitude has always [Sidenote: _fol._ 416.] been esteemed one of the
greatest virtues, and its opposite regarded in so vile a light that
the antient Spartans punished it with death. Don't allow yourself to
be too much elevated, but consider coolly on the uneasiness you have
felt, and thereby judge of the favour you have received.
I hear there are zealots in the world who would willingly make
mankind believe that they act from principle alone, and even would
wish to die martyrs for their cause; and their lofty notions are
ready to gain even on those of riper years. But be assured that at
the bottom it is self-interest prevails. They only intend to promote
their own ambitious views without the least regard to the welfare and
happiness of others. Pull off their mask and they appear in their
native dress. Some such you may meet with. But always remember the
story of the cat and the monkey; for depend upon it, when your hands
are [Sidenote: _fol._ 417.] in the fire they will hug themselves on
being safe. That there ever have been such men is past dispute, and
had there been none such, that you and I would not have been in our
present situation is as undeniable. I shall now say a little to what
I know is a tender point, but nevertheless may be gently touch'd.[189]
[189] Sir David Murray was bred Popish.
There are a certain set of men who can confine salvation to their
Church alone; but though I am no divine I cannot help thinking it
absurd to imagine that God Almighty made mankind to damn nine out of
ten, which must be the case, if their maxim holds true. Our blessed
Saviour died for both Jew and Gentile. But I will not insist upon the
subject, as you may guess my meaning, and I hope will not fail to
consider seriously of it. I could, and indeed I incline to say a good
[Sidenote: _fol._ 418.] deal more, but that I don't care to crowd too
many thoughts upon you all at once, so shall only further assure you
that I am sincerely,