_To R―――― W――――, an Orphan._
_On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741._ _Dear Richard_,
THE contents of your letter pleased me. I have sometimes thought, if GOD did not convert _Richard W――――_, he would be one of the most unhappy boys in the world. You have _head-knowledge_; and unless you are made to see the sinfulness of your heart, it will much increase your condemnation. Blessed be GOD, who yet hath patience with you, and seems to be striving with your soul. I do not wonder that the devil tells you, “it is time to repent when you are a man.” You may well say, it is the devil that tells you so: Such a suggestion cannot come from GOD. Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation! JESUS will even now accept you, vile as you are, and ungrateful as you have been: if you feel your misery, and fly to him for succour, he will accept you. Every conviction cries, “Come, _Richard_, come to me, that thou mayest have rest.” Let me advise you, as old _Eli_ advised young _Samuel_: say, “Speak, LORD, for thy servant heareth.”
I am your sincere friend,