Page:Malefactor reformed, or, The life of Philip Parson, of Birmingham.pdf/6

6 free for every true penitent. ‘He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy gospel.’

I was now more fully convinced of my need of pardon than before. I sought it with all my heart; nor did I seek it in vain; for I soon found ‘redemption in the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness of my sins.’ I began now to read my Bible, which I had long neglected; and viewed it as a divinely inspired book, containing truths worthy of the great author.

The education of my children having been most shamefully neglected, I sent them to a Sunday School, where they were taught to read the holy scriptures, to fear God, and honour the king.

Having contracted several debts in the time of my impiety, I began to discharge them; and in order to do this, I was diligent in my business, and fared very hard: but my scanty morsel, being sanctified by the word of God and prayer, was sweet and pleasant to me. I soon found that ‘Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.’

I intimated a determination to make restitution to any whom I had injured. Notwithstanding I had uttered much base coin, and many forged notes, yet it was difficult to find out the injured persons;—however, I knew a few, who, having kept the base coin in their pockets longer than was proper, were not able to pay it away. I also knew two persons who had each a forged note, which they had received from me, to whom I sent a guinea note, with the following letter:—