Page:Malefactor reformed, or, The life of Philip Parson, of Birmingham.pdf/8

8 terrific!—but this is only a faint representation of eternal darkness, fire, and chains! O wretched man,—what shall I do? Locks, bolts, and impenetrable walls forbid my flight; I must endure my situation, and yet it is intolerable. Do, do, come and see me without delay. Let me see you at least once before death separate us for ever! The good advice you gave me on our way from Washwood-Heath, recurs to my remembrance with many aggravated circumstances,—it sunk deep into my heart the same evening, after I arrived at home; but going the next day among my old companions in wickedness, I forgot it, and my mind became as callous as it had been at any former period of my life. Life is rapidly hastening away; and death, judgment, and eternity, assume a terrible form!—I shall look for you with great impatience and anxiety. Yours, &c.

Upon the receipt of this letter, I determined to fulfil my promise immediately—He said, ‘O, my friend, you find me in an awful situation! I am ruined for ever. It is all over with me! On inquiring into the state of his mind, I found it approached nearly to desperation. I explained to him the nature of evangelical repentance; and set before him the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners; in whom I exhorted him to believe for present pardon, and acceptance with God. I prayed with him several times; and when I left him, I referred him to ‘the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.’—He was