Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/116

 but becoming public patrons for vice and immorality? It is not only sinning ourselves, but it is taking pleasure in the sins of others. This the apostle accounted the highest pitch of heathenish wickedness. Honoured Sir, pray be not offended: These are not the words of a madman; no, they are the words of truth and soberness, and words which our will approve of, when I stand with you before him in judgment. However men may now put wrong names to things, and call that an innocent amusement, which has no other tendency but to corrupt and debauch the heart, yet then, Sir, we shall see all things clearly; then shall you know that it was my duty to write as I have done, and will confess before men and angels that you had an humble and affectionate warning given you, by, honoured Sir,

Your very humble servant, G. W.    LETTER CIX. To Mr. Thomas P.

Dear Sir,      Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

THOUGH unknown to you in person, yet as you was pleased to think me worthy of the care of your dear son, I think it my duty to acquaint you of his welfare. I bless that he came with me. He is diligent and pious, and I trust will be a comfort to you in your declining years: His mind seems settled and composed, and by reading and following the bible, he is partaker of that peace which the world cannot give. His dear and honoured father is much upon his heart. How would it rejoice him to hear that you also was become a christian indeed? Be not offended, dear Sir, at my expressing myself thus. Assure yourself that christianity is something more than a name and a bare outward profession. Morality of itself, dear Sir, will never carry us to heaven; no, is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no being happy without a lively faith in him, wrought in the heart by the blessed spirit of. This faith transforms the whole man, delivers him from the tyranny of his passions, and makes him entirely a new creature. This is the reason why it is foolishness to the world. Your son's case in this respect