And yet I fear, yea, I well know, that they have already heard and seen too much of such language, and such practices amongst us. Already some of them have been taught to speak such language as they continually hear, and though they do not yet understand the meaning of the words they use, they can utter oaths and blasphemies almost as readily as their CHRISTIAN instructors. By-standers divert themselves with their attempts in this way, and think it is fine sport. But, my friends, the scripture declares they are fools who make a mock at sin.[Prov. xiv. 9.] But these things cause much sorrow to those who have any reverence for God, or pity for their fellow creatures. I readily profess my own deep concern for these proceedings, and my utter abhorrence of them. And I most earnestly intreat you, if you cannot instruct them in what is better, to have no communication at all with them. For if you make them partakers of your sins, you must answer for it at the great day of judgment; if they then rise up against you, for misleading them, it will be much more tolerable for them than for you. But consider, on the other hand, what may be the happy effects, were the natives to see, hear, and observe in you, and in all the Europeans here; in ministers and people, high and low, a conduct answerable to the doctrine and precepts of the gospel. This might, by the blessing of God, be one of the most effectual means, to bring them to reflection, and to engage them to seek an interest in the blessings of the gospel for themselves. Shall I beg and intreat you, FOR MY SAKE, to attend to the things pertaining to your true peace. My dear people, I will again declare (I can appeal to the great God, who searcheth the hearts, that I speak the truth) to see you converted from your evil ways, and seeking the salvation of God, Yes, to see you pay a due regard to these most important concerns, and to have reason to hope and believe, that you were brought to a saving acquaintance with the truths which you hear of, or might hear, as often as the Lord's day returns, would indeed greatly rejoice my soul. But to see so many of you turn a careless and deaf ear, this, my dear friends, is a cause of great, constant and increasing grief to my soul. It wounds me to think, that any (alas! what numbers) should thus refuse and reject their own mercies; and risk the ruin of their immortal souls, for the prospect of a small gain, or a short sinful gratification.