The Son's dutiful Answer.

Honoured Sir,

I am greatly affected with the tender and moving Goodness expressed in your indulgent Letter. I am exceedingly sorry, that all your good Advice before has been so cast away upon me, as to render this further Instance of your paternal Affection necessary. I am resolved instantly to set about a Reformation, and to conform myself intirely to your good Pleasure for the future; and I beg, Sir, the Continuance of yours, and my good Mother's Prayers to God, to enable me to adhere to my present good Resolutions. I have so often promised, and so often broken my Word, (rather indeed thro’ the Strength of my Passions, than a Design of Non-performance) that I think, I ought now to give you some Proof that I am in earnest; and what better can I give, than to assure you, that I will henceforth break myself from the frothy Companions I used to take too much Delight in, and whose lewd Banters and Temptations have so frequently set aside my good Purposes? You, Sir, for the future, shall recommend the Company proper for me to keep; and I beg you will chalk out for me the Paths in which you would have me tread, and, as much as possible, I will walk in them; and when I have convinced you of the Sincerity of my Reformation, I hope, Sir, you and my honoured Mother, will restore me to your good Opinions, which it shall be my constant Study to deserve. I have already broke with George Negus, who attempted to laugh me out of my good Resolutions. And I beg Leave to wait upon you for such a Space of Time as you shall think proper, in order to break myself from the rest of my profligate Companions, and that I may have the Benefit of your Advice and Direction for my future Conduct. God continue long (for the Benefit of us all) your Life and Health, and make me happy in contributing as much to your future Comforts, as I have, by my past Excesses, to your Trouble of Mind, is, and shall always be, the Prayer of, Honoured Sir,

Your truly penitent and dutiful Son.