PREFACE.
BEING now about to embark for Georgia, I am willing, before I go, to give the world a short account of the Orphan-House erected there. I have, therefore, in the following sheets, reprinted a continuation of an account published when I was last at Edinburgh; to which I have subjoined some letters received since; and also an account of money received and disbursed since the publication of that account: and in order to give the reader a view of this design from its beginning, I have affixed my preface to the account I first published about two years ago. I commend it to God. May he give it his blessing!
G. W.
London, January 14, 1743.
Bethesda, December 23, 1741.
THE following sheets, to the best of my knowledge, contain a faithful account of what money I have received, as also how I have disbursed it, for the use of the Orphan-House in Georgia.
I think, with a full assurance of faith I may affirm, the Lord put it into my heart to build that house. It has prospered beyond expectation. It has already, and I hope will more and more answer its name, Bethesda, and be a House of Mercy to the souls and bodies of many people, both old and young.
When I left England, I proposed to take in only twenty children; but when I arrived at Georgia, I found so many objects of charity, besides the orphans, among poor people’s children, that I resolved in this, as well as in all other respects, to imitate Professor Franck, and make a provision for their maintenance also.
Two of the orphan boys were put out apprentices just before I last left Savannah; one to a bricklayer, the other was bound to a carpenter; a third is to be bound to the surgeon belonging to the Orphan-House; one weaves in a loom at home; two I have put to a taylor I brought over, and the rest are now fitting themselves to be useful to the commonwealth. Whoever among them appear to be sanctified, and have a good natural capacity, these, under God, I intend for the ministry.
None of the girls are put out as yet, but are taught such things as may make them serviceable whenever they go abroad. Two or three of them spin very well. Some of them knit, wash, clean the house, get up the linen, and are taught house-wifery. All that are capable, are taught to sew. And the little girls, as well as the boys, are employed in picking cotton. I think I have no less than three hundred and eighty-two yards of cloth already in the house, and as much yarn spun as will make near the same quantity; a thing not known before in Georgia.
I have now forty-nine children under my care, twenty-three English, ten Scots, four Dutch, five French, seven Americans. Twenty-two of these are fatherless and motherless, sixteen of them boys, and six girls. The others are some fatherless, and some without mothers; all objects of charity except three, whose friends recompense the Orphan-House for their maintenance. One of the orphans is an infant; I pay four shillings per week for nursing it. Since December last, we have had above eighteen more children that have been maintained occasionally, to assist their parents, but were dismissed when they were wanted at home.
The account which I find Mr. Seward has given of our œconomy, has in a great measure prevented my doing it as I intended. Let it suffice to inform our benefactors, that though the children are taught to labour for the meat which perisheth, yet they are continually reminded to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then to depend upon God’s blessing on their honest endeavours, for having food and raiment added unto them. This precept of our Lord, I intend, when the house is finished, to have written over against the entrance in at the great door.
As my design in founding the Orphan-House was to build up souls for God, I endeavour to preach chiefly to the children’s hearts. But that they may be able to give a reason of the hope that is in them, I constantly instruct them by the Church of England’s Articles, which I turn into catechetical questions. I am often pleased to hear how judiciously some will answer the questions put to them. The power of God has been frequently visible among the children. Many of the girls seem to be tender-hearted; several of the boys have been under strong convictions. And though it sometimes seems buried, yet I cannot but think the seed of grace is sown in some of their hearts.
We are now all removed to Bethesda. We live in the out-houses at present; but in less than two months, the great house will be finished so as to receive the whole family.
It is now weather-boarded and shingled, and a piazza of ten feet wide built all around it: which will be wonderfully convenient in the heat of summer. One part of the house would have been entirely finished, had not the Spaniards lately taken from us a schooner loaded with ten thousands bricks, and a great deal of provision, with one of our family. And therefore, I could not till very lately procure another boat to fetch brick from Charles-Town.
Notwithstanding this, and many other hindrances, the work has been carried on with great success and speed. There are no less than four framed houses, a large stable and cart-house, beside the great house. In that there will be sixteen commodious rooms, besides a large cellar of sixty feet long and forty wide. Near twenty acres of land are cleared round about it, and a large road is made from Savannah to the Orphan-house, twelve miles in length: a thing, ever since the province has been settled, without a precedent.
None but those upon the spot can tell the expence, as well as inconvenience that attends building in Georgia. Most of the bricks already used, cost 40s. sterling per thousand, when landed at the plantation. Common labourers, besides their provisions, have 25s. sterling a month. And, after all, [♦]the produce of the land cultivated by white servants, will scarcely furnish them with ordinary food and raiment, exclusive of the expences of sickness and wages. I cannot see how it is possible for the Colony to subsist on its present footing. And in a late memorial given in to the Honourable Trustees, unknown to me, the people have declared, that if it were not for the money that has been expended on account of the Orphan-house, the poor inhabitants of the northern parts of the colony must have been obliged to move to some other place. Never did a country stand more in need of a charity-school.
[♦] removed duplicate word “the”
We have often been in some difficulties, but the Lord as often hath relieved us out of them. When the schooner was lost, a person lately converted, sent us eleven barrels of rice, and five barrels of beef. And in my absence, when my family had little or no provisions, the Indians brought in plenty of deer, till they were supplied with food some other way. The contributions in Charles-Town, New-England, New-York, and Pensilvania, I think have been extraordinary.
The infirmary, which has likewise been supported by this institution, has been of great service. The surgeon informs me, that if every one had been forced to pay for their nursing and medicines, it would have cost them two hundred pounds, sterling. I have now three or four sick: I keep a woman to attend them constantly.
God has much blessed our family with health. Only two have died out of so large a number, since my arrival; and these were two that came with me from England: a taylor, and one of the women: I believe they are now with God.
I have left behind me, as my assistants, (who have no other gratuity than food and raiment) two school-masters and their wives who are school-mistresses. One young man, who is also married to a young maiden, lately brought home to God, I have left at the Orphan-house, as superintendent, and chief manager of the outward things. There are also the surgeon and his wife, a shoemaker and spinstress; besides labourers and monthly hired servants: I think, in all, I have upwards of eighty. The Lord, I am persuaded, is able and willing to provide for them.
I think we have near two hundred hogs, and one hundred head of cattle. I give a man forty pounds sterling, per annum, to take care of them; he providing himself with provision, horses, and a servant. As yet we have had no advantage from our stock, it being a very dry season last summer; so that our cattle of all kinds have scarcely food to eat. But in a year or two, we hope, by the divine blessing, to have a considerable quantity of fresh provisions for our family.
As for manuring more land than the hired servants and great boys can manage, it is impracticable without a few negroes. It will in no wise answer the expence.
I am now upwards of eight hundred pounds in debt, on the Orphan-house account. Some particular friends have been pleased to assist me. I doubt not but our Lord will enable me to pay them, and also raise up fresh supplies for the maintenance of my large family.
I much rejoice in the institution: it has been very beneficial, not only to the bodies, but also to the souls of the labourers. One woman received Christ very lately at Bethesda: and I have great reason to believe, that three or four strangers, who came to see us, have been effectually brought home to God.
Great calumnies have been spread abroad concerning our management of the children: people shoot out their bitter arrows in America, as well as in England. One poor man was filled with such resentment, at the reports he had heard of our cruelty to the children, that he came on purpose from South-Carolina, to take away his two boys, whom out of compassion, I had taken into the Orphan-House: but, when he came and saw the manner in which they were educated, he was so far from taking his children away, that he desired to come and live at the Orphan-house himself.
I speak not this by way of boasting, or to wipe off reproach; for I know, let me do what I will, I shall never please some men. I thought proper to give this short account, for the satisfaction of those who have already contributed, and of others who may be stirred up by our good God, to contribute hereafter towards carrying on this good design.
That the children may learn to be grateful, they frequently sing the following hymn for their benefactors:
I.
Father of Mercies, hear our prayers,
For those that do us good;
Whose love for us a place prepares,
And gives the orphans food.
II.
Their mites, in blessings on their heads,
A thousand fold restore;
O feed their souls with living bread,
And let their cup run o’er.
III.
Thy bounty, Lord, in Christ built up,
Let them for ever prove:
Stedfast in faith, joyful thro’ hope,
And rooted deep in love.
IV.
For those, who kindly this support,
A better house prepare:
And when remov’d to thy bless’d courts,
O let us meet them there.
That they may always look to the rock from whence they are hewn, they sing daily this hymn.
I.
Come let us join our God to bless,
And praise him evermore;
That Father of the fatherless,
That helper of the poor.
II.
Our dying parents us forsake,
His mercy takes us up,
Kindly vouchsafes his own to make,
And he becomes our hope.
III.
For us, He, in the wilderness,
A table has prepar’d;
Us, whom his love delights to bless,
His providence to guard.
IV.
Known unto him are all our wants,
And when we seek his face,
His open hand our bodies feeds,
He feeds our souls with grace.
V.
Then let us in his service spend,
What we from Him receive;
And back to Him what he shall lend,
In thanks and praises give.
That they may learn to labour truly to get their own living, they sing as follows, before they go to work,
I.
Let us go forth, ’tis God’s command;
Let us make haste away,
Offer to Christ our hearts and hands,
We work for Christ to-day.
II.
When he vouchsafes our hands to use,
It makes our labour sweet.
If any now to work refuse,
Let not that sluggard eat.
III.
Who would not do what God ordains,
And promises to bless?
Who would not ’scape the toils and pains
Of sinful idleness?
IV.
In vain to Christ the slothful pray;
We have not learn’d him so.
No: for he calls himself the way,
And work’d himself below.
V.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
And gladly act our part;
On earth employ our hands and head,
But fix on heaven our heart.
The following hymn was composed to be sung at the admission of a new child or children.
I.
Welcome, dear brethren, whom we love;
Bethesda this we call.
A house of mercy may it prove
To you, to us, to all!
II.
What tho’ our parents dear are dead,
Yet our great God provides.
Our bodies here are cloth’d and fed;
Our souls have christian guides.
III.
The heavenly manna, day by day,
They freely do impart;
Let us not trifle time away!
But lay it in our heart.
IV.
O let the love of Christ constrain!
Why should we need a rod?
Few e’er such blessed means obtain
Of leading them to God.
Besides these hymns, they generally sing a grace before and after meat, and are taught so to vary their exercises, that they may not be cloyed by a too frequent repetition of the same things on the one hand, and yet are kept in such a general method, that they may not learn to be desultory and fickle on the other.
God only knows the concern that lies upon me on account of this family, not only in respect to their bodily, but their spiritual provision. And therefore I hope all that wish well to Zion, will help me with prayers, as well as their alms, that it may grow up a holy temple to the Lord, and be blessed; that it may rightly be stiled Pietas Georgiensis, and like the Pietas Hallensis, or Professor Franck’s Orphan-House at Glaucha, near Hall, become the joy of the whole earth. Even so, Lord Jesus, Amen, and Amen.
G. W.
A
Continuation of the Account of the Orphan-House in Georgia.
Edinburgh, September 14, 1742.
EVER since the Lord has been pleased to put me into the ministry, it has been my constant prayer to God, that I might provide things honest in the sight of all men. Not one part of my outward conduct, as I know of, hath passed unobserved and uncensured by some wicked unreasonable men: but what seems to have given the greatest offence, and caused the loudest outcry, has been my making public collections for an Orphan-House in Georgia.
Some indeed affirm that there is no such thing. But how it could enter into the heart of any to say so, I should not have conceived, unless the scripture had said, the heart of man is desperately wicked.
Somewhat more than a twelve-month ago, I printed an account of the situation and oeconomy of the Orphan-House, and what I was in arrears when I left Georgia, January 1741. My chief design now, is, to give a short account of the progress of the work since, both as to our temporal and spiritual concerns, so far as lies in my power.
The salvation of souls is the chief thing I had in view, when God put it into my heart to build this house. I would then begin with that first.
And here I would pause a while, and acknowledge that I am much indebted to the divine goodness, for what he has already done for many souls, since its first institution. I must confess, to the glory of God, it has far exceeded my expectations.
During the time I was among them, before my going to, and after my return from, Philadelphia, Boston, &c. there were several remarkable awakenings amongst the children, and others, belonging to the house, much resembling the blessed awakening now at Cambuslang, and other places in these kingdoms; as will appear from consulting some of my latest Journals. Just before I came last away, the Lord was much amongst us; at which time, a young man, about twenty-one years of age, was converted, who since has been made a blessed instrument of converting many poor negroes in South-Carolina. Several others also, that came to pay us a visit at the Orphan-House, were really brought home to God, and now bring forth the fruits of the spirit in their lives and conversations. How it has been with my family since my departure, will best appear by publishing some extracts from the letters which have been sent me from time to time, since my departure.
Mr. Habersham, superintendent of the outward affairs in the Orphan-House, and who, I am persuaded, loves the Lord Jesus in sincerity, writes me thus:
Bethesda, March 24, 1741.
My dearest Friend and Brother,
——THE spirit of the Lord seems to be moving upon the faces of many souls here; most, if not all the boys, seem to be under some concern; little as well as great boys, cry mightily to Jesus the son of David, to have mercy upon them. About fourteen days ago, at brother Barber’s request, I spoke to the children at evening prayer. My soul at that time was bowed down with a sense of my own, and especially of your poor lambs deadness to God; but our gracious Redeemer, who is always ready to help in time of need, was pleased to give me power to speak to their consciences. I think I could and did justly appeal to their hearts, that they wanted neither bodily or spiritual food: I told them, that they, as well as myself, could not be insensible what little care was taken of them before they came to us, and consequently how ungrateful they were not to improve such means as they now enjoyed: I beseeched them, by the mercies of God, that they would improve this their day of salvation, that we and our benefactors might rejoice; we in the work of our hands, they in the fruit of their bounty. An impression was made on some; I observed them the next day retire into the woods, to sing and pray together. Two nights afterwards, I spoke to them again, and as I promised, so I returned them my public thanks for their little amendment, with tears of love and joy: I felt the Lord powerfully on my own soul, and it seemed to reach the children, and put them under a visible concern. Ever since, brother Barber has put the great boys into two companies, and they constantly meet together every day to sing and pray. Saturday, the 21st instant, the presence of the Lord came down among the children, little and great, as they were talking among themselves about eternity; and they cried so much to Jesus of Nazareth, to have mercy upon them, that the family soon heard them. We all went, saw, and wept over about twenty-five or thirty dear lambs, upon their knees before God, some pleading the promises, and others calling on Jesus. O how did my hard heart rejoice! Blessed be God, many of them seem to retain their convictions, and all are serious. Does not your soul leap for joy, and say, Bless the Lord, O my friends, and let us magnify his name together! Indeed, my dear brother, all the glory is due to him. Whilst I am writing, I blush, that I should mention any thing about what I was only in a little measure an instrument. Methinks I could wish to disappear, that the creature might be abased, and God be all in all. I have great hopes that God will bring some effectually to himself. The work seems to be more solid among them, and more the effect of consideration, than that of last summer. I rejoice much, that the Lord sent brother Barber among us; for I have neither leisure nor ability to speak much to the children, and he seems to delight to watch over their souls: I trust the Lord will make him a blessing to us all; I think it will be our own fault if he is not. One or two of the labourers, I hope, have closed with Jesus for salvation; and one or two more are in a fair way to do so.
Mr. Habersham, in another Letter, writes thus from Charles-Town.
June 11, 1741.
——SATAN rages furiously against our Orphan-House in this province: such lies and calumnies are raised against us, that our few dear friends think it necessary for me to represent the present state of the house. I have since been much in prayer, and believe God will direct me how to act. Some here, since you went away, have gone great lengths in asserting calumnies, even so as to offer to take oaths for the truth of them. Since I came, I went to them, to enquire what foundation they had for such reports; and it would surprise you to see their behaviour: they are ashamed to lift up their faces. Thus shall the wicked stand dumb at the bar of God. I think I can say, to the glory of God, that our family never was in a better condition. The children, the essence of our constitution, are well taken care of, and watched over. We all live in love. God has been visibly among us, especially with the children. Bethesda, as to its outward circumstances, is so much for the better, that you would be surprised to see it. God enables us to keep up much order. He likewise (blessed be his name) has given us the appearance of a plentiful crop. The garden and plantation now afford us many comfortable things, and in great plenty. Our stores are yet well stocked with flour and beef, &c. Mr. W—— behaves with great integrity, and is faithful in his work. The house would be soon finished, if we could get bricks. J. S. is ready to do all our bricklayers work gratis. Brother W—— is a great blessing to the family. If you come by way of Philadelphia, pray bring some hemp and coarse flax. He has weaved and spun a great deal for us. All the boys now lye in the great house. They have also coats, and lye in sheets of their own making: by this means they are kept sweet and clean. We have a fine growing stock of cattle; and if God should so order it, that we should have a plantation in Carolina, as I believe he will bring to pass, we shall need but little, if any, assistance from abroad. If our building were now done, our expences would be but trifling to what they have been.
Mr. Barber writes me thus.
Bethesda, September 4, 1741.
My dearly beloved Brother,
NOT knowing but our Lord may have business for you at the northward, and send you thither before you return to us; I have sent you a few lines, to acquaint you with the present state of your family. Many of us have been sick; but, blessed be God, our sickness has not been unto death. O that it may be for the glory of God’s name! All of us are in good health at present, except James M——h, who was taken with the flux a few days ago, and B. [♦]Habersham, who is much troubled with the worms. I wish I could say our souls were in as good health as our bodies are; but you may give thanks to the Lord, that he has made your house a house of mercy indeed to some. A few weeks ago, the Lord was pleased effectually to call Thomas W——b; his conversion was very clear, and much to the satisfaction of some, especially to his good old father. Mr. K——y, our taylor, and his wife, have been wrought upon, I hope savingly, since they have been here: I am not without hope that some of the children are likewise, and that the Lord in due time will convert more of them. I hope he is now shewing us that the work is wholly of him; that when the day of his power, the time, the appointed time of his love is come, we may be better prepared to give all the glory thereof to him. As to myself, I must confess that I am a poor worthless instrument, to be employed in the work of the Lord; but what shall we say, if the Lord is pleased to make use of the foolish to confound the wise? I have, blessed be God, had a little freedom given me lately to speak to your family; but I want to have my heart more and more enlarged towards them, and to speak to them more and more in the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power. Who knows? perhaps God designs you should have the honour and happiness of being the spiritual father of many more in your family. May the Lord’s will be done!
[♦] “Haversham” replaced with “Habersham”
I have also some letters of a later date, which give an account of the continuance of the Lord’s presence amongst them.
As for the temporal affairs, blessed be God, considering the great difficulties we have laboured under, they also have succeeded far beyond expectation.
Mr. Habersham, in a Letter dated March 24, 1741, writes thus:
AS we have got so much land cleared, I intend to try to plant it: accordingly I have four or five hands, which, with our own houshold, will be sufficient to plant twenty acres or upwards with potatoes and rice for fodder next winter, having greatly suffered this, for want of it; likewise corn and pease, and other necessaries. Our garden is in great forwardness: we are like to have a crop of English pease. God visibly blesses us, so that people are amazed.
In a Letter, dated September 1, 1741, he writes thus to a Gentleman in New-England: of which Letter I had a copy.
——OUR affairs, blessed be God, have prospered far beyond our expectation. We have seen, and do daily see, much of God’s fatherly care, in providing for and protecting us; and though we have no visible fund, yet we doubt not, but he that has begun, will carry on and perfect his work against every opposition. We have been plentifully supplied all the summer, while many about us lacked. Our building and necessary conveniences, are now compleated. Our family now consists of eighty-four persons, men, women, and children, and nineteen more are employed about us, and five in the Infirmary: the latter have a doctor and nurse, and all other necessaries found them at the Orphan-house expence. We have fifty-eight children: thirty-two of them belong to the colony; six to Purisburgh, who are, I think, as great objects of charity as any in Georgia; and the rest belong to the neighbouring provinces, who are orphans and objects of charity, except a few who are maintained at their friends and parents charge. We have a taylor and shoemaker: likewise two weavers; each of them have got a loom, but we can employ but one, spinning here being extravagantly dear; though we hope in a short time to spin as much within ourselves, as will greatly assist in cloathing the family. God blesses our cattle; we have upwards of an hundred head, small and great, and shall be able in a year or two to kill a great quantity. Negroes not being allowed, and labour among us so expensive, we can make but little improvement in farming. This year we have planted upwards of twenty acres, and have cleared twenty acres more for to enjoy the conveniency of the air: and, blessed be God, though we have had a very dry season, yet we cannot complain, like many others, of a bad crop. Honoured Sir, you may now judge whether our design be drawing near a period. What I have written is a plain impartial narrative of our affairs, which our bitterest enemies will not pretend to gainsay. If any doubt it, I answer, as Philip did to Nathaniel, Come and see.
In a Letter, dated October 2, 1741, he writes thus:
——MR. Wardrop and I have settled, his contract being finished: he is about some necessary jobs now, and will leave us in a few days. Messrs. Trip, Anderson, &c. are already gone: I owe them and Mr. Wardrop about seventy or eighty pounds. We are very quiet, and live at an easy expence. We have had no supplies since you left us, of flesh or bread kind from abroad, except some pork from Mr. B——. No New-York vessels have come to this province of late. We live entirely within ourselves, except a few necessaries which we cannot do without, that we are obliged to purchase elsewhere. Twice a day we eat hominy[¹] of our own raising, and at present without molasses. For dinner, we eat beef of our own stock, and pease for bread, of all which we have plenty, and shall have for three months to come. Our garden is very fruitful of greens, turneps, &c. and we expect a good crop of potatoes. In short, we have a sufficiency of wholesome food. Glory be to God, we daily see our heavenly Father’s hand supplying us in this wilderness-land. O that we were more thankful! I must have cash, not only to pay debts, but also to buy clothing and many other necessaries; and I believe our God will give it to me. He is our shepherd, therefore shall we lack nothing. I trust he has enabled us to pray in faith, nothing doubting but he will supply our every want. All here at present enjoy pretty good health. How thankful ought we to be! The Lord seems to be sending his judgments abroad upon the earth. In Carolina and Savannah a murrain is among the cattle, which takes off great numbers: ours as yet have escaped. Thanks be to God! Indeed we are obliged to kill some of them for immediate supply. But what are all outward calamities, where God is?
[¹] Indian corn boiled up thick with water.
A young Gentleman of Boston, having made a visit to the Orphan-House, sent the following account of it to his father, which many have desired may be printed, for the satisfaction of those who have already contributed to its support.
Bethesda, January 1, 1742.
Honoured Sir,
BEING sensible of the many and false accounts industriously spread abroad concerning this house in many places, especially in New-England, by those who are enemies to its Founder, and the cause he is engaged in, which has certainly been a great hindrance to this worthy undertaking, as it has created even in its friends some prejudices, which has hindered their contributing with that pleasure and freedom they otherwise would have done; and as I am now upon the spot, I think a few moments will not be ill spent, in giving you a particular account of its present situation, which I shall endeavour to do in the most just and impartial manner, that you may have an opportunity of serving the interest in which your heart is so much engaged.
The Orphan-House is pleasantly situated, and, with the buildings belonging to it, presents a much handsomer prospect than is given by the draught annexed to the public accounts. The great house is now almost quite finished, and nothing has hindered but the want of glass, which they daily expect from Bristol, and some bricks that are already at Savannah, and are to carry up another stack of chimnies, which would have been done before, if a vessel that was bringing brick and other stores, had not been taken by the Spaniards, which was a great loss. It is surprizing to see in what forwardness things are, considering what hindrances they have had, and the scarcity of labourers in this province. They have cut a fine road to Savannah of twelve miles length, through a thicket of woods; and, that it might be passable, were obliged to make ten bridges and cross-ways; which was done at no little charge. They have also cleared forty acres of land, twenty of which were planted the last year, and brought them a tolerable crop: the other twenty was for the benefit of the air. They have also a large garden at the front of the house, brought into pretty good order.
The family now consists of eighty persons besides labourers, who all contradict the wicked and false accounts of their being starved and cruelly treated, by the lively and hearty countenances they shew. I have seldom seen such a goodly number of youths together. Twenty-three of them are orphans; others, that have lost one of their parents; one was born in the house; and the rest are fit objects for christian charity. There are in all thirty-nine boys, and [♦]fifteen girls. The number was larger some time past: but several of the boys, that were well instructed, have been put to such trades as they inclined to; and others, who were put here for their learning, are returned to their parents, who have handsomely paid the House for their education.
[♦] “fifteeen” replaced with “fifteen”
The care of this society at present is in the hands of a young gentleman from London, who manages the secular affairs thereof; and one from New-England, who has the care of souls as his particular charge. There are two school-masters, who instruct the boys in reading and writing: and those that appear serious, and of good capacities, are taught Latin, with a design of fitting them for the ministry, if they incline to it. Two school-mistresses, that teach the girls; a surgeon and nurse to attend the infirmary, in which many sick persons, from divers parts, have been received, and always been cured gratis. Here are also several tradesmen; a taylor, a joiner, a weaver, and a shoemaker. The taylor has three boys to instruct in his business. It is expected that Mr. Whitefield will increase the number of craftsmen, when he returns from England. The œconomy observed here is as follows: The bell rings in the morning at sun-rise, to wake the family. When the children arise, they sing a short hymn, and pray by themselves: then they go down and wash; and by the time they have done that, the bell calls to public worship, when a portion of scripture is read and expounded, a psalm sung, and the exercise begun and ended with prayer. Then they breakfast, and afterwards go some to their trades, and the rest to their prayers and schools. At noon, they all dine in the same room, and have comfortable and wholesome diet provided. A hymn is sung before and after dinner: then, in about half an hour, to school again; and between whiles find time enough for recreation. A little after sun-set the bell calls to public duty again, which is performed in the same manner as in the morning. After that they sup, and are attended to bed by one of their masters, who then pray with them, as they often do privately. On the sabbath-day they all dine on cold meat provided the day before, that none may be kept from public worship, which is attended four times a day in summer, and three in the winter. The children are kept to reading between whiles. Many have reported, that the place is very unhealthy: which I believe is quite otherwise, considering it is a new settlement: a remarkable proof of which is, that not one have died out of the family, (into which many sick and almost starved children have been received, who have in a short time recovered) and but three or four out of the hospital, where many miserable objects have been taken in. I believe many, who now think the erecting an Orphan-house in that colony a mad scheme, would alter their sentiments were they here. Innumerable difficulties have certainly been overcome; but their affairs now look with a pleasant aspect. If the colony is allowed negroes, as it is thought it must and will be, they can, with about twenty negroes to manure the plantation, which contains five hundred acres of land, raise much more provision than a larger family than this can expend, having already a fine live stock, which is daily increasing; so that in a few years, it is to be hoped, they will be able to support themselves. As to the state of religion here, particularly among the children, the power of God has, at times, been visible among them; and many of them have been brought under conviction, which seems lasting in some of the boys, and several of the girls: but most of the grown folks appear to be truly converted; and many, who have come as visitors, have been met with by the sovereign grace of God, and not sent empty away: may God grant I may make one of that number! Upon the whole, I think the institution to be of God: therefore it doth and will prosper.
Since this came to my hand, I have received more letters from Georgia, dated in May and June last, which also give me an account of the continuation of God’s goodness to my dear family.
The Reverend Dr. Colman, in a letter he sent to a minister near Glasgow, part of which I find printed in a pamphlet entituled, The State of Religion in New-England, writes thus:
“Mr. Whitefield visited us in the right time, and found large contributions here: I doubt not but he will faithfully apply what he collected for his Orphan-house: but I have said to him, It will appear to me a greater wonder, if his faith is answered in that foundation, than that of Monsieur Franck’s, at Hall, in Prussia, was: the one being in the midst of Europe, the other on the confines of America. But the order and piety of the house is admirable, and so the progress of the settlement, alone as it is in the world, by the report of all that have visited it: but how it can subsist and flourish, and answer the Founder’s end, is the enquiry here, and will be a marvel in the providence of God, if it do so.”
The Reader may see, by this, the Doctor’s opinion of the Orphan-house, and the testimony given concerning it by persons who have visited it, and who therefore cannot be unacquainted with its situation. They profess, “The order of the house is admirable, and so the progress of the settlement, alone as it is in the world.” How it can subsist and flourish for the future, I am not solicitous about: God can help us in Georgia, as well as he helped Professor Franck in Germany. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. I acknowledge him to be the founder of that house: he put it into my heart to build it: it has in a great measure already answered the end of its institution, and I am persuaded will do so more and more. The greatest outward difficulties, I humbly hope, are now surmounted. The workmen are all discharged, having fulfilled their contract, and carried on the work so far as to make every part of the house habitable. Our stock of cattle is pretty considerable, and appear to be in a flourishing condition. And, when once I am clear from all arrears, the Orphan-house will be supported at a very easy expence. The last parliament resolved to support the colony of Georgia: they have altered the constitution in two material points; they have allowed the importation of rum, and free titles to the lands. And if they should see good hereafter to grant a limited use of negroes, it must certainly, in all outward appearance, be as flourishing a colony as South-Carolina. Not that we are without hopes, as Mr. Habersham writes me word in his last letter, of making a tolerable shift with white servants: the Saltzburghers do so already. There is a fresh body of them lately gone over, and some fresh troops to guard the frontiers of the colony. Not that I put any confidence in man, knowing that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but Providence ruleth all things: but, at the same time, I would act with the greatest caution and circumspection, and not tempt God by presuming on him without a cause. His having helped me and mine so often, encourages me to trust him again. He has put it into the hearts of some dear friends to give Mr. Habersham credit for cash during my absence; and his Excellency General Oglethorpe has been very friendly, having lent Mr. Habersham fifty pounds, and given the orphans nine barrels of flour: the Lord return him, and their other benefactors, ten thousand fold into their bosom!
But all this while, some will say, you give us no account of your collections in Scotland and elsewhere for near this year and an half. I will now do that to the best of my power, and likewise add an account of my disbursements; I say, my disbursements: for, having had no particular account of what Mr. Habersham has expended and borrowed since I have been from Georgia, I cannot possibly give an exact account of the whole; but I shall do it, God willing, immediately after my arrival at the Orphan-house, beginning where the former account left off. From that it appears, I was then upwards of eight hundred pounds upon arrears. Since that I have been absent near two years: and considering a family of eighty persons, or upwards, have been maintained, an infirmary kept up, the expence of further work done to the house, &c. it will not appear unreasonable that I should be still upwards of six hundred pounds on arrears; as I judge I am, from Mr. Habersham’s general intimations of cash he had borrowed in America, and what I have still to pay in England. But this will appear clear in the next account. In the mean while, the following accounts, I believe, will be satisfying to all the contributors[¹]: as for others, I do not think myself obliged to give them any account at all, any further than that I am commanded to provide things honest in the sight of all men. Neither do I believe, that this, or any account I can give, will satisfy captious men that are resolved to find fault: our Saviour himself could not please such. And if even good men can be so far prejudiced as to say, “The late glorious work at Cambuslang, is all delusion, and a work of the devil,” I do not wonder if some of his professed children speak all manner of evil of this undertaking: neither should I wonder after this, if they should affirm there was no such thing as an Orphan-house in being, though it was built but a few miles off them.
[¹] The accounts of particular receipts and disbursements are omitted, by reason of their vast length; and likewise, as the public have already examined them, and received full satisfaction.
As for the aspersions that have been cast upon me, as though I collected money to enrich myself, it gives me little or no concern; the apostle Paul was branded as one that made a gain of people; but God knows the heart: at the day of judgment I will prove those persons liars. Professor Franck met with unspeakably more contempt and calumny, whilst he was building the Orphan-house in Germany: he began very low, and left behind him an Orphan-house which contains now, if I mistake not, two or three thousand students, notwithstanding the erecting it, was attended with as many improbabilities as this in Georgia: he has been dead about fourteen or sixteen years. His son now succeeds him in the care of the Orphan-house: I have had the pleasure of corresponding with him. An account of this Orphan-house was printed in his life-time, and it has been very strengthening and beneficial to my soul.
If any, by reading this, shall be inclined to contribute any thing, either in money or goods, I trust God will give me grace to apply it faithfully.
I am not ashamed to beg for God on this occasion; because my going to Georgia, and erecting the Orphan-house, was one great means in his hand, of bringing me out to preach the everlasting gospel in so many places, and to many thousands of poor perishing souls, who I doubt not (be it spoken with all humility) will evidence my commission thereto, by being my joy and crown of rejoicing in the last day. Blessed be his holy name, he has not left himself, nor me his servant, without witnesses of this sort in Scotland! Many, I trust, since this time twelvemonth, have been made to taste that the Lord is gracious, and have in an effectual manner felt the powers of the world to come: such in particular, I trust, will lift up holy hands in prayer for me, and for the prosperity of the Orphan-house, that the enemies of our holy religion may never have cause to triumph over its ruins, saying, There, there, so would we have it. I look upon the Orphan-house as a great part of my charge; a family given me by God, to be supported and taken care of, for himself. Its very beginnings are not small; its latter end, I believe, will greatly increase. He that believeth, should not make haste to contemn the undertaking, or my conduct in carrying it on, seeing it has already evidently appeared to be of God, by the countenance and success he has given to both. And since the Lord, by his providence, has connected the care of this family with my preaching the gospel, by making it a means of first bringing me out, and ever since has been pleased to continue the care of it upon me; I think myself bound in duty, to recommend it in the strongest manner to all people amongst whom I am called to preach the kingdom of God. Neither do I think myself justly blameable for running so much in arrears on its account, since the Lord, in all places where he has been pleased to send me, has inclined the hearts of people to be ready to distribute, and willing to communicate on this occasion: and, I doubt not, will yet dispose the hearts of his people here and elsewhere, to be my farther assistants by their charitable contributions, seeing I am so necessarily engaged in the affair. He that giveth to these poor orphans, lendeth to the Lord; and look, Whatsoever he layeth out, it shall be repaid him again.
Those who, notwithstanding what has been said, still continue in suspense, I would entreat them at least to pray for me, that in this, and all my undertakings for the church of Christ, I may go on with an even, humble, resigned, chearful mind, and single eye to God’s glory; and then, I doubt not but they will see a happy issue of this work, and future ages have reason to bless God, for ever putting it into my heart to build an Orphan-house in Georgia.
September 22, 1742.
Since the writing of this, I have heard of the Spaniards making a descent upon Georgia. I cannot say the news of it damped me at all; because, I humbly hope, the Lord will not give that colony over as a prey into the enemy’s hand. The place where they landed, is about one hundred miles to the southward of the Orphan-house: and, supposing it should be taken, I do not repent the erecting it, because the [♦]advantages that have flowed already from it, as appears from my accounts, have abundantly answered the pains and expence it has cost. What is due upon arrears, as it has been already laid out, and is a debt contracted for God, I doubt not but he will incline the hearts of his servants to help me by their contributions to discharge it. At the same time, I am not without expectations, that this very attack of the Spaniards will be over-ruled for the good of the Orphan-house, and be made a means of freeing the colony from their future insults: for as Georgia is a frontier colony, and stands as a barrier to all the other English provinces, it is reasonable to believe, they will all unite in its defence and protection. But my trust is in the Lord; and, through the mercies of the Most High, I humbly hope this undertaking will not sink, but become more and more beneficial to Georgia and the neighbouring provinces day by day. Let all that love the Lord Jesus say, Amen!
[♦] “advanvantages” replaced with “advantages”
September 27, 1742.
Since the foregoing papers have been in the press, I have received a letter from Mr. Habersham, superintendant of the Orphan-house affairs, in which he writes as follows:
Savannah, July 14, 1742.
My dearest Brother and Friend,
ABOUT four days ago I wrote you very fully in relation to our present state and circumstances, from Mr. John Bryan’s. I hope our dear family are well there. When my last comes to hand, you will find we removed there for fear of the Spaniards, who came in upon Georgia like a flood. I hope the General will yet stand his ground, though the enemy is so numerous. I hear he destroyed and took one hundred and seventy of the enemy last Thursday. God only knows what he is about to do with us. Brother Grant and I are here, to take care of our house and goods. I hope God will direct us in our distress. Surely you will now, if possible, come over. I believe the bearer is gone; I must have done. Farewel, Farewel. Brother Grant gives his love. I must conclude by broken lines.
Yours,
J. H.
P. S. Absolute hurry and necessity obliges me to write thus.
This letter gave me much comfort, as it brought me the welcome news that my dear family was safe. This Mr. Bryan was converted at the Orphan-house, and is a wealthy planter in South-Carolina. I admire the providence of God, in raising him up to take care of the little lambs in this time of their distress. I hope ere now they are returned to their Bethesda in peace.
Blessed be God I have not been disappointed of my hope. For since my return to London, I have received the following letters, which give a more particular account both of their tryal and deliverance, and for which I desire to praise our great and gracious God.
From Mr. Habersham, at Mr. Jonathan Bryan’s Plantation in South-Carolina, July 11, 1742.
My dearest Friend and Brother,
GOD’s ways are in the deep; the Lord only knows what he is about to do with your dear family. Here at Mr. Bull’s and at Mr. Hugh Bryan’s they sojourn at present, and all, blessed be our gracious Jesus, in pretty good bodily health. Distress from the hands of the Spaniards (under God) seems to be coming upon poor Georgia, and perhaps upon this colony also. Our afflictions have been heavy: the Lord only enabled us to bear up under them; but I really believe we have tasted but the first fruits of our trials. Was it not for a persuasion that God can, yea, will help us, we must sink under a prospect of impending difficulties. About the 25th of last month several Spanish galleys came into Cumberland sound, a little to the South of St. Simon’s, where the General’s forces are encamped. The General himself in a deal cutter, accompanied with two boats, was attacked by them, and had a very wonderful escape. The gallies went off as though they would go to Augustine; but a day or two after returned, attended with several schooners, sloops, and ships of force to St. Simon’s. Several days they lay within sight of the General’s camp. When we heard this, we kept a day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation, to ask direction of our great shepherd what we should do. As the Spanish fleet had then made no inroad upon the General, we concluded to stand still and wait upon God. The 5th instant the Spanish fleet run into St. Simon’s Sound, up the river that leads to Frederica. The fleet, I hear, consisted of thirty-five or thirty-seven vessels; and notwithstanding the General fired upon them from his battery, and two privateers, and other vessels did the same, they passed without seeming to regard them, and landed a great number of people at Gascoign’s Bluff on St. Simon’s. The General seeing himself encompassed about with enemies, ordered several sloops, New-Yorkers, laden with provision to be sunk; his privateer sloop was burnt, and Captain Thomson and the [♦]schooner made the best of their way to the North. The General is now surrounded by the Spaniards upon an island, without having one vessel of any bigness to carry him and his army off. He retreated from St. Simon’s (burnt all the hutts, houses, &c. there) to Frederica, and gave leave for the women and children, and I think all except his fighting people, to make their escape.
[♦] “scooner” replaced with “schooner”
The 17th instant several boats full of people passed by our house, and informed us of the above, and that it was thought the General’s army would be entirely cut off, unless great assistance was immediately sent them, which it is likely could not be done soon enough. We all met together, and prayed to our dear Father, and afterward desired every one to speak their mind freely, what was necessary to be done in this emergency. We considered it would be impossible to move so many children, weak women, and babes in their arms away upon a sudden approach of the enemy; that we were so locked in, that we could not get through the Narrows with our boats but four hours in twenty-four, and unanimously agreed to move them away directly. But we had one great objection to get over, the glory of God; we thought the providence of God plainly pointed out our removal; and if the Spaniards should be permitted to take and burn all before them, we should be accessary to the death of eighty-five poor creatures, and likewise bring a reproach upon religion, through our disregard of using means for our preservation. Our friends thought things might not be so bad as reported, and concluded to stay that evening at the Orphan-house, while I should go to Savannah to ask the advice of friends, and likewise be better informed about it. Accordingly I went about nine that evening, and returned at three in the morning. The news I had confirmed from the persons who had fled from Frederica; and our friends at Savannah advised us to move. Mr. Jones offered to lend me any assistance to do it. The next morning, as delays might be dangerous, we took as many goods out of the house as the boats would conveniently carry with the people. We had none about us but Mr. K——’s and G——’s family, and two sick men in the infirmary, and in all made about eighty-five or eighty-six persons. Then we had another difficulty to grapple with: we knew not where to go. If we went to Ebenezer, we had no opportunity of providing so large a body of people with provisions, and might be in as much danger there as at Bethesda. If we went to Carolina, we considered that it was there, in all probability, the enemy wanted to be, and were destroying Georgia in order to get there with the more safety. But believing we should be better able to make our retreat to the Northward from Carolina, if necessity should oblige us, and also should be better able to supply the family with victuals, we came here last night about twelve o’clock, and were received kindly by our dear friends, who think we have done right in moving.
Mr. Barber who superintends the spiritual affairs of the family, in a letter dated near the same time writes,—“That as they were on their passage, they heard guns firing all round them, which occasioned them to think they were in the midst of their enemies.—This brought them into straits, not knowing which way to take to avoid falling into their hands.—But the Lord giving them to strengthen themselves in him, they ventured on, and got safe to the shore; where they were informed, that the guns they had heard, where in Carolina, firing to alarm the province of the danger they apprehended they were in from the Spaniards. What those guns were that they heard firing from other quarters they did not know; most probably their enemies, whom the Lord directed them to shun by taking the way they did.”
Mr. Habersham, again says,—How it is with Georgia, I have not heard these three days; but as we left a great quantity of goods at the Orphan-house, and fearing that it might be plundered, brother Grant and I, with four hands, are in a few minutes to go there. I think, as we have moved away the helpless people, if the enemy should come, we can the better make our escape. O my brother, I hope you will not blame us.—A sense of so many souls being liable to be destroyed, was very burdensome, and called for speedy acting. I know not whether I shall be ever able to write to you again. Perhaps some friends that I leave behind me here may, and then they will tell you of all our difficulties. It is hard to leave my dear friends and children, my wife and little babe; but duty obliges me to go; I have no time to say any more; what I have written has been in great hurry. Pray pardon my abruptness. If I never see you, or write more, let me assure you of my love. I hope I need not now use any arguments to persuade you to come over. Farewel, farewel, farewel.
Yours, for ever,
James Habersham.
’Tis past one in the morning.
From Mr. Habersham, at Mr. Bull’s plantation in South-Carolina, July 27, 1742.
My dear Friend and Brother,
I WROTE you the 4th, 11th, and 14th instant. Doubtless the contents of my letters will give you some concern, and will be a means of hastening you over to us. I hope you will find us at our desired habitation. Hitherto the Lord seems to be on our side, and fights our battles. News is lately come from the General, that the Spaniards have moved off in great confusion; but it is not sufficiently confirmed; when it is, we purpose moving to Bethesda. In mine of the 11th instant, I informed you, according to my knowledge of the state of your family, and the colony till that time. I told you brother Grant and self were just returning to Georgia. We soon got there, and found our goods and house safe. John Goldwire, I, and a boy, staid at Bethesda while brother Grant went to Carolina, and returned with two boats. In the mean time we heard the General had engaged twice with a party of the Spaniards, and killed and taken one hundred and fifty of them, and that the enemy was so intimidated, and the General’s army so encouraged, that there was great expectations that the Spaniards would soon be drove off the island. God was pleased at this time to bring me very low by bodily illness, so that I was almost incapable of making any escape, if the enemy had been suffered to come upon us, having a hundred miles to ride through bad swamps, to my friends in Carolina. Likewise there was no one there, nor at Savannah, to give me any relief.
The 20th instant, having left three people at Bethesda, and our family wanting necessaries at Carolina, brother Grant and I returned with most of our goods. When we now left Bethesda, we were not very apprehensive of any danger of staying ourselves, or leaving the goods there; but as I was obliged to seek for some assistance, and our dear people wanted things we had there, we thought it was but a very little more trouble to load the boats. I have many times intended to write to you since I came here, but was not able conveniently till to day, but I bless God I feel myself much better in health. As far as I can learn, the General has behaved himself exceeding well, and the Lord has wonderfully ordered things for him, contrary, I believe, to his own and others expectations. His clemency to the Spanish prisoners, his confidence, prudence, and courage throughout the whole affair is so conspicuous, that his greatest enemies cannot impeach his conduct. I don’t as yet hear, that he has lost (except by accident) above three or four men. Indeed the hand of God has been evidently against the boasting enemy. Some say near fifty vessels set out at first to invade us, but in their passage, which is usually run in a week or ten days, they were fifty days, and by some means fifteen of them were separated from the rest, and did not come up to them at St. Simon’s. They first proposed to land in Carolina, and cause an insurrection among the negroes; to that end they brought a number of negroes, to head and persuade our negroes (I suppose) to revolt. But being so long on their passage, they wanted water, and were obliged to put in at St. Simon’s. In their council of war there, they said they would soon cut off the General and his few men, and did not doubt but to settle and regain King Philip’s dominions, yea, even as far as the Capes of Virginia. I should have wished you had been present when we consulted about fleeing for our lives; it would have been great satisfaction to us all; but I am of opinion, you would not have staid with the great troop of little ones, under the apprehension of so much danger. I have met with none but what have approved of what we did.
Every one, I believe, are willing to contract expences.—I hope, nay I am assured, that all things shall work together for good; and I am of opinion, we shall all have reason to bless God for every, yea, especially for his late awful dispensation.—The deliverances we have had are many and wonderful, and he that has done much can do more. In regard to the Spaniards, they came like a flood, but the Lord can save by few as well as by many.
From Mr. Habersham.
Bethesda, August, 19, 1742.
My dearest Friend and Brother,
I HOPE ere this reaches you, you have received mine of the 4th, 11th, 14th, and 27th of July last, and that you see your way clear to come to us. Blessed be God we have reason to conclude the Spaniards have entirely left the colony, and we are now very comfortably settled again. The deliverance the Lord has wrought for us by the General, I think is the most remarkable I ever heard or read of, except some instances recorded in the Old Testament. It is so manifest, that “Surely God has fought our battles,” is in the mouth of every one, whatever may be in their hearts. I cannot now mention particulars, being much streightened for time; at Savannah the poor people are almost all sick; four have been cut off. At Frederica likewise, and at Mr. Bryan’s, and other neighbours, they are in the same condition. We have also many down. God has been chastising us with whips, but now seems to be scourging us with scorpions. O that the goodness and patience of God may lead us to repentance! We have a good crop on the ground, and have none to gather it in but the few boys. Brother Hunter has his hands full, and is chiefly at Savannah. It is but little we buy abroad.—We hunt and kill our own stock, and have potatoes and corn enough of our own. I am but poorly, as is dear brother Barber, who is singularly useful at this trying time.—What should I have done without him? I have much to say to you. Indeed I hope you are now in your passage to us. We cannot but expect you. B. Grant hurries me to conclude. Please to give my tender love to your wife, and all with you, and believe me to be
Your affectionate servant in our Lord,
J. Habersham.
I.
How are thy servants bless’d, O Lord!
How sure is their defence!
Eternal wisdom is their guard,
Their help Omnipotence.
II.
In all their various griefs, O Lord!
Thy mercy sets them free,
While in the confidence of prayer
Their souls lay hold on thee.
III.
In midst of dangers, fears and deaths
Thy goodness we’ll adore,
And praise thee for thy mercies past,
And humbly hope for more.
January, 14, 1743.
SINCE the foregoing papers were sent to the press, I have received letters from Mr. B——r and Mr. H——m, the persons who superintend the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Orphan-house, dated in October last; by which I am informed that all was well, and that the family was mercifully supplied with things convenient for them. I don’t hear that any of the family have been taken off by the late sickness; but am informed of the death of one Mrs. Dudding, (a person converted at the Orphan-house some time ago): she went with the family into Carolina, where she staid after they returned, and there died triumphantly.
Mr. Bolzius, one of the Saltzburghers ministers, writes to me thus,
Ebenezer in Georgia, September 22, 1742.
Reverend and dear Sir,
IT was with great satisfaction that I received the favour of your letter, dated M—— the 5th of October last, in which you acquainted me with the joyful news, that the Lord has been pleased to bless your kind endeavours of collecting twenty pounds for our poor people, on which our mill, and especially our Orphan-house had its share according to your intention and order. This great blessing is delivered into my hand by Mr. H——m, our dear friend and favourer, and is laid out in such a manner, that I hope, to have obtained the end, at which you aim in all your actions, and in this act of love too, viz. to promote the great giver’s, our heavenly father’s glory and our people’s welfare. May it please an almighty and merciful God to reward you and all our benefactors many-fold for this and many more testimonies of your and their real favours, and let descend upon your worthy person and holy ministry as many blessings to your spiritual and temporal welfare, as prayers and hearty wishes do ascend to the throne of grace from our hearts and lips in publick and private.
God has been pleased to visit me and my fellow-labourer with dangerous sickness, but has graciously restored our health for our better being prepared to the heavenly and blessed regions, and for being in some measure, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, useful to shew our hearers the way through Christ to the Father, and their eternal happiness. Many in our congregation have been dangerously sick, and some died in peace; the rest begin to recover by degrees. Good Dr. Hunter[¹] has been mighty useful and assistive to the inhabitants of Savannah in their long and dangerous sicknesses; and God has blessed his cures with very good effects; and I am in hopes some people there will begin to be sensible of the many blessings that flow from Bethesda upon them, and praise with us the Lord for his great kindness and mercy in having raised this house of mercy to many grown people’s and children’s spiritual and temporal welfare. If God should give me the pleasure of seeing you here again, and being edify’d by your conversation, I would humbly thank him for it; but if he is pleased to carry either of us from this to a better world, then we will see not only one another happily, but our glorious Redeemer also face to face for ever, to his infinite praise and our eternal happiness, at which my brother Gronau, myself, our families, and several of our congregation aim by all means and strength, which God gives us from the merits of his beloved son, our dear Saviour. To his infinite mercy and gracious conduct I commit you, and me with our people, Orphan-house, my fellow-labourer Mr. Gronau, and our families, who all salute you very heartily, to the continuance of your favour and kind remembrance before God and men, remaining sincerely,
Reverend and dear Sir, your unworthy brother, and humble servant in Christ,
John Martin Bolzius.
[¹] The Surgeon belonging to the Orphan-house.
Continuation of the Account and Progress, &c. of the Orphan-House.
Bethesda, March 21, 1746.
Sir,
SOME months have I been here, and now think it high time, according to my promise, to send you as explicit an account, as I well can, of the progress, and present situation of the Orphan-house. Some have thought, that the erecting such a building was only the produce of my own brain; but they are much mistaken. It was first proposed to me by my dear friend the reverend Mr. Charles Wesley, who, with his excellency General [♦]Oglethorpe, had concerted a scheme for carrying on such a design, before I had any thoughts of going abroad myself. It was natural to think, that as the government intended this province for the refuge and support of many of our poor countrymen, that numbers of such adventurers must necessarily be taken off, by being exposed to the hardships which unavoidably attend a new settlement. I thought it therefore a noble design in general, to erect a house for fatherless children. And believing such a provision for orphans would be some inducement with many to come over, I fell in with the design, when mentioned to me by my friend, and was resolved, in the strength of God, to prosecute it with all my might. This was mentioned to the honourable the trustees. They took it kindly at my hands; and as I then began to be pretty popular at Bristol, and elsewhere, they wrote to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, for leave for me to preach a charity-sermon on this occasion in the abbey-church. This was granted, and I accordingly began immediately to compose a suitable discourse: but knowing my first stay at Georgia would be but short, on account of my returning again to take priests orders, I thought it most prudent, first to go and see for myself, and defer prosecuting the scheme till I came home: because I could then be better able to judge, whether the scheme was practicable, and consequently could be able to recommend it with the greater earnestness. When I came to Georgia, I found many poor orphans, who though taken notice of by the honourable trustees, yet through the neglect of persons that acted under them, were in miserable circumstances. For want of a house to breed them up in, the poor little ones were tabled out here and there, and besides the hurt they received by bad examples, forgot at home what they learnt at school. Others were at hard services, and likely to have no education at all. Upon seeing this, and finding that his majesty and parliament had the interest of this colony much at heart, I thought I could not better shew my regard to God and my country, than by getting a house and land for these children, where they might learn to labour, read, and write, and at the same time be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Accordingly, at my return to England in the year 1738, to take priest orders, I applied to the honourable society for a grant of five-hundred acres of land, and laid myself under an obligation to build a house upon it, and to receive from time to time, as many orphans as the land and stock would maintain. As I had always acted like a clergyman of the church of England, having preached in many of the London churches, and as I had but a few months before collected near a thousand pounds Sterling, for the children belonging to the charity-schools in London and Westminster; it was natural to think, that I might now have the use at least of some of these churches to preach in, for the orphans hereafter more immediately to be committed to my care. But by the time I had taken priests orders, the spirit of the clergy began to be much imbittered. Churches were gradually denied to me. And I must let this good design drop, and thousands (I might add ten thousands) go without hearing the word of God, or preach in the fields. Indeed two churches, one in London (Spittle-fields) and one in Bristol (St. Philip’s and Jacob) were lent me upon this occasion; but those were all. However, God kept me from being discouraged. I collected for the Orphan-house in Moorfields, two and fifty pounds one sabbath-day morning; twenty-two pounds of which was in copper. It would have rejoiced your heart to see the people give; they offered willingly, and took more pains to come through the crowd and put their contributions into my hat, than some would to have gotten them. Thousands of prayers were put up with the alms that were given, and I trust both went up as a memorial before God. In the afternoon I collected again at Kennington-Common, and continued to do so at most of the places where I preached. Besides this, two or three of the Bishops, and several persons of distinction contributed; till at length, having about a thousand and ten pounds, I gave over collecting, and went with what I had to Georgia. At that time multitudes offered to accompany me; but I chose to take over only a surgeon, and a few more of both sexes, that I thought would be useful in carrying on my design. These chearfully embarked with me, desiring nothing for their pains, but food and raiment. My dear fellow-traveller, William Seward, Esq. also joined with them, and was particularly useful to me on this occasion. Our first voyage was to Philadelphia, where I was willing to go for the sake of laying in provision. Having a Captain of a ship with me, who had been my spiritual child, by his advice, I laid out in London a good part of the thousand pounds for goods; and by his care and that of my other fellow-travellers, without any trouble to myself, got as much by them at Philadelphia as nearly defrayed the family’s expence of coming over. Here God blessed my ministry daily, and begun that work in Philadelphia, which, I am persuaded, will be remembered through the ages of eternity. January following, 1739, I met my family at Georgia, and being unwilling to lose any time, I hired a large house, and took in all the Orphans I could find in the colony. A great many also of the town’s children came to school gratis, and many poor people who could not maintain their children, upon application, had leave given them to send their little ones for a month or two, or more, as they could spare them, till at length my family consisted of between sixty and seventy. Most of the orphans were in poor case; and three or four almost eaten up with lice. I likewise erected an Infirmary, in which many sick people were cured and taken care of gratis. I have now by me a list of upwards of a hundred and thirty patients, who were under the Surgeon’s hands, exclusive of my own private family. This Surgeon I furnished with all proper drugs and utensils, which put me to no small expence; and this was still increased by clearing land, buying stock, and building a large dwelling-house, sixty-feet by forty, and out-houses, commodious for a large family to live in. Sometimes (labourers and all) I have had a hundred and twenty to provide for daily. My friends, as well as myself, seemed to have particular courage and faith given us for the season; and we went on chearfully, believing that He for whose sake we began, would enable us to finish this good work. About March I began the great house, having only about one hundred and fifty pounds in cash. I called it Bethesda, because I hoped it would be a house of mercy to many souls. Blessed be God, we have not been disappointed of our hope; it has proved a house of mercy indeed to many. Several of our labourers, as well as visitors, have (in a judgment of charity) been born of God here, and given evident proofs of it, by bringing forth the fruits of the spirit. Many boys have been put out to trades, and many girls put out to service. I had pleasure the other day, of seeing three boys work at the house in which they were bred, one of them out of his time, a journeyman, and the others serving under their masters. One that I brought from New-England is handsomely settled in Carolina, and another from Philadelphia is married, and lives very comfortably at Savannah. How so large a family has been supported in such a colony, without any visible fund, is wonderful! I am surprized when I look back, and see, how for these six years last past, God has spread a table in the wilderness for so many persons. Were all the particular providences that have attended this work recorded, perhaps they would be found not inferior to those mentioned by Professor Franck, in his Pietas Hallensis, whose memory is very precious to me, and whose example has a thousand times been blessed to strengthen and encourage me in the carrying on this enterprize. My being detained so long in England, has been a little detrimental to me, my friends not knowing so well how to act, because they expected to see me daily. And I cannot yet say that I have surmounted the first year’s expence, which indeed was very great, and greater no doubt than it would be now, after my friends have had so many years experience in the colony. However, I doubt not, but by the blessing of God, in a short time to pay off my arrears, and then the family will be maintained at a small expence. My standing annual charges are now but trifling to what they have been; and my friends have raised an annual subscription sufficient for discharging it, till the family may be able to provide for itself. This, God willing, I hope will be, in a good measure, speedily effected. We have lately begun to use the plow; and next year I hope to have many acres of good oats and barley. We have near twenty sheep and lambs, fifty head of cattle, and seven horses. We hope to kill a thousand weight of pork this season. Our garden, which is very beautiful, furnishes us with all sorts of greens, &c. We have plenty of milk, eggs, poultry, and make a good deal of butter weekly. A great quantity of wool and cotton has been given me, and we hope to have sufficient spun and wove for the next winter’s cloathing. If the vines hit, we may expect two or three hogsheads of wine out of the vineyard. The family now consists of twenty-six persons. Two of the orphan boys are blind, one is little better than an idiot. But notwithstanding, they are useful in the family, one in the field, and the other in the kitchen. I have two women to take care of the houshold work, and three men and two boys employed about the plantation and cattle. A sett of Dutch servants has been lately sent over: the magistrates were pleased to give me two; and I took in a poor old widow, aged near seventy, whom no body else cared to have. A valuable young man from New-England is my school-master, and in my absence performs duty in the family. Sabbath-days the grown people attend public worship at Savannah, or at White-bluff, a village near Bethesda, where a Dutch minister officiates. My dear friends who have hitherto been my assistants, being married and having three or four children, thought it best, as most suitable to the institution, to remove: God has mercifully provided for them, and they are comfortably settled at Savannah and elsewhere: we frequently write to and hear from one another. I need not trouble you with the order of our family. It is pretty near the same as usual, and I do not think to make any material alteration for some time. Many have applied to me to take in their children as boarders, and erect a public school: but I have not yet determined. It is certain such a school would be exceedingly useful in this part of the world, if there should be a peace, not only for these northern parts of the colony, but also for the more southern parts of Carolina, Purisburgh, and Frederica, where are many fine youths. I have been prevailed on to take one from Frederica, and another from Purisburgh, and it may be shall admit more. For the present, considering the situation of affairs, I think it most prudent to go on making what improvements I can on the plantation, and shall bring a tutor with me from the northward in the fall, to teach a few youths the languages, and enlarge the family, when affairs are more settled. The house is a noble commodious building, and every thing well adapted for bringing up youth. Here is land to employ them in exercising their bodies, and to keep them from idleness out of school hours. Here are none of the temptations to debauch their tender minds, which are common to more populous countries, or in places where children must necessarily be brought up with negroes. What God intends to do with the colony is not for me to enquire: secret things belong to him. It has hitherto been wonderfully preserved, and the Orphan-house, like the burning bush, has flourished unconsumed. In fine, the government has, no doubt, its welfare much at heart: and, God willing, I intend to carry on my design till I see the colony sink or swim. The money that has been expended on the Orphan-house, and Orphan-house family, has been of vast service to this northern part of the colony. And though it has been greatly detrimental to my own private interest, yet I do not repent of the undertaking. No, I rejoice in it daily, and hope yet to see many more souls born unto God here. I have had a very comfortable winter. The people of Savannah, having no minister till lately, gladly accepted my labours; and at Frederica, the gentlemen and soldiers of General [♦]Oglethorpe’s regiment, as well as the inhabitants of that town, received me very gladly. Major Horton seems to behave very well; he has a very fine growing plantation. I saw barley in the ear the first of March. Georgia is very healthy. Not above one, and that a little child, has died out of our family, since it removed to Bethesda. I think the colony (were the inhabitants sufficiently numerous) is capable of as good improvement as any on the continent.
[♦] “Oglethorp” replaced with “Oglethorpe”
For the satisfaction of my friends, and silencing, if possible, my enemies, I have had my accounts from the very beginning to January last, publickly audited and examined, debtor and creditor, article by article; and an oath for confirmation, being an end of all strife, I have sworn to them. If it gives you or others any satisfaction, I shall be glad. I have no more to add, but to beg a continued interest in your prayers, and subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, and servant,
G. W.
To his Excellency James Wright, Esq. Captain General and Governor in Chief of his Majesty’s province of Georgia, and to the members of his Majesty’s council in the said province.
The Memorial of George Whitefield, Clerk,
Sheweth,
THAT about twenty-five years ago, your memorialist, assisted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and well disposed persons, at a very great expence, and under many disadvantages, did erect a commodious house, with necessary out-buildings, suitable for the reception of orphans, and other poor and deserted children; and that with the repair of the buildings, purchase of negroes, and supporting a large orphan family for so many years, he hath expended upwards of twelve thousand pounds sterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time have been audited by the magistrates of Savannah.
That your memorialist, since the commencement of this institution, hath had the satisfaction of finding, that by the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were assisted, and thereby kept from leaving the colony in its infant state, but also that a considerable number of poor helpless children have been trained up; who have been, and now are useful settlers in this and the other neighbouring provinces.
That in order to render the institution aforesaid more extensively useful, your memorialist, as he perceived the colony gradually increasing, hath for some years past designed within himself, to improve the original plan, by making further provision for the education of persons of superior rank; who thereby might be qualified to serve their king, their country, and their God, either in church or state. That he doth with inexpressible pleasure, see the present very flourishing state of the province; but with concern perceives that several gentlemen have been obliged to send their sons to the northern provinces; who would much rather have had them educated nearer home, and thereby prevent their affections being alienated from their native country, and also keep considerable sums of money from being carried out of this into other provinces.
Your memorialist further observes, that there is no seminary for academical studies as yet founded, southward of Virginia; and consequently if a college could be established here (especially as the late addition of the two Floridas renders Georgia more centrical for the southern district) it would not only be highly serviceable to the rising generation of this colony, but would probably occasion many youths to be sent from the British West India islands and other parts. The many advantages accruing thereby to this province, must be very considerable.
From these considerations, your memorialist is induced to believe, that the time is now approaching, when his long projected design for further serving this his beloved colony, shall be carried into execution.
That a considerable sum of money is intended speedily to be laid out in purchasing a large number of negroes, for the further cultivation of the present Orphan-house, and other additional lands, and for the future support of a worthy able president, professors, and tutors, and other good purposes intended.
Your memorialist therefore prays your Excellency and Honours to grant to him in trust, for the purposes aforesaid, two thousand acres of land, on the north fork of Turtle River, called the Lesser Swamp, if vacant, or where lands may be found vacant, south of the river Altamaha.
G. W.
Savannah in Georgia,
December 18, 1764.