I Owe you much love, and though I have written to you more than once, yet I look upon myself as indebted to you still.—I therefore now sit down to answer the kind letter which you sent my dear yokefellow.—She is now at Georgia, and having not as yet seen it, she cannot answer it herself.—Blessed be God she is well, and prospers both in soul and body—We talk of you often, and hope yet to live and have our hearts warmed with our English and Welch friends ere we go hence, and are no more seen. At present the cloud seems to hang over the American parts.—The Lord Jesus is pleased to give me great access to multitudes of souls, and I hope has withal given me as strong an inclination as ever, to go out and preach to them the unsearchable riches of his dying love. I lately came from Bethesda, and found my family well, happy in Jesus, and happy in one another.—Our Lord bowed the heavens several times and came down among us, in the power of his eternal Spirit.—In the beginning of March, I purpose, God willing, to set out for the northward again, and shall not lose any opportunity of writing, that offers in my way. I am sorry to hear the leaven of Antinomianism is not yet purged out, and that animosities are not yet ceased.—I can say nothing at this distance, but pray that the God of peace and love may direct and rule all my dear friends hearts. You will remember me to all in the most tender manner.—Indeed I omit no opportunity of sending.—I pray for you all continually, and begging a continued interest in all your prayers, I subscribe myself, my very dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DLXXXII.
To a generous Benefactor unknown.
Charles-Town, March, 15, 1747.
WHOEVER you are that delight to imitate the divine beneficence in doing good to your fellow-creatures when they know not of it, I think it my duty, in behalf of the poor orphans committed to my care, to send you a letter of thanks for your kind, generous and opportune benefaction.—That God who has opened your heart to give so bountifully, will as bountifully reward you.—I trust you have contributed towards the promoting an institution, which has, and I believe will redound much to the Redeemer’s glory.—Blessed be God, I hope I can say, that Bethesda was never in better order than it is now, in all probability taking root downwards, and bearing fruit upwards.—Since my arrival there this winter, I have opened a Latin school, and have several children of promising abilities that have begun to learn.—One little orphan, who this time twelvemonth could not read his letters, has made a considerable proficiency in his Accidence.—The blessed spirit has been striving with several of the children’s infant hearts, and I hope ere long to see some ministers sent forth from that despised place called Georgia. It is true, the constitution of that colony is very bad, and it is impossible for the inhabitants to subsist themselves without the use of slaves. But God has put it into the hearts of my South-Carolina friends, to contribute liberally towards purchasing a plantation and slaves in this province; which I purpose to devote to the support of Bethesda.—Blessed be God, the purchase is made.—I last week bought, at a very cheap rate, a plantation of six hundred and forty acres of excellent land, with a good house, barn, and out-houses, and sixty acres of ground ready cleared, fenced and fit for rice, corn, and every thing that will be necessary for provisions. One negroe has been given me.—Some more I purpose to purchase this week.—An overseer is put upon the plantation, and I trust a sufficient quantity of provision will be raised this year.—The family at Bethesda consists of twenty-six.—When my arrears are discharged; I purpose to increase the number.—I hope that time will soon come; and that he who has begun, will go on to stir up the friends of Zion to help me, not only to discharge the arrears, but also to bring the plantation lately purchased to such perfection, that if I should die shortly, Bethesda may yet be provided for.—As you have been such a benefactor, I thought proper to give you this particular account, that you may see it is not given in vain.—I could enlarge, but have only room to subscribe myself, generous friend,
Your most obliged servant,
G. W.