G. W.
LETTER MCXXXII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, April 21, 1756.
Dear Mrs. C——,
YOUR last kind letter is come to hand.—By that, I find poor N—— P—— is engaged, and that some good friends in Carolina have been instrumental in drawing him from the care of a family, over which I thought divine providence had made him overseer, and where I imagined he intended to have abode at least for some years.—I know not what reason I have given him, to suspect my confidence was weakened towards him.—I could do no more than trust him with my all, and place him at the head of my affairs and family without the least check or controul.—Add to all this, that notwithstanding the disparity of age, I consented that he should have my dear friend’s sister, with whom I thought he might live most usefully and happily at Bethesda, if you pleased, as long as you both should sojourn here below: and you know what satisfaction I expressed when I took my leave.—But it seems my scheme is disconcerted, and my family like to be brought into confusion.—Alas, my dear Mrs. C——, if this be the case, whom can I send that I may hope will continue disinterested long? But you know, this is not the first time that I have been wounded in the house of my friends.—However, I trust the wound is not incurable.—Till I can procure a proper Latin master, I should think Mr. Dixon, &c. might do in the school, and if you think George Whitefield would do for the house, he might be gradually bred up for it.—If not, I shall write to Mr. T—— and Edn—— of Charles-Town to get him a place there: upon the whole, I believe this would be best. Joseph P—— I design for New-Jersey college, and shall send particular orders concerning him in my next by Cheeseman.—Your brothers are very fond of your marriage with Mr. D——. I am quite free for it.—May God bless you both together; I cannot think of parting with you for any body I know.—God bless and direct you to do his will! Never fear; God will be Bethesda’s God.—He knows the way that I take; when I am tried I shall come forth like gold.—Will not Mr. D—— and you be a proper check upon the overseer? As I think at the bottom he is honest, I can scarce provide myself with a better. Gladly would I come over, but at present it is impracticable. I must throw my affairs into the hands of my God and you. I pity those who without cause have troubled my envied camp. Well, my dear Mrs. C——, let us remember, that though the bush burned it was not consumed. And why? because the Lord was in the midst of it. He hath spoken to us many times out of the bush, and so he will again. I know you must have been in the furnace: but our affections must be crucified. I pity Dr. —— from the bottom of my heart. Never was I wrote to or served so by any from Bethesda before. Lord Jesus, lay it not to his charge! Lord Jesus, suffer us not to be led into temptation! I did not think to write so much. I rather choose to spread all before Bethesda’s God. But you will not misimprove it. By Maclellan I hope to hear more particulars. God willing, they shall be answered. My wife will get you the things sent for. I have no thoughts at present of her ever seeing the Orphan-house again. Blessed be God, we shall ere long see heaven. Some antepasts of it we are favoured with daily. Though lately my life hath been threatened at the other end of the town, Jesus can and will guard me. This evening I am to bury Wittern’s mother: she died triumphant. Adieu for the present. God bless you all. I am, dear Mrs. C——,
Your most affectionate, sympathizing friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.