LETTER MCXLII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, June 21, 1756.
Dear Mrs. C——,
NOTHING concerns me in your last letter, but your having the least suspicion that I was not pleased with your conduct, or was not satisfied with your being at Bethesda. I know of no person in the world that I would prefer to you, neither had I ever one thought to the contrary. I think myself happy in having such a mother for the poor children, and am persuaded God will bless and own you more and more. I pity poor Mr. P——, but doubt not of Bethesda’s being well supplied. I think if Mr. R—— manages outward things, and Mr. D—— takes the accounts, and keeps to the children, affairs may be managed very well. I care not how much the family is lessened. As it is a time of war, this may be done with great propriety, and then the plantation will have time to grow. J—— H——y writes that you use him quite well, and seems very contented. Never fear, my dear Mrs. C——, Jesus will stand by a disinterested cause. I have aimed at nothing in founding Bethesda, but his glory and the good of my country. Let Lots then chuse the plain, God will be Abrahams’ shield and exceeding great reward. All is well that ends well. Faith and patience must be exercised by means of friends as well as by foes. I hear that my nephew is married. Alas, what a changing world do we live in! Blessed be God for an unchangeable Christ! Amidst all, this is my comfort, his word runs and is glorified. A new building is now erecting at the other end of the town, and many souls, I trust, are daily built up in their most holy faith. To-morrow, God willing, I set out upon a long range. Fain would I have all concerned with me to be happy. Just now Mrs. F—— hath determined to come over and marry H——. I have advised her to go with M——, and told her she should be welcome to my house till she goes to Carolina. I know you will receive her kindly. It is her own choice, and therefore she must look to the consequences. The Lord give us all a right judgment in all things. Near this time, I suppose, you know my mind about Mr. D——. I have no objection, and your brothers are quite fond of the match. Perhaps, take all together, it may be more agreeable than the other. We seldom choose well, when we choose for ourselves. God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. Take courage, my dear Mrs. C——; Bethesda’s welfare doth not depend on a single person. God will provide: I think he hath already. I care not if all the boarders were gone. Mr. R—— and D—— and you are hearty. Enough, enough! God will bless and prosper you. I am more than contented. My blessing to all the children. That the God of all grace and mercy may fill you with all his fulness, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. C——,
Your very affectionate, sincere friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLIII.
To Mr. D——.