Dear Mrs. C——,
I THINK myself quite happy, in finding that you are satisfied in your present situation.—I have no doubt of your being called to do it by Bethesda’s God, and heartily pray that you may be amply rewarded by Him.—I had rather have you preside over the orphan family, than any woman I know of in the world. I would gladly indulge Mr. B——, but though I have sent again and again, I cannot find that his wife hath the least inclination to come over; as this is the case, and she is provided for, I wish he could be easy. Mr. P—— and you may agree, as to the terms of his continuance at Bethesda. Mr. D—— seems fixed, and I have written to Mr. P——, to let John H——y have overseers wages for the two last years, and find himself; but perhaps it may be best not to give up the indentures.—As he is faithful, and the plantation flourishes, I would not part with him. I do not love changes. Sometimes I wish for wings to fly over; but providence detains me here. I fear a dreadful storm is at hand. Lord Jesus, be thou our refuge! At Dublin I was like to be sent beyond the reach of storms. But I find we are immortal till our work is done. A most blessed influence attended the word in various parts of Ireland, and here at London the prospect is more and more promising. We expect some important news from America. As to outward things, all is gloomy. Jesus can dispel every cloud. I hope Bethesda will be kept in peace. I am glad the Governor hath been to visit the house. May God make him a blessing to the colony! My kinsman hath met with an early trial. May the Lord sanctify it! I am glad G—— W—— is put out, and that you have sent the children; I pity them, but they must blame their parents. O ingratitude! I wish you would now and then mention B—— W——, and let me know how the English children are disposed of. I would fain have a list of black and white from time to time. Blessed be God for the increase of the negroes. I intirely approve of reducing the number of orphans as low as possible; and I am determined to take in no more than the plantation will maintain, till I can buy more negroes. Never was I so well satisfied with my assistants as now. God bless you! God bless you! My tender love and respects attend you all. I would have Joseph P——n sent to the college. I am glad Mrs. F—— is married. Continue to pray for me, and depend on hearing as often as possible from, dear Mrs. C——,
Your affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXIV.
To Mr. H——.
Exeter, September 28, 1757.
My very dear Sir,
JUST this moment I had the pleasure of receiving your very kind letter, and have but just time, before the post goes out, to return you my most hearty thanks. Blessed be God, I can send you good news from Plymouth.—The scene was like that of Bristol; only more extraordinary, to see officers, [♦]soldiers, sailors, and the dock-men, attending with the utmost solemnity upon the word preached. Arrows of conviction fled and fastened, and I left all God’s people upon the wing for heaven. Blessed be the Lord Jesus for ordering me the lot of a cast-out!