In pursuing a like plan, the present Georgia Orphan-house estate, which for near these three years hath been in a state of suspense, may be vigorously and properly improved, and thereby an ample and lasting provision made for the future maintenance and education of many poor, indigent, and orphan, as well as more opulent students. Proper masters likewise may now be sent over to instruct, and prepare for academical honours the many youths, who are at this time both in Georgia and the adjacent provinces, waiting for admission. In the mean time, a proper trust may be formed to act after my decease, or even before, with this proviso, that no opportunity shall be omitted of making fresh application for a college charter, upon a broad bottom, whenever those in power shall think it for the glory of God, and the interest of their king and country to grant the same. And thus, may it please your Excellency, my beloved Bethesda will not only be continued as a house of mercy for poor orphans, but be confirmed as a seat and nursery of sound learning, and religious education, I trust, to the latest posterity. That this may be the happy case, as I am persuaded is the desire of your Excellency, his Majesty’s Honourable Council, and house of representatives, in the province of Georgia, so it shall still be, to my latest breath, as it hath been for many years, the earnest endeavour and incessant prayer of,
May it please your Excellency, Your Excellency’s, &c.
G. W.
Commons House of Assembly, Monday, January 29, 1770.
MR. Speaker reported, that he with the house having waited on the Reverend Mr. Whitefield, in consequence of his invitation, at the Orphan-house academy, heard him preach a very suitable and pious sermon on the occasion; and with great pleasure observed the promising appearance of improvement towards the good purposes intended, and the decency and propriety of behaviour of the several residents there; and were sensibly affected, when they saw the happy success which has attended Mr. Whitefield’s indefatigable zeal for promoting the welfare of the province in general, and the Orphan-house in particular.
Ordered, That this report be printed in the Gazette.
John Simpson, Clerk.
Extract from the Georgia Gazette.
Savannah, January 31, 1770.