_To Mr. J―――― T――――._
_Bethesda, in Georgia, Nov. 20, 1751._
_My dear Mr. T――――_,
ERE this can reach you, I suppose you will have heard of our safe
arrival in _Georgia_; for which, I trust, you and my other dear
friends will be thankful in our behalf. Blessed be GOD, I found the
Orphan-house in as good a situation as could be expected. The children
have much improved in their learning; and I hope a foundation is
now laid for a future useful seminary. I want to know what answer
Mr. _W――――_’s hath given. I expect letters by _C――――_, when I go to
_Charles-town_ next month. I was there about ten days ago, and had some
close talk with Mr. _L――――_, and several of Mr. _S――――_’s congregation,
concerning you. All seemed to be unanimous, in giving you a call.
I need only observe, that if GOD should direct your course to them,
you will find a generous, loving people, who will study to make your
labours profitable and delightful to you. I doubt not but in the
congregation there are many dear children of GOD. And as there will
be such an harmony between you and Mr. _L――――_, I hope you will be an
happy instrument of promoting peace between all parties, and adding
such to the church as shall be finally saved. Very near you, are
several pious ministers of other denominations, who will be glad to
keep up a christian correspondence with you, and strengthen your hands
in the work of the LORD. As far as I can judge of your disposition,
and all other concurring circumstances, your situation will be very
agreeable to others, and to yourself. However, a trial can do no hurt
to either side. A voyage to sea, and the seeing and conversing with
many of GOD’s people and ministers on this side the water, will make
it worth your while to leave your native country. Travelling improved,
will enlarge your ideas, and promote your future usefulness. May the
glorious _Emmanuel_ direct your goings in his way! If it should appear
to be the divine will that you should come over to _Charles-Town_,
I am persuaded, the good old man your father will chearfully let his
_Benjamin_ go; and he will find his blessed Master to be better to him
than seven sons. Pray salute him and all dear friends in the kindest
manner. I would write to many, but as yet have not time. Brethren, pray
for us. My very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._