_London, Nov. 21, 1752._
_My dear Nat_,
YOUR letters have all been brought safe to hand, and have given me no
small satisfaction. I doubt not but the LORD, whom you seek, will in
his own time come and visit the temple of your heart. Fear not, neither
be dismayed. Be found in the way of duty; go on feeding his lambs, and
you shall find, that the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls will bless
and comfort you. I know not of a more profitable situation, that you
could be in than at present. Next year, GOD willing, you will have a
fellow-student. I have agreed with him, as I wrote you from _Edinburgh_,
for three years at least. I am of your mind in respect to boarders.
As affairs stand, I think the less the family is at present, the
better. Nothing seems to be wanted but a good overseer, to instruct
the negroes in sawing and planting. Let me know how Mr. _M――――_
behaves, and whether the Lumber trade is begun. I have consented
to Mr. _E――――_’s going to Mr. _Z――――_, and to _Margaret_’s leaving
_Bethesda_. You will see what I have wrote to Mrs. _W――――_. Pray make
_George_ and the children to write often. He should not have written
to me, _Honoured Master_, but――_Sir_. I am glad to hear that some of
the children promise well. Surely some good will in the end come out of
that institution, I am only afraid of its growing too great one day or
another, in a worldly way. O that I may be directed to such managers,
that will act with a single eye to GOD’s glory, and his people’s good!
I have great confidence in you. I am glad you live in peace. May the
Prince of peace cause his grace and mercy to be multiplied upon you!
I shall be glad to live to see you a preacher. It is a delightful
employment, when done out of love to JESUS: that sweetens all. In
about ten weeks I have travelled above a thousand miles, and was
enabled to preach sometimes twice and thrice a day to many thousands.
I trust a great blessing was left behind with the word preached. O that
_Georgia_’s wilderness may blossom like a rose! It will, when GOD’s set
time is come. Never mind a few evil reports. No one need be ashamed of
_Bethesda_ children. Blessed be GOD, they are taken care of, and the
LORD will reward you. Ah my dear _Nat_, you are highly honoured. I hope
you often bow down before the blessed Redeemer, and out of the fulness
of your heart say, “Why me, LORD? why me?” Pray, pray, I beseech you
continually, that you may be cloathed with humility. How many young
men have I known ruined for the want of it! “GOD resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble.” Pray that I may have an humble and
thankful heart. I would vie with a seraph, if I could, in humility
and thankfulness. Adieu. The LORD be with you! My wife sends her love;
accept the same from, my dear _Nat_,
Your most assured friend for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._