_To Mr. H―――― B――――._
_London, Jan. 7, 1753._
_My very dear Friend_,
BY this conveyance I send you a power of attorney to dispose of
_Providence Plantation_, and leave it to your discretion to sell at
what price you please. I would only observe, that I had rather it
should be sold for somewhat less than its real value, than to keep it
any longer in my hands. I do not choose to keep two families longer
than needs must. Be pleased to pay what you receive for it, into the
hands of Mr. _Charles H――――n_ of _Charles-Town_. Blessed be GOD for
remembering mercy in the midst of judgments. O that with his rod he
may also send his spirit! For without it, as dear Mr. _V―――― B――――_
observes, “We shall be chastened, but not changed.” The world after the
deluge, was as bad as before. Nothing but the blood of JESUS CHRIST,
applied by faith, can cleanse the soul from sin.――
_To this blest fountain of thy blood,_
_Incarnate GOD I fly;_
_Here let me wash my spotted soul,_
_From sins of deepest dye._
My dear Sir, add to my obligations, by praying, that the foot of pride
may never come against me. This is what turned fair angels into foul
devils; and yet alas, how prone are we to it! Surely it is the first
enemy we fight with, and the last that is totally conquered. O that I
was humble! then would the LORD delight to own and honour me more and
more. I am amazed he doth not throw me aside. But (O unchangeable love!)
still he causeth my rod to bud and blossom. The Winter season hath
been very blessed, and we hear daily of fresh inroads made into Satan’s
kingdom. GOD seems determined to throw down _Jericho_’s walls by
rams-horns, yea by very crooked rams-horns. Even so, Father, for so
it seemeth good in thy sight! My dear Sir, once more I intreat you to
pray for me. Neither you nor yours are forgotten by me. The money you
receive for _Providence_, will be immediately wanted to buy more land,
and to pay for opening _Bethesda_’s new plantation.――I have desired
your brother to agree with Mrs. _P――――_ for hers, if she can give a
good title. I am sorry to hear she is declining.――But why so? Is not
death an entrance into life everlasting?
_There sin and pain, and sorrow cease,_
_And all is calm and joy and peace._
Hearty love and prayers attend her and all enquiring friends. That this
new year may be filled with millions of new blessings, both to your
souls and bodies, is and shall be the constant prayer of, very dear
Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._