_To Mr. J―――― B――――._
_London, February 1, 1753._
_My very dear friend_,
THOUGH I have had no answer to my last, yet I suppose it hath reached
your hands, and I am glad to hear that ♦_Ephrata_ plantation is in some
degree opened, and thereby a preparation made for a future progress
this spring. Mr. _Fox_ not coming, and going upon lumber, hath been a
great loss to my poor family, but I hope ere now all is settled, and
the sawing carried on with vigour. That seems to be the thing which
providence points out at present, and as so many negroes are ready, it
will be a pity that _Bethesda_ should not do something, as well as the
neighbouring planters. If it was not that I am erecting a large place
for public worship, eighty feet square, and am called to preach to so
many thousands in various places, I would come over immediately myself.
But perhaps it will be best to stay till the new Governor is appointed
and embarks, or at least to come a little before him. I hear that
Colonel _Vanderdison_ will in all probability be the man; they are
determined I find to have a military person. With this, I send your
brother a power to dispose of _Providence_ plantation, and I hope to
hear shortly that Doctor _B――――_, with your assistance, hath purchased
more negroes,――My dear friend, do exert yourself a little for me in
this time of my absence, and I trust the Orphan-house affairs will
shortly be so ordered, that none shall be troubled about its affairs,
but my own domestics. As _Nathaniel P――――_ is so willing, and hath
hitherto behaved so faithfully, I have sent him a full power in
conjunction with Mrs. _W――――_ to act under you. The man and woman that
bring this, are with their son indented to me, and I have an excellent
school mistress and a young student, engaged to come over shortly. Ere
long, I suppose we shall have a large family. LORD grant it may be a
religious one! I would have nothing done in respect to the building,
besides repairing the piazza, and what else is absolutely necessary,
till I come. Perhaps I may bring a carpenter along with me, who will
stay some years. I cannot tell what can induce me to take care of a
place, where the gospel is so little regarded, unless it be a principle
of faith. Surely it will not always be so. What difference is there
between _Georgia_, and several parts of _England_? Here thousands
and ten thousands run, and ride miles upon miles to hear the gospel.
――There――but I do not love to think of it. O my dear friend, whatever
others do, may you and your houshold serve the LORD! I see there is no
happiness, but in keeping near to JESUS CHRIST.――But this prosperity,
――this worldly mindedness,――how many fools hath it destroyed; how many
of GOD’s own children hath it awfully bewildered! May the LORD keep
all my dear friends clear of this dangerous rock! My love to all. How
is Mr. _V――――_? Pray do your utmost to bring about a reconciliation
between him and Mr. _B――――_. I could give several particular and
powerful reasons; at present I can add no more. My dear friend, pray
for us, and exert yourself for _Bethesda_; _Bethesda_’s GOD will richly
reward you.
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._
♦ “Ephratah” replaced with “Ephrata” for consistency.