_To Mrs. C――――._
_London, April 21, 1756._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
YOUR last kind letter is come to hand.――By that, I find poor _N――――
P――――_ is engaged, and that some good friends in _Carolina_ have been
instrumental in drawing him from the care of a family, over which I
thought divine providence had made him overseer, and where I imagined
he intended to have abode at least for some years.――I know not what
reason I have given him, to suspect my confidence was weakened towards
him.――I could do no more than trust him with my all, and place him
at the head of my affairs and family without the least check or
controul.――Add to all this, that notwithstanding the disparity of
age, I consented that he should have my dear friend’s sister, with
whom I thought he might live most usefully and happily at _Bethesda_,
if you pleased, as long as you both should sojourn here below: and
you know what satisfaction I expressed when I took my leave.――But it
seems my scheme is disconcerted, and my family like to be brought into
confusion.――Alas, my dear Mrs. _C――――_, if this be the case, whom can I
send that I may hope will _continue disinterested long_? But you know,
this is not the first time that I have been wounded in the house of
my friends.――However, I trust the wound is not incurable.――Till I can
procure a proper Latin master, I should think Mr. _Dixon_, &c. might
do in the school, and if you think _George Whitefield_ would do for the
house, he might be gradually bred up for it.――If not, I shall write to
Mr. _T――――_ and _Edn――――_ of _Charles-Town_ to get him a place there:
upon the whole, I believe this would be best. _Joseph P――――_ I design
for _New-Jersey_ college, and shall send particular orders concerning
him in my next by _Cheeseman_.――Your brothers are very fond of your
marriage with Mr. _D――――_. I am quite free for it.――May GOD bless
you both together; I cannot think of parting with you for any body I
know.――GOD bless and direct you to do his will! Never fear; GOD will
be _Bethesda_’s GOD.――He knows the way that I take; when I am tried I
shall come forth like gold.――Will not Mr. _D――――_ and you be a proper
check upon the overseer? As I think at the bottom he is honest, I can
scarce provide myself with a better. Gladly would I come over, but at
present it is impracticable. I must throw my affairs into the hands of
my GOD and you. I pity those who without cause have troubled my envied
camp. Well, my dear Mrs. _C――――_, let us remember, that though the bush
burned it was not consumed. And why? because the LORD was in the midst
of it. He hath spoken to us many times out of the bush, and so he will
again. I know you must have been in the furnace: but our affections
must be crucified. I pity Dr. ―――― from the bottom of my heart. Never
was I wrote to or served so by any from _Bethesda_ before. LORD JESUS,
lay it not to his charge! LORD JESUS, suffer us not to be led into
temptation! I did not think to write so much. I rather choose to
spread all before _Bethesda_’s GOD. But you will not misimprove it. By
_Maclellan_ I hope to hear more particulars. GOD willing, they shall be
answered. My wife will get you the things sent for. I have no thoughts
at present of her ever seeing the Orphan-house again. Blessed be GOD,
we shall ere long see heaven. Some antepasts of it we are favoured
with daily. Though lately my life hath been threatened at the other
end of the town, JESUS can and will guard me. This evening I am to bury
_Wittern_’s mother: she died triumphant. Adieu for the present. GOD
bless you all. I am, dear Mrs. _C――――_,
Your most affectionate, sympathizing friend,
and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._