_To Mrs. C――――._
_London, June 21, 1756._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
NOTHING concerns me in your last letter, but your having the least
suspicion that I was not pleased with your conduct, or was not
satisfied with your being at _Bethesda_. I know of no person in the
world that I would prefer to you, neither had I ever one thought to
the contrary. I think myself happy in having such a mother for the
poor children, and am persuaded GOD will bless and own you more and
more. I pity poor Mr. _P――――_, but doubt not of _Bethesda_’s being
well supplied. I think if Mr. _R――――_ manages outward things, and Mr.
_D――――_ takes the accounts, and keeps to the children, affairs may
be managed very well. I care not how much the family is lessened. As
it is a time of war, this may be done with great propriety, and then
the plantation will have time to grow. _J―――― H――――y_ writes that
you use him quite well, and seems very contented. Never fear, my dear
Mrs. _C――――_, JESUS will stand by a disinterested cause. I have aimed
at nothing in founding _Bethesda_, but his glory and the good of my
country. Let _Lots_ then chuse the _plain_, GOD will be _Abrahams_’
shield and exceeding great reward. All is well that ends well. Faith
and patience must be exercised by means of friends as well as by foes.
I hear that my nephew is married. Alas, what a changing world do we
live in! Blessed be GOD for an unchangeable CHRIST! Amidst all, this
is my comfort, his word runs and is glorified. A new building is now
erecting at the other end of the town, and many souls, I trust, are
daily built up in their most holy faith. To-morrow, GOD willing, I set
out upon a long range. Fain would I have all concerned with me to be
happy. Just now Mrs. _F――――_ hath determined to come over and marry
_H――――_. I have advised her to go with _M――――_, and told her she should
be welcome to my house till she goes to _Carolina_. I know you will
receive her kindly. It is her own choice, and therefore she must look
to the consequences. The LORD give us all a right judgment in all
things. Near this time, I suppose, you know my mind about Mr. _D――――_.
I have no objection, and your brothers are quite fond of the match.
Perhaps, take all together, it may be more agreeable than the other.
We seldom choose well, when we choose for ourselves. GOD’s thoughts are
not as our thoughts. Take courage, my dear Mrs. _C――――_; _Bethesda_’s
welfare doth not depend on a single person. GOD will provide: I think
he hath already. I care not if all the boarders were gone. Mr. _R――――_
and _D――――_ and you are hearty. Enough, enough! GOD will bless and
prosper you. I am more than contented. My blessing to all the children.
That the GOD of all grace and mercy may fill you with all his fulness,
is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. _C――――_,
Your very affectionate, sincere friend, and
ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._