_To Mrs. C――――._
_London, August 26, 1757._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
I THINK myself quite happy, in finding that you are satisfied in your
present situation.――I have no doubt of your being called to do it by
_Bethesda_’s GOD, and heartily pray that you may be amply rewarded by
Him.――I had rather have you preside over the orphan family, than any
woman I know of in the world. I would gladly indulge Mr. _B――――_, but
though I have sent again and again, I cannot find that his wife hath
the least inclination to come over; as this is the case, and she is
provided for, I wish he could be easy. Mr. _P――――_ and you may agree,
as to the terms of his continuance at _Bethesda_. Mr. _D――――_ seems
fixed, and I have written to Mr. _P――――_, to let _John H――――y_ have
overseers wages for the two last years, and find himself; but perhaps
it may be best not to give up the indentures.――As he is faithful, and
the plantation flourishes, I would not part with him. I do not love
changes. Sometimes I wish for wings to fly over; but providence detains
me here. I fear a dreadful storm is at hand. LORD JESUS, be thou our
refuge! At _Dublin_ I was like to be sent beyond the reach of storms.
But I find we are immortal till our work is done. A most blessed
influence attended the word in various parts of _Ireland_, and here
at _London_ the prospect is more and more promising. We expect some
important news from _America_. As to outward things, all is gloomy.
JESUS can dispel every cloud. I hope _Bethesda_ will be kept in peace.
I am glad the Governor hath been to visit the house. May GOD make him
a blessing to the colony! My kinsman hath met with an early trial. May
the LORD sanctify it! I am glad _G―――― W――――_ is put out, and that you
have sent the children; I pity them, but they must blame their parents.
O ingratitude! I wish you would now and then mention _B―――― W――――_, and
let me know how the _English_ children are disposed of. I would fain
have a list of black and white from time to time. Blessed be GOD for
the increase of the negroes. I intirely approve of reducing the number
of orphans as low as possible; and I am determined to take in no more
than the plantation will maintain, till I can buy more negroes. Never
was I so well satisfied with my assistants as now. GOD bless you! GOD
bless you! My tender love and respects attend you all. I would have
_Joseph P――――n_ sent to the college. I am glad Mrs. _F――――_ is married.
Continue to pray for me, and depend on hearing as often as possible
from, dear Mrs. _C――――_,
Your affectionate, obliged friend, and
ready servant in our common LORD,
_G. W._