_To Mr. H._
_Savannah, June 10, 1738._
_Dearest Sir_,
ABOUT five weeks I have been at _Savannah_, where providence seems
to intend continuing me for some time. GOD has graciously visited
me with a fit of sickness; but now I am lively as a young eagle. All
things have happened better than expectation. _America_ is not so
horrid a place as it is represented to be. The heat of the weather,
lying on the ground, &c. are mere painted lions in the way, and to
a soul filled with divine love not worth mentioning. The country,
mornings and evenings, is exceeding pleasant, and there are uncommon
improvements made (considering the indifference of the soil) in divers
places. With a little assistance the country people would do very well.
As for my ministerial office, I can inform you, that GOD (such is his
goodness) sets his seal to it here, as at other places. We have an
excellent christian school, and near a hundred constantly attend at
evening prayers. The people receive me gladly, as yet, into their
houses, and seem to be most kindly affected towards me. I have a
pretty little family, and find it possible to manage a house without
distraction. Provisions we do not want to feed on, though we are cut
off from all occasions to pamper our bodies. Blessed be GOD, I visit
from house to house, catechise, read prayers twice and expound the two
second lessons every day; read to a house-ful of people three times
a week; expound the two lessons at five in the morning, read prayers
and preach twice, and expound the catechism to servants, &c. at seven
in the evening every _Sunday_. What I have most at heart, is the
building an orphan-house, which I trust will be effected at my return
to _England_. In the mean while, I am settling little schools in
and about _Savannah_; that the rising generation may he bred up in
the nurture and admonition of the LORD. The LORD prosper my weak
endeavours for promoting his glory and his people’s good. Oh, dear
Mr. _H._ pray for me. For I do, indeed I do, pray for you and your’s.
Remember me to dear Mrs. _H._ and exhort her to perfect holiness in
the fear of GOD. Remind Mr. _W――――_, (since he will not hearken to me)
to work out his salvation with fear and trembling, and beg him to pray
for, though he will not write to, dear Mr. _H._
Ever, ever your’s,
_G. W._