_To the Rev. Mr. C――――._
_Good-Hope (South-Carolina) Jan. 1, 1741._
_Rev. and dear Sir_,
I am now going to _Charles-Town_, in order to embark for _England_;
the cloud of GOD’s providence seems to be moving that way; I have
enjoyed much of the divine presence since I left _Boston_, and have
had a comfortable Christmas with my dear family at _Georgia_. At
my return, I found my Orphan-houshold removed from _Savannah_ to
_Bethesda_, and great improvements made during the time of my absence.
The great house will be finished, GOD willing, so as to be habitable,
in about two months. It would have been finished so far by this time,
if the _Spaniards_ had not taken a schooner loaded with bricks and
other provisions to a considerable value; but GOD about the same time
stirred up the heart of a planter in _South-Carolina_, lately brought
home at the orphan-house to GOD, to send my family some rice and beef.
At other times, when they have wanted food, the _Indians_ have brought
plenty of venison. GOD, every day, more and more convinces us that
this work is of him. His power has been made known, especially among
the young ones. I bless GOD, I have settled my family to my great
satisfaction, and verily believe I shall live to see great things come
from the Orphan-house. GOD works upon the hearts of the labourers. One
woman hath had a glorious discovery of CHRIST made to her heart: last
week, two or three men where brought into heart-distress, and another
young man that came to see us, was made so sick of sin, as to feel the
want of, and to enquire after the great and all-powerful physician of
souls. My family, I think, consists now of 89 persons. Next year my
expences will be contracted much; but at present, I am in debt about
500 _l._ sterling. However, I know in whom I have believed, ONE who
is able to pay it. My public accounts will be published as soon as
I arrive at _London_, with a prospect of the Orphan-house, and other
little houses and gardens annexed unto it. I am now at the house of
one _Mr. Jonathan B――――_, who, I trust, with his brother _Mr. H――――
B――――_, and another young man, lately a player in _New-York_, are
settled by a living faith in JESUS CHRIST. The latter, I intend for
the ministry. Mr. _H―――― B――――_’s wife died not long since, rejoicing
in GOD her Saviour. Several others also in these parts are grown
in grace, and Mr. _C――――_’s ministry hath been much blessed.――Satan
hath been sowing tares in old _England_. Oh that _Boston_ ministers
and people may pray for me! Indeed, I love them in the bowels of the
blessed JESUS. _Vale! longum etsi spero non in æternum, vale._ That
CHRIST’s kingdom may flourish in your heart, and that you may greatly
promote it in the souls of others, is the hearty prayer of, Reverend
and dear Sir,
Your affectionate unworthy fellow-servant, in our common LORD,
_G. W._