_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,