_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,