_Edinburgh, September 14, 1742._
EVER since the LORD has been pleased to put me into the ministry, it has been my constant prayer to GOD, that I might _provide things honest in the sight of all men_. Not one part of my outward conduct, as I know of, hath passed unobserved and uncensured by some wicked unreasonable men: but what seems to have given the greatest offence, and caused the loudest outcry, has been my making public collections for an Orphan-House in _Georgia_.
Some indeed affirm that there is no such thing. But how it could enter into the heart of any to say so, I should not have conceived, unless the scripture had said, _the heart of man is desperately wicked_.
Somewhat more than a twelve-month ago, I printed an account of the situation and oeconomy of the Orphan-House, and what I was in arrears when I left _Georgia_, _January 1741_. My chief design now, is, to give a short account of the progress of the work since, both as to our temporal and spiritual concerns, so far as lies in my power.
The salvation of souls is the chief thing I had in view, when GOD put it into my heart to build this house. I would then begin with that first.
And here I would pause a while, and acknowledge that I am much indebted to the divine goodness, for what he has already done for many souls, since its first institution. I must confess, to the glory of GOD, it has far exceeded my expectations.
During the time I was among them, before my going to, and after my return from, _Philadelphia_, _Boston_, &c. there were several remarkable awakenings amongst the children, and others, belonging to the house, much resembling the blessed awakening now at _Cambuslang_, and other places in these kingdoms; as will appear from consulting some of my latest Journals. Just before I came last away, the LORD was much amongst us; at which time, a young man, about twenty-one years of age, was converted, who since has been made a blessed instrument of converting many poor negroes in _South-Carolina_. Several others also, that came to pay us a visit at the Orphan-House, were really brought home to GOD, and now bring forth the fruits of the spirit in their lives and conversations. How it has been with my family since my departure, will best appear by publishing some extracts from the letters which have been sent me from time to time, since my departure.
_Mr. Habersham_, superintendent of the outward affairs in the Orphan-House, and who, I am persuaded, loves the LORD JESUS in sincerity, writes me thus:
_Bethesda, March 24, 1741._
_My dearest Friend and Brother_,