Who can imagine, that the prophet _Zechariah_ would be sent to strengthen the hands of _Zerubbabel_, in building and laying the foundation of the temple, if that temple was not to be frequented with worshippers that worshipped the Father in spirit and in truth. The most gaudy fabrics, stately temples, new moon sabbaths, and solemn assemblies, are only solemn mockeries GOD cannot away with. This GOD hath shewn by the destruction of both the first and second temples. What is become of the seven churches of _Asia_? How are all their golden candlesticks overthrown? “GOD is a Spirit, and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” And no longer do I expect that this house will flourish, than when the power of religion is encouraged and promoted, and the persons educated here, prosecute their studies, not only to be great scholars, but good saints.
Blessed be GOD! I can say with Professor _Franck_, that it is in a great measure owing to the disinterested spirit of my first fellow-helpers, as well as those who are now employed, that the building hath reached to its present height. This I am bound to speak, not only in honour to those who are now with GOD, but those at present before me. Nor dare I conclude, without offering to
Your Excellency, our pepper corn of acknowledgment for the countenance you have always shewn _Bethesda_’s institution, and the honour you did us last year, in laying the first brick of yonder wings: in thus doing, you have honoured _Bethesda_’s GOD. May he long delight to honour you here on earth! and after a life spent to his glory, and your country’s good, may he honour you to all eternity, in placing you at CHRIST’s right-hand in the kingdom above!
Next to your Excellency, my dear Mr. President, I must beg your acceptance both of thanks and congratulation on the annual return of this festival. For you was not only my dear familiar friend, and first fellow-traveller in this infant province; but you was directed by Providence to this spot, laid the second brick of this house, watched, prayed, and wrought for the family’s good: A witness of innumerable trials, partner of my joys and griefs; you will have now the pleasure of seeing the Orphan-house a fruitful bough, its branches running over the wall. For this, no doubt, GOD hath smiled upon and blessed you, in a manner we could not expect, much less design; and may he continue to bless you with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS. Look to the rock from whence you have been hewn, and may your children never be ashamed, that their father left his native country, and married a real christian, born again under this roof. May _Bethesda_’s GOD grant this may be the happy portion of your children, and children’s children!
Gentlemen of his Majesty’s council,
Mr. Speaker, and you members of the General Assembly, many thanks are owing to you, for your late address to his Excellency in favour of _Bethesda_. Your joint recommendation of it, when I was last here, which, though in some measure through the bigotry of some, for the present is rendered abortive, by their wanting to have it confined to a party, yet I trust the event will prove that every thing shall be over-ruled to the furtherance of the work. Here I repeat, what I have often declared, that as far as lies in my power before and after my decease, _Bethesda_ shall be always on a _broad bottom_. All denominations have freely given; all denominations, all the continent, GOD being my helper, shall receive benefit from it. May _Bethesda_’s GOD bless you all! in your private as well as public capacity; and as you are honoured to be the representatives of a now flourishing increasing people: may you be directed in all your ways! May truth, justice, religion, and piety be established amongst you through all generations!
_Lastly_, My reverend brethren, and you inhabitants of the colony, accept unfeigned thanks for the honour done me, in letting us see you at _Bethesda_ this day. You, Sir, for the sermon preached here last year. Tell it in _Germany_, tell my great, good friend, Professor _Franck_, that _Bethesda_’s GOD, is a GOD whose mercy endureth for ever. O let us have your earnest prayers! encourage your people not to “despise the day of small things.” What hath GOD wrought? From its infancy, this colony hath been blessed with many faithful gospel ministers: O that this may be a nursery to many more! This hath been the case of the _New England_ College for almost a century, and why not the Orphan-house Academy at _Georgia_?