Chapter CDXCIX: Preface (1)

BEING now about to embark for _Georgia_, I am willing, before I go, to give the world a short account of the Orphan-House erected there. I have, therefore, in the following sheets, reprinted a continuation of an account published when I was last at _Edinburgh_; to which I have subjoined some letters received since; and also an account of money received and disbursed since the publication of that account: and in order to give the reader a view of this design from its beginning, I have affixed my preface to the account I first published about two years ago. I commend it to GOD. May he give it his blessing!

_G. W._

_London, January 14, 1743._

_Bethesda, December 23, 1741._

THE following sheets, to the best of my knowledge, contain a faithful account of what money I have received, as also how I have disbursed it, for the use of the Orphan-House in _Georgia_.

I think, with a full assurance of faith I may affirm, the LORD put it into my heart to build that house. It has prospered beyond expectation. It has already, and I hope will more and more answer its name, _Bethesda_, and be a House of Mercy to the souls and bodies of many people, both old and young.

When I left _England_, I proposed to take in only twenty children; but when I arrived at _Georgia_, I found so many objects of charity, besides the orphans, among poor people’s children, that I resolved in this, as well as in all other respects, to imitate Professor _Franck_, and make a provision for _their_ maintenance also.

Two of the orphan boys were put out apprentices just before I last left _Savannah_; one to a bricklayer, the other was bound to a carpenter; a third is to be bound to the surgeon belonging to the Orphan-House; one weaves in a loom at home; two I have put to a taylor I brought over, and the rest are now fitting themselves to be useful to the commonwealth. Whoever among them appear to be sanctified, and have a good natural capacity, these, under GOD, I intend for the ministry.

None of the girls are put out as yet, but are taught such things as may make them serviceable whenever they go abroad. Two or three of them spin very well. Some of them knit, wash, clean the house, get up the linen, and are taught house-wifery. All that are capable, are taught to sew. And the little girls, as well as the boys, are employed in picking cotton. I think I have no less than three hundred and eighty-two yards of cloth already in the house, and as much yarn spun as will make near the same quantity; a thing not known before in _Georgia_.

I have now forty-nine children under my care, twenty-three _English_, ten _Scots_, four _Dutch_, five _French_, seven _Americans_. Twenty-two of these are fatherless and motherless, sixteen of them boys, and six girls. The others are some fatherless, and some without mothers; all objects of charity except three, whose friends recompense the Orphan-House for their maintenance. One of the orphans is an infant; I pay four shillings _per_ week for nursing it. Since _December_ last, we have had above eighteen more children that have been maintained occasionally, to assist their parents, but were dismissed when they were wanted at home.

The account which I find Mr. _Seward_ has given of our œconomy, has in a great measure prevented my doing it as I intended. Let it suffice to inform our benefactors, that though the children are taught to labour for the meat which perisheth, yet they are continually reminded to seek _first_ the kingdom of GOD and his righteousness, and then to depend upon GOD’s blessing on their honest endeavours, for having food and raiment added unto them. This precept of our LORD, I intend, when the house is finished, to have written over against the entrance in at the great door.

As my design in founding the Orphan-House was to build up souls for GOD, I endeavour to preach chiefly to the children’s hearts. But that they may be able to give a reason of the hope that is in them, I constantly instruct them by the Church of _England_’s Articles, which I turn into catechetical questions. I am often pleased to hear how judiciously some will answer the questions put to them. The power of GOD has been frequently visible among the children. Many of the girls seem to be tender-hearted; several of the boys have been under strong convictions. And though it sometimes seems buried, yet I cannot but think the seed of grace is sown in some of their hearts.

We are now all removed to _Bethesda_. We live in the out-houses at present; but in less than two months, the great house will be finished so as to receive the whole family.

It is now weather-boarded and shingled, and a piazza of ten feet wide built all around it: which will be wonderfully convenient in the heat of summer. One part of the house would have been entirely finished, had not the _Spaniards_ lately taken from us a schooner loaded with ten thousands bricks, and a great deal of provision, with one of our family. And therefore, I could not till very lately procure another boat to fetch brick from _Charles-Town_.

Notwithstanding this, and many other hindrances, the work has been carried on with great success and speed. There are no less than four framed houses, a large stable and cart-house, beside the great house. In that there will be sixteen commodious rooms, besides a large cellar of sixty feet long and forty wide. Near twenty acres of land are cleared round about it, and a large road is made from _Savannah_ to the Orphan-house, twelve miles in length: a thing, ever since the province has been settled, without a precedent.

None but those upon the spot can tell the expence, as well as inconvenience that attends building in _Georgia_. Most of the bricks already used, cost 40s. sterling _per_ thousand, when landed at the plantation. Common labourers, besides their provisions, have 25s. sterling a month. And, after all, ♦the produce of the land cultivated by white servants, will scarcely furnish them with ordinary food and raiment, exclusive of the expences of sickness and wages. I cannot see how it is possible for the Colony to subsist on its present footing. And in a late memorial given in to the Honourable Trustees, unknown to me, the people have declared, that if it were not for the money that has been expended on account of the Orphan-house, the poor inhabitants of the northern parts of the colony must have been obliged to move to some other place. Never did a country stand more in need of a charity-school.

♦ removed duplicate word “the”

We have often been in some difficulties, but the LORD as often hath relieved us out of them. When the schooner was lost, a person lately converted, sent us eleven barrels of rice, and five barrels of beef. And in my absence, when my family had little or no provisions, the _Indians_ brought in plenty of deer, till they were supplied with food some other way. The contributions in _Charles-Town_, _New-England_, _New-York_, and _Pensilvania_, I think have been extraordinary.

The infirmary, which has likewise been supported by this institution, has been of great service. The surgeon informs me, that if every one had been forced to pay for their nursing and medicines, it would have cost them two hundred pounds, sterling. I have now three or four sick: I keep a woman to attend them constantly.

GOD has much blessed our family with health. Only two have died out of so large a number, since my arrival; and these were two that came with me from _England_: a taylor, and one of the women: I believe they are now with GOD.

I have left behind me, as my assistants, (who have no other gratuity than food and raiment) two school-masters and their wives who are school-mistresses. One young man, who is also married to a young maiden, lately brought home to GOD, I have left at the Orphan-house, as superintendent, and chief manager of the outward things. There are also the surgeon and his wife, a shoemaker and spinstress; besides labourers and monthly hired servants: I think, in all, I have upwards of eighty. The LORD, I am persuaded, is able and willing to provide for them.

I think we have near two hundred hogs, and one hundred head of cattle. I give a man forty pounds sterling, _per annum_, to take care of them; he providing himself with provision, horses, and a servant. As yet we have had no advantage from our stock, it being a very dry season last summer; so that our cattle of all kinds have scarcely food to eat. But in a year or two, we hope, by the divine blessing, to have a considerable quantity of fresh provisions for our family.

As for manuring more land than the hired servants and great boys can manage, it is impracticable without a few negroes. It will in no wise answer the expence.

I am now upwards of eight hundred pounds in debt, on the Orphan-house account. Some particular friends have been pleased to assist me. I doubt not but our LORD will enable me to pay them, and also raise up fresh supplies for the maintenance of my large family.

I much rejoice in the institution: it has been very beneficial, not only to the bodies, but also to the souls of the labourers. One woman received CHRIST very lately at _Bethesda_: and I have great reason to believe, that three or four strangers, who came to see us, have been effectually brought home to GOD.

Great calumnies have been spread abroad concerning our management of the children: people shoot out their bitter arrows in _America_, as well as in _England_. One poor man was filled with such resentment, at the reports he had heard of our cruelty to the children, that he came on purpose from _South-Carolina_, to take away his two boys, whom out of compassion, I had taken into the Orphan-House: but, when he came and saw the manner in which they were educated, he was so far from taking his children away, that he desired to come and live at the Orphan-house himself.

I speak not this by way of boasting, or to wipe off reproach; for I know, let me do what I will, I shall never please some men. I thought proper to give this short account, for the satisfaction of those who have already contributed, and of others who may be stirred up by our good GOD, to contribute hereafter towards carrying on this good design.

* * * * *

That the children may learn to be grateful, they frequently sing the following hymn for their benefactors:

I.
Father of Mercies, hear our prayers,
For those that do us good;
Whose love for us a place prepares,
And gives the orphans food.

II.
Their mites, in blessings on their heads,
A thousand fold restore;
O feed their souls with living bread,
And let their cup run o’er.

III.
Thy bounty, LORD, in CHRIST built up,
Let them for ever prove:
Stedfast in faith, joyful thro’ hope,
And rooted deep in love.

IV.
For those, who kindly this support,
A better house prepare:
And when remov’d to thy bless’d courts,
O let us meet them there.

That they may always look to the rock from whence they are hewn, they sing daily this hymn.

I.
Come let us join our GOD to bless,
And praise him evermore;
That Father of the fatherless,
That helper of the poor.

II.
Our dying parents us forsake,
His mercy takes us up,
Kindly vouchsafes his own to make,
And he becomes our hope.

III.
For us, He, in the wilderness,
A table has prepar’d;
Us, whom his love delights to bless,
His providence to guard.

IV.
Known unto him are all our wants,
And when we seek his face,
His open hand our bodies feeds,
He feeds our souls with grace.

V.
Then let us in his service spend,
What we from Him receive;
And back to Him what he shall lend,
In thanks and praises give.

That they may learn to labour truly to get their own living, they sing as follows, before they go to work,

I.
Let us go forth, ’tis GOD’s command;
Let us make haste away,
Offer to CHRIST our hearts and hands,
We work for CHRIST to-day.

II.
When he vouchsafes our hands to use,
It makes our labour sweet.
If any now to work refuse,
Let not that sluggard eat.

III.
Who would not do what GOD ordains,
And promises to bless?
Who would not ’scape the toils and pains
Of sinful idleness?

IV.
In vain to CHRIST the slothful pray;
We have not learn’d him so.
No: for he calls himself the way,
And work’d himself below.

V.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
And gladly act our part;
On earth employ our hands and head,
But fix on heaven our heart.

The following hymn was composed to be sung at the admission of a new child or children.

I.
Welcome, dear brethren, whom we love;
|Bethesda| this we call.
A house of mercy may it prove
To you, to us, to all!

II.
What tho’ our parents dear are dead,
Yet our great GOD provides.
Our bodies here are cloth’d and fed;
Our souls have christian guides.

III.
The heavenly manna, day by day,
They freely do impart;
Let us not trifle time away!
But lay it in our heart.

IV.
O let the love of CHRIST constrain!
Why should we need a rod?
Few e’er such blessed means obtain
Of leading them to GOD.

Besides these hymns, they generally sing a grace before and after meat, and are taught so to vary their exercises, that they may not be cloyed by a too frequent repetition of the same things on the one hand, and yet are kept in such a general method, that they may not learn to be desultory and fickle on the other.

GOD only knows the concern that lies upon me on account of this family, not only in respect to their bodily, but their spiritual provision. And therefore I hope all that wish well to _Zion_, will help me with prayers, as well as their alms, that it may grow up a holy temple to the LORD, and be blessed; that it may rightly be stiled _Pietas Georgiensis_, and like the _Pietas Hallensis_, or Professor _Franck_’s Orphan-House at _Glaucha_, near _Hall_, become the joy of the whole earth. Even so, LORD JESUS, _Amen_, and _Amen_.

_G. W._

A
CONTINUATION OF THE ACCOUNT OF
THE ORPHAN-HOUSE IN GEORGIA.

_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_,

――――THE spirit of the LORD seems to be moving upon the faces of many souls here; most, if not all the boys, seem to be under some concern; little as well as great boys, cry mightily to JESUS the son of _David_, to have mercy upon them. About fourteen days ago, at brother _Barber_’s request, I spoke to the children at evening prayer. My soul at that time was bowed down with a sense of my own, and especially of your poor lambs deadness to GOD; but our gracious Redeemer, who is always ready to help in time of need, was pleased to give me power to speak to their consciences. I think I could and did justly appeal to their hearts, that they wanted neither bodily or spiritual food: I told them, that they, as well as myself, could not be insensible what little care was taken of them before they came to us, and consequently how ungrateful they were not to improve such means as they now enjoyed: I beseeched them, by the mercies of GOD, that they would improve this their day of salvation, that we and our benefactors might rejoice; we in the work of our hands, they in the fruit of their bounty. An impression was made on some; I observed them the next day retire into the woods, to sing and pray together. Two nights afterwards, I spoke to them again, and as I promised, so I returned them my public thanks for their little amendment, with tears of love and joy: I felt the LORD powerfully on my own soul, and it seemed to reach the children, and put them under a visible concern. Ever since, brother _Barber_ has put the great boys into two companies, and they constantly meet together every day to sing and pray. _Saturday_, the 21st instant, the presence of the LORD came down among the children, little and great, as they were talking among themselves about eternity; and they cried so much to JESUS of _Nazareth_, to have mercy upon them, that the family soon heard them. We all went, saw, and wept over about twenty-five or thirty dear lambs, upon their knees before GOD, some pleading the promises, and others calling on JESUS. O how did my hard heart rejoice! Blessed be GOD, many of them seem to retain their convictions, and all are serious. Does not your soul leap for joy, and say, Bless the LORD, O my friends, and let us magnify his name together! Indeed, my dear brother, all the glory is due to him. Whilst I am writing, I blush, that I should mention any thing about what I was only in a little measure an instrument. Methinks I could wish to disappear, that the creature might be abased, and GOD be all in all. I have great hopes that GOD will bring some effectually to himself. The work seems to be more solid among them, and more the effect of consideration, than that of last summer. I rejoice much, that the LORD sent brother _Barber_ among us; for I have neither leisure nor ability to speak much to the children, and he seems to delight to watch over their souls: I trust the LORD will make him a blessing to us all; I think it will be our own fault if he is not. One or two of the labourers, I hope, have closed with JESUS for salvation; and one or two more are in a fair way to do so.

Mr. _Habersham_, in another Letter,
writes thus from _Charles-Town_.

_June 11, 1741._

――――SATAN rages furiously against our Orphan-House in this province: such lies and calumnies are raised against us, that our few dear friends think it necessary for me to represent the present state of the house. I have since been much in prayer, and believe GOD will direct me how to act. Some here, since you went away, have gone great lengths in asserting calumnies, even so as to offer to take oaths for the truth of them. Since I came, I went to them, to enquire what foundation they had for such reports; and it would surprise you to see their behaviour: they are ashamed to lift up their faces. Thus shall the wicked stand dumb at the bar of GOD. I think I can say, to the glory of GOD, that our family never was in a better condition. The children, the _essence of our constitution_, are well taken care of, and watched over. We all live in love. GOD has been visibly among us, especially with the children. _Bethesda_, as to its outward circumstances, is so much for the better, that you would be surprised to see it. GOD enables us to keep up much order. He likewise (blessed be his name) has given us the appearance of a plentiful crop. The garden and plantation now afford us many comfortable things, and in great plenty. Our stores are yet well stocked with flour and beef, &c. Mr. _W――――_ behaves with great integrity, and is faithful in his work. The house would be soon finished, if we could get bricks. _J. S._ is ready to do all our bricklayers work _gratis_. Brother _W――――_ is a great blessing to the family. If you come by way of _Philadelphia_, pray bring some hemp and coarse flax. He has weaved and spun a great deal for us. All the boys now lye in the great house. They have also coats, and lye in sheets of their own making: by this means they are kept sweet and clean. We have a fine growing stock of cattle; and if GOD should so order it, that we should have a plantation in _Carolina_, as I believe he will bring to pass, we shall need but little, if any, assistance from abroad. If our building were now done, our expences would be but trifling to what they have been.

Mr. _Barber_ writes me thus.

_Bethesda, September 4, 1741._

_My dearly beloved Brother_,

NOT knowing but our LORD may have business for you at the northward, and send you thither before you return to us; I have sent you a few lines, to acquaint you with the present state of your family. Many of us have been sick; but, blessed be GOD, our sickness has not been unto death. O that it may be for the glory of GOD’s name! All of us are in good health at present, except _James M――――h_, who was taken with the flux a few days ago, and _B. ♦Habersham_, who is much troubled with the worms. I wish I could say our souls were in as good health as our bodies are; but you may give thanks to the LORD, that he has made your house a house of mercy indeed to some. A few weeks ago, the LORD was pleased effectually to call _Thomas W――――b_; his conversion was very clear, and much to the satisfaction of some, especially to his good old father. Mr. _K――――y_, our taylor, and his wife, have been wrought upon, I hope savingly, since they have been here: I am not without hope that some of the children are likewise, and that the LORD in due time will convert more of them. I hope he is now shewing us that the work is wholly of him; that when the day of his power, the time, the appointed time of his love is come, we may be better prepared to give all the glory thereof to him. As to myself, I must confess that I am a poor worthless instrument, to be employed in the work of the LORD; but what shall we say, if the LORD is pleased to make use of the foolish to confound the wise? I have, blessed be GOD, had a little freedom given me lately to speak to your family; but I want to have my heart more and more enlarged towards them, and to speak to them more and more in the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power. Who knows? perhaps GOD designs you should have the honour and happiness of being the spiritual father of many more in your family. May the LORD’s will be done!

♦ “Haversham” replaced with “Habersham”

I have also some letters of a later date, which give an account of the continuance of the LORD’s presence amongst them.

As for the temporal affairs, blessed be GOD, considering the great difficulties we have laboured under, they also have succeeded far beyond expectation.

Mr. _Habersham_, in a Letter dated _March 24, 1741_,
writes thus:

AS we have got so much land cleared, I intend to try to plant it: accordingly I have four or five hands, which, with our own houshold, will be sufficient to plant twenty acres or upwards with potatoes and rice for fodder next winter, having greatly suffered this, for want of it; likewise corn and pease, and other necessaries. Our garden is in great forwardness: we are like to have a crop of _English_ pease. GOD visibly blesses us, so that people are amazed.

In a Letter, dated _September 1, 1741_, he writes thus to a
Gentleman in _New-England_: of which Letter I had a copy.

――――OUR affairs, blessed be GOD, have prospered far beyond our expectation. We have seen, and do daily see, much of GOD’s fatherly care, in providing for and protecting us; and though _we have no visible fund_, yet we doubt not, but he that has begun, will carry on and perfect his work against every opposition. We have been plentifully supplied all the summer, while many about us lacked. Our building and necessary conveniences, are now compleated. Our family now consists of eighty-four persons, men, women, and children, and nineteen more are employed about us, and five in the Infirmary: the latter have a doctor and nurse, and all other necessaries found them at the Orphan-house expence. We have fifty-eight children: thirty-two of them belong to the colony; six to _Purisburgh_, who are, I think, as great objects of charity as any in _Georgia_; and the rest belong to the neighbouring provinces, who are orphans and objects of charity, except a few who are maintained at their friends and parents charge. We have a taylor and shoemaker: likewise two weavers; each of them have got a loom, but we can employ but one, spinning here being extravagantly dear; though we hope in a short time to spin as much _within ourselves_, as will greatly assist in cloathing the family. GOD blesses our cattle; we have upwards of an hundred head, small and great, and shall be able in a year or two to kill a great quantity. Negroes not being allowed, and labour among us so expensive, we can make but little improvement in farming. This year we have planted upwards of twenty acres, and have cleared twenty acres more for to enjoy the conveniency of the air: and, blessed be GOD, though we have had a very dry season, yet we cannot complain, like many others, of a bad crop. Honoured Sir, you may now judge whether our design be drawing near a period. What I have written is a plain impartial narrative of our affairs, which our bitterest enemies will not pretend to gainsay. If any doubt it, I answer, as _Philip_ did to _Nathaniel, Come and see_.

In a Letter, dated _October 2, 1741_, he writes thus:

――――MR. _Wardrop_ and I have settled, his contract being finished: he is about some necessary jobs now, and will leave us in a few days. Messrs. _Trip_, _Anderson_, &c. are already gone: I owe them and Mr. _Wardrop_ about seventy or eighty pounds. We are very quiet, and live at an easy expence. We have had no supplies since you left us, of flesh or bread kind from abroad, except some pork from Mr. _B――――_. No _New-York_ vessels have come to this province of late. _We live entirely within ourselves_, except a few necessaries which we cannot do without, that we are obliged to purchase elsewhere. Twice a day we eat _hominy_¹ of our own raising, and at present without molasses. For dinner, we eat beef of our own stock, and pease for bread, of all which we have plenty, and shall have for three months to come. Our garden is very fruitful of greens, turneps, &c. and we expect a good crop of potatoes. In short, we have a sufficiency of wholesome food. Glory be to GOD, we daily see our heavenly Father’s hand supplying us in this wilderness-land. O that we were more thankful! I must have cash, not only to pay debts, but also to buy clothing and many other necessaries; and I believe our GOD will give it to me. He is our shepherd, therefore shall we lack nothing. I trust he has enabled us to pray in faith, nothing doubting but he will supply our every want. All here at present enjoy pretty good health. How thankful ought we to be! The LORD seems to be sending his judgments abroad upon the earth. In _Carolina_ and _Savannah_ a murrain is among the cattle, which takes off great numbers: ours as yet have escaped. Thanks be to GOD! Indeed we are obliged to kill some of them for immediate supply. But what are all outward calamities, where GOD is?

¹ _Indian_ corn boiled up thick with water.

A young Gentleman of _Boston_, having made a visit to the
Orphan-House, sent the following account of it to his father,
which many have desired may be printed, for the satisfaction
of those who have already contributed to its support.

_Bethesda, January 1, 1742._

_Honoured Sir_,

BEING sensible of the many and false accounts industriously spread abroad concerning this house in many places, especially in _New-England_, by those who are enemies to its Founder, and the cause he is engaged in, which has certainly been a great hindrance to this worthy undertaking, as it has created even in its friends some prejudices, which has hindered their contributing with that pleasure and freedom they otherwise would have done; and as I am now upon the spot, I think a few moments will not be ill spent, in giving you a particular account of its present situation, which I shall endeavour to do in the most just and impartial manner, that you may have an opportunity of serving the interest in which your heart is so much engaged.

The Orphan-House is pleasantly situated, and, with the buildings belonging to it, presents a much handsomer prospect than is given by the draught annexed to the public accounts. The great house is now almost quite finished, and nothing has hindered but the want of glass, which they daily expect from _Bristol_, and some bricks that are already at _Savannah_, and are to carry up another stack of chimnies, which would have been done before, if a vessel that was bringing brick and other stores, had not been taken by the _Spaniards_, which was a great loss. It is surprizing to see in what forwardness things are, considering what hindrances they have had, and the scarcity of labourers in this province. They have cut a fine road to _Savannah_ of twelve miles length, through a thicket of woods; and, that it might be passable, were obliged to make ten bridges and cross-ways; which was done at no little charge. They have also cleared forty acres of land, twenty of which were planted the last year, and brought them a tolerable crop: the other twenty was for the benefit of the air. They have also a large garden at the front of the house, brought into pretty good order.

The family now consists of eighty persons besides labourers, who all contradict the wicked and false accounts of their being starved and cruelly treated, by the lively and hearty countenances they shew. I have seldom seen such a goodly number of youths together. Twenty-three of them are orphans; others, that have lost one of their parents; one was born in the house; and the rest are fit objects for christian charity. There are in all thirty-nine boys, and ♦fifteen girls. The number was larger some time past: but several of the boys, that were well instructed, have been put to such trades as they inclined to; and others, who were put here for their learning, are returned to their parents, who have handsomely paid the House for their education.

♦ “fifteeen” replaced with “fifteen”

The care of this society at present is in the hands of a young gentleman from _London_, who manages the secular affairs thereof; and one from _New-England_, who has the care of souls as his particular charge. There are two school-masters, who instruct the boys in reading and writing: and those that appear serious, and of good capacities, are taught _Latin_, with a design of fitting them for the ministry, if they incline to it. Two school-mistresses, that teach the girls; a surgeon and nurse to attend the infirmary, in which many sick persons, from divers parts, have been received, and always been cured _gratis_. Here are also several tradesmen; a taylor, a joiner, a weaver, and a shoemaker. The taylor has three boys to instruct in his business. It is expected that Mr. _Whitefield_ will increase the number of craftsmen, when he returns from _England_. The œconomy observed here is as follows: The bell rings in the morning at sun-rise, to wake the family. When the children arise, they sing a short hymn, and pray by themselves: then they go down and wash; and by the time they have done that, the bell calls to public worship, when a portion of scripture is read and expounded, a psalm sung, and the exercise begun and ended with prayer. Then they breakfast, and afterwards go some to their trades, and the rest to their prayers and schools. At noon, they all dine in the same room, and have comfortable and wholesome diet provided. A hymn is sung before and after dinner: then, in about half an hour, to school again; and between whiles find time enough for recreation. A little after sun-set the bell calls to public duty again, which is performed in the same manner as in the morning. After that they sup, and are attended to bed by one of their masters, who then pray with them, as they often do privately. On the sabbath-day they all dine on cold meat provided the day before, that none may be kept from public worship, which is attended four times a day in summer, and three in the winter. The children are kept to reading between whiles. Many have reported, that the place is very unhealthy: which I believe is quite otherwise, considering it is a new settlement: a remarkable proof of which is, that not one have died out of the family, (into which many sick and almost starved children have been received, who have in a short time recovered) and but three or four out of the hospital, where many miserable objects have been taken in. I believe many, who now think the erecting an Orphan-house in that colony a mad scheme, would alter their sentiments were they here. Innumerable difficulties have certainly been overcome; but their affairs now look with a pleasant aspect. If the colony is allowed negroes, as it is thought it must and will be, they can, with about twenty negroes to manure the plantation, which contains five hundred acres of land, raise much more provision than a larger family than this can expend, having already a fine live stock, which is daily increasing; so that in a few years, it is to be hoped, they will be able to support themselves. As to the state of religion here, particularly among the children, the power of GOD has, at times, been visible among them; and many of them have been brought under conviction, which seems lasting in some of the boys, and several of the girls: but most of the grown folks appear to be truly converted; and many, who have come as visitors, have been met with by the sovereign grace of GOD, and not sent empty away: may GOD grant I may make one of that number! Upon the whole, I think the institution to be of GOD: therefore it doth and will prosper.

Since this came to my hand, I have received more letters from _Georgia_, dated in _May_ and _June_ last, which also give me an account of the continuation of GOD’s goodness to my dear family.

The Reverend Dr. _Colman_, in a letter he sent to a minister near _Glasgow_, part of which I find printed in a pamphlet entituled, _The State of Religion in New-England_, writes thus:

“Mr. _Whitefield_ visited us in the right time, and found large contributions here: I doubt not but he will faithfully apply what he collected for his Orphan-house: but I have said to him, It will appear to me a greater wonder, if his faith is answered in that foundation, than that of Monsieur _Franck_’s, at _Hall_, in _Prussia_, was: the one being in the midst of _Europe_, the other on the confines of _America_. But the order and piety of the house is admirable, and so the progress of the settlement, alone as it is in the world, by the report of all that have visited it: but how it can subsist and flourish, and answer the Founder’s end, is the enquiry here, and will be a marvel in the providence of GOD, if it do so.”

The Reader may see, by this, the Doctor’s opinion of the Orphan-house, and the testimony given concerning it by persons who have visited it, and who therefore cannot be unacquainted with its situation. They profess, “The order of the house is admirable, and so the progress of the settlement, alone as it is in the world.” How it can subsist and flourish for the future, I am not solicitous about: GOD can help us in _Georgia_, as well as he helped Professor _Franck_ in _Germany_. _The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof_. I acknowledge him to be the founder of that house: he put it into my heart to build it: it has in a great measure already answered the end of its institution, and I am persuaded will do so more and more. The greatest outward difficulties, I humbly hope, are now surmounted. The workmen are all discharged, having fulfilled their contract, and carried on the work so far as to make every part of the house habitable. Our stock of cattle is pretty considerable, and appear to be in a flourishing condition. And, when once I am clear from all arrears, the Orphan-house will be supported at a very easy expence. The last parliament resolved to support the colony of _Georgia_: they have altered the constitution in two material points; they have allowed the importation of rum, and free titles to the lands. And if they should see good hereafter to grant a limited use of negroes, it must certainly, in all outward appearance, be as flourishing a colony as _South-Carolina_. Not that we are without hopes, as Mr. _Habersham_ writes me word in his last letter, of making a tolerable shift with white servants: the _Saltzburghers_ do so already. There is a fresh body of them lately gone over, and some fresh troops to guard the frontiers of the colony. Not that I put any confidence in man, knowing that _the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong_, but Providence ruleth all things: but, at the same time, I would act with the greatest caution and circumspection, and not tempt GOD by presuming on him without a cause. His having helped me and mine so often, encourages me to trust him again. He has put it into the hearts of some dear friends to give Mr. _Habersham_ credit for cash during my absence; and his Excellency General _Oglethorpe_ has been very friendly, having lent Mr. _Habersham_ fifty pounds, and given the orphans nine barrels of flour: _the LORD return him, and their other benefactors, ten thousand fold into their bosom_!

But all this while, some will say, you give us no account of your collections in _Scotland_ and elsewhere for near this year and an half. I will now do that to the best of my power, and likewise add an account of my disbursements; I say, _my disbursements_: for, having had no particular account of what Mr. _Habersham_ has expended and borrowed since I have been from _Georgia_, I cannot possibly give an exact account of the whole; but I shall do it, GOD willing, immediately after my arrival at the Orphan-house, beginning where the former account left off. From that it appears, I was then upwards of eight hundred pounds upon arrears. Since that I have been absent near two years: and considering a family of eighty persons, or upwards, have been maintained, an infirmary kept up, the expence of further work done to the house, &c. it will not appear unreasonable that I should be still upwards of six hundred pounds on arrears; as I judge I am, from Mr. _Habersham_’s general intimations of cash he had borrowed in _America_, and what I have still to pay in _England_. But this will appear clear in the next account. In the mean while, the following accounts, I believe, will be satisfying to all the contributors¹: as for others, I do not think myself obliged to give them any account at all, any further than that I am commanded to _provide things honest in the sight of all men_. Neither do I believe, that this, or any account I can give, will satisfy captious men that are resolved to find fault: our Saviour himself could not please such. And if even good men can be so far prejudiced as to say, “The late glorious work at _Cambuslang_, is all delusion, and a work of the devil,” I do not wonder if some of his professed children speak all manner of evil of this undertaking: neither should I wonder after this, if they should affirm there was no such thing as an Orphan-house in being, though it was built but a few miles off them.

¹ The accounts of particular receipts and disbursements are
omitted, by reason of their vast length; and likewise, as
the public have already examined them, and received full
satisfaction.

As for the aspersions that have been cast upon me, as though I collected money to enrich myself, it gives me little or no concern; the apostle _Paul_ was branded as one that made a gain of people; but GOD knows the heart: at the day of judgment I will prove those persons liars. Professor _Franck_ met with unspeakably more contempt and calumny, whilst he was building the Orphan-house in _Germany_: he began very low, and left behind him an Orphan-house which contains now, if I mistake not, two or three thousand students, notwithstanding the erecting it, was attended with as many improbabilities as this in _Georgia_: he has been dead about fourteen or sixteen years. His son now succeeds him in the care of the Orphan-house: I have had the pleasure of corresponding with him. An account of this Orphan-house was printed in his life-time, and it has been very strengthening and beneficial to my soul.

If any, by reading this, shall be inclined to contribute any thing, either in money or goods, I trust GOD will give me grace to apply it faithfully.

I am not ashamed to beg for GOD on this occasion; because my going to _Georgia_, and erecting the Orphan-house, was one great means in his hand, of bringing me out to preach the everlasting gospel in so many places, and to many thousands of poor perishing souls, who I doubt not (be it spoken with all humility) will evidence my commission thereto, by being my joy and crown of rejoicing in the last day. Blessed be his holy name, he has not left himself, nor me his servant, without witnesses of this sort in _Scotland_! Many, I trust, since this time twelvemonth, have been made to _taste that the LORD is gracious_, and have in an effectual manner _felt the powers of the world to come_: such in particular, I trust, will lift up holy hands in prayer for me, and for the prosperity of the Orphan-house, that the enemies of our holy religion may never have cause to triumph over its ruins, saying, _There, there, so would we have it_. I look upon the Orphan-house as a great part of my charge; a family given me by GOD, to be supported and taken care of, for himself. Its very beginnings are not small; its latter end, I believe, will greatly increase. He that believeth, should not make haste to contemn the undertaking, or my conduct in carrying it on, seeing it has already evidently appeared to be of GOD, by the countenance and success he has given to both. And since the LORD, by his providence, has connected the care of this family with my preaching the gospel, by making it a means of first bringing me out, and ever since has been pleased to continue the care of it upon me; I think myself bound in duty, to recommend it in the strongest manner to all people amongst whom I am called to preach the kingdom of GOD. Neither do I think myself justly blameable for running so much in arrears on its account, since the LORD, in all places where he has been pleased to send me, has inclined the hearts of people to be ready to distribute, and willing to communicate on this occasion: and, I doubt not, will yet dispose the hearts of his people here and elsewhere, to be my farther assistants by their charitable contributions, seeing I am so necessarily engaged in the affair. _He that giveth to these_ poor orphans, _lendeth to the_ LORD; and look, _Whatsoever he layeth out, it shall be repaid him again_.

Those who, notwithstanding what has been said, still continue in suspense, I would entreat them at least to pray for me, that in this, and all my undertakings for the church of CHRIST, I may go on with an even, humble, resigned, chearful mind, and single eye to GOD’s glory; and then, I doubt not but they will see a happy issue of this work, and future ages have reason to bless GOD, for ever putting it into my heart to build an Orphan-house in _Georgia_.

_September 22, 1742._

Since the writing of this, I have heard of the _Spaniards_ making a descent upon _Georgia_. I cannot say the news of it damped me at all; because, I humbly hope, the LORD will not give that colony over as a prey into the enemy’s hand. The place where they landed, is about one hundred miles to the southward of the Orphan-house: and, supposing it should be taken, I do not repent the erecting it, because the ♦advantages that have flowed already from it, as appears from my accounts, have abundantly answered the pains and expence it has cost. What is due upon arrears, as it has been already laid out, and is a debt contracted for GOD, I doubt not but he will incline the hearts of his servants to help me by their contributions to discharge it. At the same time, I am not without expectations, that this very attack of the _Spaniards_ will be over-ruled for the good of the Orphan-house, and be made a means of freeing the colony from their future insults: for as _Georgia_ is a frontier colony, and stands as a barrier to all the other _English_ provinces, it is reasonable to believe, they will all unite in its defence and protection. But my trust is in the LORD; and, through the mercies of the Most High, I humbly hope this undertaking will not sink, but become more and more beneficial to _Georgia_ and the neighbouring provinces day by day. _Let all that love the_ LORD JESUS _say_, Amen!

♦ “advanvantages” replaced with “advantages”

_September 27, 1742._

Since the foregoing papers have been in the press, I have received a letter from Mr. _Habersham_, superintendant of the Orphan-house affairs, in which he writes as follows:

_Savannah, July 14, 1742._

_My dearest Brother and Friend_,

ABOUT four days ago I wrote you very fully in relation to our present state and circumstances, from Mr. _John Bryan_’s. I hope our dear family are well there. When my last comes to hand, you will find we removed there for fear of the _Spaniards_, who came in upon _Georgia_ like a flood. I hope the General will yet stand his ground, though the enemy is so numerous. I hear he destroyed and took one hundred and seventy of the enemy last _Thursday_. GOD only knows what he is about to do with us. Brother _Grant_ and I are here, to take care of our house and goods. I hope GOD will direct us in our distress. Surely you will now, if possible, come over. I believe the bearer is gone; I must have done. Farewel, Farewel. Brother _Grant_ gives his love. I must conclude by broken lines.

Yours,

_J. H._

P. S. Absolute hurry and necessity obliges me to write thus.

This letter gave me much comfort, as it brought me the welcome news that my dear family was safe. This Mr. _Bryan_ was converted at the Orphan-house, and is a wealthy planter in _South-Carolina_. I admire the providence of GOD, in raising him up to take care of the little lambs in this time of their distress. I hope ere now they are returned to their _Bethesda_ in peace.

Blessed be GOD I have not been disappointed of my hope. For since my return to _London_, I have received the following letters, which give a more particular account both of their tryal and deliverance, and for which I desire to praise our great and gracious GOD.

From Mr. _Habersham_, at Mr. _Jonathan Bryan_’s Plantation
in _South-Carolina, July 11, 1742_.

_My dearest Friend and Brother_,