The works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., Vol. 3 (of 6)

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.

——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.

——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.

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!

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.

——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.

——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 hominy¹ 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

GOD’s ways are in the deep; the Lord only knows what he is about to do with your dear family. Here at Mr. Bull’s and at Mr. Hugh Bryan’s they sojourn at present, and all, blessed be our gracious Jesus, in pretty good bodily health. Distress from the hands of the Spaniards (under God) seems to be coming upon poor Georgia, and perhaps upon this colony also. Our afflictions have been heavy: the Lord only enabled us to bear up under them; but I really believe we have tasted but the first fruits of our trials. Was it not for a persuasion that God can, yea, will help us, we must sink under a prospect of impending difficulties. About the 25th of last month several Spanish galleys came into Cumberland sound, a little to the South of St. Simon’s, where the General’s forces are encamped. The General himself in a deal cutter, accompanied with two boats, was attacked by them, and had a very wonderful escape. The gallies went off as though they would go to Augustine; but a day or two after returned, attended with several schooners, sloops, and ships of force to St. Simon’s. Several days they lay within sight of the General’s camp. When we heard this, we kept a day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation, to ask direction of our great shepherd what we should do. As the Spanish fleet had then made no inroad upon the General, we concluded to stand still and wait upon God. The 5th instant the Spanish fleet run into St. Simon’s Sound, up the river that leads to Frederica. The fleet, I hear, consisted of thirty-five or thirty-seven vessels; and notwithstanding the General fired upon them from his battery, and two privateers, and other vessels did the same, they passed without seeming to regard them, and landed a great number of people at Gascoign’s Bluff on St. Simon’s. The General seeing himself encompassed about with enemies, ordered several sloops, New-Yorkers, laden with provision to be sunk; his privateer sloop was burnt, and Captain Thomson and the ♦schooner made the best of their way to the North. The General is now surrounded by the Spaniards upon an island, without having one vessel of any bigness to carry him and his army off. He retreated from St. Simon’s (burnt all the hutts, houses, &c. there) to Frederica, and gave leave for the women and children, and I think all except his fighting people, to make their escape.

The 17th instant several boats full of people passed by our house, and informed us of the above, and that it was thought the General’s army would be entirely cut off, unless great assistance was immediately sent them, which it is likely could not be done soon enough. We all met together, and prayed to our dear Father, and afterward desired every one to speak their mind freely, what was necessary to be done in this emergency. We considered it would be impossible to move so many children, weak women, and babes in their arms away upon a sudden approach of the enemy; that we were so locked in, that we could not get through the Narrows with our boats but four hours in twenty-four, and unanimously agreed to move them away directly. But we had one great objection to get over, the glory of God; we thought the providence of God plainly pointed out our removal; and if the Spaniards should be permitted to take and burn all before them, we should be accessary to the death of eighty-five poor creatures, and likewise bring a reproach upon religion, through our disregard of using means for our preservation. Our friends thought things might not be so bad as reported, and concluded to stay that evening at the Orphan-house, while I should go to Savannah to ask the advice of friends, and likewise be better informed about it. Accordingly I went about nine that evening, and returned at three in the morning. The news I had confirmed from the persons who had fled from Frederica; and our friends at Savannah advised us to move. Mr. Jones offered to lend me any assistance to do it. The next morning, as delays might be dangerous, we took as many goods out of the house as the boats would conveniently carry with the people. We had none about us but Mr. K——’s and G——’s family, and two sick men in the infirmary, and in all made about eighty-five or eighty-six persons. Then we had another difficulty to grapple with: we knew not where to go. If we went to Ebenezer, we had no opportunity of providing so large a body of people with provisions, and might be in as much danger there as at Bethesda. If we went to Carolina, we considered that it was there, in all probability, the enemy wanted to be, and were destroying Georgia in order to get there with the more safety. But believing we should be better able to make our retreat to the Northward from Carolina, if necessity should oblige us, and also should be better able to supply the family with victuals, we came here last night about twelve o’clock, and were received kindly by our dear friends, who think we have done right in moving.

Mr. Barber who superintends the spiritual affairs of the family, in a letter dated near the same time writes,—“That as they were on their passage, they heard guns firing all round them, which occasioned them to think they were in the midst of their enemies.—This brought them into straits, not knowing which way to take to avoid falling into their hands.—But the Lord giving them to strengthen themselves in him, they ventured on, and got safe to the shore; where they were informed, that the guns they had heard, where in Carolina, firing to alarm the province of the danger they apprehended they were in from the Spaniards. What those guns were that they heard firing from other quarters they did not know; most probably their enemies, whom the Lord directed them to shun by taking the way they did.”

I WROTE you the 4th, 11th, and 14th instant. Doubtless the contents of my letters will give you some concern, and will be a means of hastening you over to us. I hope you will find us at our desired habitation. Hitherto the Lord seems to be on our side, and fights our battles. News is lately come from the General, that the Spaniards have moved off in great confusion; but it is not sufficiently confirmed; when it is, we purpose moving to Bethesda. In mine of the 11th instant, I informed you, according to my knowledge of the state of your family, and the colony till that time. I told you brother Grant and self were just returning to Georgia. We soon got there, and found our goods and house safe. John Goldwire, I, and a boy, staid at Bethesda while brother Grant went to Carolina, and returned with two boats. In the mean time we heard the General had engaged twice with a party of the Spaniards, and killed and taken one hundred and fifty of them, and that the enemy was so intimidated, and the General’s army so encouraged, that there was great expectations that the Spaniards would soon be drove off the island. God was pleased at this time to bring me very low by bodily illness, so that I was almost incapable of making any escape, if the enemy had been suffered to come upon us, having a hundred miles to ride through bad swamps, to my friends in Carolina. Likewise there was no one there, nor at Savannah, to give me any relief.

The 20th instant, having left three people at Bethesda, and our family wanting necessaries at Carolina, brother Grant and I returned with most of our goods. When we now left Bethesda, we were not very apprehensive of any danger of staying ourselves, or leaving the goods there; but as I was obliged to seek for some assistance, and our dear people wanted things we had there, we thought it was but a very little more trouble to load the boats. I have many times intended to write to you since I came here, but was not able conveniently till to day, but I bless God I feel myself much better in health. As far as I can learn, the General has behaved himself exceeding well, and the Lord has wonderfully ordered things for him, contrary, I believe, to his own and others expectations. His clemency to the Spanish prisoners, his confidence, prudence, and courage throughout the whole affair is so conspicuous, that his greatest enemies cannot impeach his conduct. I don’t as yet hear, that he has lost (except by accident) above three or four men. Indeed the hand of God has been evidently against the boasting enemy. Some say near fifty vessels set out at first to invade us, but in their passage, which is usually run in a week or ten days, they were fifty days, and by some means fifteen of them were separated from the rest, and did not come up to them at St. Simon’s. They first proposed to land in Carolina, and cause an insurrection among the negroes; to that end they brought a number of negroes, to head and persuade our negroes (I suppose) to revolt. But being so long on their passage, they wanted water, and were obliged to put in at St. Simon’s. In their council of war there, they said they would soon cut off the General and his few men, and did not doubt but to settle and regain King Philip’s dominions, yea, even as far as the Capes of Virginia. I should have wished you had been present when we consulted about fleeing for our lives; it would have been great satisfaction to us all; but I am of opinion, you would not have staid with the great troop of little ones, under the apprehension of so much danger. I have met with none but what have approved of what we did.

I HOPE ere this reaches you, you have received mine of the 4th, 11th, 14th, and 27th of July last, and that you see your way clear to come to us. Blessed be God we have reason to conclude the Spaniards have entirely left the colony, and we are now very comfortably settled again. The deliverance the Lord has wrought for us by the General, I think is the most remarkable I ever heard or read of, except some instances recorded in the Old Testament. It is so manifest, that “Surely God has fought our battles,” is in the mouth of every one, whatever may be in their hearts. I cannot now mention particulars, being much streightened for time; at Savannah the poor people are almost all sick; four have been cut off. At Frederica likewise, and at Mr. Bryan’s, and other neighbours, they are in the same condition. We have also many down. God has been chastising us with whips, but now seems to be scourging us with scorpions. O that the goodness and patience of God may lead us to repentance! We have a good crop on the ground, and have none to gather it in but the few boys. Brother Hunter has his hands full, and is chiefly at Savannah. It is but little we buy abroad.—We hunt and kill our own stock, and have potatoes and corn enough of our own. I am but poorly, as is dear brother Barber, who is singularly useful at this trying time.—What should I have done without him? I have much to say to you. Indeed I hope you are now in your passage to us. We cannot but expect you. B. Grant hurries me to conclude. Please to give my tender love to your wife, and all with you, and believe me to be

SINCE the foregoing papers were sent to the press, I have received letters from Mr. B——r and Mr. H——m, the persons who superintend the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Orphan-house, dated in October last; by which I am informed that all was well, and that the family was mercifully supplied with things convenient for them. I don’t hear that any of the family have been taken off by the late sickness; but am informed of the death of one Mrs. Dudding, (a person converted at the Orphan-house some time ago): she went with the family into Carolina, where she staid after they returned, and there died triumphantly.

God has been pleased to visit me and my fellow-labourer with dangerous sickness, but has graciously restored our health for our better being prepared to the heavenly and blessed regions, and for being in some measure, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, useful to shew our hearers the way through Christ to the Father, and their eternal happiness. Many in our congregation have been dangerously sick, and some died in peace; the rest begin to recover by degrees. Good Dr. Hunter¹ has been mighty useful and assistive to the inhabitants of Savannah in their long and dangerous sicknesses; and God has blessed his cures with very good effects; and I am in hopes some people there will begin to be sensible of the many blessings that flow from Bethesda upon them, and praise with us the Lord for his great kindness and mercy in having raised this house of mercy to many grown people’s and children’s spiritual and temporal welfare. If God should give me the pleasure of seeing you here again, and being edify’d by your conversation, I would humbly thank him for it; but if he is pleased to carry either of us from this to a better world, then we will see not only one another happily, but our glorious Redeemer also face to face for ever, to his infinite praise and our eternal happiness, at which my brother Gronau, myself, our families, and several of our congregation aim by all means and strength, which God gives us from the merits of his beloved son, our dear Saviour. To his infinite mercy and gracious conduct I commit you, and me with our people, Orphan-house, my fellow-labourer Mr. Gronau, and our families, who all salute you very heartily, to the continuance of your favour and kind remembrance before God and men, remaining sincerely,