Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., late of Pembroke-College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon (1771 Volume 2).djvu/96

 LETTER DLXXXII.

To a generous Benefactor unknown.

Charles-Town, March, 15, 1747.

WHOEVER you are that delight to imitate the divine beneficence in doing good to your fellow-creatures when they know not of it, I think it my duty, in behalf of the poor orphans committed to my care, to send you a letter of thanks for your kind, generous and opportune benefaction.—That who has opened your heart to give so bountifully, will as bountifully reward you.—I trust you have contributed towards the promoting an institution, which has, and I believe will redound much to the Redeemer's glory.—Blessed be, I hope I can say, that Bethesda was never in better order than it is now, in all probability taking root downwards, and bearing fruit upwards.—Since my arrival there this winter, I have opened a Latin school, and have several children of promising abilities that have begun to learn.—One little orphan, who this time twelvemonth could not read his letters, has made a considerable proficiency in his Accidence.—The blessed Spirit has been striving with several of the children's infant hearts, and I hope ere long to see some ministers sent forth from that despised place called Georgia. It is true, the constitution of that colony is very bad, and it is impossible for the inhabitants to subsist themselves without the use of slaves. But has put it into the hearts of my South-Carolina friends, to contribute liberally towards purchasing a plantation and slaves in this province; which I purpose to devote to the support of Bethesda.—Blessed be, the purchase is made.—I last week bought, at a very cheap rate, a plantation of six hundred and forty acres of excellent land, with a good house, barn, and out-houses, and sixty acres of ground ready cleared, fenced and fit for rice, corn, and every thing that will be necessary for provisions. One negroe has been given me.—Some more I purpose to purchase this week.—An overseer is put upon the plantation, and I trust a sufficient quantity of provision will be raised this year.—The family at Bethesda consists of twenty-six.—When my arrears are discharged; I purpose to increase the number.—I hope that time will