Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/56

 LETTER XL.

To Mr. H.

Dearest Sir,     Savannah, June 10, 1738.

ABOUT five weeks I have been at Savannah, where providence seems to intend continuing me for some time. has graciously visited me with a fit of sickness; but now I am lively as a young eagle. All things have happened better than expectation. America is not so horrid a place as it is represented to be. The heat of the weather, lying on the ground, &c. are mere painted lions in the way, and to a soul filled with divine love not worth mentioning. The country, mornings and evenings, is exceeding pleasant, and there are uncommon improvements made (considering the indifference of the soil) in divers places. With a little assistance the country people would do very well. As for my ministerial office, I can inform you, that (such is his goodness) sets his seal to it here, as at other places. We have an excellent christian school, and near a hundred constantly attend at evening prayers. The people receive me gladly, as yet, into their houses, and seem to be most kindly affected towards me. I have a pretty little family, and find it possible to manage a house without distraction. Provisions we do not want to feed on, though we are cut off from all occasions to pamper our bodies. Blessed be, I visit from house to house, catechise, read prayers twice and expound the two second lessons every day; read to a house-ful of people three times a week; expound the two lessons at five in the morning, read prayers and preach twice, and expound the catechism to servants, &c. at seven in the evening every Sunday. What I have most at heart, is the building an orphan-house, which I trust will be effected at my return to England. In the mean while, I am settling little schools in and about Savannah; that the rising generation may he bred up in the nurture and admonition of the. The prosper my weak endeavours for promoting his glory and his people's good. Oh, dear Mr. H. pray for me. For I do, indeed I do, pray for you and your's. Remember me to dear Mrs. H. and exhort her to perfect holiness in the fear of . Remind Mr. W, (since he will not hearken