Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/242

moving that way; I have enjoyed much of the divine presence since I left Boston, and have had a comfortable Christmas with my dear family at Georgia. At my return, I found my Orphan-houshold removed from Savannah to Bethesda, and great improvements made during the time of my absence. The great house will be finished, God willing, so as to be habitable, in about two months. It would have been finished so far by this time, if the Spaniards had not taken a schooner loaded with bricks and other provisions to a considerable value; but God about the same time stirred up the heart of a planter in South-Carolina, lately brought home at the orphan-house to God, to send my family some rice and beef. At other times, when they have wanted food, the Indians have brought plenty of venison. God, every day, more and more convinces us that this work is of him. His power has been made known, especially among the young ones. I bless God, I have settled my family to my great satisfaction, and verily believe I shall live to see great things come from the Orphan-house. God works upon the hearts of the labourers. One woman hath had a glorious discovery of Christ made to her heart: last week, two or three men where brought into heart-distress, and another young man that came to see us, was made so sick of sin, as to feel the want of, and to enquire after the great and all-powerful physician of souls. My family, I think, consists now of 89 persons. Next year my expences will be contracted much; but at present, I am in debt about 500l. sterling. However, I know in whom I have believed, One who is able to pay it. My public accounts will be published as soon as I arrive at London, with a prospect of the Orphan-house, and other little houses and gardens annexed unto it. I am now at the house of one Mr. Jonathan B——, who, I trust, with his brother Mr. H—— B——, and another young man, lately a player in New-York, are settled by a living faith in Jesus Christ. The latter, I intend for the ministry. Mr. H—— B——'s wife died not long since, rejoicing in God her Saviour. Several others also in these parts are grown in grace, and Mr. C——'s ministry hath been much blessed.—Satan hath been sowing tares in old England. Oh that Boston ministers and