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/411

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their own country, and it is a trade not to be approved of, yet as it will be carried on whether we will or not; I should think myself highly favoured if I could purchase a good number of them, in order to make their lives comfortable, and lay a foundation for breeding up their posterity in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You know, dear sir, that I had no hand in bringing them into Georgia; though my judgment was for it, and so much money was yearly spent to no purpose, and I was strongly importuned thereto, yet I would not have a negro upon my plantation, till the use of them was publicly allowed in the colony. Now this is done, dear Sir, let us reason no more about it, but diligently improve the present opportunity for their instruction. The trustees favour it, and we may never have a like prospect. It rejoiced my soul, to hear that one of my poor negroes in Carolina was made a brother in Christ. How know we but we may have many such instances in Georgia ere it be long? By mixing with your people, I trust many of them will be brought to Jesus, and this consideration, as to us, swallows up all temporal inconveniencies whatsoever. Thus, my dear Sir, I have opened my mind to you on this head; if it satisfies you, I shall be glad; though I suppose what holy Mr. Z——n has already written, has been sufficient. His heart seems touched with a sympathy for these poor creatures, and in the fall, God willing, I intend seeing what can be done towards laying a foundation. Lord prosper this work of our hands upon us, prosper thou, O God, our handy work! I am now entering upon my spring campaign, and long for the time to embark for Georgia. This I believe will shortly come. Blessed be God, the work on this side increases daily. You will help me with your prayers, and you will remember me in the kindest manner to your collegue, your wife and dear congregation, and believe me to be, reverend Sir,

Your most unworthy, but affectionate brother and
fellowlabourer in the kingdom of our Lord,
G. W.