From Benjamin Seward in Badsey to William Seward. Since writing his last letter, Benjamin can 'acquaint you that our sweet dear friend and [brother] Mr Charles Graves continues with us. O that I could be meek and lowly in heart as he seems to be amidst my religious exhortations and reproofs, but God who is able out of stones to raise up children to Abraham can, and I trust will teach me in time to follow the blessed steps of our dear Redeemer in a more circumspect manner, but it grieves my soul to hear any scripture truths questioned and I fear I am often transported into zeal, that is not according to knowledge'.
They held a society meeting last night. Benjamin hopes that with the attendance of people from Evesham, Honybourn, Beetforten etc that an effectual door is opening in these parts and that 'God will enable me in time to be an instrument of establishing some societies to the edification of these few happy souls who are already of the household of faith, and to the bringing in of the poor benighted souls that are wondering to and fro for want of true spiritual pastures...' Spiritual matters are further discussed in detail, with particular regard to Benjamin’s own state.
May the Lord bless William in his undertakings and 'guide you through the dangers of the deep waters, may you so pass through the waves of the troublesome world that you fail not finally to reach the land of promise. May Georgia (if God think fit to land you there) be a land of Canaan to you flowing with milk and honey and a significant type to you of the new Jerusalem. May I in your absence be found a faithful steward always considering myself as an unworthy steward of every talent both of grace, time, riches etc...' [William Seward accompanied Whitefield on his visit to Georgia in August 1739.]
Bemjamin’s love should be passed to brother Edward [Seward?] – may the Lord deliver him from his disorder and renew a right spirit within him. William may charge Benjamin with the balance of his account 'having about £160 of his, and leave my bonds at [space] with about £100 in cash and let me have your account.' Today Benjamin paid nine shillings for the schooling of cousin Betty Hills – she has been here some time and 'tis very low with her having had, she said, no drink in her house these three years. Hope she is well disposed to make use of her affliction to the right end.'
William should pay Mr [James] Hutton and ask him to send Benjamin half a dozen books entitled The Gospel New Creature and Tempestuous Soul Calmed by Jesus Christ Gospel Redemption by John Flavell – both of these are excellent pieces. Hutton should also send fifty copies of the new edition of the journal [of George Whitefield] with the other works of Whitefield when published.
Mother asks that William send her one quarter pound of the best opium.
In a postscript, Benjamin says that he will give William’s kind present to Mrs Kinsman when he sees her. William should put Benjamin’s name down for a donation of £100 for the schools 'I design God will erect if I live to go to Bengeworth'.