318 PAPERS RELATING TO

tunity so to turn the course of Endeavours into another Channel as to defeat the design of spreading the Gospel among the Heathen, to prevent which, and encourage Unanimity, and Zeal in prosecuting the design, we look upon it our Duty as Christians, and especially as Ministers of the Gospel to give our Testimony, that as we verily believe, a disinterested Regard to the Advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom, and the Good of his Majesty's Dominions in America were the governing Motives which at first induced the Revd Mt Wheelock to enter upon the great affair, and to risk his own private Interest as he has done since in carrying it on, so we esteem his Plan to be good, his Measures prudently and well concerted, his Endowments peculiar, his Zeal fervent, his Endeavours indefatigable for the accomplishing this design, and we know no Man likeminded who will naturally care for the State. May God prolong his Life, and make him extensively useful in the Kingdom of Christ. We have also some of us at his desire examined his Accompts, and find that beside giving in all his own Labour and trouble in the Affair, he has charged for the Support, Schooling &ca of the Youth at the lowest rate it could be done for, as the price of things have been, and still is amongst us, and we apprehend the generous Donations already made, have been, and we are confident will be laid out in the most prudent manner, and with the best advice for the furthering of the important Design, and we pray God abundantly to reward the liberality of any upon this occasion, and we hope the Generosity, especially of Persons of distinction and Note will be a happy lead and inducement to still greater liberalities, and in Consequence thereof, the wide extended Wilderness of America will blossom as the Rose, habitations of Cruelty become dwelling places of Righteousness, and the blessings of Thousands ready to perish come upon all those, whose Love to Christ and Charity to them has been shown upon this Occasion which is the hearty Prayer of Sir Your most sincere Friends and humble Servants Ebenezer Rossiter, Pastor of the first Chh in Stonington Joseph Fish, Pastor of the Second Chh in Stonington