_To Mr. F――――._
_Plymouth, Feb. 26, 1750._
_My dear Mr. F――――_,
EVER since I received your last kind letter, I have been endeavouring
to redeem some time to answer it, but till now have not had opportunity.
Indeed even now a multiplicity of business obliges me to be much more
brief than otherwise I should. However, I cannot help informing you,
that I am glad that the gentlemen of _Philadelphia_ are exerting their
efforts to erect an academy. I have often thought such an institution
was wanted exceedingly; and if well-conducted, am persuaded it will be
of public service. Your plan I have read over, and do not wonder at its
meeting with general approbation. It is certainly well calculated to
promote polite literature; but I think there wants _aliquid Christi_
in it, to make it so useful as I would desire it might be. It is true,
you say, “The youth are to be taught some public religion, and the
excellency of the christian religion in particular:” but methinks
this is mentioned too late, and too soon passed over. As we are all
creatures of a day; as our whole life is but one small point between
two eternities, it is reasonable to suppose, that the grand end of
every christian institution for forming tender minds, should be to
convince them of their natural depravity, of the means of recovering
out of it, and of the necessity of preparing for the enjoyment of the
supreme Being in a future state. These are the grand points in which
christianity centers. Arts and sciences may be built on this, and serve
to embellish and set off this superstructure, but without this, I
think there cannot be any good foundation. Whether the little _Dutch_
book I have sent over, will be of any service in directing to such a
foundation, or how to build upon it, I cannot tell. Upon mentioning
your desire to the King’s _German_ chaplain, a worthy man of GOD; he
sent it to me, and thought, if translated, it might be of service.
Glad should I be of contributing, though it was but the least mite,
in promoting so laudable an undertaking; but the gentlemen concerned
are every way so superior to me, both in respect to knowledge of books
and men, that any thing I could offer, I fear, would be of very little
service. I think the main thing will be, to get proper masters that are
acquainted with the world, with themselves, and with GOD, and who will
consequently naturally care for the welfare of the youth that shall
be committed to their care. I think also in such an institution,
there should be a well-approved christian Orator, who should not be
content with giving a public lecture in general upon oratory, but who
should visit and take pains with every class, and teach them early
how to speak, and read, and pronounce well. An hour or two in a day, I
think, ought to be set apart for this. It would serve as an agreeable
amusement, and would be of great service, whether the youth be intended
for the pulpit, the bar, or any other profession whatsoever. I wish
also, that the youth were to board in the academy, and by that means be
always under the master’s eye. And if a fund could be raised, for the
free education of the poorer sort, who should appear to have promising
abilities, I think it would greatly answer the design proposed. It hath
been often found, that some of our brightest men in church and state,
have arisen from such an obscure condition. When I heard of the academy,
I told Mr. _B――――_, that the new building, I thought, would admirably
suit such a proposal; and I then determined in my next to mention
some terms that might be offered to the consideration of the Trustees.
But I find since, that you have done this already, and that matters
are adjusted agreeable to the minds of the majority. I hope your
agreement meets with the approbation of the inhabitants, and that it
will be serviceable to the cause of vital piety and good education.
If these ends are answered, a free-school erected, the debts paid,
and a place preserved for public preaching, I do not see what
reason there is for any one to complain. But all this depends on the
integrity, disinterestedness, and piety of the gentlemen concerned.――An
institution, founded on such a basis, GOD will bless and succeed; but
without these, the most promising schemes will prove abortive, and the
most flourishing structures, in the end, turn out mere _Babels_. I wish
you and the gentlemen concerned much prosperity; and pray the LORD of
all lords to direct you to the best means to promote the best end; I
mean, the glory of GOD, and the welfare of your fellow-creatures. Be
pleased to remember me to them and all friends as they come in your way,
and believe me, dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._