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greatly deſirous and engaged, in ſome way to promote the ſpread of the goſpel among the Africans. We think there is good encouragement to be at the expence of fitting him for a miſſionary, or a ſchoolmaſter among them.
What has been given to promote this deſign is nearly expended already, a particular account of the expences, any one who pleaſes may ſee at any time. Money is now wanted ſtill to carry it on—to ſupport theſe men, till they have an opportunity to go to Guinea—to furniſh them with neceſſaries for their voyage and miſſion—to ſet up ſchools to teach the youth and children, if a way ſhall open for this ; and for any other ſervices to promote this important deſign, as God in his providence ſhall point out the way.
Since it has pleaſed God ſo far to ſucceed this deſign in his providence, and in ſuch a remarkable manner to open the way, from ſtep to ſtep, and give ſuch hopeful proſpects, and good encouragement to purſue it, we think it our duty ſtill to proſecute it, and aſk the benefactions of all who ſhall be willing to promote an undertaking, in itſelf ſo benevolent ; and which, though ſmall in its beginning, may hopefully iſſue in ſomething very great, and open the way to the happineſs and ſalvation of multitudes ; yea, of many nations, who are now in the moſt miſerable ſtate, ready to periſh in the darkneſs of heatheniſm.
We beg leave alſo to observe, that the preſent ſtate of our publick affairs, is ſo far from being a reaſon for neglecting this propoſal, that it ſeems rather to afford ſtrong motives to encourage it : For while we are ſtruggling for our civil and religious liberties, it will be peculiarly becoming and laudable to exert ourſelves to procure the ſame bleſſings for others, ſo far as it is in our power. And when God is ſo remarkably interpoſing, and ordering ſuch a ſeries of events in our favor, in this time of general diſtreſs, is there not a ſpecial call to pay this tribute to him, according as he has proſpered us, as one likely method to obtain the continuance of his favor and protection ?
Newport, April 10, 1776
Ezra Stiles,
Samuel Hopkins.
