The total Amount of all my Disbursements in this whole Affair, for near Eight Years, that is, since December 18. 1754, to November 27. 1762, charged in the Manner, and after the Rate before-mentioned, is, (Errors excepted) £. 566 2s. 5d. Sterling.—And the total Amount of all the Donations before-mentioned, together with smaller ones, which I suppose needless to mention particularly, received within the said Term, is, (Errors excepted) £. 509 2s. 5d. Sterling.
And as this School was set up when there was no Scheme devised, or Plan laid, which this could be in Opposition to; so it is not continued in Opposition to any other Measures which are proposed or pursued by others.
And, blessed be GOD that he has put it into the Hearts of a Number of Gentlemen of Ability in and near Boston, to contribute so liberally towards the Furtherance of the general Design. And is it not a Pity that Christians of all Denominations should not unite their utmost Endeavours for the Accomplishment of it; and especially now while the Door is so widely opened for it? And what a Pity is it that any Time should be lost? And how exceeding mean, and infinitely beneath those noble Sentiments, and that generous Love to the Souls of Men, and to our King and Country, which true Religion inspires, will it be to fall into Parties; and on Account of differing Opinions reflecting the most probable Methods for accomplishing the End, to obstruct and hinder one another therein? There is enough for all to do; and the Affair is of so great Importance, that it calls for the Trial of every Method that has the least Probability of Success; and different Methods may greatly subserve and assist one another.
We can none of us boast such Perfection of Understanding and Skill in the Affair as to set up safely for Infallibility. Many Attempts have been made by wise and good Men; and the Issue has taught them their Want of that Knowledge which is got by Experience; and that their pious Labour and Expence had been in a great Measure lost for want of it.
And I would take this Opportunity to express my Gratitude for those generous Benefactions whereby this Infant Institution has been hitherto supported; and I hope through the Blessing of GOD upon our our Endeavours, those pious Benefactors will have Occasion for the most easy and comfortable Reflections, as having made an Offering acceptable to GOD, and bestowed it well for the Advancement of the Kingdom, and Glory of the great Redeemer: And that the Blessing of many of our American Heathens, who shall in the present and succeeding Generations, reap the Benefit thereof, may come upon them: And that others understanding that this School stills lives, under GOD, upon the Charity of good Men, will be moved to open their Hands to minister further, and necessary Supplies for it.
Hebron, December 31. 1762.
To the Printers.
We having been informed that the Rev'd Eleazar Wheelock of Lebanon has lately prepared and sent to your Press, A Narrative of the Indian Charity School under his Care; and being willing to contribute to the Furtherance of that truly noble and charitable Undertaking, which, though new and untried before he entered upon it, appears to us to have the greatest Probability of Success, and to afford the most encouraging Prospect of spreading the Gospel far and wide among our American Pagans, of any Method that has yet been attempted: And we can't but hope that a recommendatory Letter, which was some Time since sent to a private Friend, signed by a Number of neighbouring Ministers, may serve to satisfy the World, That the charitable Design which that Gentleman is pursuing, is, in the Judgment of his Neighbours, who are well acquainted with him, and with the Affair of his School, neither selfish, nor enthusiastic; nor the Plan proposed so expensive, as may be any reasonable Objection against making a thorough Trial thereof: And we having consulted several of the Subscribers who join with us (as we believe all wou'd do if they had Opportunity for it) in desiring that said Letter might be published at the End of said Narrative; that so far as the Credit and Reputation of the Clergy in this Neighbourhood will influence thereto, all Prejudices may be removed from the Minds of Christians of every Denomination, and all be excited to unite their Endeavours according to their Ability to encourage and promote so noble and important an Undertaking: Wherefore please to give said Letter (a Copy whereof you will receive with this) a Place at the Close of said Narrative, and you will oblige