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propose ^v^it^ng to the Marquis of Wellesley, to offer 

 myself as a student at the academy he has instituted at 

 Fort William, in Bengal, and at the proper age to take 

 orders there. The missionaries at that place have done 

 wonders already, and I should, I hope, be a valuable 

 labourer in the vineyard. If the IMarquis take no notice 

 of my application, or do not accede to my proposal, I 

 shall place myself in some other way of making a meet 

 preparation for the holy office, either in the Calvin istic 

 Academy, or in one of the Scottish Universities, where I 

 shall be able to live at scarcely any expense. 

 * * * * 



TO MR R. A . 



Nottingham, 18th April 1804. 

 My dear Robert, 



I have ju-t received your letter. Most fervently do 

 I return thanks to God for this providential opening ; 

 it has breathed new animation into me, and my breast 

 expands with the prospect of becoming the minister of 

 Christ where I most desired it ; but where I almost feared 

 all probability of success was nearly at an end. Indeed, I 

 had begun to turn my thoughts to the dissenters, as people 

 of whom I was destined, not by choice, but necessity, to 

 become the pastor. Still, although I knew I should be 

 happy anywhere, so that I were a profitable labourer in 

 the vineyard, I did, by no means, feel that calm, that 

 indescribable satisfaction which I do, when I look toward 

 that church, which I think in the main, formed on the 

 apostolic model, and from which I am decidedly of opinion 

 there is no positive ground for dissent. I return thanks 

 to God for keeping me so long in suspense, for I know it 

 has been beneficial to my soul, and I feel a considerable 

 trust that the way is now about to be made clear, and 

 that my doubts and fears on this head will, in due time, 

 be removed. 



Could I be admitted at St John's, I conclude, from 

 what I have heard, that my provision would be adequate; 



