_To Mr. H―――― in Edinburgh._
_Melvill, October 5, 1741._ _Dear Mr. H――――_,
I Received your kind letter with the bill, and also that signed by you, and my other friends at _Edinburgh_. I take all they say in good part, but think some of their reasonings a little too worldly. The calumnies of evil men are not to be regarded. I value them not in the least. My largest donations have been from the rich and substantial. The mites which the lower sort of people have given, I am persuaded will not prevent their paying their debts, or impoverish their families. Mr. _W――――_, in a letter to Mr. _S――――_, wishes there may be a private contribution for myself; but I know nothing of, and will not admit of any such thing. I make no purse; what I have, I give away.――Freely I have received, freely I desire to give. “Poor, yet making many rich,” shall be my motto still. My great and professed design, is to bring poor sinners to JESUS CHRIST: but as my orphan family abroad is now large, and daily to be provided for, without the least visible fund, and I believe much glory will redound to GOD from that house; I think it my duty to speak to those, who I believe, for CHRIST’s sake, are willing to help them. I would have no one afraid of doing too much good, or think, that a little given in charity will impoverish the country.――May GOD reward you, and all others that have assisted me for his dear Son’s sake! My poor prayers will always attend my _Scotch_ friends. When I shall go to _England_, I know not, but I hope GOD will direct me. I must have done. Dear Sir, may the LORD be with you, and be your ease in pain. My kindest respects attend your kind wife, and all my dear friends. I thank you and them for their advice, and desire to subscribe myself, with much affection, dear Sir,
Your obliged, and affectionate friend and servant,