Benjamin Hartley, Northampton, to John Robinson (and the PBF), Stationer, Shad Thames, Southwark, 21 March 1770.

To the Rev.d Gentlemen Managers of the particular Baptist Fund London

Gentlemen

  I doubt not my Father is able and I believe very willing to find what wearing Apparel I should want; but should any thing further of much Consequence be required I very much fear it could not be comply’d with

  What Learning I am Master of has been acquired chiefly by my own application without the help of a Master. 

  I never went to any Grammar School; but apply’d myself to learning English in my vacant Hours till I thought I understood pretty well its grammatical Construction—Then I attempted the Hebrew and pursu’d it till I was able to strip off the Serviles, and by the help of Pike’s Lex.  translated several Passages in the Hebrew Bible to my great satisfaction

  Since I came here I have also attempted learning Latin and French, and I think I can translate most part of the New Testament in these Languages.  As to the Greek I know very little more than the Letters except a little of the first Chap. of John, and I suppose I know more of Arithmetic, Geometry &c. than any of the Languages except my own

  A painful Consciousness of mine Ignorance would make me take any lawful expedient Means of improving myself, tho’ not with the same selfish views I once studied the Mathematics and Philosophy; but to benefit Mankind.

  So should you Gentlemen see fit to favour me with your Bounty & direction I trust I shall never count my Time Talents and Privileges mine own; but hear [sic] fully resign myself as a debt to your Goodness to be entirely at your disposal

I am

Rev.d Gentlemen

Your humble Servant

Ben.n Hartley

Northampton

March 21.  1770

On the back page is written in J. C. Ryland’s hand the following P.S.--

P.S.  M.r Sandys’s Letter with mine will come by a private Hand on Saturday Night so as for you to have them on Lords Day by M.r Button   I will get M.r Deacon to sign your Receipt and bring it or send it before June.—I have drawn for his Money to W.m Cooper payable in 7 Days—dated March 21.—which you will please to honour.   Your Letter I had on Lords Day Night, and will answer the Contents

  Address: To | Mr John Robinson Stationer | Shad Thames | Southwark

  Text: MS. II.a.10.(38), Congregational Library, London.