The Documentary history of the state of New-York; arranged under direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, secretary of State. By E. B. O'Callaghan ...

480 PAPERS RELATING TO
REVD WM. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Sir,
To obviate some peculiar Disadvantages, under which I
labour in my present Situation, I made personal Application to
You lately for the Mission at Johnstown;-not but that I had
turned my views that Way a considerable Time past,-only I
was prevented by some Circumstances, which till then had not
determined me. HIowever, that there is now a Prospect of
having shortly a Gentleman qualified, -from Representation, to
supply that Place, gives me much Satisfaction; And I make no
Doubt, from the Character given of him, that his Abilities and
good sense will enable him to perform his ministerial Duty, in
such a Manner, as to prove beneficial to all the good People whom
he purposes serving.
I return you sincere Thanks for your kind Wishes, and Expressions of Consolation. But the very Thing which enables
me to continue in this Mission, is the Grievance I complain of:
For my constant Attendance on the School, prevents me from
paying that Attention to my Congregation which I cou'd really
wish, and from my being obliged to write two Discourses every
Week I am confined from taking that Recreation which I find
my Health requires.
Indeed, when I offered myself for that Mission, it was not
from a Presumption that I shou'd have perfectly answered the
Description given, but truly from higher Motives, which I trust
in God, will always influence me to do my Duty with that continual steady care, that my Station requires. Avoiding, at the
same time, the Levities which my Age might incline me to
indulge, and the Gloominess that' frequently attends our Cloth.
As therefore it may be impossible to gratify my Wishes, I can
only say, that I shall always be happy in testifying my Gratitude
to you, & shew it by my Willingness to officiate there occasionally,'till a Missionary is settled.
Believe me I am in Sincerity,
Schenectady. 23d Sir, your affectionate
July. 1772. and very obedient Servant,
The Honbie Sir William Johnson Bart. WM. ANDREWS.