He had imbibed an opinion that it was his duty to disseminate the truths of the gospel among the unbelieving nations.
He was terrified at first by the perils and hardships to which the life of a missionary is exposed.

This cowardice made him diligent in the invention of objections and excuses; but he found it impossible wholly to shake off the belief that such was the injunction of his duty.
The belief, after every new conflict with his passions, acquired new strength; and, at length, he formed a resolution of complying with what he deemed the will of heaven.
The North-American Indians naturally presented themselves as the first objects for this species of benevolence.

As soon as his servitude expired, he converted his little fortune into money, and embarked for Philadelphia.

Here his fears were revived, and a nearer survey of savage manners once more shook his resolution.

For a while he relinquished his purpose, and purchasing a farm on Schuylkill, within a few miles of the city, set himself down to the cultivation of it.