David Fowler, confession, 1764 November 20

Author Fowler, David

Date20 November, 1764

ms number764620

abstractFowler confesses to leaving school without permission.

handwritingHandwriting is Wheelock's; it is informal yet largely clear and legible.

paperSingle sheet is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.

inkBlack-brown.

signatureAlthough the confession is not in Fowler's hand, it appears to be signed by Fowler.

Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.

Persistent Identifier
I David Fowler acknowledge, that while Mr. Wheelock was abroad on a Journey, I being in a bad State of Health and not able to pursue My Studies, and understanding that my aged Father was much in Debt and reduced to great difficulty thereby which moved My compassion towards him, and made me earnestly desire to contribute to his Relief which I supposed I was able to do though My indisposition was such as would not allow me to prosecute my Studies. I went away with out Mr. Wheelocks Leave, and continued absent 'til yesterday In doing which I acknowledge I acted Disorderly, and gave a bad Example to others which if they should follow must Terminate in the disgrace and ruin of this School, and restrain charitably disposed persons from further expressions of their Charity towards it, or Endeavours to promote it.
I did not doubt but my reasons were such as Mr. Wheelock would have thought Sufficient if I had Submitted them to his judgement and Determination. and I acknowledge that in my neglecting to do it as I did I have treated Mr. Wheelock unworthily. I ask his forgiveness and also forgiveness of Mr. Lathrop my schoolmaster. and pray I may be continued a Member of this School, and promise by divine grace I will walk orderly, and show proper respect to the Authority of the School for Time to come. And I earnestly desire that my late conduct may not encourage Others to do the like. and I do now declare it is my Settled Determination to keep the great End of My being Continued in School in view viz. the Spreading the Gospel among the Pagans, and to be governed in that Affair by Such Christian Rules and by Orders of Such as Providence Shall provide, agreeable to the Word of God.
as witness My Hand. David Fowler
Dated. November 20. 1764
David Fowlers Confession November 20. 1764.
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