Sir, I take the liberty of addressing you as the Secretary of a society, having for its object, a work of the greatest importance of any, that (in my mind) now engage the attention of the sons of men. That of evangelizing the heathen— And have to request that this letter may be laid before your committee soon as convenient. I am one of the poor fallen sons of Adam, to whom the Lord by his free, sovereign Grace, hath been pleased, undeserving as I am, to give that faith which worketh by love and purifies the heart, teaching men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live honestly and soberly in this present world. He hath in tender mercy plucked me as a brand out of the fire, and translated me from the power of satan, into the Kingdom of his dear Son. He hath given me sweet assurance of everlasting life through the blood and righteousness of His adorable and coequal Son Jesus Christ whom I believe loved me with an everlasting love, and gave himself for me. This great satisfaction, as far as a poor worm is permitted to judge of himself, hath excited in me, love, zeal, gratitude, hope, joy, peace and trust. Impelled by these motives alone, after much deliberation and wrestling in prayer, with a very present, prayer hearing, and prayer answering God; I have come to the resolution of tendering my services, as a Soldier of [f] Jesus Christ; to go forth armed with the Sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, and the breastplate of righteousness, to attack the strong holds of the prince of darkness in the hearts of the poor benighted heathen. I am turned 40 years of age,— single— my employment has been chiefly as Clerk in London. I have however served as Captains Clerk for some time on board an English Man of War. Annexed you have a copy of Captain Legges (now Admiral) certificate of my conduct while I was in that Service. I also subjoin the firm of the house I served 8 years— immediately previous to my going to sea: as well as that of the house I last lived in in town— I was born into and brought up at, Barnsley in Yorkshire— I take the liberty of mentioning those particulars in order that enquiry may be made, if you think proper— If you are in want of labourers to go forth into the Missionary harvest field, and from what I have written, you may wish an interview— a few words by the twopenny post will command one— And if your Committee approve of and ‘send me”, I will put my life in my hand, and go wheresoever, or in whatsoever capacity their wisdom may direct.— If I might be permitted to choose in any thing, it would be to go in company with, and under the control of one, superior to myself in experience, wisdom and learning, for no doubt many will enrol themselves to go on that glorious errand, who have received many advantages in point of education &c which I have not, but I am willing and anxious to learn, and to do anything within the compass of my ability, with the good hand of God upon me, to lengthen the cords, and strengthen [f] the stakes of Zion— May the God of all Grace give each one of you health, and long life, to see the blessed cause prosper over which he hath set you overseers— I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant Francis Hall No 2 Wentworth place City Road May 23d 1814 Smith Husband & Co Newgate Sth. I served 8 years previous to going to Sea. Copy These are to certify that Mr F. Hall served as Captains Clerk on board His Majesty’s Ship under my command from the 17th Feby. 1799 to the date hereof during which time he behaved with diligence sobriety and obedience to command and much to my satisfaction— Given under my Hand on board H.M.S. Cambrian in Plym Sound 6 Oct 1801 A K Legge Captain The last situation I had in Town was with Spode & Copeland No 5 Portugal St Lincoln Inn Fields