He was educated at first under the hand of his father and Pastor Foskett. But he was then sent to London for further education because it was clear he was a very gifted young man. So in 1753, just 15, he entered Mile End Academy in London. He attended Little Wild Street Church, and sat under the ministry of Samuel Stennett. On Nov 29, 1753, aged 16 he was baptized “on profession of faith with repentance” and then “submitted to the ordinance of laying on of hands” and was received into full communion, or as we would say, membership.