John Winthrop penned these lines in 1612 at the age of twenty-four:

I desire to make it one of my chief petitions to have that grace to be poor in the spirit. I will ever walk humbly before my God, and meekly, mildly, and gently towards all men.... I do resolve first to give myself - my life, my wits, my health, my wealth - to the service of my God and Saviour who, by giving Himself for me and to me, deserves whatsoever I am or can be, to be at His commandment and for His glory.