State Library of NSW
[MS 134]
and convenient accommodations of a worldly nature, are of no value & should be of no weight in forming the character and directing the purposes & exertions of the Ministers of Christ. No - the love of Christ must constrain them, Compassion for perishing Sinners must influence them - and devotedness to the Cause & Glory of God's must be the governing principle upon which they act, if they wish for success in their labours, and as they shall answer for engaging in them, to theire great Lord & Master of his Second Coming. You are in a situation dear Brother to feel the force of these considerations both as they respect the providence of God which placed you therein and the objects of profligacy & impiety which surrounds you. We present these reflections with a view to excite & to continue that self examination that self knowledge, that rectitude of motive, that holy devotedness & that godly Zeal, which your situation, your office and your character peculiarly call for. We have no jealousy or knowledge of failure, or deficiency on your part - our desire is to stir up your mind by way of remembrance, to such necessary and important considerations as have an intimate connection with your Comfort, your stability & success. We thank you for the attention you have shown to Mr & Mrs Crook and to Mr Caw. The latter we are sorry to have sent; fearing by which we hear from you, Mr C. & Mr Marsden that he will be useful in no capacity at Otaheite. He appeared determined to go thither, and it was hoped that his Zeal would be combined with such mechanical knowledge as would have made him useful to the missionaries. We are gratified at all times, in receiving intelligence from you concerning the missionaries in the South Seas; Your sentiments therein will ever meet 135 with due consideration from us, and every Service you can perform in[sic] behalf of your Brethren on that station will be gratefully accepted by us. Mr Crook will be written to by this conveyance, and the Directors will forward such advice and Instructions, as they conceive necessary for him. A Letter will be addressed to Mr Harris. We have not heard from him, since he came to your Colony - but we are glad to learn from Mr Marsden that he continues with instructing Youth in religious knowledge, and that his Character is becoming his profession. We shall attend to your request for children's Books as [I?] shall [indecipherable] to you for distributing them in the most suitable and useful manner. With our christian regards to Mrs Hassall We remain Dear Brother Your Friends & Servt. in the Gospel Joseph Hardcastle Treasurer Geo. Burder Secretary
This page has its status set to Ready for review and is no longer transcribable.