File 3: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 2, pp. 703-1164, 1825-1867: No. 009

[MS 714]

wretchedness and misery you daily preached. I have just heard some pleasing accounts from your labours in your Sunday school. 
     I am happy to inform you that our prospects of usefulness are much brighter than i ever before have seen them the Nations are enquiring about our God our Mothers / is living amongst them and into the great truths we endeavour to bring them acquainted with I have no doubt but that day will soon dawn upon the poor N Zealander which has dawned on other savage nations and brought them acquainted with themslves, and with the savour of Born Sinners I begin to stammer a little among the Nations but I have not made that proficiency in the language which I ought. My school which consists of 21 boys and girls takes up very much of my time, and is upon the whole for a New Zealand School in a flourishing state my two senior boy who have been with me only 15 months can read and write well I have sent a letter to Mr Marsden written by a little boy about 12 years of age, I did not so much as help him in a a Single word I have given the translation in English with it I have also sent a copy book written by an other, I have eight boys and girls that can read and with the dialogues contained in the grammar, two little girls about 5 or 6 years of age that read and write words of two syllables in the native tongue very correctly I think they have been with me only four months and several others that will soon commence reading the dialogues I think that up on the whole

[MS 75]

as much has been accomplished in the time as may be reasonable have been expected, as it respects the children
    You will be pleased to hear that we are living together in unity but you know that this calls for mutual forbearance. it calls us to sacrifice many little petty interests however blessed be he Lord for that Grace which in any measure enables us to do it.
     Mrs Clarke is just getting about from the confinement of her third son who was born on the 14th of Novr 1825 the Lord has been better to her than the best of means in those seasons of nature trial so we have abundant cause for Gratitude. Little George is growing a fine boy but rather backward in his tongue he can just [?} your name. I hope little James is also doing well give him many kisses 
tell Mrs Hassel that Mrs Clarke often talks about her and desires very affectionately to remember to her  Mr and Mrs Kemp also desire their kind regards to you I must now close for I am almost asleep it being now very late on Sunday Night I am dear friend
affectionately yours
 in the best of Lord
George Clark