Transcription

[MS 24]

Ministry, and who will therefore [indecipherable] labour in the Word & doctrine,
there are others whose skills in the usefull arts will enable them to procure to themselves
the means of comfortable subsistence, and to aid in outward things the Brother who may be more constantly employed in preaching the Gospel. - yet let not the preaching
Missionary be too burdensome to his industrious Brother - for in your present circum
stances you will all find it necessary to labour with your hands, tho' perhaps not
in the same degree - there are some among you whom providence has designed to accept more private stations, in which however you may by your example, your prayers, & your conversation, greatly promote the Cause of Christ - let your different gifts and tal
ents be justly estimated, and select the Station for which providence has fitted you -
The office of a preacher may be desired by some from a misapprehension of their
gifts - or from the idea that it confers distinction, and insures respect - motives of
 this nature are highly animal, but yet insensibly sway the deceitfull heart - our
great wisdom and duty is to find out, and occupy that Station which providence has
qualified us for - there is one branch of duty however of peculiar importance for the discharge
of which we hope most of you are qualified, & which is equally incumbent on the preacher and the lay Brother - we refer to the education and religious instruction of the children
both of the Convicts, and of the poor Colonists, and of as many of the native heathens as
you can [persuade?] & to attend! - in this great duty the Women also may be of [indecipherable] use and altho' an assiduous attention to their employments may be less gratifying than

[MS 25]
 public preaching - it is no less necessary, and may in its consequences be as beneficial; as it implies more self denial, patience, and humility - it affords at least each
[indecipherable] a proof of the true Missionary Spirit - this subject is in our estimation so very important that we not only press it on your attention, but desire you will inform us in all your letters what progress you make therein -
Altho Brethren your present situation connects you more with those who hear the Christian Names, than with those Heathens, yet we trust you will find opportunity at attempting the conversion of the latter, and thus accomplish the object to which you were more immediately set apart - we are not acquainted with the degree of probability there may be of suitable occasions of this nature, but whenever they occur, we hope the recollection of your solemn designation to the Service of God among the Heathen will move you to embrace them - We suggest to you also the consideration of the propriety of two of your number with the concurrence of Governor King settling to [Norfolk?] Island, if it appears likely that by means of public preaching, and the instruction of children the interests of Christianity are likely to be promoted there - We have great satisfaction in informing you that this gentleman will afford you his countenance in the prosecution of your Missionary duty, and we desire that you will pay due deference to his suggestions, and seek the advantage of his judgment on all occasions of importance - We doubt not you will also show all possible respect and affection to the Rev.s Mr Johnson & Mr Marsden, and use all your influence to increase the attachment of the Colonists both to their persons and their Ministry - indeed we trust you will become an honourable example to all
 

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