Liverpool N. S. Wales March 29th 1817
Revd Sir,
	Since I had the pleasure of writing to you by the brig Alexander I have received two Cases of Bibles & Testaments from the British & Foreign Bible Society which I led to think was through your kindness in mentioning the deplorable state of the part I was appointed to— the situation of which place I fear is like to Egypt darkness &c &c—
I was unable to form any method of distribution with satisfaction, as I did not receive the smallest memorandum with the Books from the Society & the only claim I had to them— they were directed to me & it is probable if they had contained any thing also, I might never have heard of them & must at any rate write to the Society on account— A number have been given to the Sunday Schools lately established—
You will be pleased to receive accounts that we have formed a Bible Society after much difficulty— I wish I could inform you of an Auxiliary Church Missionary Society being established— Mr Marsden promised me he will attempt it shortly— but you will see by his Letters the state of things here & what he has to endure for his active exertions in the Missions established in the South Seas &c &c— [f]  The attack on his character & reputation as well that on the whole of the clergy is the most unfounded & proves that those concerned are not friendly to religion however they attempt to do something in a Public way—
If Mr Marsden’s conduct is weighed since he has been in this Colony amidst all his weaknesses, the whole world will find his worth to be of the highest order.— The service he has done this Colony speaks very loud, but that done the Missions never ought to be forgotten. It was this zealous man of God who urged the exiled Missionaries to return to Taheite & we see the rich harvest— &c &c.
And where have we an example in modern days of a Man of like zeal who has left his family & dared dangers (unknown to most) as that we have seen in Mr Marsden in his journey to New Zealand. You Sir as well as the Society know his abilities & properly appreciate his worth—
I take the liberty further to observe that I fear Mr Marsden has injured himself more than he will be able to remove in the Active’s speculation, that vessel with all your assistance has never paid the Disbursements by Hundreds— it is said by many Thousands. Therefore instead of the charge of being Sordid or selfish, we should esteem his benevolence of a superior kind, & that God has raised him up for your joy & the spread of his Gospel & if you were to see him & hear his daily conversation you would find he is a Missionary in soul & body— & this is why they hate him calling him the head of “Visionaries & Sectaries”— the Christian Mahomet &c &c. I trust Mr Marsden will meet with all that assistance from the two Societies his active services claim— & as it is for their sakes he now suffers every hand will be held up— that the enemy may not triumph. I am of opinion that Mr Marsden has many warm friends in the Colony & as the attack is so odious & unfounded many more will be found ready to step forward if required— [f]
I have been detained by the Governor & at present do duty at Liverpool an inland district about 20 Miles fr[om] Sydney where we have a tolerable attendance— this place was appointed for Mr Vale who has returned to Europe— There is a very good Parsonage House & the Governor is preparing to Build a neat Church we now assemble in a large School Room— This station leads to a very extensive country & will be a very populous Town in a few years— The reason assigned for my not going to Port Dalrymple— there is no Barrack prepared & I expect it will be a long time first, as the present town is to be given up & to be removed Forty miles nearer the Harbour— The Chaplain at the Derwent has been very ill some Months & there us little hopes of his recovery— Of course I shall be removed thither as it comes in order & no doubt I shall receive the nomination as soon as his demise is known. You will observe that I am not regularly settled & therefore ——in my operations. Wherever I am, I shall be happy to [?] aid Mr Marsden & the Missionary Society in every thing my local situation will admit—
I shall take it a very particular favour in informing me by the [next] opportunity whether my Annual Subscription has been paid since my departure, in the event of it not being paid, I shall pay the arrears to Mr Marsden or to any one you may appoint to receive it & I hope it will not be too distant, when we shall be able to announce the formation of a Church Missionary Society in this Colony. I shall always be thankful to have accounts of your progress both as it respects your ministry & also that of Missionary work. Cease not to pray for an unworthy member— pray for us— We need your help & advice.
I am with all due respect
Your obliged servant
John Youl
To Revd Mr Pratt [f]
PS Mr Marsden will no doubt introduce Mr Thos Hassall to your notice who is a very serious youth going to the University. Particular relations to the Colony will also be detailed with the state of Religion amongst us.
I have written in much haste arising from the sudden departure of the ship.
This letter is private only to my friend the Rev. Mr Pratt.