Madeley nr Shifnall June 26—1818
Dear Sir
	Agreeable to directions from The Revd Mr Bickersteth on the eve of our departure from London, Tooi and Teeterree & myself proceeded to Oxford where we slept, and proceeded on ye morrow to Birmingham: we passed the night there, prosecuted our journey and arrived in safety at Madeley on the evening of the third day. We experienced much Christian kindness from Mr Hill & Mr Burn— We saw your Sister at the house of the latter Gentleman— she was well. With respect to my not addressing you immediately on our arrival, and other matters, Mr Mortimer has lately written to you and explained. I have only to add on that head, that it would have been better if I had done so. Tooi and Teeterree have been upon the whole in good health since we left you, tho’ the latter has had a slight attack of the bowel complaint. He is now pretty well again. The agreeable manners of these interesting young men, so far superior to what might be expected from them, win the hearts of the people wheresoever they go: they have received the utmost kindness from all they have visited, and I trust many pious people hereabouts are carrying them in the arms of their faith to a throne of grace every day. Can the compassionate Jesus resist our united supplications. Let us hope that he who saw the end from the beginning, whose good providence has brought them to this favoured land, will send them home in safety, richly freighted with the inestimable blessings of the Gospel of peace. They are contented and happy, and all goes well till they are brought to 26. They do not like their book, notwithstanding the good advice they have received from various persons in this respect; they come to it with reluctance, and soon weary, and leave it with pleasure. There are times indeed when they really appear [f] to have a desire to learn; at others, the enemy of souls seems suddenly to get an advantage over them, they become fretful and obstinate, they scowl, and act in a manner which grieves me. It generally happens that but one at a time are taken thus, and the other remains good natured. They seem sorry for it afterwards. And when I consider who made me to differ, and how slow I am to learn that which is good, even now; when I take into consideration their general good conduct, these are more than a counterpeize to the unpleasant part, and I am upon the whole much attached to them. I did not expect when I engaged in the work that it would be altogether a pleasant one, and therefore I trust I can say that these few unpleasant circumstances, instead of disheartening me, lead me rather to strong for strength and the wise for wisdom. I should consider their dislike to their book [to] be invincible, if Jesus was not a prayer hearing and prayer answering God, but blessings on His most Holy name he is JEHOVAH, therefore I do not despair. We must look higher than the Hills for help in this, as well as with respect to their conversion. I request an interest in your prayers. I was pleased the other day with Teeterree, on my returning from my lodgings to Mr Mortimers, he had got a sheet of paper and was writing the Lords Prayer upon it, without any one having suggested to him to do so; on asking his motive he said it was to keep upstairs in his bed room. A day or two ago their good friend the Rev Mr Eyton sent a poor man of colour to visit them, a humble warm hearted Christian: He talked to them in the most affectionate and interesting manner of the things of Jesus & Exalted and extolled and lifted him very high. He spoke to them of the dreadful evil of Sin, and exhorted them to flee from the wrath to come, and to take refuge in the arms of the ever adorable Saviour. He strongly impressed upon them to learn to read God’s blessed Book, and to pray for the teaching of the Holy Ghost: and while he related what [f] the Lord had done for his Soul, the tears trickled down his sable cheek, and I had much ado to refrain from bearing him company. He mentioned having travelled a considerable distance in company with one of his countrymen, personally to thank that friend to mankind Mr Wilberforce, for what he has done for injured Africa, and they would have kissed his feet if they might have been permitted so to do. He mentioned another anecdote of himself which had occurred a few days previously with respect to a prompt answer to prayer. He was travelling, his money was all expended, and he began to be very hungry & lifted up his heart to Jesus for a supply. S gentleman almost immediately overtook him, entered into conversation with him, and at parting put half a crown into his hand; on which he retired under a hedge, and on his knees returned thanks to that precious Jesus, who ever was, and ever will be, a very present help to his people. O that the Lord may in tender mercy be pleased to honour the simple speeches of this poor child of God (or any other means) for the everlasting benefit of the souls of these interesting young men. [Their] attention seemed much engaged on the occasion. The [Lord] sometimes employs feeble and unlikely instruments [in his] work. It is on that ground alone that I have any hope of being serviceable to the good cause in New Zealand.
	Tooi and Teeterree are much attatched to Mr & Mrs Mortimer and their family & I love them too. Mr M is dilligently prosecuting various studies in order that he may not only be a blessing to New Zealand in a spiritual point of view, but in many other respects, with the Good Hand of His God upon him. The sacrifice that he will make is a great one, but Jesus I trust will reward him ten thousand times teen thousand fold, and will gather his dear Lambs in his Arm and put them in His bosom. Mr M begs his best respects to yourself and Mrs Pratt— he wishes me to state that he has lately had some increased difficulties as to a supply for his Church during his proposed absence in the winter and even with regard to his obtaining any pious successor in the event of his removal— But he is not without hope that God will inn his Good providence go before him and make plain his every path. [f]
	I pray that the way of the Lord may be known upon earth His saving health amongst all nations and remain
Dr Sir
For Christ’s sake,
Your very obedt Servt
F. Hall