Sydney 11th March 1816
Dear Sir,
	I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter dated 15 Augt last, enclosing some Tracts, and requesting my exertions and influence in behalf of the Church Missionary Society. I feel greatly obliged to the Committee for their kind attention and for the honour which they have hereby conferred upon me, and beg to assure them that I shall at all times and on all occasions be extremely happy to render them any service in my power, because in serving them I should be serving the blessed Redeemer, and I trust I shall “do it heartily to the Lord.” But I am sorry to observe that among us the Spirit of the times is very unfavourable to missions. This, my humble opinion, I believe perfectly accords with the sentiments of Mr Marsden— Better days we hope will arrive; when the enmity of the carnal mind shall be more subdued. We shall watch for the opening of a brighter prospect,— and embrace the first season of Charity and general Benevolence.— Perhaps the Committee’s wishes being kindly intimated to His Excellency [f] the Governor, by the Right Honble the President, or by one of the Nobility might produce the desired effect—
I remain, Dear Sir,
Honble President or by one of the nobility might produce the desired effect.—
I remain, Dear Sir
Your obedt & faithful Servant
William Cowper
The Revd Josiah Pratt
Secretary to the Church Missionary Society