Bay of Islands June 10th 1817
Revd & Dear Sir/
	Having seen your letter to Mr Kendall I confess that I am heartily sorry that any disagreement should have taken place amongst us, and much more so, that the report of it should have been circulated so wide, not considering that peace and friendship might be restored before the letters could reach England, as if proved afterwards— We must acknowledge with regret, that through a number of trials privations and crosses taking place that we were unexperienced with, that Satan in some measure gained his end amongst us at the beginning. But we can rejoice now through the grace of God, that he has lost his ground very much and not only amongst ourselves, but also amongst the poor Dark minded heathens, we have some of them living with us that formerly used to break down our fences and abuse us, and steal and carry away every article they could get hold of. But now we can see a wonderful alteration in them they are become quite familiar and sociable, they live amongst us and works [sic] with us, and we can almost [f] say of some of them, that he that stole steals no more.— Mr Kendall has got a very good School, and plenty of victuals and rewards for the Children, he has also got Mr Carlisle to assist him, the means are fully obtained and through the blessing of God upon it, the effect will shew itself in time.— Mr King has got a Rope walk made and is teaching some of the natives to spin twine and lay up small Cords, and by patience and perseverance there is no doubt but they will improve.—
I am at present cultivating land for Wheat, agreable [sic] to Mr Marsdens instructions; I have kept five or six men at work these six months past, Clearing ground breaking up and fencing. I victual them constantly in my house, and pay them for their labour.— I take the hoe myself and litterally [sic] break up the fallow ground, along with them. If I could do as easily do it spiritually upon their hearts I should rejoice. I have got an Acre and a half nearly fenced round and ready for the seed, and as soon as it is sown and finished I mean to teach the natives to Saw Timber. I made a beginning upon that work when I was at Wythangee and they seemed to offer very well, but they will require a great deal of patience and perseverance.— But the Lord that can furnish a table in the wilderness, can furnish his instruments with [f] qualifications requisite for their work.— I must acknowledge myself a very improper and worthless Character, especially if as bad as represented, but the Lord has often done great works by very unlikely instruments.— He can when He pleases out of Stones raise up Children to Abraham.— But as I expect nothing from man, and all good things from God, I shall never be disapointed [sic], because he does and will do all things well in his own way and time.— The prayers of the people of God hath been visibly answered to an eye of faith on our behalf.— I myself have literally as well as spiritually [been] saved as a brand from the burning, and we must acknowledge Gods hand in all things as well as all things in Gods hand.— I am silent with astonishment when I think that so unworthy an Instrument as I should be employed in so great a work, but He that made the World out of nothing, can when he pleases without the use of means, raise up a seed to serve him, and call his name blessed. And that the Lord may bless the labours of you and all those that have set their hearts and hands to the Gospel plough is the sincere and fervent prayer of
Revd & Dear Sir
Your most unworthy servant
And labourer in Christ
Wm Hall