Parramatta June 8th 1819
Revd & dear Sir
	I have forwarded to you by the Foxhound whaler, Captain Watson, the first and second Manuscripts of Mr Kandalls Catechisms which he wishes to be printed, and sent out again. On looking them over, I am of opinion, that his Accents are too numerous: that they will tend rather to confuse, than assist the Learner. The Sounds of the words can only be acquired by hearing the Language spoke: and if there were fewer Accents, the Learner might more easily acquire the Knowledge of the words. My opinion may not be correct, but I have taken the Liberty to hint at what appears to me wd. be an Improvement, but shall leave the Subject to your superior Judgment, and others who are better informed. You will see that Mr Kendall is doing all that a man can do to forward the Views of the Society. A more valuable man I never expect to see employed in the mission. I am happy to say all our undertakings have hitherto been crowned with Success. More we could not expect to be done in the time than what has been done. I think there can be no doubt, but the ultimate object will be attained in due time, and the Society will have the Satisfaction to know that they have thro' the divine Blessing, planted the Gospel, and established [f] the Arts of Civilization, in a Country, and amongst a People that will rise in Importance amongst civilized nations, in proportion as Knowledge spreads amongst them. The local Situation of the Islands of New Zealand, the Climate, Soil, natural productions and Inhabitants are all favourable for missionary Labors, and I firmly believe the time is come for the Gospel to be preached to them –  To promote this object has been my Strongest Inducement for remaining to this day in New South Wales. While I see the divine Blessing attending my feeble Endeavours for the benefit of the Heathens in these Islands of the South Seas, I feel a Satisfaction which I cannot express and which suppresses every murmur in the day of trouble. I have often thought if I should be compelled to retire from the Public Service by the Hand of Power, I should most willingly devote my time to the Cause of the Heathen, tho I am now rather too advanced in Life, to hope for any long continuance of hard Service. What will be the final issue of that Spirit of hostility which has been so publickly manifest against me, I cannot say: nor does it give me much concern. I know all will be right in the End. The Cause of the Heathen has not suffered in this Part of the world, notwithstanding Principalities and Powers have opposed it – many here will assist as soon as he that letteth is taken away. Till then nothing can be done. I should have been in England before this if I could have got Permission to leave the Colony – [f] I was recommended by an Officer high in Rank, and a known Friend to make my Escape. But I declined his Advice – as I should have been running from my Post, without being regularly authorized: and as my Reasons for such a Step could never be fully explained to my Superiors, I judged it more prudent to submit to Authority, and to bear the Persecutions and Insults which I laboured under for a time than to quit my Station. I am happy to say that the violence of the Storm has in some degree abated – it has spent itself and will require time to collect again. When I receive Answers to my Letters by the David Shaw I shall then determine upon my future Line of Conduct. We hear no certain Tidings yet of a new Governor. Under the present Administration I shall look for no Peace. Never was true Religion more abhorred than in this Colony; and vice practised. The last Sabbath was Whitsunday. In the preceeding week News arrived of the Queen's death. No notice was taken of it by the Government, but public Horse Races were sanctioned all this week till Saturday Evening by the Govt which in such a Society as ours is attended with every Scene of Vice. The Clergy have little Hope of any Reformation amongst the people under such Circumstances. One would have thought that the news of the Queens death, and the time being one of the Festivals of our Church would have prevented this solemn Season from being dedicated to such Sports by public Authority. I only mention this as an Instance of our State. [f] These are public Facts which carry their own Evidence. At the same time our Govt. wishes to be thought a moral and religious Govt. and if we were to judge from the public General Orders published in the Sydney Gazette we should be induced to believe, that vice was discountenanced, and Religion and morality protected and encouraged. I would to God this was the Case – men in Power approve of Religion as far as it tends to promote their political views; but if it should in the smallest degree militate against these, it must no longer exist – All the Religion that is wanted here, is such as can be reconciled to Horse racing, and other amusements. However God has a few in N. S. Wales that fear him; and we may look for a Seed to serve him in Spite of all that the Powers of darkness can do to prevent it. The Power belongeth to God and he will not let us labour in vain, but he will in one way or other cause his word to accomplish the thing where unto he hath sent it – As the Surry will sail shortly in which I shall send my Son to England, I shall not send the Accounts by this Conveyance – I shall have to draw upon you for about £30 for Cordage & for the Active in Favor of Captain Watson of the Foxhound, which I will thank you to honour –
I am
Revd Sir
Yours very affectionately,
Saml Marsden
Revd J. Pratt