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is the greatest foe we have, there is the better
ground to hope that our [indecipherable] on this important
occasion is of the Lord. I must confess, that,
independent of the forgiving [indecipherable], there was
another which contributed its quote with me
which was this: Having been already upwards
of five years from my native country, labouring
in one of the most dishonourable, and thankless
Missions in the world, it was not my intention
to spend any long period in a heathen land; wherefore
I thought that by remaining now at Tonga, it would
be so much more time & [indecipherable] , and I
should feel myself at liberty to return to the Colony
as my family [indecipherable], so much the earlier.

It is generally Pride (underlined) that talks much of making
sacrifices, but you may obviously perceive that
our present situation has not been entered upon,
in sight of our Ship, first weighing anchor for our
beloved home, without some severe struggles.

It is the peculiarity and glory of true Religion to relax
our ties to earth - and enable us to count all things,
(profitable or pleasant) [indecipherable] for the [indecipherable] of
the knowledge of [indecipherable] Jesus the Lord. We feel our situation
at this place, to be no more the frontier of the [indecipherable]

465
[indecipherable] line, than the pinical of christian honours.
May the Lord enable us to be [indecipherable] to talk up, and
firm & sustain, the consecrated cross.

Of domestic and family matters your sister
with myself shall inform you in letters of later
date - at present we are adjusting little affairs
in the house & garden line. I suppose the Tonga
Islands are home of the richest and prettiest in the
world. Mr. [indecipherable]'s account is so far from a
[indecipherable], that the half of Tonga's excellence, has
not been told in his books. I like the language
much, and hope soon to be able to speak it.
The people are desirous of being taught, but
they know nothing of Eternity - or the One Tru God!

These fine Islands was nearly depopulated a
few years since by the [indecipherable] wars - 50,000, Singleton
informs me fell in the week - a general peace has
been established upwards of two years - From
what I can learn there are not more than 10,000
souls on this Island, & nearly, it not all & one half
of them are children, and youths, of whom they [indecipherable]
as much care as Europe and are wont to do of
theirs. I now bid you good night, and lay me
down on the bed with my dear Mary & Henry.
I am, your affectionate Bro. W. Lawry

Revd. Thos. Hassall.