Samuel Marsden, Blinkered Visionary: A re-examination of his character and circumstances through the study of his sermons David Pettett Th.L. Th.Schol. M.A. Department of Ancient History – Macquarie University February, 2016 Table of Contents Samuel Marsden, Blinkered Visionary: A re-examination of his character and circumstances through the study of his sermons .............................................. 1 Table of Contents ............................................................................................... 2 Summary ............................................................................................................ 6 Statement of Work and Length .......................................................................... 7 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................ 8 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 9 A Unique Complexity..................................................................................................... 17 Primary Documentation ................................................................................................ 20 Strategic Thinking .......................................................................................................... 26 The Wealthy Clergyman and Neglect of his Duties ....................................................... 30 Secondary Sources ........................................................................................................ 36 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 47 Chapter One The Rev. Samuel Marsden’s Sermons The physical nature of his sermons held in the Library of Moore Theological College Sydney ............................... 50 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 50 Dating ............................................................................................................................ 52 The Moore College Collection ....................................................................................... 55 The Sermons.................................................................................................................. 58 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 85 Chapter Two Marsden’s Debt to Simeon ......................................................... 86 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 86 Influence of the Rev Samuel Stones ............................................................................. 90 Influence of the Rev Joseph Milner............................................................................... 91 The Magdalene Influence.............................................................................................. 92 Influence of the Rev Miles Atkinson ............................................................................. 95 Influence of the Rev Charles Simeon ............................................................................ 98 Page 2 of 299 Simeon’s Influence and Magistracy ............................................................................. 107 Conclusions .................................................................................................................. 110 Chapter Three The Sermons - Background, Morphology, Themes and Comparisons 112 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 112 Evangelical Tradition ................................................................................................... 113 Colonial Context .......................................................................................................... 116 Marsden’s Themes ...................................................................................................... 120 Patriarchs ..................................................................................................................... 122 Wealth ......................................................................................................................... 125 Aboriginals ................................................................................................................... 133 Marsden’s Contemporaries ......................................................................................... 137 Conclusions .................................................................................................................. 141 Chapter Four What Marsden’s sermons reveal about the local context ...... 145 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 145 The Exclusives .............................................................................................................. 150 The Gallows, Innocent Men and Women of Shame .................................................... 154 Marriage and Adultery ................................................................................................ 158 On Magistrates and the rule of law ............................................................................. 163 ‘The Natives of this Colony’ ......................................................................................... 165 Whoredom, Sobriety and Children .............................................................................. 169 Sabbath neglect, Gambling and other sins .................................................................. 175 The general character of the people of the colony ..................................................... 177 On sodomy ............................................................................................................... 178 On reviling................................................................................................................ 180 On extortion and avarice ......................................................................................... 181 Covetousness ........................................................................................................... 183 On the receiving of stolen goods: ............................................................................ 183 On foul language...................................................................................................... 185 Page 3 of 299 Soil Notes .................................................................................................................... 185 Christian Charity .......................................................................................................... 187 Conclusions ................................................................................................................. 188 Chapter Five The New Zealand Mission ......................................................... 190 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 190 Great Commission ....................................................................................................... 191 Strategic Thinker ......................................................................................................... 196 Sanction and Strategy ................................................................................................. 198 One great work of God ................................................................................................ 199 Criticisms of Wealth .................................................................................................... 201 The Mission Delayed ................................................................................................... 203 Finally Underway ......................................................................................................... 208 The Sermons................................................................................................................ 216 Sermon Analysis .......................................................................................................... 217 Conclusions ................................................................................................................. 224 Chapter Six Marsden and Macquarie: A deteriorating relationship highlighted by the sermon following the death of Ellis Bent. ...................................................... 226 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 226 A difficult relationship – the Beginnings ..................................................................... 229 Death of Ellis Bent ....................................................................................................... 233 Rev. Walter Lawry ....................................................................................................... 235 A Public Dressing Down .............................................................................................. 237 Accusations of Blasphemy .......................................................................................... 239 The Sins of the People ................................................................................................