1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1840 - New Zealand--Church Missionary Society, p 52-60

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Australasia

New Zealand.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE favourable views of this Mission, given by the Bishop of Australia, as reported in the Number for December, are confirmed by the subjoined extracts from various communications:--

Evidences of a Work of Grace on the Hearts of Natives.

On the 17th December, 1838, our old friend Wareporka died. He attended Divine Service on Lord's Days constantly, for some years, until he was taken ill, and not able to come. I visited him in his illness, which was Consumption: he told me that God's Word, which he had heard from time to time, was his only comfort and support in the time of trouble and sickness. As he continued ill, I invited him and his family to reside at our Station for a time, that we might endeavour, through the blessing of God, to recover him to health. He attended the means of grace, I trust, to the benefit of his soul. In a few weeks he gathered strength, and appeared to be much better for the change of place and food; but the Influenza about that time affecting the whole of us, he, from his weak state, was not able to survive. He expressed his thankfulness for the Gospel of Christ a short time before he died, and said that he should be glad to see Him. After he was buried, his son came to live at our Station: he attends to the means of grace, though he seldom attended while his father was living. May the blessing of God rest upon his soul!

Wairua and his wife are attentive to the care of their souls: the old woman comes constantly to our Morning Service on Lord's Day. The old man is not able to come; but is glad, with his wife, to enjoy our visits. Their three daughters, who were brought up in our house some years ago, are dead: two died at our Station: one of them was baptized. We often have strangers at our Evening Prayers. [Mr. J. King: Tepuna.

We see from time to time evident proofs that God has a people here. While some have been brought into His fold, others are being brought thereunto in that way which He, in His wisdom, thinks best. Two young men are now at Kerikeri with the professed intention of seeking after the Lord. They have come from Matauri, a distance of fifteen miles at least. Of one of them, from his simple and earnest manner, I have had hopes for some time past. He told me, this evening, that he wished to hear what Mr. Kemp and I had to say concerning good things. I observed, that he had come a good way to see us; what could we do for him? we could only point out the way, and declare to him the word of life. I then said, that as his body was come to us, where should his soul go to. He replied, "To Jesus Christ." I replied, "Yes; go to Him in your heart, and you will obtain all you need." This same young man followed me the greatest part of a mile the last time I was at Matauri, about six weeks ago, to converse of the things of God; when I found him apparently earnest in seeking for good things. -----[Mr. J. Shepherd: Kerikeri.

My attention has been more particu-

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larly directed to the tribe among whom I intend to reside, which has at its head James Kemp Tape, a Native, who, I trust, is a Christian indeed. There are at this Station six Baptized Natives; some of whom behave very well, manifesting that the Lord hath indeed begun His work in their hearts. There are several others who are Candidates for Baptism, and I trust that the Holy Spirit has begun his work in some of them also. But experience abundantly proves that the conduct, as well as the hearts, of the poor heathen, is deceitful above all things. Many can talk well of their thoughts, as they say, and yet not have one grain of sincerity in their hearts. We must, however, expect, that where the Spirit of God has begun His work, the devil will begin his too, and counterfeit the work of the Spirit. I trust that there is wheat among much tares. The time of the harvest will prove what kind of professors we have been. -----[The Same: Wangaroa.

I went to Mawe, to the burial of Moses Kowaitahi. The funeral was well attended. After the Service, I addressed the assembly. He was buried near Broughton. Several years have now passed away since I first endeavoured to lisp the Gospel of love to this tribe, on this spot. It is now filled with the dead bodies of many, I hope, who have died in the Lord. Here they rest in peace, until the glorious Resurrection morn. Then, what a glorious burst of joy will arise from this sacred spot! While they were in the body, they were poor, despised, and degraded savages; but having been washed in a Saviour's blood, and clothed with His righteousness, they will arise clothed in immortal bloom. O the blessedness of the everlasting Gospel! The grave of Tupapa brought pleasing recollections to my mind. To the name of God be all the glory!

Last evening I buried at Mawe a man who, I trust, was made a monument of divine mercy. He was a near relative of Hongi, the great Chief, and was doubtless one of the foremost in all daring wickedness during the murderous career of that New-Zealand Buonaparte. About a year ago he came from Kororarika, and took up his abode in the district of Waimate. After a little time, as some of the party with whom he was connected had received the Gospel, he also manifested a desire to become acquainted with the nature of believing. When I first conversed with him, he told me that he thought it was quite out of his power to obtain forgiveness, on account of the many heinous sins which he had committed. After pointing out to him, as clearly as I could, the willingness of Christ to receive sinners, and the efficacy of His passion, he seemed to think that possibly he might be saved. His health at this time was delicate, and he appeared to be consumptive; but as he seemed to rally, it did not appear unlikely that he might live for several years. The Influenza, however, which has been very prevalent here during the last three months, effected his more speedy removal from this vale of tears. During the short space allotted to him, he did not make any great progress in the divine life, but appeared to be steady and regular. About five months ago he visited Kororarika, and conversed with the Chiefs there; and returned apparently much encouraged from the nature of the conversation, as some of them had manifested a desire to receive the Gospel. This circumstance, in connection with his consistency and steady perseverance, lead me to hope, that, although he is now numbered with the dead, his lot is among the Saints. While he was able, he attended my Meetings on Tuesdays, and brought as many of his people with him as he could. When he could no longer visit me, I visited him. My last visit was on Saturday, when I was surprised to find him so near his end. I had not seen him for a fortnight, having been out among the people at Kaikohi and Otaua. I read part of John xiv. to him, and spoke a few words on the subject. It was a sweet season of heavenly enjoyment. We then engaged in prayer, and parted to meet no more on earth. As he appeared to be near his end, I requested the Rev. W. Williams to pay him a visit, and, if he thought proper, to administer Baptism. This was no sooner done, than the soul winged its way to the presence of its God. A considerable number of people attended the funeral, and I addressed them after the Service. The Burial-ground is to me a very interesting spot. It is the site on which the first building stood, and in which the tribe first assembled to hear the Word of Life. Many bodies are sleeping in the dust on that spot, awaiting the glorious Resurrection Morn; among which are Tupapa and Broughton: and while looking over the

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graves of those departed Saints, my mind was carried forward to the contemplation of that glorious burst of sacred joy which shall arise from the spot when the last glad trump shall shake the earth and skies. -----[Mr. R. Davis: Waimate.

I wish to give one instance of the effect of the Gospel upon the Natives. A few days ago, one of the carpenters, engaged to build the new Church, employed a Native to dig his garden. When he had done his work, he went into the carpenter's shop, to talk with him about his payment. The other carpenter, a cross, surly tempered man, said to the Native, "Get you out of the shop; we want none of you fellows here!" The Native replied, "Don't be angry: I am come to talk with Benjamin." The fellow said, "I shall be angry;" and, after a few words, began to ill-use the Native in a most barbarous manner; kicking him in the side, because he would not get up. The Native made no resistance till the man left off; when he jumped up, took the fellow by the throat, held him with one hand as a man would a child, and drew out a plane-iron tied on the top of a stick so as to form a little adze. "Now," said the Native, while he held it over his head, "you see your life is in my hand: you owe your life to the preaching of the Gospel: you see my arm is quite strong enough to kill you; and my arm is willing; but my heart is not, because I have heard the Missionaries preach the Gospel. If my heart were as dark as it was before I heard them preach, I should strike off your head." He did not return the blows, but made him pay a blanket for the insult. ----- [Mr. J. Bedggood: Waimate.

March 4, 1839--Poor old Witi, the father of the tribes, full eighty years of age, entered the Chapel yesterday, for the first time. I hope the work of grace is begun in his heart. At any rate, it is a good sign to see him, after standing out for six years, come to hear for himself.

Noble is an active Chief, and goes out continually among his fellow-countrymen, to teach them the Word of God. He is a very slow speaker; very thoughtful as to what he says. He is very decided in his manner. Whenever he speaks, there is profound attention: this, however, is owing to his rank, more than to his abilities as an eloquent speaker. The Natives own Noble Panakareao as their Chief; although each Rangitira [answering to our term Gentleman} is a Chief in his way.

I will tell you the grand difference between a principal and a petty Chief. Panakareao has, by right of conquest, as well as by birth, the "ki wainga"--in English, the power to fight or to sit still. We have witnessed his power in this, and therefore we can speak. If any thing serious should happen, a word would be sufficient to gather all the tribes of the Rarawa; which would amount to 1400 or 1600 fighting-men. At the burial of his own father, when he expected that there would be much said about interring him after our fashion, he had a thousand Natives assembled in our Settlement. He is a young promising Chief. I met him yesterday on horseback, as he was riding out to hold Divine Service with his brother, who had long stood out against his entreaties. He was very glad to see me; as I was to see him, after five weeks' absence.

I was highly gratified yesterday [Lord's Day] with a congregation of fifty belonging to a once very wicked tribe, the Patu. Paul was of this tribe; and I believe his prayers have been answered for his friends. This was the first time I ever fell in with so large a party of this tribe. I came to them unawares; having had private intelligence of them, by an old man who had come to Church. I found them in the wood, by the side of a river --they are called the Bush Tribe--all sitting still, not one at work; and they had had their morning family prayer a little before. I spoke to them on the love of God to us sinners. I was much pleased to find them join in the Prayers and singing. -----[Mr. J. Matthews: Kaitaia.

We are greatly blessed in our Chief. For the principal Chief to be truly pious, and, moreover, a steady, determined, thoughtful, and persevering preacher of the Gospel, is indeed a great blessing. We feel it to be such. He goes about from village to village, calmly instructing his fellow-countrymen. His wife is pious, too, and of great spirit and activity in the work. Noble has a good stack of wheat. ----- [The Same.

The state of Religion at Kaitaia, I am happy to say, is on the increase. Since the commencement of this year, sixty adults and twenty infants have been received into the Church by the sacred rite of Baptism; and, upon the whole, I feel pleased as to their general demeanour. You would be much pleased to see the

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regularity maintained at several of the villages around us, in their strictness in attending to their morning and evening devotions; and I have known several instances of their praying privately in the bush, when they have not known that any one was within hearing. You ask, Do the Natives here seem to enjoy the Scriptures, and enter into the spirit of the Liturgy with energy? I can answer, with much satisfaction, that they do. They read them over and over again, with as great delight as they did at first. I know many who spend much of their leisure time in reading the Bible; and they read so much, that their books soon wear out. Many Natives here, with scarcely any assistance, have taught themselves to read. This speaks much for them.

Although what I have said may be pleasing, with respect to our Natives, yet we are very often much perplexed to know what to do, when we see those who have had most of our attention, backward and ungrateful, and seeming to stand still in the heavenly path. We have our times of adversity as well as of prosperity; but at all times it is needful for us to be up and doing. We feel very happy in our work, and thankful that the Lord should, in anywise whatever, have so helped us, His unworthy servants, to do any tiling in His great work.

It may be pleasing to you to hear that Paerata, the Chief who accompanied me to the Reinga, has been baptized by the venerable name of Marsden. ----- [Mr. Puckey: Kaitaia.

A pleasing circumstance occurred when one of the Natives left me. The poor fellow had been ill for some time previous, and had, consequently, been daily fed from our table; and when I was about to settle with him for the work which he had done, he inquired how many payments he had due. I replied, "Two." --"Then leave one," he said, "for the food which you gave me when sick." "No," I rejoined; "for that which I gave I seek no recompence: these articles are a compensation for your work." He still refused, and it was with some difficulty that I persuaded him to receive them. --I mention this little circumstance, because any thing in the way of gratitude is a rare occurrence with the New Zealander. ----- [Mr. J. A. Wilson: Tauranga.

The following remarks will shew, in part, the beneficial results of the Press Establishment in the island. They refer to the

Value put by the Natives on the Liturgy.

Much good has been effected: it was only yesterday that I was present when the new Translation of the Common Prayer was distributed in this Station [Waimate], and the anxiety displayed by the poor Natives to obtain a copy surprised me. They were told that something must be given for them. In a very short time there was a large heap of baskets filled with potatoes, which they thought a small price for the desired book. One said he wanted a copy, that it might be a telescope to hinder his ship from getting on the rocks. It was most gratifying to see the numbers who attend Divine Service. Last Lord's Day there were 700 present; and to see them sitting on the ground at the feet of their Teacher--old warriors, aged murderers and adulterers, meekly listening to his words--was indeed an interesting sight! ----- [Rev. R. Taylor.

You ask, in one of your Letters, "Do your Natives enter into the spirit of our Liturgy?" I can say, that they prize it much; and more than ever do I myself feel that it is to be prized. They are a very talkative people, and our Service is altogether adapted to their spiritual wants. It being composed of sound Scripture truths, they have something to lead them, and to balance them; otherwise they would so mix up their own native "kupu wakairite" (parabolical way of speaking), as to mislead themselves into the way of error. A few weeks ago I went to Hokianga--a day's trip beyond Wangape--to see my friend Mr. Whiteley. On our return, my Natives, of their own accord--to my surprise and delight--began to speak of our form of Divine Service. They quite sighed after the Psalms, &c, which are repeated in our old raupo [rush] Chapel. I am more than ever persuaded, that did we all esteem the Book of Common Prayer more, and now and then excite the congregation to order and attention, as well as to inculcate the doctrines contained therein, we should soon see a great improvement. It is a pure, substantial way of serving God which is set forth in our excellent Liturgy. The Natives are naturally fond of display, and therefore a pure mode of Worship is the more needful. ----- [Mr. J. Matthews.

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The beneficial effect of the Gospel, and of the introduction of a pure form of Worship, may also be seen from the following account of the Marriage of two Natives:--

April 8, 1839--I went to Kaikohi, and married two couples, both of the family of the Chief Awa. Great preparations had previously been made; and a very ample feast was set out, sufficient for the whole tribe, consisting of five cooked pigs, and about 400 meal-baskets of common and sweet, potatoes, and fruit. Everybody appeared to be not only well pleased, but highly delighted. The young people were neatly dressed in European style, and made a respectable appearance. How different from formerly! What a contrast to past proceedings! Here the blessings of the Gospel were too evident to pass unnoticed. In their native state, the woman was in many cases not consulted, and was generally dragged from her friends by force, and quarrels of a serious nature sometimes ensued: here all was peace and innocent festivity. Blessings do indeed abound where the Saviour is made known!

Suggestion of the Removal of a Missionary.

It has been strongly hinted that one of us had better move to the East Cape; but when our Natives, the Rarawa, heard of it, they besought us, with much affection, not to leave them; and as we feel much attached to them, and they to us, we gave them our word that we would remain at our Station. If we saw it to be our duty to leave this part of the vineyard for another where we might be more usefully employed, we then should not scruple how to act; but as our scene of labour is so extensive, indeed far more than two can manage, we cannot consistently leave it: besides, if one of us were to go, another would be obliged to come, to fill the vacant place. Kaitaia is a place where four or five Missionaries might be well employed; but then there are thousands at the East Cape, and elsewhere, who are perishing for lack of knowledge; so that we feel thankful to be enabled to do what we can. I have, I believe, said, in a former Letter, that Noble Panakareao, our principal Chief, possesses an almost kingly authority over the Northern Tribes, so that hardly any of them durst do any thing of moment without his consent. This authority we have often found to be of much service to us, in restraining the turbulence which some of the Natives manifested toward us in former times. I believe that it is not unlikely that he might forcibly restrain us from going, even if it were our wish to go.

The Natives here are free from many of the vices which have contaminated the Bay of Islands' Natives, and others who have had much intercourse with Europeans. Of great numbers of our own countrymen in New Zealand, I may truly say that they are the vilest of the vile; and such Europeans are distinguished by the name of devils, by those Natives who know them. ----- [Mr. Puckey: Kaitaia.

Vigorous Remonstrance of the Chief against such Removal.

The Chief referred to, in the preceding extract, by Mr. Puckey, being seriously apprehensive that the Missionary Labourers at Kaitaia might be removed from their Station, wrote a spirited Letter on the subject, in his Native Language; of which the following is a literal translation, made by Mr. Puckey.

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Temptations and Firmness of Native Converts during War.

From a variety of passages in Mr. Brown's Journal, our Readers will perceive the peculiar difficulties which the Natives experience in professing the Gospel in the midst of their savage, heathen countrymen. It is highly encouraging to witness the Christian firmness of some of them. Yet they are babes in Christ, and need much deeper grounding in the knowledge of the Sacred Volume.

July 20, 1838--Occupied again to-day in visiting the sick, and administering medicines. Thirty fresh patients. At Morning and Evening Prayers, at which 130 were present, I addressed the Natives; and their attention to the Word spoken was gratifying. At night, two large fires were kindled in front of my tent; around which fifty Natives assembled in one large class, whom I examined in first principles, for about two hours. Some of their answers were pleasing: others betrayed sad ignorance. We take, I think, too much for granted as to the general knowledge of the Natives: they need line upon line, precept upon precept; and I trust that (Jan. 1840.) some arrangement will be entered into in the summer, which will secure Matamata being regularly visited once a month from the Tauranga Station. I was amused by one of the party inquiring whether it was right for Missionaries to give that food to the dogs, which they--the Missionaries-- had previously rendered tapu (sacred) by asking a blessing upon; when our Saviour had said, Give not that which is holy unto the dogs. Before I could reply to his simple inquiry, another man remarked, that it was not wrong; or our Saviour would have told the woman of Canaan so, when she said, The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their Master's table.

July 21--I witnessed to-day two Natives under the first influence of the "new sickness," as they term it. They were suddenly seized with a severe pain at the back of the head, attended with considerable fever; and a giddiness so powerful as to make them fall down. These cases yielded to strong doses of medicine; but the Natives report, that in other instances these symptoms were followed by a swelling of the throat and closing of the jaws. Their remedy has been, to place a piece of wood or iron between the teeth, and pour a large quantity of salts down the throat; which, they say, relieved the paroxysm. It appears to be some tetanic affection, arising, perhaps, from those severe colds to which the Natives are at this season exposed; but in the absence of a medical man it is difficult to know what treatment to adopt.

Sept. 3--Letter from Tarapipipi, that six of the Matamata Natives had been surprised and murdered at Horetiu, by a fighting-party from the Thames. War is likely to follow quickly upon this butchery.

Sept. 6 -- Conversation with Rotoroto and a party from Matamata. The professing party of that place seem to be under a strong temptation to rise up and seek a "payment" for the late murder at Horetiu, three of the murdered persons having belonged to the well-disposed Natives. They mentioned five cases, beginning with the murder of Ngakuku's child at the Wairere, in which the party professing to be seeking better things had suffered from their unbelieving countrymen; and remarked, that unless they were permitted to get up and defend themselves from these unprovoked assaults, they would all soon be cut off. It is in cases like these that the Professing Natives need the fostering and protecting Care of a well-regulated

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Government; but, in the absence of it, I trust the Lord will be their Keeper, and enable them, even though persecution should follow, to hold fast the beginning of their confidence, steadfast unto the end.

On the 20th, Tarapipipi informed me, by Letter, that his father, Waharoa, was at length dead. The Native Priests had in vain attempted, by their karakia, to ward off the dart. He died, I fear, as he lived, the slave of superstition--the willing captive of Satan. The Gospel has often been proclaimed to him; but he has ever turned a deaf ear, or heard it to his condemnation. Waharoa was a remarkable character; fierce, bloody, cruel, vindictive, cunning, brave; and yet, from whatever motive, the friend of the Mission. What effect his death may have upon the present war, of which he was the leader, is uncertain. We are in some degree anxious, and should be much more so, did we not recollect that He who orders all things in heaven and earth is with us, though we see Him not, and is making all things work together for our good. --This will be a trying season for Waharoa's son. May he be kept faithful in his profession, and hold the beginning of his confidence steadfast unto the end!

Oct. 8, 1838--Left home, on a visit to Matamata.

Oct. 9--On arriving at Matamata, held Service with about fifty Natives. Many of the professing party are absent at Wangatete, planting potatoes. Their Pa is not yet finished; and they do not seem to be so anxious on the subject as when I was last here, in consequence of the different conduct manifested toward them of late by the inhabitants of the great Pa. I urged upon them, however, the duty of separating from their wicked countrymen, lest they should be partakers of their sins and receivers of their plagues. I find that Waharoa's tribe have been urging Tarapipipi to forsake his profession and join them, in order, to use their own language, "that the spirit of Waharoa may be quieted, and his name kept alive." Hitherto, however, Tarapipipi has resisted these seducing spirits. Some of the inquiring Natives are still labouring under a temptation to avenge the death of their little party who were murdered at Horetiu a few weeks since. One of them observed, that in past days the Lord sent forth His armies to destroy murderers and burn up their city.

Oct. 10--In consequence of the conversation last night, I addressed the Natives, after Prayers this morning, from Romans xii. 19. There were 150 present, and they paid considerable attention. --In conversation with a party at my tent to-night, one of them remarked that the belief of a Native was no part of himself, like his head; but that it was rather like a hat, which could be taken off or put on at pleasure. There is too much truth in this stinging satire; and it would be well if it were not as applicable to congregations in a civilized country, as to those surrounding us. In both, however, the Lord knoweth them that are His: and, notwithstanding much empty profession, there will, I doubt not, be found many among these poor Natives whose religion forms, like their heads, a part of themselves.

Oct. 21: Lord's Day -- Morning, Native and English Service. --Afternoon, accompanied by Messrs. Stack and Wilson, went to Maungamana to speak once more to the fight, of the folly and wickedness of their doings. They remained quiet during the day, from a superstitious dread of breaking the Lord's Day; but toward sunset, in imitation of some countries professedly Christian, they rose up to dance: about 400 voices joined the horrid yell. They then commenced their speeches; but there seemed to be little union of purpose among them. Some were for proceeding to Maketu; others to the Tumu only; others urged a return from this place. Tarapipipi, who accompanied us, at length rose, with his Testament in his hand, and, in a bold yet pleasing manner, witnessed a good confession before his countrymen; whom, with holy courage, he reproved, rebuked, exhorted. It was pleasing to see the attention which he gained. Only one person attempted to reply to him; and that was done with so much rage, and, withal, so much foolishness, that none of his companions in the fight took part with him against Tarapipipi. Indeed the next speaker--perhaps the most venerable of the party--said that the speech of Tarapipipi was "very good," and recommended that they should listen to him, and return.

Oct. 24--Two canoes passed the Station this morning, with a part of the fight, on their return. In the afternoon, the Waikato passed through our Settlement; but they were restrained from any acts of violence. They even received with patience the testimony which we bore to their wicked-

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ness: not a dog moved his tongue. They had with them the head of a woman, whom they had murdered, with a child at her back. It seems that the fight did not venture to Maketu; but remained in ambush near the Tumu, which is not now used as a residence, but simply as a cultivation. Here they succeeded in capturing and butchering four defenceless women, the rest making their escape to the swamps at the back.

Oct. 25, 1838--The Waikato are still at Otumoetai, their cannibal feast not being concluded; and our own Settlement Boys and Girls are talking of leaving us for the same place, lest they should be surprised in the night by some party from Rotorua.

Oct. 26--Native and English Schools during the week. The inquiring Natives at Otumoetai are anxious to leave that Pa, and live somewhere by themselves, in consequence of the insults to which they are exposed from the other Natives. When Waharoa and his party took Maketu Pa, they sent them, as a present, a basket of human flesh, which was as great an insult as they could offer; and the fight, that have now returned, amused themselves by walking round the enclosure of the professing party, and shaking at them a hand which had been cut from one of the poor victims just murdered at the Tumu. The demon of war appears to have taken possession of the Natives around us, every man that you meet bearing his gun and cartouch-box.

Mr. James Hamlin diligently labours among the Natives near his Station, but makes a painful report of the

Ignorance and Errors of some Professed Converts.

The Natives of Manukau are scattered over a considerable tract of country, which makes it rather difficult to visit them often, as many of them at present can only be visited by water: but still I hope that our labours are blessed among them. There have been only five baptized since we have been here; one of whom has, I hope, entered into rest.

In May 1838, I went up Waikato and Waipa rivers, to visit the Natives on the banks, and those of the adjacent places; and spent my first Lord's Day at one of the residences of the tribe called the Ngatipaoa. After the Morning Service, I had school in the open air; and having catechized all present, I inquired who among them could read, and heard them. Six came first, who could read pretty well; and when I had asked them a few questions on the portion of Scripture which they had read, they sat down, and six more stood up. These could not read quite so well as the former; but I proceeded with them in the same manner. I had Service again, with the whole, in the evening.

On Monday Morning I proceeded up the river, and reached Uira's place--the head Chief of the Ngatipaoa; and pitched our tents some time after it was dark. The tents for myself and Natives having been erected, and a fire kindled, I assembled the Natives, sung a hymn, read a chapter, and had Prayers with all who came. Prayers being over, I inquired who could read, when six were pointed out. Having heard them read, I explained the portion of Scripture which they had been reading, and then heard the whole repeat one of Watts's Catechisms; and having asked them some questions on it, I retired to rest.

On Tuesday Morning I had Prayers, and addressed all present, and then spoke to Uira--who did not attend--respecting the concerns of his soul; but he told me that he would believe when a European should come and live with him. We then proceeded on to the Pa, at the junction of the two rivers, Waikato and Waipa, to breakfast; and while our Natives were getting it ready, I addressed the Natives belonging to the place. This being done, we proceeded on our journey, addressing the little parties on the banks of the Waipa, and hearing them read, till Wednesday Evening about nine o'clock; when we reached a place a little beyond Mangapouri, where we pitched our tents.

On Thursday Morning I visited a small party, that first commenced assembling for prayers when we resided at Mangapouri, and had continued to assemble to the present time. I heard them read a part of Matthew, and asked them some questions, but had very few correct answers: after which, I gave them a short address, and prayed with them. They then shewed me the house which they had built for holding Service; which was their cooking, sleeping, and eating house, and Chapel. I asked them if they could not build a house, and use it as a Chapel and School only. They answered, that they could, but thought that their Chapel

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was to be "noa," and not "tapu." I said, "There is a vast deal of difference between making a house sacred according to Native Superstitions, and making it a house for every kind of work." I told them, that they had better build a house, and use it for a Chapel and School only; when they told me, that they would when Kaimatua, an elderly man, should return from Otawao; he having gone to take away the sins of a dead man. Hearing such a strange expression, I asked what it meant. They replied, "It means to have an investigation of what the person has done to cause his death, and for each person to state what he has against him." -- "And pray," said I, "how can this take away the sins of a man, and of a dead man too!" "Why," said they, "it takes away his sins; for it prevents others from talking about him after he is dead." They farther added, that when a person was poorly, it was his sins that were biting him; and that his sickness was sent as a payment for his deceit.

"I suppose," said I, "you, who are well, have no sins." "None," they replied. -- "How," asked I, "do you reconcile this with what the Catechism says, that every imagination of the thoughts of man's heart is only evil continually?" No answer. They proceeded, and said, "When a person is ill, all the believers assemble to take away his sins; that is, each one states what he has against the sick person; and having done this, he recovers: this, also, is what we call taking away sins." -- "But," said I, "suppose he should not recover; what then?" "We then," they replied, "conclude that his sins are too strong to be removed." Having heard all this, and a vast deal more, I spoke to them at some length, and advised them to read the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew, and to think over them; and then I thought they would not find matters quite so easy as they thought; for it appeared to me, that their easy way was only another name for a wicked way. At the same time, I told them to reject every thing that was not consistent with the Bible. Having said thus much, I crossed over the river; at the same time asking one or two of them to accompany me to Pokomuia, which they did. On arriving there, I pitched my tent. In this place the Natives have a neat little Chapel built, in which they have Service and School. In the evening I had Prayers with the Natives, and addressed them; after which, we kindled a large fire; and the Natives assembled around it, to read, and to repeat the Catechism. This I heard them do, and asked them questions on the portion of Scripture which they read, and on the Catechisms; and had scarcely finished, when one of my lads came to ask me what hard stick our Saviour put into the water to produce some effect, he did not know what. I told them I did not know; and asked them from whom they heard it. "From this man," pointing to one standing by his side. The man then went on to tell a vast deal of nonsense, as to what they thought and believed, until I told him to stop. "I am only telling you," said he, what they say, in order to hear your opinion on the subject."

This state of ignorance and proneness to error strongly urges on all connected with Missions the duty of represing sanguine expectations, and of devoting themselves to the important work of enlarging and maturing the religious views of the Natives.