MISSIONARY CENTRES--NEW ZEALAND.
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New Zealand is as commanding a position for the south, as the Sandwich Islands are for the north Pacific. The natives are professedly Christianized, and many of them, no doubt, are such in reality. They are an enterprising people, fond of maritime action, and latterly, in consequence of the ready sale for their agricultural produce in the Australian market, possessing considerable pecuniary means. They have already shown much liberality in grants of land for educational and Missionary purposes, and have proved themselves not destitute of the Missionary spirit, if only it be wisely and carefully led forth into action. They exhibit great aptness for teaching, and many of the catechists are eloquent in their addresses, and powerful in the application of the truth to the consciences of their hearers. Moreover, their language is in affinity with those of the various groups of eastern Polynesia.
The Rev. R. Taylor, after tracing out the identity between the New Zealanders and inhabitants of the Tonga isles, proceeds to remark-- "The resemblance between the New Zealanders and the natives of the Society and Sandwich Islands is still more remarkable; and, perhaps, of all islands, the little one of Waiho, or Easter Island, is the most perfect. It appears highly probable that some of its inhabitants found their way to New Zealand; and remarkable, that the spot which they would be the most likely to make by the prevailing current in reaching New Zealand should be called Waiho, 1 the name of their isle. Easter Island also seems to have become the abode of the progenitors of the Polynesian race, before it had lost some of its original knowledge of the arts. The large stone monuments still existing there speak of a bygone skill, and perhaps of acquaintance with the use of iron. The form, too, of the covering of the heads of those figures bears a remarkable resemblance to those seen in Egyptian hieroglyphics, especially of that supposed to refer to Shishak's victory over Rehoboam." 2
The native church of New Zealand, however, has not yet commenced to use its commanding position for the extension of the gospel to other lands. In this respect it is behind its sister church in the Sandwich Islands. The Missionary effort which is being attempted from the shores of New Zealand does not propose to operate through the native church. It is conducted upon the principle of gathering natives from other islands to an educational institution at New Zealand, from whence the expectation is entertained that, in due time, they will go forth as evangelists. The native church is thus displaced from the true position which it should occupy; and its energies, diverted from that legitimate channel, by which they might break forth into healthful and useful action, are re-acting upon the church, and degenerating into a worldly spirit. Much of the evils that we have had to mourn over in New Zealand, must be ascribed to the youthful Christianity of that country not having been promptly and decidedly led forth into Missionary action. New Zealand has been designated a terminable Mission. There is no reason why it should be such. On the contrary, the evangelization of the island ought
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to be considered as having furnished us with an important position, from whence the gospel of Christ might go forward to new conquests.
New-Zealand Christianity at the present moment needs to be specially cared for. It has been exposed, while yet in childhood, to peculiar dangers, and has suffered proportionably. The change in the circumstances of the Maori has been marvellous and rapid. The once isolated home of the fierce cannibal was selected as peculiarly favourable to colonization. Christianity had gone before and humanized the native. Europeans, arriving in considerable numbers, formed new settlements on his shores. They brought with them their civilization and their vices. They carried with them some beneficial, and other injurious, influences; and the question was, whether the Christianity of the native was sufficiently confirmed to enable him to resist the one and yet benefit by the other. It was of first importance, that, at such a crisis, it should have every advantage; that it should be cherished, nurtured, and led on to the full exercise of all its energies. It was just then that, most seasonably, the episcopate was given to New Zealand, in order that such development might be, as much as possible, facilitated; that the Missionaries, under the pressure of various duties, might have every possible help afforded them; and native ministers be raised up quickly and efficiently, to supply the wants of the numerous and scattered congregations.
But the dangers were not confined to an ordinary process of colonization. In the penal settlements of Australia gold fields were discovered, so rich as to compete successfully with those of California. The remote antipodes became a centre of attraction, and the lonely tracts which had been left to the shepherd, and his flocks and herds, became the thronged route of eager multitudes, pushing forward to disinter riches from the earth. The agricultural yield of New Zealand became indispensable to these hosts of gold-diggers, and land and its produce rose in price. For his land the Maori obtained large sums. He became himself a cultivator on an extensive scale. He became a ship-owner, and transhipped his harvests to Auckland and elsewhere. New objects of attraction, new temptations, have been presented to him, and he has had in hand the means of gratifying his impulses. He has been exposed to great temptations. Has Christian effort on his behalf increased with increasing temptations, and furnished forth all needful appliances and means of grace to sustain him?
We are constrained to answer, No! Our own Missionary force has been crippled in its action. Catechists, who had served with fidelity for a long period, men conversant with the vernacular, whose efforts have been blessed of God to the conversion of many, have been allowed to remain unordained. After long delay, when they have grown old, and their best of labour past, a few have been admitted to deacons' orders, and, in some instances, no further; and there are cases now of large districts, where the population is entirely Christian, in charge of men, who, as deacons, are not qualified to administer the Lord's supper. Once a year, on a visit of a Missionary in full orders, the opportunity is afforded, and no more; and this ordinance of the church, instead of being brought near to the doors of the people, is remote, and, at distant intervals. We believe the Lord's supper to be a powerful means of grace; that the season of its administration affords opportunity for a close and searching application of gospel truths and responsibilities to the conscience; and that, to those who receive it worthily, it is the strengthening and refreshing of their souls. In what disadvantageous circumstances would not a home pastor be placed, if, in the midst of a responsible charge, he found himself without the power to administer the communion! and how much greater injury must have been inflicted on newly-converted natives, placed in circumstances of no ordinary temptation! Moreover, the difficulties of obtaining ordination have discouraged the preparation of native candidates for the ministry. Yet have they proved a noble band, these New-Zealand catechists. Without educational advantages, untaught, save by the Spirit of God, conversant only with their well-read Maori Testament, without pay, without prospect of admission to the pastorate, they have been faithful in their work, and still, with some exceptions, persevere, in despite of formidable difficulties. Amongst the great body of the natives there has been a powerful reaction; nor can we wonder at it: it would have been a miracle had it been otherwise. Our beautiful work in New Zealand is under a cloud. New efforts have become necessary. All energies must be concentrated on its revival. And yet the position of our own Society in this respect is painful. Its proper work as a Missionary Society is done. Having been successful in bringing the natives to a profession of Christianity, it ought to be free now to withdraw to other lands still in heathen darkness. And yet, in the present circumstances of the native church, how can this be done? In what a
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denuded state would not Maori Christianity be left were the Society to retire! What is there to supply its place? Native pastorate there is none, two natives only having been as yet admitted to holy orders. The Missionaries are, many of them, growing old, and, from various causes, diminishing in number. What course shall the Society pursue? This is indeed a case for solemn and prayerful consideration.
A beam of bright intelligence has reached us from this distant Mission. The translation of the whole Bible into the Maori language has been completed. Our indefatigable Missionary, the Rev. R. Maunsell, has been privileged to behold this consummation of his labours. He has had great trials. Thirteen years back, at a time of much domestic affliction, his house took fire, and his books and manuscripts were burned. Still he persevered; and now he has been enabled, not only to revise the New Testament and Prayer-book in the Maori, but to give to the native church the entire volume of inspiration in its own vernacular.
