1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1843 - New Zealand, p 423-425

Feb. 11 -- Early this morning we re-crossed the harbour to the eastern shore, a distance of about ten miles; where we hoped to find Otamatea, the village to which we had been repeatedly directed; although we had learned, from the people of Omokoiti, that William Stephenson, the Baptized Native Teacher to whom I had been referred for information and assistance, was absent. We rowed, however, up the creek or river, and sought for some time without finding any habitation. At last, having advanced about two miles, we saw a house on the right bank of the river. We pulled toward it, landed, looked about us, and shouted; but in vain, for no person appeared.

The house, which was open, was very clean and tidy. On a shelf were plates, cups and saucers, seeds in bags, &c.; and beneath were a tea-kettle, frying-pan, buckets, &c. A mattress, bolster, and pillow, were rolled neatly together; a glazed and coloured print, representing the Crucifixion of Christ, hung against the wall; and beneath was a fowling-piece. In a corner, on a shelf, were, a hair-brush, a hat-box containing a hat, a New-Zealand Testament, and other things. On another shelf were paper and pens; while three large and locked chests, a good cane-bottom chair, and a table, completed the furniture of the room. Out of doors, in the garden, were raspberry-bushes and peach-trees, and maize, melons, gourds, onions, &c, in abundance. An out-house contained a fishing-net upon a platform; and in another house on the hill, at about 200 yards' distance, we found wheat in bags and in the straw, oil in calabashes, pit-saws, and carpenter's tools. In front of the house, stakes had been driven to form an embankment against the sea, which came up very near it; while behind the house a way had been cut down the face of the hill, to conduct a small stream of water into the little garden. I was much pleased with the air of neatness that everywhere prevailed; and had already formed a high opinion of the owner, whom we supposed to be some respectable European. I had, indeed, intimated to the Europeans with me, that it would be well if they were to copy from so good an example.

On returning, however, to the verandah of the house, and there sitting in the shade, considering what step I had better take, I perceived a slate which hung on the outside of the doorway. On perusing it, I found it to be a Letter from a Baptized Native to his Teacher, to the effect, that he came to that house to look for him, but found him absent; and desiring him not to believe the reports which were in circulation against his character, &c. It was addressed to William Stephenson. On this, I again looked inside, more minutely than at first, and found the Testament to bear his name, and the papers to contain many evidences that they belonged to him. So that the neat little dwelling and grounds, which we had been led so much to admire, in reality belonged to a Native!--Without doubt, this was the highest step in civilization which I had seen among the New Zealanders during more than seven years' residence among them.

June 26: Lord's Day--A day replete with interest--my first Lord's Day in this Land of Promise. Here it seems to be a delight, the holy of the Lord, and honourable. I joined in Worship with a large body of Native Christians: the Church was more than filled. There is great devotion and decorum in their manner: they enter thoroughly into the spirit of our Liturgy: they were as if actuated by one spirit, and endued with one voice. The Bishop took part in the Communion Service, and preached in the Native Language: he is an astonishment to the Natives. Almost the entire congregation stopped to communicate.

A few evenings ago I was conversing with a young man respecting my native land; and quoted a short passage or two from Rowland Hill's Life, remarking on the effect which his preaching had on thousands--how many sinners had been converted through it. I then said, "When had the preaching of the Word a similar effect here?" "Stop," said he, "I will tell you something that took place in my own heart about twelve months ago,

during the funeral sermon for Robert. The preacher was speaking about the effect of the Holy Spirit upon the believer's heart, and asked his hearers, 'Who would not be filled with the Spirit, and who would not enjoy the Divine presence?' I said, 'O Lord! I would be filled with Thy Spirit: I wish to enjoy Thy Divine presence.' I then felt that I was personally in the presence of God; and continued so full of joy all the rest of the day, that I did not think of my food."

This young man lost his wife and only child a short time since, and lives and acts as a Christian ought. I have seen the struggle between nature and grace, when he has been oppressed by severe outward difficulties, the anxiety depicted on his countenance, and have heard the words of resignation which have dropped from his lips. I could, with all my heart, enter into his feelings; for his only child, a babe of six months, was dying; his wife died three months before; and now he was to be left alone in the world; --yet not alone, for his Heavenly Father still cared for him.

Ripi Busby had lately been afflicted, and he spoke in reference to this. He said that in their native state a servant could not be proud, and cross his master's will. He had been afflicted, and he thought it was necessary to keep him from setting his affections on the things of the world. He said that he found his heart was prone to wander after the things of time; but twice or thrice he had been afflicted, both in his person and in the loss of his child, and he would act like the servant who was humble and obeyed his master.

Ford Mahanga, a Chief of great note, said, "I will not speak of the things of my own heart, for there are indeed many ways of the heart; but I will speak of the Word of God, which is sure to be true. The verse which I have to say is this, Lift up your hearts, for your redemption draweth nigh" I then spoke on the nature of the (Sept. 1843.) Kingdom of Christ, and shewed how we should endeavour to promote that kingdom. I told him that we should shortly call upon all to shew their gratitude to God, by contributing their mites to further the cause of this Redemption.

Kete Burton said that he must be like a dog which had stolen his master's food, and was going to be struck for the offence-- he must crouch under, and he humble. He had sinned against God, who had fed him; and he must be like the dog--very humble. I referred him to some passages in the Testament which inculcated that grace.

I have this week had four Tribes to converse with on the things of Eternity.

June 4 -- Last night a number of Europeans came to inform me that the "Enterprise" schooner was wrecked at Wangaihu, and that a part of the cargo had been taken away by Natives. I accompanied them to the wreck, taking with me several of our Chiefs. When we arrived at the spot, we were informed by the Master of the vessel, that, on the previous evening, he had mistaken the Wangaihu river for the Wanganui, and had thus ran his vessel ashore with a fair wind. He also said that a party of Natives from the adjacent Pas had first assisted in getting the cargo ashore, and had afterward plundered to a considerable extent, having taken away nine or ten trunks, and a number of iron pots, spades, &c. After this matter had been talked over among the Chiefs who accompanied me, Te Anaua stood up, and addressed his companions in a long speech, in which he observed, "If this wreck had occurred two or three years ago, there would have been some excuse for plundering; but now, since a better light has come among us, and we have heard the Word of God, we know it is not right. The things belonging to the White People must be restored." Early this morning, accompanied by Te Mawae and John Williams, I went to the Turakina and Wangaihu Pas, and succeeded in procuring a restoration of the stolen property, which was re-conveyed to the place from whence it was taken.