1841
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1841
January 2nd.--Examining with the Christian teachers 3c. Phils, 4 last verses, the subject fixed upon for the addresses to-morrow at the outposts.
3rd. Sunday.--Took the English service at home, it being too wet to assemble the Natives at chapel.
4th.--Engaged with the Maunga tapu baptismal candidates, 25 in number.
5th.--Occupied by the Otumoetai and Papa classes for baptism. They numbered 53.
6th.--Sixteen of the Motuhoa class of enquirers came over for examination and instruction.
7th & 8th.--Painting etc.
9th.--Seventeen of our Christian teachers assembled at the Scripture reading class.
10th. Sunday.--Preached in English.
11th.--Again instructing the Maunga tapu baptismal candidates class. Twenty assembled.
15th.--A fresh baptismal class consisting of 19 candidates, came from the Wairoa for examination.
16th.--Went to Pukewanake in order to spend the Sabbath with the Natives of that place. About 80 attended service when I arrived in the evening.
17th. Sunday.--An attentive congregation of 120 persons assembled at Divine service morning and evening. In the afternoon 108 attended school viz. 60 men, 27 women & 21 children. Examined the first class in two chapters of Daniel which they read with much fluency. The school which is in charge of a Native teacher, appears from his book to be attended with much regularity, and the Natives are evidently progressing in knowledge.
18th.--Returned from Pukewanake in time to examine the Maunga tapu Natives.
19th.--A hostile party having arrived from Matamata to seek a payment from the Motuhoa Natives in consequence of a kanga (curse) said to have been uttered by two of their tribe, I was requested to have an interview with the Matamata Natives, which I accordingly had. They spoke in a very friendly manner, and stated their willingness to return if the parties who had cursed them were sent away from Motuhoa for a season. To this the Motuhoa tribe objected in the first instance, but after much urging they sent one of the offending parties away in a canoe, and the other man accompanied me to our settlement in the boat.
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21st.--Returned to Motuhoa and found that the fight had been stripping plantations during the night, and that in consequence one of the men who had been sent away had returned to the Island. Fearing that this step would only tend to exasperate the fight, I again prevailed upon the man to return with me to our settlement.
22nd.--Left again for Motuhoa, but on my way thither met some canoes returning from the Island. Much rejoiced to find that the fight had returned to Matamata without doing any further mischief. Engaged during the afternoon with the class of baptismal candidates from Pukewanake.
23rd.--Read with the Native teachers lc. 1 Thess. Purchasing food for the settlement daily during the past week.
24th. Sunday.--Occupied with the home services -- two Native & one English. 120 were present at the Native morning service; 75 at the evening.
25th.--Folding and covering tracts, for which we have a great demand amongst the Natives. Engaged afterwards with the class from Maunga tapu, who are rapidly improving in knowledge. 30 Natives attended.
26th.--The Otumoetai class, 28 in number, came over for examination.
27th.--The Matamata fight only made a feint in returning, and continue their depredations on the plantations belonging to the Motuhoa tribe. An interesting class of 18 enquirers were with me today from Motuhoa.
30th.--Occupied as usual on this day reading with the Christian teachers.
31st. Sunday.--At Maunga tapu, where I held service with 75 Natives and afterwards with 100 others at Otumoetai Pa.
February 2nd.--Engaged examining 21 baptismal candidates from Otumoetai.
5th.--Writing to C. M. S. No. 32, with Journal to February 28th 1841 and return of Land.
6th.--Reading with the Native teachers the subject for to-morrow's discussion.
7th. Sunday.--Visited Pukewanake. 110 at Divine service. Afterwards went to Motuhoa, where I found 31 men & 24 women at school. These, with my boat crew, formed my afternoon congregation.
9th.--Left home for Matamata & Maunga tautari. The wind heading us, we did not reach Te Puna till after Sunset.
10th.--Travelling. Slept on the banks of the Waihou River.
11th.--Reached Maunga tautari. A few miles from the mountain we met the
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Native who murdered Ngakuku's child at the Wairere. I entered into conversation with him, and he decided upon returning to Maunga tautari to remain during my visit. There is nothing ferocious in his looks. On the contrary he possesses a pleasing countenance. He is now an enquirer after the truth as it is in Jesus. He & his party had been to Maunga tautari to consult with the Christian Natives of that place as to the propriety of receiving a white man to reside with them as a trader. The Christian Natives decided against it on the ground of the evil example usually set by the traders in living with the Native women, and recommended that the produce which they might have to dispose of, should be carried to Matamata, where a European trader is resident. I heard to-day of several interesting circumstances besides the one above mentioned, which may be adduced as proofs that the Gospel is winning its silent way amongst those who up to the present time have made no profession of Christianity. Several different parties of Natives have been wishing to reside at Patatere, a day's journey from this place, but in order to such a movement it was necessary to obtain the sanction of the leading Chief of the Heathen pa at Matamata. This was accordingly applied for, and the old Chief replied that if the parties were believers in Jesus Christ they were welcome to occupy Patatere, but if Heathen, they should not do so, for they would soon be engaged in warfare. Another circumstance which much pleased me was the conduct of a principal Chief at Maunga tautari to whom a disciple of the R. C. priest was sent with a few tracts. The Chief tore up the books, remarking "I am a Heathen, but when I turn from Native ritenga it shall be to the true religion preached by the Missionaries, and not to the false one of these strangers who have just come amongst us."
12th.--Devoted the day to examining 43 Natives in two classes, who are candidates for baptism. Their Christian teacher speaks well of their general conduct, but I considered it advisable to defer their baptism, with the exception of six, to whom I propose administering that sacred ordinance on Sunday next. Besides the candidates, there were nearly 100 Natives present who seemed to feel much interest in the examination. In the evening addressed a party of 125 natives in their new chapel -- a neat & good building 45 x 27 which they have erected solely at their own expense.
13th.--Attended school this morning. Of the 85 who were present, 38 read a chapter from Daniel and wrote from dictation. I much regret that they do not possess sufficient Testaments to use them in a reading class. After school went to Wera a te Atua to examine the bapistmal candidates who have been under Thomas Bamford's instruction. Their replies on the subject of original sin, justification, sanctification etc. were most satisfactory. In the afternoon I examined them as to the spiritual meaning of the commandments etc. Being perfectly satisfied as to their knowledge, and their Christian
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teacher bearing testimony to their consistent walk, I chose 10 of them for baptism to-morrow. In the evening addressed the natives of whom 150 assembled. They are making preparations for the erection of a commodious chapel which will be completed at their own expense. The few possessing Testaments are very careful to preserve them, for besides being in paper covers, and put away in small bags after school, they attach the covers of the Testaments together by strings about four inches long, which only admits of their being half opened, and thus the binding is kept whole for a much longer period than it would otherwise be.
14th. Sunday.--Baptized 16 adults in the presence of an attentive congregation of 270 Natives. In the afternoon 246 attended school, 62 of whom read the Scriptures, viz. 56 men & 16 women. In the evening about 300 assembled for Divine service, when I baptized 16 children.
15th.--Went to Otawao. Mr Morgan is placed here in an extensive field of labour, but it is probable that it will soon be much circumscribed as one of the Wesleyan Missionaries is about to locate himself within a distance of 10 miles from our newly formed settlement.
16th.--Examined the Natives in the chapel and afterwards addressed them. Left after dinner & slept at the foot of Maunga tautari.
17th.--Pursued our journey. Visited an old priest that my companions much wished me to converse with, as he had been in the habit of supplying the Waikato "Fights" with food whenever they passed his place, and it was suggested by the Natives that if the fights were not so supplied, they would soon leave off their predatory excursions. The old man entered very freely into conversation and listened attentively while I pointed out the only way of Salvation -- Jesus Christ -- but in return he occcupied me two hours with the Native History of Creation, their early genealogies etc. Made a short stay at Ware turere, and being joined by some Christian Natives & two Christian teachers who are going on with me to Matamata in order to partake of the Sacrament on Sunday, we proceeded on our journey thither.
18th.--Reached Matamata and found the professing natives busily engaged in dragging out timber from the wood for the spacious chapel they are about erecting. At night held service with nearly 300 Natives.
19th.--Went to see a woman who has experienced a wonderful interposition of Providence on her behalf. The Roman Catholic party, (did the woman belong to them) could make much of the circumstance and record it as a miracle performed through the intervention of the Virgin Mary. The woman is a slave, and for persisting to attend Divine worship at the Christian Pa, her master deliberately loaded his gun and fired at
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her. The ball entered at the back of her neck and passed out at the top of her shoulder. The woman fainted, and the man, considered that she would die, dragged her to an old potatoe pit where he threw her in and after filling up the place with earth and posts, returned home. Before the poor creature was thrown in, she recovered from her fainting fit, but on one of the heavy posts being lowered down on her back, she again fainted. During the night she again revived, and feeling an immense presssure upon her she could not tell, to use her own expression, whether she was in the natural world or in some other. After much struggling, she succeeded in getting from under the posts to a side of the cavern which had not been filled up. This movement caused the earth to fall from between the posts, and she ultimately succeeded in forcing her way up between two of the posts, and walked to the Christian Pa for protection. The circumstance has greatly astonished all parties, but especially the wretch who shot at her and who has now consented to the woman remaining with the Christian Natives. They had indeed previously informed him that having shot his slave and buried her, he could no longer exercise any authority over her, and they meant to retain her. Examined the first class baptismal candidates, 9 in number. Engaged during the afternoon with the second class. In the evening addressed the Natives, 250 at service.
20th.--Occupied during the morning with the Natives whom I am to baptize tomorrow. Throughout the afternoon engaged conversing with the Christian teachers on the subject of the Lord's Supper.
Addressed the Natives at night. More than 200 present. The Christian party are working hard preparing materials for their new chapel, the ridge pole of which is upwards of 80 feet long.
21st. Sunday.--500 Natives assembled at Divine service this morning, when I baptized 9 adults, three of whom formed part of the plundering party at Waiharakeke at the period this Station was abandoned. Two leading Chiefs have lately joined the Christian Pa, who took a very prominent part during the hottest part of the Southern war - Matamata & Tiwa. I do not speak of them as decided Christians, but as enquirers after truth, and their sincerity has been in a measure tested by their refusal to take any further part in the war, by renouncing their native tapus and ritengas, by living in the Christian Pa and conforming to its rules in attending the public services & schools. It was to me an interesting sight to find them taking their places in a circulating class and betraying neither mortification nor anger in having to give precedence on their making a mistake, sometimes to a slave, at other times to a child. Of the 150 men & boys who were at school more than half read in different parts of the Testament. The girls' school consisted of 110, but I could not stop long with them, being engaged to administer the Lord's Supper to four of the Christian teachers. In the evening I again addressed a party
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of 300 Natives and baptized six children.
Roman Catholicism seems almost at a stand at the heathen pa. They do not even assemble for prayers. One of the party had a medal hung round his neck with the inscription "O Marie concue sans peche priez pour nous qui avons recours a vous." He seemed to look upon it as a charm, observing that he was told not to part with the medal and he would then recover should he be seized with any illness.
22nd.--Walked to Tepuna. The boat not having arrived, we kept on overland to the Papa and reached home safely after a hard walk of fourteen hours.
24th.--Examining the Motuhoa class. Chose 5 for baptism on Sunday.
26th.--Engaged with 22 baptismal candidates from Otumoetai. Fixed upon 6 for baptism.
27th.--Occupied with the Native teachers Scripture reading class - 20 present. Engaged also yesterday & today assisting Mr. Stack with his store accounts.
28th. Sunday.--Took the home services. Baptized 2 children and administered the Sacrament.
March 1st.--Spent the afternoon examining a class of 30 Natives chosen from the first classes of the different pas. I hope to baptize most of them on Sunday next.
2nd.--Meeting a class of 19 baptismal candidates. Purchasing firewood and potatoes.
3rd to 5th.--Examining classes of baptismal candidates daily. Assisting Mr. Stack with his store accounts etc.
6th.--Engaged throughout the day with baptismal classes. Fixed upon 18 adults for baptism to-morrow. 11 deferred till a future opportunity.
7th. Sunday.--Morning, at Otumoetai Pa. 300 at service, a good many of the R. C. party amongst them, probably to witness the baptism of 13 adults. One of the party to whom I administered that sacred rite was a venerable old Chief, another a girl who has lived with us for 8 years, and over whom until last year we have often sighed at her deadness to spiritual things, although she was always a faithful & exemplary servant. In the afternoon I held service with 100 Natives at Motuhoa, baptizing 5 adults & 8 children, and in the evening returned to Otumoetai, where I again addressed the Natives and baptized 7 children.
8th.--Conversational meeting with 40 Natives form Maunga tapu.
9th.--Occupied with 36 enquirers from Otumoetai & the Papa.
10th.--Engaged with a class of 18 Natives from the Wairoa.
11th & 12th.--Assisting Mr. Stack with his store accounts. The same occupation also since Monday.
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13th.--Again attacked with inflammation of the eyes.
14th. Sunday.--Kept at home.
15th to 22nd.--Still confined with inflamed eyes.
23rd.--A dull, sunless day, which allowed me again to take a class of the enquiring Natives. 20 attended, belonging principally to Otumoetai.
26th.--Meeting a class of enquirers. Six of them are over here on a visit from Cook's Straits.
27th.--Read with the Christian teachers 6c. 2 Cors.
28th. Sunday.--Took the Native service in the morning. The rain preventing our holding any other.
30th.--Preparing for our annual examination of the schools.
31st.--550 Natives assembled at the settlement this morning. Of this number 400 belonging to 7 schools in Tauranga, were arranged in 18 classes and went through their usual routine of school duties. 80 read several chapters in the New Testament, and the whole examination reflected great credit upon the Christian teachers upon whom so large a share of the religious instruction of their countrymen devolves. The examination was followed by a large feast of pork, potatoes, kumera, pumpkins etc., to which we added a mess of boiled flour, when the party separated apparently much pleased with the day's proceedings.
April 4th. Sunday.--Engaged with the usual Native & English services on the Station.
9th.--Good Friday. At home. Occupied by the Native & English services.
11th. Sunday.--Morning, 2 services at the settlement. Afternoon, walked to Otumoetai Pa, where I had an attentive congregation of 120 Natives.
12th.--Confined to the house, my eyes being very tender in consequence of yesterday's services.
13th.--Met a class of 21 Natives who came for religious instruction and examination in reference to the subject of baptism.
17th.--Occupied by the reading class of Christian teachers.
18th. Sunday.--80 Natives at service this morning. Preached afterwards in English.
19th.--Shipping stores by Columbine.
20th.--24 Natives in the baptismal class to-day.
21st.--Columbine sailed.
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22nd.--The schooner put back from stress of weather.
26th.--Making preparation for an inland journey to Rotorua & Taupo.
27th.--Left with my family for Rotorua.
29th.--Arrived at Mr. Chapman's.
30th.--Addressed the Natives this evening at chapel.
May 1st.--Examining a class of 24 baptismal candidates. Read a chapter with them. Their replies generally satisfactory. Revd. R. Maunsell arrived from Waikato. He is making a missionary tour through Taupo.
2nd. Sunday.--Revd. R. Maunsell took the Natives services. I preached in English.
3rd.--Occupied in examining a class of 40 men & women candidates for baptism.
4th.--Engaged with another class of candidates, 22 in number. One of them was an interesting youth, a son of Huka, whose cold blooded murder on Christmas day 1836 was the occasion of the Southern war. I enquired what made him desire baptism. He replied that the desire did not proceed from himself, but was induced in his heart by the Holy Spirit.
5th to 8th.--Examining baptismal candidates throughout these days. Mr. Chapman & myself finally decided upon 82 adults being baptized tomorrow.
9th. Sunday.--Addressed the Natives, of whom nearly 500 were crowded into the small chapel. They displayed much interest throughout the service and especially on the admission of 82 adults to the outward & visible Church of Christ by the sacred ordinance of baptism.
These form the first fruits of the missionary harvest in the Rotorua district. It was in troublous times that the precious seed was sown. Our friends there might literally have been said to "sow in tears". Now they are permitted to "reap in joy". To the Lord of the harvest be the praise.
10th.--Engaged with two classes of enquiring Natives. Amongst them was Hikairo, a very leading Chief of this lake, who has long since refused to take any further part in the war. He is now a regular attendant on the means of grace, and Mr. Chapman speaks highly of his general walk & conversation. He is on the list of candidates for baptism, but needs further instruction.
11th.--Accompanied by Mr. Chapman I left Rotorua for Taupo & Tongariro. Slept at Tarawera.
12th.--Crossed the lakes. The hot springs, exhausted craters and botanical productions of this neighbourhood would afford a rich treat to the naturalist. It is but a hasty glance that the missionary can give to these things. Sterner yet more
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delightful duties are always forcing him onward.
13th & 14th.--Travelling over the level but barren plains which separate Tarawera & Taupo. We met but two small parties, the one consisting of a few dirty, miserable looking Natives returning from a "fight", the other an interesting little band of 20 persons sitting on the banks of the Waikato. They are in a very isolated spot, but are in the habit of assembling for morning & evening prayers. They did not possess a Testament until Mr. Chapman left one with them. I was as much surprised as pleased at the readiness with which one of the men read from different tracts which we placed in his hands. Several of the party joined our train in order to be present at the examination of the baptismal candidates at Taupo.
15th.--At 11 o'clock this morning the magnificent lake of Taupo burst upon us. It is estimated to be 30 miles long & 20 broad. We walked along its margin to the Roto ngaio Pa & pitched our tents. Addressed an interesting & attentive party of 60 Natives at evening service.
16th.--Held service with the same party of 60 who assembled last night. In the afternoon I was engaged conversing with 6 candidates for baptism who are to proceed with us to-morrow to Motutere, another pa on the lake, where the baptismal candidates are assembled by the Native teachers who preceded us in company with the Revd. R. Maunsell.
17th.--Left for Motutere. A heavy walk for the Natives over the pumice stone with which the lake is environed. Stopped two hours at the Totara, a romantic Native residence where I had a long conversation with a party consisting chiefly of old men who have not joined the professing body of their country men. They were very civil and listened attentively.
18th.--Engaged all the morning at Motutere examining a class of baptismal candidates in the leading doctrines of Christianity, with which they appeared familiar. In the evening took another class. Long conversation with Rawiri, a chief who was baptized nearly three years since by Mr. Whiteley. Found him a very pleasant man, but most ignorant on Scriptural subjects, of which he appeared himself to be conscious, for he remarked that he was only baptized because Mr. Whiteley persuaded him to be so. He is anxious for us to send him a Native teacher, which probably the Wesleyans will object to although none of the missionary body have paid a visit to his place since the period of his baptism. He mentioned that Heuheu and the "fight" who left this lake to attack a pa at Taranaki, have just returned, having succeeded in killing but two Natives. The party in the pa fled on the approach of their enemies, and the assailants having entered the pa, burnt it down and being deprived of the opportunity of wreaking their vengeance on the living, exhumed the bodies which had been buried in the environs of the pa, cut them in pieces and consumed them in Native ovens.
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19th.--Engaged this morning with Mr. Chapman examining into charges laid against three of the candidates for baptism. In two of the cases they were substantiated; in the third the party was proved innocent. Afterwards we assembled in the chapel when I addressed the Natives and baptized 22 adults & 9 children belonging to 2 pas on this lake, and thus to the glory of the Grace of God a church is here planted against which the gates of Hell shall never prevail.
20th.--Left for Heuheu's residence, Te Rapa, which we reached in the evening, and found Captain Symonds & Dr Dieffenbach who are exploring this neighbourhood for scientific purposes. The people here are in a very low & ignorant state, yet we found in one man & several women who have professedly renounced heathenism, a remnant perhaps of the election of grace.
21st.--Pursued our journey to Tongariro, a magnificent snow-capped mountain probably 6000 feet high. At its base is a pretty lake on the banks of which a small party of Natives are resident. Like all other parts of this region it possesses its boiling springs at the mountain's base, although the mountain itself is a still unextinguished crater, and as observed above, covered at its splendid peak with "eternal snows". Matthew & a few other Natives went off to preach to a party in the woods, and are to join us again tomorrow.
Mr Chapman pitched his tent with a small party by the lake, while I remained in an adjoining wood with the old Chief of the tribe & his small party. Assembled 37 at evening service and afterwards engaged in conversation with the old man and examined a class of professed believers. Their knowledge is small. The wonder is that placed in such a remote part of the island, it is so great. One of the party is to accompany us to Taupo to see if he can pass examination for baptism with a class there. We found here the same urgent desire to possess books & Native teachers that has been manifested throughout our journey. Their strong desire to possess the testament has just been shown in a striking manner. Capt. Symonds & his party were very anxious to ascend the mountain top, but the Natives opposed it on the ground of its having been made sacred by their forefathers, and that if the tapu were violated some evil would befall them. "They offered us gold" remarked the old Chief to me, "Had they brought some Testaments we would have consented to their going up the mountain. Tell the strangers when you see them again, that if they return in the Summer and bring Testaments with them, the tapu shall be removed from the mountain".
Late at night, the old Chief's party kindled a fire in front of my tent, and having made a screen of sticks & fern to shelter them from the inclement wind, they sat up till nearly daybreak asking questions on religious subjects of a Christian Native teacher who accompanied me from Tauranga.
22nd.--Left for Pukaua, a Native
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residence on Taupo Lake where David & other Natives have promised to meet us in order to spend the Sabbath.
23rd. Sunday.--Held service with an attentive congregation of 110 Natives.
24th.--Baptized a Native woman and continued our journey to Tutakamoana, accompanied by David & his daughter, to whom I have promised a New Testament on reaching Rotorua. We kept on for 3 hours and slept at the residence of an old man who has been baptized by the Wesleyans although he is as ignorant of the way of salvation as his forefathers were when Captain Cook first visited New Zealand. It is really pitiable.
25th.--Missed our way to Tutakamoana and came up at night to a Native residence in the woods called Taipuhi, where we found a small party with whom I held service.
26th.--Shortly after starting this morning it commenced raining. We kept on however for 3 hours, when we reached Tutakamoana and finding a few Natives there we pitched our tents.
27th.--Arrived at Tuorapake this afternoon, where we made a short stay. The Wesleyans have baptized two Natives belonging to this place who are acting as teachers. The leading Chief however promised that if Mr. Chapman, who has always supplied them with books, would send a properly qualified Native teacher to reside with them, they would listen to his instructions and build a chapel. We journeyed two hours by moonlight and slept on the banks of the Waikato River.
28th.--Travelling towards Rotorua.
29th.--Raining throughout the day without intermission, but as our supplies were exhausted and we were within 25 miles of Rotorua, we were obliged to proceed, and after a hard walk of 7 hours we reached Mr. Chapman's house, wet through but in good health. We were accompanied in this trip by William Marsh. When he last visited Taupo it was with a fight. On this occasion he went as a messenger of peace -- a preacher of the Gospel of which he was then ignorant. Taramatakitaki was also of our party. This Chief was the leader of the sacred fight which myself & some of my Brethren encountered a few years since in the forest between Rotorua & Tauranga. He is now a candidate for baptism. Two other Natives who were in the same party, I baptized on the 9th inst, and the remaining few of the sacred fight are all professing Christianity. Thus labours made in "weakness, fear & trembling" have been crowned with an abundant blessing. "The work is God's -- be His the praise".
30th. Sunday.--Took the Native service this morning. 250 Natives present.
31st.--Had a long conversation with the Chief Hikairo. He seems much in earnest. Afterwards examining two new classes of candidates for baptism.
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June 1st.--Baptized 24 infants, the children of the adults whom I baptized on the 9th ult.
3rd.--Left for Tauranga.
4th.--Travelling.
5th.--Reached home.
6th. Sunday.--Took English service this morning.
8th.--Assisting Mr. Stack dividing Native books etc. in the store.
9th.--A Chief from Otumoetai whose party have of late been professedly of the R. C. Church, applied to us for a Native teacher.
10th to 12th.--Conversing with different parties of Natives, preparing committee accounts etc.
13th. Sunday.--Service at Otumoetai Pa. 120 Natives attended.
Afterwards addressed a party of 30 at the Residence of the Chief who on the 9th inst applied to us for a Native teacher. A principal Chief connected with the Roman Catholics was present and asked many questions, which gave me a fair opportunity of exposing some of the abominable doctrines of Popery. I then held a conversation with a party of old men on the beach and afterwards returned to the school. 96 were arranged in classes, viz 42 men, 23 women, 31 children.
14th.--Engaged with a party of 21 baptismal candidates from Otumoetai.
15th.--Nuka, the leading Chief of Maunga tapu, has it is reported, joined the Roman Catholics. I can only say that he is better with them than with us, until he lead a more consistent life. And then to cheer us, a fresh band of 20 Natives belonging to Maunga tapu, and who were formerly amongst the worst in the pa, have of late become regular attendants at the chapel. The R. C. Bishop seems determined however to make a regular attack upon Tauranga, and has promised that a priest shall be stationed at Maunga tapu in addition to the one now living at Otumoetai.
16th to 19th.--Conversations with Natives, making out returns for committee, gardening etc.
20th. Sunday.--At Native service baptized 3 infants. Afterwards took the English service.
21st.--Preparing for journey to committee.
22nd to 25th.--Detained from day to day by bad weather from leaving home.
26th.--Left for Otawao to attend Committee.
27th. Sunday.--Spent the Sabbath at Waipapa. Held service with the Natives journeying with us, 40 in number.
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28th to 30th.--Travelling. Reached Otawao.
July 1st to 3rd.--Engaged in Committee.
4th. Sunday.--Preached in English. Messrs Maunsell & Wilson went to meet the R. C. priest at Ngauhuruhuru Pa.
5th to 8th.--Committeeing.
9th.--Drawing bills etc. After dinner left for Maunga tautari.
10th.--Reached Maunga tautari about 10 o'clock, and occupied throughout the remainder of the day examining the various first classes of baptismal candidates who gave me great satisfaction by their scriptural replies to the questions proposed to them, and which embraced all the leading doctrines of the Gospels. The new chapel which they have erected since my last visit, is a very neat & substantial building capable of accommodating 600 Natives.
11th. Sunday.--Baptized 46 adults and addressed a congregation of about 500 Natives. More than 400 afterwards assembled at school, of whom 110 were reading in the New Testament.
12th.--Baptized 20 infants this morning.
13th.--Left for Matamata.
14th.--Arrived at Matamata this morning. Occupied examining first class candidates for baptism. Found them so much improved since my visit in February that I decided to admit 13 of them to-morrow.
At night I addressed the Natives in their new noble chapel. It is 85 feet long by 45 wide, accurately proportioned throughout, and would contain 1000 Natives. I look upon this free will offering to the service of God, for their heavy labour in its erection has been gratuitous, as no slight proof of the sincerity of their profession.
15th.--Baptized 13 adults and 9 children. We then left for Tauranga and slept at the Wairere.
16th.--Reached home in safety.
17th.--Busily occupied with the Natives.
18th. Sunday.--Took English service.
19th.--Gardening, paying Natives etc.
20th to 24th.--A very wet, unpleasant week. Few Natives in consequence attended the settlement for instruction. Serving out rations, gardening etc.
25th. Sunday.--Service at home. Too wet even to assemble the Natives in chapel.
28th to 31st.--Examining baptismal
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classes from Otumoetai & Oikimoki consisting of upwards of 50 Natives. Whether the widely spread spirit of enquiry amongst the Natives will pass away "as a morning cloud and as the early dew", time alone will determine. The present prospect is certainly cheering. They devote much time in perusing the sacred Scriptures. May they grow in grace & in the knowledge of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ.
August 1st. Sunday.--Went to Otumoetai Pa. 150 attended Divine service. I was afterwards permitted without interruption to address a party of Natives who have nominally joined the R. C. priest.
Held also a long & interesting conversation with a lame Chief who is a candidate for baptism, and then returned to attend school, where I found upwards of 100 assembled.
2nd to 5th.--Much occupied in examining different classes of baptismal candidates from various pas.
7th.--Conversing with Native teachers in reference to the services at the outposts tomorrow. Gardening, planting nursery.
8th. Sunday.--Native and English services at the Papa.
9th.--Assisting Mr. Stack in the store. Afterwards the more interesting employment of examining the Otumoetai class of baptismal candidates. Fixed upon 22 adults for baptism on Sunday next.
10th.--Engaged with the Otumoetai class, and afterwards with a class of enquirers from Patatere, amongst whom was the man who in 1836 murdered W. Marsh's child. I believe him to be a changed character, though I would not hastily baptize him. He is not the first murderer to whom the Gospel has proved the power of God unto salvation. Nicodemus, a Native teacher whom I placed some time since with a party in the woods at the back of Tauranga, called to request permission to leave his charge in consequence of the interference of Tupaia amongst the tribe in favour of the R. C. priest. I urged his remaining at his post, which he consented to do.
11th.--Again occupied with the Otumoetai class. Gardening etc.
12th.--Despatched public documents for England.
13th.--Inflammation of the eyes again, the usual result of any close application.
14th.--Final examination of Otumoetai baptismal class. Arranging Christian names etc. Making lime heap for oven building.
15th. Sunday.--At Otumoetai, where I baptized 22 adults & 11 children in the presence of an attentive congregation of 260 Natives. Afterwards addressed a party of 20 at the end of the pa, who are nominally Roman Catholics, but who worship they know not what. Tupaia
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was present. They listened respectfully.
16th.--Engaged with second class of baptismal candidates from Otumoetai & the Papa.
17th.--The schooner of the R. C. Bishop arrived, with several priests on board, one of whom it is reported is to be stationed at Maketu, 15 miles from this place on the Eastern Coast.
18th.--Eyes still much inflamed.
19th.--The R. C. Bishop & 3 priests off the settlement. A strange sight in the Southern district. The Papists seem determined to make a stand for Tauranga. Engaged this afternoon with a class of 27 baptismal candidates. The contrast between the R. C. party & our own in respect of knowledge & consistent behaviour, is most cheering.
20th.--Examining a class of 34 baptismal candidates. Gardening etc.
21st.--Engaged with a class of enquiring Natives from the pa.
22nd. Sunday.--Took the settlement services. The R. C. schooner sailed for Maketu with the priest for that place. "By their fruits ye shall know them". I have had on several occasions to remark that the Sabbath was never so much profaned by the Heathen Natives as it has been since some few of them have professedly embraced the R. C. religion.
23rd.--A new class of 4 Natives came over from Maunga tapu for examination. Two of them were very old men.
I think I discover symptoms of persecution beginning to manifest themselves on the part of the R. C. party against our Natives. Two attempts have been made of late to take possession of lands belonging to Natives connected with us. In one which occurred today, a baptized Native of mine narrowly escaped being pierced by a spear which was thrown at him.
24th.--Slaking lime, gardening etc. Occupied during the afternoon with a class of 20 candidates from Otumoetai & the Papa. The Native teachers of the former place inform me that the R. C. party have held out threats of firing at our teachers if they persist in going amongst them any more to preach. I of course directed them to desist.
25th.--Examining a class of 5 baptismal candidates from Motuhoa. Gardening, painting etc.
26th.--Engaged with the Otumoetai class, 5 of whom I propose admitting on Sunday next to the Sacred rite of baptism.
27th & 28th.--Gardening etc. Columbine arrived.
29th. Sunday.--At Otumoetai. 200 at service. Baptized 4 adults & 2 children. Afterwards addressed another party of 20 Natives in an enclosure immediately over the house of the R. C. priest.
30th.--Getting goods on shore from the Columbine.
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September 1st to 3rd.--Gardening, writing etc.
4th.--A class of 15 Native teachers assembled, with whom I read 2c. 1 John. Received a letter from Mr. Chapman, who I find has been engaged in a public discussion at Rotorua with the R. C. Bishop.
5th. Sunday.--Home services. Baptized a Native infant and administered the Sacrament.
6th.--Examining 76 Natives who came over from Maunga tapu. 51 women and 25 men. Nuka sent for me to converse with him. Amidst all the assaults of Popery we have very much to encourage us in our work.
7th.--Examining Journal for transmission to England -- March 1st to Dec. 31st 1840.
8th.--Writing to C. M. S. No. 33.
10th to 12th.--Confined to the house with inflamed eyes.
13th.--Covering tracts & arranging books etc. to send to Tuhoa (Mayor Island) for the school there. Met the first & second classes of baptismal candidates from Maunga tapu, the former consisting of 13 men & 7 women -- the latter of 4 men & 6 women.
14th.--It is decided that one of the priests who accompanied the R. C. Bishop shall be stationed at Matamata. This step will render it necessary for us to pay an increased attention to that place, although I cherish the hope that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has too firm a hold there to have it supplanted by the idolatry of the Church of Rome.
15th.--Serving out rations.
16th.--Engaged with two new classes of enquiring Natives numbering 21 men & 12 women.
18th.--Occupied in reading with the Native teachers, and conversing with them on the subject upon which they are to address their countrymen to-morrow.
19th. Sunday.--Took the Native & English services at the settlement today.
22nd.--Engaged to-day with different parties of enquiring Natives, 41 in number, from the pas.
24th.--Examining a class of 8 men & 11 women from Motuhoa.
25th.--Several Christian Natives accompanied the teachers to their usual reading meeting, so that we had 29 present. Took 14c. John as the subject for our consideration.
26th. Sunday.--At Maunga tapu. More than 200 Natives having assembled, we were obliged to adjourn from the chapel and hold service in the open air, baptized an infant, completing the 500th
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entry in our baptismal register. The R. C. priest, whose chapel is contiguous to ours, had about 20 persons to instruct. After service 133 Natives formed into 7 classes at school. I afterwards had an interview with Nuka, who denied that he had joined the R. C. party, but seems waiting for a more "convenient season" to declare himself on the Lord's side.
27th to 29th.--Examining 46 candidates for baptism. Gardening etc.
October 1st.--Sowed about 2 acres of Rye Grass at the settlement. Met two classes of baptismal candidates, 36 in number.
2nd.--Engaged with the Christian teachers -- 13 present.
3rd. Sunday.--Home services.
4th & 5th.--Gardening, extricating horses from a pit into which they had fallen.
6th.--Preparing general accounts for the Committee.
12th to 16th.--Engaged in committee arranging store accounts.
17th.--Sunday. English service. Baptized Mr. Preece's infant, and in the evening at Native service baptized 2 adult Natives from the Thames.
23rd.--Occupied throughout the past week in committee with store accounts & private accounts.
24th. Sunday.--At Otumoetai. 200 at Divine service. In the evening administered the Sacrament to my Brethren.
25th to 29th.--Engaged in committee. Mr. Stack's services transferred to the Eastern District. The call for assistance in that quarter is certainly most urgent, but the duties of this station must of necessity be much crippled by this arrangement, and that too at a period when unusual efforts are being made to introduce Popery in this neighbourhood.
30th.--Distributed 41 Testaments to be paid for in potatoes. Met the Saturday class of Native teachers. 20 present.
November 1st & 2nd.--Engaged with the Natives, making arrangements to visit Matamata etc.
3rd.--Distributed 29 Testaments to be paid for in potatoes.
Received a letter from Mr. Chapman urging my immediate visit to Rotorua to baptize a party of Natives in his district.
4th & 5th.--Travelling to Rotorua.
6th.--Examining a class of 14 Natives, who passed very respectably. Had an interview with my old lad Paihau who is anxious for baptism. He presented a pig as an acknowledgement of his bad conduct at Matamata.
7th. Sunday.--More than 400 Natives assembled from surrounding settlements, whom I addresses from 4c. Ephesians 1 & 2 v.
Administered the Sacrament at night.
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8th.--Much conversation with the enquiring Natives. Hikairo, (a leading Chief of this Lake), is proposing to visit Tauranga after his baptism. His last visit there was in company with a band of murderers. He is now anxious to preach that faith which he once opposed, and I believe him to be sincere in his profession. I cannot else account for his throwing away tapus & ritengas to which he has fondly clung for nearly half a century, and in spite of the taunting jeers of his old companions in wickedness declaring himself on the Lord's side, and casting in his lot with "the people of God". He is certainly growing in knowledge, and no wonder, for he is constantly seeking information of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. It is pleasing to see the old man taking his place in an enquiring class amongst women & children & slaves. Yet I feel that he is placed at the present time in a very dangerous scene. While his baptism is deferred he is constantly plied by his countrymen of the baser sort with objections against the Gospel and arguments for his return to Native customs, which speak powerfully to the corrupt affections of the human heart, such as the loss of dignity which he will sustain by joining the believing party. It was fixed that his baptism should take place on the morrow, but such is the force of early education that we cannot persuade him that his baptism will be so sacred if the ceremony be performed on a Ra noa, (a common day), as it would be on the Sabbath day, and hence to satisfy his weakness & prejudice I shall be obliged to remain here until after next Sunday, but as the baptismal candidates are pouring in from the distant lakes I shall find full employment.
9th.--Married 5 couples. Examined 19 of the baptismal candidates.
10 of this number are from a place where Mr. Chapman could not give much personal attention, and their examination not only reflects great credit upon the Native teachers, but affords another striking illustration of the power of God's word to convert the soul, make wise the simple, rejoice the heart and enlighten the eyes. Blessed be God for permitting His word to be so widely circulated amongst the New Zealanders. How powerful a barrier has it presented to the inroads of Anti-Christ.
The late visit of the R. C. Bishop & his pro-vicar to this place, appears on the whole to have furthered the cause of Protestantism, (and hence the cause of the Gospel), for the Natives with greater diligence than ever are searching the Scriptures and comparing the dogmas of the Apostate Church with the words of truth & righteousness, and "the truth shall make them free".
10th.--Examining baptismal candidates throughout the day. In the evening an R. C. priest passed through the settlement to Ohinemutu, the principal pa of this lake.
11th.--Accompanied Mr. Chapman to the pa and visited all the compounds, but the priest whom we were in hopes of confronting before the Natives, did not
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show himself. On our return in the evening, addressed the Natives from "Prove all things -- hold fast that which is good". A baptized Native who had encountered the R. C. Bishop at Auckland, told me that the Bishop justified their making images, from the example of the carved Cherubim & Seraphim. The plain, common-sense Scriptural reply of the Native to his Lordship, much struck me. "God", (he said), "commanded the Cheribum & Seraphim to be made. God forbids you to make carved images. God spake from the Cherubim & Seraphim. Did he ever speak from your images?"
12th.--Engaged examining fresh classes.
13th.--Finished examination of classes. Arranging with Mr. Chapman names for the Natives etc. Poor Hikairo still holds back from baptism. The subject has been placed before him in a strong light, but we do not feel justified in further pressing him, although we feel disappointed at his conduct.
14th. Sunday.--Baptized 80 adults in the morning and 46 children in the afternoon. In the evening administered the Sacrament to Zech. & Mrs Chapman. The morning sight was most cheering. An attentive congregation of about 400 Natives were present, although the chapel is not capable of holding more than half that number to sit comfortably, while Mr. Chapman held service in a neighbouring house with 70 Natives who could not gain admission to the chapel. An alloy however was mixed with our joy, that the R. C. priest was engaged baptizing some infants at a neighbouring lake. We found in the evening that the priest had to baptize the infants outside the pa, the Natives having refused him admission inside.
15th.--Prevented returning home by a gale.
16th.--Left for the Papa in company with Mr. Chapman.
17th.--Arrived at night. Preparing to start to-morrow for the Thames, to our adjourned committee.
18th.--The wind too strong to proceed in the boat.
19th.--Left for the Thames.
20th.--Travelling. Arrived at the landing place on the Thames River. The boat had been sent for us but had returned. This will cause a further delay, the more tiresome as there are few Natives in this neighbourhood that we can visit.
21st. Sunday.--Went up the river in a canoe, held service with a party of 70 Natives, with whom I afterwards stopped and held school. Was pleased to find 20 of them who could read in the New Testament.
22nd.--Proceeded on our journey, reaching Turua Pa, where we slept.
23rd.--Reached Mr. Preece's house.
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24th & 25th.--Fully occupied examining the Thames baptismal candidates who had been assembled by Mr. Preece from their different residences along the coast. Baptized 46 adults & 8 infants, and afterwards addressed the Natives.
26th.--Crossed the Thames and stopped for the night a short distance above Wakatiwai Pa.
27th.--Reached the Island of Pakihi. Unable from the strong winds to proceed further.
28th. Sunday.--At Pakihi.
29th.--Arrived at Mr. Fairburn's. Revd R. Maunsell had left to return home in consequence of our long delay. Sent off a messenger to fetch him back. Heard of the lamented death of Capt. Symonds & 3 others by the upsetting of a boat in crossing Manukau. They were engaged in a work which was eminently one of "charity", carrying medicine to Mrs Hamlin, who in the absence of Mr. Hamlin was taken seriously ill.
30th.--Engaged in committee. December 1st. Finished committee. Mr Fairburn tendered his resignation, which was accepted.
2nd.--The wind proving unfavourable for crossing the Thames, we went on to Auckland.
3rd.--Called on Dr. Johnson, whose opinion is favourable as to the improving state of my eyes. My Brethren paid a visit to the wretched Native who is in prison on the charge of having murdered the widow of Captain Robertson, her two children, man servant and another child resident with her. The murderer, who does not attempt to conceal his guilt, appears to be in a most indifferent & hardened state of mind.
4th.--Left Auckland and pitched our tents at the heads.
5th. Sunday.--A wet, blustering day which prevented our visiting the party of Natives with whom we had hoped to spend the Sabbath.
6th.--Reached Pakihi, the strong winds again detaining us prisoners on the Island.
8th.-- he weather moderating, we sailed across the Thames to Mr. Preece's, where I baptized a Native infant.
9th.--Left for home.
10th.--Journeying.
11th.--Arrived at the settlement.
12th. Sunday.--English service at the Station.
13th to 15th.--Native services at the chapel. Issuing stores.
Administering medicine. Conversations with enquiring Natives from different parts of Tauranga, Maunga tautari &
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Matamata. Distributed 71 Testaments, part of the princely donation of the British & Foreign Bible Society.
16th.--Went with Mr. Chapman to Maunga tapu in order to meet Hikairo, who it is reported is on his way hither -- a bold step on his part thus to venture amongst those with whom he has so long been at war. Hikairo did not arrive during our stay, but we had a long & friendly conversation with Nuka. A European resident here informed us that the R. C. priest had lately been baptizing a child in the pa without the consent of its only surviving parent.
17th.--Hikairo arrived. Mr. Chapman went to meet him, but I was too much occupied, again to leave home to-day.
18th.--Messrs Wilson & Stack left -- the former for Opotiki, the latter for Poverty Bay.
19th. Sunday.--Went to Maunga tapu, where nearly 200 Natives attended service -- amongst them Hikairo & his party. 127 were present at school, of whom 50 read in the New Testament. In the infant class there were 7 children who had been baptized by the R. C. priest.
Popery is making but little progress in this pa. The Natives report that on the last two visits made by the priest he could not assemble any Natives with whom to hold service.
20th.--Hikairo & his party arrived at the Station. He proposes sleeping a night at the various pas in Tauranga, and then pass on to the Thames and return home through Waikato. Gave out 82 Testaments to applicants from Maunga tautari & Matamata. The avidity with which the word of God is received is most encouraging at a period when Popery is making such a strong effort to introduce "another Gospel".
21st.--Mr. Chapman & myself accompanied Hikairo & his party to Otumoetai. He met with a most cordial reception and in his speech made an open confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I trust that he will be preserved throughout his journey and that his visit may be blessed to the ultimate ratification of peace between his tribes, and those of this place & Waikato.
22nd.--Distributed 53 Testaments to the Maunga tapu Natives.
Obliged to send many back who had made the journey in order to obtain Testaments, and who were willing to pay for them in potatoes. My stock however is nearly exhausted.
25th. Christmas Day.--Took the home duties. More than 100 Natives present at the morning service.
26th. Sunday.--Morning, Native service, then English. In the afternoon went to Otumoetai, where 150 attended Divine worship.
One of the Christian Natives (Philip) enquired if the tupunas (ancestors) of the
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Church of Rome were not descended from Ishmael. On enquiring his reason for supposing so, he said it was from reading the Epistle to the Galatians and thinking how in every age that Church had persecuted believers. "As then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the spirit, even so it is now".
27th.--I was obliged to part with 12 Testaments to-day out of the few remaining on hand.
29th.--Hikairo called on his way back to Rotorua, being too unwell to proceed to the Thames. He had been again at Otumoetai Pa, but the leading Chief, Tupaia, who was absent at his last visit refused to meet him, which looks like a settled determination to continue the long protracted war when he has the power to do so.
30th & 31st.--Fencing & gardening. Another party arrived from the woods to beg Testaments. My exhausted stock prevented my supplying the demand. I cannot doubt that God is raising up a Church around us against which persecution & Popery & the Gates of Hell shall never prevail.
