MEMOIR AND OBITUARY OF MOWHEE, A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER
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MEMOIR AND OBITUARY OF MOWHEE, A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER WHO DIED AT PADDINGTON, DEC. 28, 1816.
Written by the Rev. BASIL WOODD.
And addressed to the Secretary of the Church Missionary Society.
My Dear Friend--
It is with real concern that I have to inform you, that it has pleased God to remove out of this life our friend MOWHEE, whom the Church Missionary Society had confided to my superintendence and care.
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MISCELLANIES.
As it may be satisfactory to yourself, to those who support the Institution, and indeed to all who feel a desire to promote the conversion of the Heathen, to be presented with a general view of his history, I send you the following Memoir.
So far as I have been able to ascertain particulars, this young man was born in the island of New Zealand, about the year 1796.
On Monday, Dec. the 16th, about twelve days before his death, I had taken him to spend the evening with some friends. We came home together, as I was fearful of trusting him by himself, lest he should mistake his way. We had some very pleasant conversation, in which he expressed himself greatly delighted and edified with the company to which he had been admitted. --I little thought that this would prove the last time I should ever take him out with me.
Just before we got out of the coach, I said, "Mowhee, you can now write a tolerably good hand. --I wish you would, at your leisure, write down what particulars you can recollect of your history. --I will keep it, to remember you, after you have departed for New Zealand."
Accordingly, in the course of the week, he undertook this narrative; and had proceeded in it as far as his return to his native island, at the close of 1814, when his unexpected death prevented farther progress.
From this narrative, and from occasional conversation, I have collected the following interesting facts: and, so far as I am able, I shall insert the statement in his own plain and unaffected words. The history discloses an extraordinary series of the interpositions of Divine Providence.
Mowhee was a relation of Terra, a Head Chief, and a man of considerable influence, on the south side of the Bay of Islands.
About the year 1806, one of the Natives had gone to Port Jackson in New South Wales, and staid there some time. On his return, he told his countrymen "what a fine place the English People had, and the wonderful news of our Saviour dying for sinners and the world." He also persuaded many of the Natives to wish to send their children thither.
Shortly after, two ships came into the harbour. The Captains came on shore; one of them to the spot where Mowhee's family resided. By the character Mowhee gave of him, he appears to have been a man of a very friendly disposition, and of a religions state of mind. He frequently conversed with Mowhee's father, and endeavoured to impress on his conscience the value of his soul, the importance of eternity, and the leading truths of the Christian Religions This kind attention so much gained the affections and confidence of the father, that, when the ship was preparing to quit New Zealand, he earnestly entreated the Captain to take his son a voyage with him.
Mowhee was at this period about nine or ten years of age. He had been a good deal with the Captain while on shore, and loved him as a parent. He had also been frequently on board the ship; and, as was perfectly natural, was greatly delighted with the novelty of the scene, and the prospect of the voyage to a new island.
Accordingly, when the day arrived for the sailing of the ship, the father and mother, and several Natives, accompanied Mowhee on board. Here he found a Native, with whom he was acquainted, who had been to visit the English Settlements, and was going back again with the Captain. He spake highly of the kindness of the Captain, and of the English People; and persuaded Mowhee to persevere in his intention.
At this time the ships were surrounded with canoes, which kept her company till she was withoutside the heads of the Bay. About sun-set they left the ships; and now a most melancholy farewell was taken of Mowhee by his parents. The mother, in particular, was quite overwhelmed in an agony of grief. For a long time she refused to quit the ship; and was, at length, taken away by compulsion.
This was the last time that Mowhee and his parents ever saw one another. Some months after, a fatal epidemic sickness was brought from a distant part of the island. Numbers caught the infection and died; and, among them, the affectionate parents of our young friend. Mowhee always spoke of his father as a man who had learned of the Captain to worship the True God; and he trusted he should meet him again, to part no more.
In the evening, the Captain called Mowhee, and the other Native, whose name was Hearry, into the cabin. He spake kindly to them, and bade them be assured of his friendship; and told Mowhee, that he should in future call him by the name of Thomas.
During this evening, the wind began to blow very hard, and the sea was very tempestuous for a few days. Mowhee was exceedingly terrified; but his countryman quieted his fears, by assuring him that the storm would not long continue, and that, in a short time, they would see Norfolk Island. As soon as they arrived off that island, a boat came on board, with a Mr. Drummond, who took Mowhee and
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the other Native on shore, to his own house.
The first object which engaged his attention and excited his astonishment, in this place, was the building of a brig; a sight to him entirely new.
Mr. Drummond received him with great kindness; and assured him, that, if he was disposed to reside with him, he should be treated like one of his sons.
Mr. Drummond placed him at a day-school for near a year. Here he began to learn to read and write; and from this period, as a token of regard, he took the name of Thomas Drummond.
Shortly after, the whole family sailed for New South Wales. They landed at Sidney; and, in February 1812, removed to a farm, at a village called Liverpool.
During this period, it appears that Mr. Drummond, and the Rev. Mr. G---- used to explain to Mowhee the general principles of the Christian Religion, the meaning of going to Church, the nature of the worship due to Almighty God, and the redemption of man by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, to use his own words, he frequently was taught that the Son of God came into the world to save sinners, and that whosoever believed on Him should inherit everlasting life. Mr. D. had adopted the pious and venerable custom of having all his family and servants, every Sunday Evening, in his parlour. He heard them read portions of the Holy Scriptures, and then familiarly explained them, according to their capacities.
Mowhee's ordinary employment was in the farm; and much of his time was occupied in taking care of the sheep, and preventing their straying to lose themselves in the woods. His mind, however, possessed too much ardour and activity for this mode of life. He described it as a lonesome employment; and, in a few months, he became completely weary of it, and expressed to Mr. D. his earnest desire to quit the farm, and gratify his curiosity in seeing more of the world.
Just at this crisis, the Rev. Samuel Marsden calling at Mr. Drummond's, Mowhee's desire was communicated to him. He arranged an exchange, in consequence; and Mowhee was removed to Parramatta. He was thus placed under the protection of this distinguished Clergyman, and enjoyed the benefit of his prayers, example, and daily instruction. He was also introduced to the acquaintance of another persevering labourer in the Missionary Cause, Mr. Thomas Kendall.
This gentleman having, apparently by mere accident, passed by Bentinck Chapel one Sunday Morning, about the year 1805, was induced, by hearing the sound of the organ, to go in. The consequence was, that he was one of the audience the first time that a sermon was preached there in order to excite Christians, by their prayers and exertions, to send the Gospel to other nations. The subject was quite new to him: his mind became deeply impressed with guilt, for having hitherto neglected this important duty; and he resolved, by the grace of God, to devote himself to the service of the Heathen. Having waited seven years, for a favourable opportunity, with much prayer, patience, and perseverance, the wished-for-day at length arrived; when he relinquished every temporal prospect in his native country; and, with his four children, and his wife then pregnant, set sail, May 31, 1813, on board the Earl Spencer, a Convict Ship, for New South Wales. He arrived at Port Jackson on the 10th of November following, after a very pleasant passage, and just before the period when Mowhee, by being removed to Parramatta, came under the protection of Mr. Marsden.
When Mowhee arrived, Mr. Kendall was gone, with Mr. Hall, to New Zealand, to inquire into the dispositions of the inhabitants, and the probability of succeeding in a Missionary Settlement.
August 22, 1814, they returned in the Brig Active, bringing with them six of the Natives, and one of the Chiefs, Duaterra.
Mr. Kendall devoted much of his time to the instruction of Mowhee; and a friendship was formed from this period, which we trust will survive the grave.
Mowhee appeared to be a youth of tender feelings. He never forgot Mr. Kendall's kind attention. Whenever his name was mentioned, his eyes sparkled with tears of affection. He generally sat, at Bentinck Chapel, in the same pew which Mr. K. had occupied; and one of the last intelligent sentences which he ever uttered was, "Tell Mr. Kendall, I never forgot his instructions."
When the Active sailed the next time to New Zealand, Nov. 19, 1814, with the Rev. Mr. Marsden, Mr. and Mrs. Kendall, and others, Mowhee accompanied them. A most interesting account of this voyage has been given in the Missionary Register for November and December, 1816. -- On Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1814, the Active arrived at the Timber District, on the south side of the Bay of Islands. This was the district to which Mowhee belonged, and to the Chief of which he was related.
His interview with his relation and countrymen is thus described, in Mr.
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Marsden's Letter 1. "Terra was an old man, apparently about seventy years of age. I went, accompanied by Messrs. Nicholas, Kendall, and King, to visit him; and took with me a young man (Mowhee), about seventeen years of age, who was a relation of the Chief, and who had been almost nine years from New Zealand; the latter part of which period he had lived with me in Parramatta. He had also lived several years with a Mr. Drummond, at Norfolk Island, who had been exceedingly kind to him. When we landed on the beach, I found Terra sitting with some of his Chiefs and people. He received. us very cordially, and wept much, and particularly at the young man's return; as did many more, and some wept aloud."--Such was the strong natural affection which marked the character of the Natives of New Zealand.
Saturday, Feb. 26, 1815, Mr. Marsden set sail in the Active, to return to Port Jackson. Eight Chiefs accompanied him, and two servants. Messrs. Kendall, Hall, and King, remained at New Zealand. Mr. Kendall, who had long been a gratuitous teacher at Bentinck Chapel Sunday School, and had established a School among the Convicts during the voyage, had, before Mr. Marsden's departure, begun to teach the Children in New Zealand. Two fine boys were under his instruction; and several Chiefs had observed, that it would be very desirable to have their sons educated.
In a letter which I have lately received from Mr. Kendall, (dated Bay of Islands, New Zealand, June 1, 1815, ) he observes on this subject, "Our gracious Master is, I trust, gradually preparing the way to make the Gospel known to the Natives of New Zealand... When I take a view of the little children who sometimes surround me; when I observe their cheerful countenances, and the constant smile upon their faces; when I hear their anxious inquiries about everything they see, and discover the lively and affectionate turn of their minds; painful is the reflection, that any of these Children should be brought up without the knowledge of God, and the good news of a Saviour's dying love. Indeed, we should rejoice to see more labourers in this vineyard."
From this digression I now return to the Narrative of Mowhee.
Mr. Marsden left him in New Zealand, intending that he should assist in the improvement of his countrymen; as he had been much at Parramatta, and had become well acquainted with English manners. Having, however, heard much of England, and being possessed with an unbounded thirst after knowledge, he obtained permission of his friends to visit this favoured island. About August 1815, he was accordingly received on board the Jefferson Whaler, a ship bound to this country. Having no money to pay his passage, he came over in the capacity of a common sailor. The voyage occupied about ten months; and he arrived in the, River Thames about the month of May, 1816.
The Captain of the ship, feeling himself burdened with a foreigner from a far distant island, without friends or support, and not knowing how to provide for him, availed himself of the circumstance of his having mentioned Mr. Kendall as connected with the Church Missionary Society; and, under this impression, took Mowhee to the Society's House, in Salisbury Square.
His case was immediately laid before the Committee; and received the unanimous opinion, that this friendless stranger should be taken under the protection of the Society, and provided for at its expense, till an opportunity should offer for his return to New Zealand. As his friend Mr. Kendall had resided in my neighbourhood, it was also recommended by the Committee, that he should be placed under my eye and superintendence. Mowhee was accordingly brought to my house, on Monday Evening, June 10, 1816.
Our first attention was to procure him board and lodging in a creditable family, near the Edgeware Road, a few doors from one of the Charity Schools connected with Bentinck Chapel; the Masters of which were requested to pay him every attention in their power, and to take care that he was supplied with whatever was reasonable and expedient, and to be particularly careful of his acquaintance.
Having furnished him with suitable apparel, I then sent him to a day-school kept by Mr. Hazard, a pious and intelligent man, in the adjoining street. I desired that he might be instructed in reading, writing, and the first rules of arithmetic; and that particular attention might be paid to his religious instruction. I especially urged that he should learn to repeat the admirable summary of the Divine Law in the Church Catechism, in order that he might be thoroughly instructed in his duty to his God and to his neighbour; in humble hope, that, through the divine blessing, he might be brought to examine himself by the Law of God, by that Law might attain to the knowledge of his sins, be convinced of his fallen nature, feel the need in which he
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stood of a Saviour, and, with a penitent and believing heart, might understand the design of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust alone for pardon and acceptance to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.
I requested, also, that Mr. Amies, one of the Masters of the Bentinck Schools, and another friend, Mr. Short, would bring him with them to attend the worship of God at Bentinck Chapel, and see that he was present at the public catechizing of the Schools, at the Afternoon Service.
I felt the case of this young stranger from a far-distant land peculiarly interesting. It struck me as a golden opportunity, or rather as an opportunity more precious than gold, not to be lost; that good was to be done to him now, or perhaps never; that, in a few months, we must part to meet no more on earth; and, therefore, that it was an imperious duty, the dictate of Christian Charity, to afford him, in that compressed form which the shortness of his abode in this country demanded, all the general knowledge possible. Our earnest desire and prayer was, that, when he returned to New Zealand, he might carry back with him a competent acquaintance with the arts of civilization, the general principles of Christian Morality, and the sublime truths of the glorious Gospel of the Blessed God.
This was our object; and, in a short time, the intelligent youth amply repaid the expense and attention of the Society.
He discovered great tenderness and humility of mind, an ardent thirst for all useful knowledge, a perfect readiness of compliance with the advice of his instructors, and a devout ambition to qualify himself to be useful in his native country. He took great delight in attending the House of God, in hearing religious conversation, in reading profitable books, and in frequenting the Schools.
Occasionally, at the Sunday Schools, he undertook the instruction of a class of little Boys, that he might learn how to teach the Children in New Zealand.
He was particularly delighted one day, when I took him to visit Bentinck Girls' School, with the practical simplicity of Dr. Bell's System of Education; and he thought he understood it sufficiently to attempt to instruct upon that plan.
During my annual residence at Drayton Beauchamp, I was prevented from paying him that attention which I earnestly wished; but I left him under the Care of friends, who, I trusted, were actuated by principles of Christian Duty, and would not be inattentive to their charge.
Immediately on my return, my first object was to call on Mr. Hazard, and inquire how Mowhee was going on. Mr. H. gave me a very satisfactory account of our young friend. "I found that he had improved surprisingly; and that, under the kind attention of his instructor, he had gained more information than I had anticipated. He had acquired a knowledge of the first principles of drawing and perspective, had done several of the first problems of Euclid, and had drawn various plans and elevations for building of houses. He gave me specimens of all these, selections of which I have presented to the Committee of the Church Missionary Society.
Conceiving, however, that a regular report would be more satisfactory to his kind friends, I requested Mr. Hazard to give me a written testimony of his general improvement.
From this paper I have learned, that, beside the usual hours spent in the School, he generally occupied two hours in the evening in religious instruction, drawing, &c. He was, while thus engaged, all attention and obedience; frequently expressing his anxiety to improve, that he might be able to instruct his countrymen, and that especially in the knowledge of a Saviour. He often declared his astonishment at the goodness of God, in bringing him from a state of darkness into the marvellous light of the Gospel. He spoke with great gratitude of the instruction which he had received; and often intimated his hopes that he should be able to assist Mr. Kendall, when he returned.
When asked, one day, whether he would like to continue in England, he instantly replied, with much feeling, "Oh, no! I can do no good here; but I may do some good in my own country."
One day, after having been at my house, where I had shewn him a collection of Indian Idols, he said to Mr. Hazard, on his return, "Oh! what a blessing it is to be delivered from these vanities, to serve the living and true God! "
In the months of October and November he was frequently unwell. Mr. Hazard said to him, "Mowhee, you had better stay at home a day or two, till you are better." His reply was, "No, sir! I am never so happy as when at school."
Mr. Hazard assures me, that he never saw him out of temper; and that, on all occasions, he manifested a spirit of humility, patience, and meekness, which would be an acquisition to many who bear the name of Christian.
Though, in general, very silent and
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reserved, be was always very communicative with his teacher: he seemed to have formed a great regard for him; and several times said to him, with joy sparkling in his eyes, "Oh, Sir! I shall often think of you, when I am thousands of miles off."
It was very remarkable that he discovered no desire or interest as to any of the public sights which attract the populace. When informed, on the 9th of November, that the Lord Mayor of London would pass through the streets in grand procession, attended with men in armour, music, flags, &c. and that it was such a sight as he might never see but at this time, he could not be prevailed on to walk to Westminster to witness it. But if invited to go and see a new School--an examination of Children--a meeting of a Society for Christian Benevolence, the distribution of Bibles, or the support of a Mission to the Heathen--he was all life and attention.
Mr. Hazard informs me that he was very regular and constant in his seasons for devotion; that he made use of his own expressions in his prayers; and that he always prayed for the success of the Church Missionary Society, for the conversion of his countrymen in New Zealand, and for the Ministers of Bentinck Chapel.
Another friend, whom I requested to take notice of him, who brought him with him to Chapel, and often accommodated him in his pew (Mr. Short), has informed me, that he never heard him use an improper word, that not a symptom of the ordinary profane language of sailors ever escaped his lips, and that he never mentioned the name of God but with awe and reverence. He seemed also very cautious in his words, to speak plain truth, with great simplicity.
One Sunday, as they were walking home from Chapel, when the subject of the discourse had been the sufferings and death of the Saviour, Mr. Short asked him if he understood what he had heard. Mowhee replied, "Yes, indeed, I did understand it; and I hope I shall ever remember it. My poor country is in a dark state; but, at the Day of Judgment, this country will have most to answer for, for this country has the light shining before them; and it certainly must be their own fault, if they walk in darkness." After a while, he added, "Alas! my poor country knows no better; but, I hope, before long, they will have these glorious truths revealed to them; and how happy shall I be, if I should be able to return and assist in teaching them!"
At another time, on Advent Sunday, Mr. Short having asked him what was the design of the Redeemer's coming into the world, Mowhee immediately replied, "He came into the world to save sinners. Had he not come and suffered, you and I could never have reached heaven. Had he not died for our sins, we must have perished for ever."
I cannot here pass over the great kindness of another esteemed friend--Mr. Coates. On my leaving London, I requested him also occasionally to visit Mowhee, and to explain to his capacity the doctrines and duties of our most holy Religion. I thought that the instructions of persons of different attainments and education might contribute, by its variety, to render Divine Truth more easy to be understood by our young friend. With my request Mr. Coates very kindly complied, frequently inviting Mowhee to spend the evening at his house. On these occasions he studied to excite him to diligence and application, in obtaining all that knowledge which might render him a fit instrument for promoting the civilization and the moral and religious instruction of his countrymen. His constant method of spending the evening was, to desire Mowhee to read a chapter in the New Testament; on which he himself made such observations as the subject naturally suggested, and, in this manner, endeavoured to engage Mowhee in a familiar conversation. On one of these occasions, when Mr. Coates pointed out the extensive blessings which he might be the means of conveying to New Zealand, by religious instruction, civilization, and various branches of useful knowledge, for which distant generations might have cause to render thanks to God, his countenance assumed great animation, and he seemed to realize the prospects which had been opened to his view; --but, in a moment, it passed away; and he observed, with a dejected air, "But my countrymen will not attend to what I tell them."
After my return to London, I desired him, one morning, to accompany to the Philological School, myself, and the Sultan Kategerry, who is lately come from Tartary to acquire information, that he may hereafter benefit his countrymen. Here he was greatly delighted. The first principles of Geography were explained to him, in a new and simple method. The longitude and latitude of his own country, and the probable employments of its inhabitants at the different hours of the day, were pointed out to him. With all this he seemed much gratified.
The damp and foggy weather of November greatly tried his constitution. He
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contracted a very bad cough; and, for a time, contended with the usual symptoms of rapid consumption. I instantly put him under the care of a medical relative, Mr. Charles Woodd; and, in a short time, was happy to find that, under his kind attention, all the alarming symptoms were completely removed. As it was evident, however, that this damp and cold atmosphere did not agree with him, it was judged expedient to recommend to the Society, that, as soon as an opportunity offered, he should return to his native country.
At this period I was indulging the pleasing hope that Mowhee would, in a short time, return to New Zealand, moderately qualified to instruct and assist his countrymen in building their small houses; to improve them in civilization and the duties of justice and mercy, and to assist in teaching the sublime and holy truths of the Gospel of our God and Saviour.
Such was our delightful contemplation, when a mysterious Providence, by an unexpected event, said, on a sudden, Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return!
On Christmas Day, Mowhee complained of great pain in his head and back; and was so unwell, that he was advised to keep at home. On Thursday Morning, I was informed that his face was considerably swelled, and that symptoms of dysentery appeared.
I was engaged that morning to attend the funeral of a respected friend, and proposed calling to see him on my return: but the after-part of the day brought on a heavy rain; and not being very well, I did not venture out. I had previously desired that medical aid might be immediately called in.
On Friday Morning, immediately after breakfast, I repaired to the house where he lodged. The account given me was very alarming. I went up stairs, and the scene was the most distressing and dreadful that I have ever witnessed. The floor of the chamber was as it were covered with blood, as appeared also the countenance of my poor young friend. He seemed totally debilitated; and spoke very faintly, and with extreme difficulty. The room also was offensive in the extreme. The disorder appeared to me quite unintelligible. I had never seen, among the many cases which I have visited, any thing of the kind before. I went immediately to Mr. C. Woodd, who had offered to attend him without expense to the Society, and requested that he would, as soon as possible, meet me at Mowhee's apartment. He had arrived first, and sent for me from a School which I was attending. When I entered the room, he said, "It is not safe for you to be here. This is one of the most rapid, and most malignant, putrid fevers that I have ever met with." The fact was, that the whole system, if I express it rightly, was, as it were, decomposing. His blood was oozing from every pore--the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes, exhibited this awful spectacle. On a near approach, I observed the surface of his countenance covered with purple spots, and that blood seemed mixed with his very perspiration. I retired with my medical friend; and immediately some medicines and other strengthening aids were sent for the poor sufferer.
It then struck me, that it was not right to leave this young stranger to die, solitary and unattended by ministerial consolation. I therefore judged it to be my path of duty to return to him. Accordingly, I took some port wine, directed a fumigation of nitrous acid, &c. to be prepared, dipped my handkerchief in vinegar, and returned to the bed-side of poor dying Mowhee.
I had been told, that he probably would not survive the ensuing night. No time, therefore, was to be lost, especially as delirium was apprehended.
I said, "Mowhee, you seem very ill. Life is always uncertain. If it be the will of God, I pray that you may recover; but if not, I trust you have got good by coming to England."--He lifted up his bleeding eyes, and said, "I trust. Sir, I got good to my soul before I came to England, when I was at Norfolk Island, and in New Holland." After a pause, he added, "Also, since I have attended the School, Mr. Hazard has been very kind, and has taken great pains. He often read the Scriptures with me, and explained them."
I said, "I trust, my good friend, you are sensible of your state as a sinner before God."--He shook his head, and replied, in his usual manner of assent, "Oh, yes!--oh, yes!--very sensible of that."
I then said, "I hope all your dependence for pardon and mercy at the hand of God is wholly and entirely built on the death and merit of your Blessed Saviour." He again shook his head, which was his ordinary custom when any thing interested him, and replied, "Oh, yes!--oh, yes!--on Him alone. --He, that believeth on Him, shall have everlasting salvation."
I again observed, "I trust you endea-
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vour to submit to the will of God, your Heavenly Father; and I hope, that, in your present situation, you feel the support and consolation of the Gospel of Christ."--He replied, "Oh, Sir, I cannot express what I feel. I have not words; but it is in my imagination--it is in my thoughts."
Perceiving that he was greatly exhausted, and, from the blood which collected in his mouth, spoke with difficulty, I then said, "Mowhee, would you wish me to pray with you?"--He instantly said, "Oh, yes. --I should be very glad."
Accordingly, I kneeled down by his bedside, and offered a short prayer, for his support, and for the pardon of his sins-- that his repentance and faith might be strengthened--that he might be enabled to say, "My Father! not my will, but thine be done!"--and that, if the disorder should end in his death, he might, through the merits of the Great Sacrifice, be received to the arms of his merciful God--and that hereafter, as we now joined in prayer in an hour of affliction, we might meet again, and join in praise in glory everlasting."
After prayer, he thanked me very affectionately.,
I then said, "Mowhee, when I write to Mr. Marsden, have you any message to send to him?"--He immediately said, "Oh, tell him I am under everlasting obligations to him, for his great kindness to me, and to my poor countrymen."
I then added, "Mowhee, what shall I say to Mr. Kendall ?"--He instantly replied, "Tell him, that I never forgot his instructions."
On this I addressed him: "Well, my dear friend, may the Lord bless you, and keep you!--may He lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace! and, when called hence to be no more seen, may He receive you to his heavenly kingdom!"--I then withdrew.
Soon after, as the disorder advanced, he became delirious; but at intervals he was intelligent, and seemed at those periods engaged in lifting up his heart in prayer to God.,
The next morning he appeared, for a time, a little revived; and lay very tranquil, resigned, and happy. He had been literally in a sweat of blood, but it considerably abated. Two persons were with him, and frequently bathed his face with vinegar, which seemed to refresh him.
About five in the morning, one of his attendants read by him the prayers of the Service for the Visitation of the Sick. He seemed to hear with attention, and to be wholly occupied in prayer; but nature was nearly exhausted. He lay in this state till about half past seven, when death closed his eyes, on the 28th day of December, 1816; and we humbly trust, that mortality was swallowed up of Life, even LIFE EVERLASTING!
How mysterious is the Providence of God! How unsearchable are his judgments! and his ways past finding out. -- Still we must not be discouraged. Our work is the Lord's. The event at which we aim is certain--the uttermost parts of the earth will become the possession of the Son of God!
I had often looked at Mowhee, and anticipated with great delight the day when he would return to New Zealand, and the Natives would hear from the lips of a New Zealander of the unsearchable riches of Christ. --From his piety, capacity, and application, I had fondly conjectured that it might eventually happen, that, as Sattianaden, Nanaperagason, Adeykalam, and Abraham, ordained, by the Lutheran Church, Native Priests, are now labouring in India under the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; so, I trusted, it was not impossible but that Mowhee, under the patronage of the Church Missionary Society, might be employed in New Zealand, and direct his Fellow-Natives to Him who is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.
These pleasing prospects are now, alas! but as a dream when one awaketh. --Mowhee is no more! I left his dying bed with a deepened impression of the duty of supporting the Missionary Exertions of these two Institutions; and, I can truly add, with cordial exultation in the conversion of the Heathen, if accomplished, under the divine blessing, by the zeal of those Societies which are not of our own communion. The Lord prosper them! We wish them success in the name of the Lord!
This thought then occurred to me-- Mowhee is. dead; but his work is not yet done. Let his Grave address his countrymen. Who can tell, but they yet may hear and believe!
I give, therefore, this Memoir to the Society. Let it, if approved by the Committee, be printed in a good type, in the form of a Tract, after it has re-
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ceived their perusal and corrections. Let Mowhee's family be especially considered. Perhaps they may read, or at least hear it, with some interest; and thus we may say of Mowhee, By it, he, being dead, yet speaketh.
And, O Native of New Zealand! whoever thou art that mayest hear or read this little Tract, remember that Mowhee, on his death-bed, remembered and prayed for thee! May his prayer be answered in thy conversion! May the God and Saviour, who taught Mowhee, by the Holy Spirit, the path of life, be your God and Saviour, in life, and death, and for ever!
To this prayer, let all the faithful in Christ Jesus, who may read this Memoir, say, Amen!
I felt it a respect due to the memory of Mowhee to preach a Funeral Sermon on the occasion, on Sunday Evening, January the twelfth. The text was, Acts x. 34, 35. Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But, in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.
I have only to add one remark, which much surprised 'myself and friends. It was Mowhee's opinion, that the New Zealanders have no idea of the Supreme Being; that they perform no religious worship to the grotesque figures found in their possession; and that these strange and distorted figures have no reference to any religious use. I have sifted him on this subject; and could only discover that they seemed to believe in some evil spirit, named Atua, who greatly annoyed them, by entangling their nets and oversetting their canoes.
With my fervent prayers, my dear friend, that the Eternal God may long spare your life, and prosper your labours with an abundant harvest, I remain,
Your faithful and affectionate brother,
BASIL WOODD.
