1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1832 - Church Missionary Society, p 406-412

       
E N Z B       
       Home   |  Browse  |  Search  |  Variant Spellings  |  Links  |  EPUB Downloads
Feedback  |  Conditions of Use      
  1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1832 - Church Missionary Society, p 406-412
 
Previous section | Next section      

Progress of the Gospel under opposition [etc]

[Image of page 406]

Australasia

New Zealand

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Progress of the Gospel under Opposition.

RANGIHOUA: July 4, 1831 --The Natives in general whom I have visited appear more and more attentive to the word spoken: individuals among them are desirous to hear and understand the way of Salvation, and are offering up petitions to God for His Holy Spirit to teach them. Satan rages and trembles at the sure and steady progress of the Gospel of Peace. Two of the Natives belonging to the School have been baptized, and their conduct is agreeable thereto.

Dec. 26 --The behaviour of the Natives in general gives hope. Some of them have attained a good deal of Bible Knowledge. A party of Natives was here a few weeks ago, on a Sunday: in the evening, they collected together on the beach. One asked questions out of the Catechism, without any book, and the others answered: what one had forgotten, the others remembered. They then gave out a Hymn, and sang it; repeated the Confession and Prayers of their book; and closed with the Lord's Prayer. Afterward, they were attentive, and desirous to know the meaning of God's words, and different sentences in the Prayers, &c. As the Lord has done so much for them, I doubt not but that He will give these Heathen to His Son for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. Let us ask daily, then, for the outpouring of His Spirit, and it shall be done. [Mr. J. King.

KERIKERI: July 4, 1831 --Three Natives living with me are Candidates for Baptism: their conduct, for some time past, has been very pleasing.

Jan. 3, 1832 --It will afford you pleasure to hear that the Natives under our care and instruction are making greater improvements in all things; and particularly, there appears a growing desire to be more acquainted with the things of God. Nine Natives have been admitted by Baptism into the Church; viz. six men and three women. Their conduct is pleasing and satisfactory. Others are also anxious to be instructed in the things of God, and are inquiring after the Truth.

For want of more Translations of the Scriptures, the Natives are almost at a stand: some have committed to memory all that has been printed: I hope this will soon be remedied by more being printed. Many of the boys can read very well. The desire to learn to read is growing more and more amongst the Natives at large; and this encourages us to look forward to the time, which does not appear at a great distance, when all shall be able to read the Scriptures for themselves in their own tongue; which must be a great blessing to them, sooner or later. May it be made the power of God unto salvation to many! At our Settlement, at the Kerikeri, we attend alternately to the Religious Instruction of the Natives. During the last quarter, I have been able to visit the Natives, on the Sabbath, at two villages, where we have sometimes met from 150 to 200 Natives: the name of the principal residence is Takou, about twelve miles distant from Kerikeri, on the north coast; where we have, within reach of our Settlement, at not more than twenty miles' distance at the furthest, from 500 to 600 Natives. Many are anxious to be instructed; and have expressed their strong desire for us to visit them regularly, which I hope we shall be able to do on the Sunday, and endeavour to form a Congregation to hold Service with on Sundays. Mr. Baker and myself lave visited them several times on the Sunday, during the last three months; and all expressed their satisfaction at our visiting them. [Mr. J. Kemp.

Dec. 26 --Through the blessing of God, we have had prosperity and peace around us since I last wrote to you. The work of Grace is evidently deepening in

[Image of page 407]

the hearts of those amongst us who are not ashamed to own Christ. We have abundant proof that the work going on amongst the Natives is not the device of men. The Word, declared in plainness, is the power of God unto salvation. The Natives living with us continue to be attentive to the Means of Grace; and though many of them are not real Christians, yet their outward conduct is as good as that of many professing Christians.

Our Schools, too, afford us much encouragement. The Natives manifest a strong desire to learn to read the Scriptures. There is also a good number of them who can read for themselves the Word of Life. The influence that our Baptized Natives have with the others living with us is very considerable. The three Printed Catechisms have been the means of communicating the saving truths of the Gospel to many. Whenever I go amongst the Natives, I hear portions of the Catechism repeated. One Native, who, though he cannot read, has learned a considerable part of the Catechisms, puts the Questions to those around him; and then he and the others repeat the answers. By this practice, many, at a distance from us, have a knowledge of many important truths of Christianity.

The attention paid to the Means of Grace by the out-door Natives is also a proof that the Word of God is at least reverenced; but I believe there are some who listen to the heavenly truths with a desire to know the way of salvation. Our Natives do much, by way of preparing our path amongst the out-door Natives: as there are many who can read the Scriptures to their relations and friends, the Word, by this means, becomes more generally known. The highway for the coming of the Lord is, to the eye of faith, now ready. Our expectation is now from the Lord. Whilst we would diligently labour in the appointed means, we would look up fixedly to God for the out-pouring of the Spirit.

I conclude by entreating you, and the Society at large, to pray for us. The things which I have mentioned are a source of rejoicing to us. I forbear to speak of our trials: they are known only to God and ourselves. Pray that our faith fail not. [Mr C. Baker.

PAIHIA: Sept. 17 --Went to Waimate. On the following day, Sunday, I accompanied Mr. Hamlin to two native villages. Ripi, the Chief of Mawi, still goes on in a promising way; but, on account of his perseverance in attending to good things, he meets with some of those trials which are incident to a true profession of Christianity. He has paid a few visits to a neighbouring tribe at Kaikohi, for the purpose of calling their attention to the truths which he has learnt to value. He came to-day, much cast down because he had received a message to discontinue his visits to that place; as Wareporka of Rangihoua, and two Chiefs of Waimate, have sent to desire the Chief of Kaikohi not to attend to any thing which either Native or European Missionaries tell him. About ten Young Men from Kaikohi came with Ripi on Saturday, and stayed over the Sunday at Waimate.

Oct. 2, 1831: Sunday --Went to Kororarika. The Chiefs were assembled at a Native Baptism, which was concluded before I arrived. The circumstance furnished me with a subject for conversation. The Natives on these occasions yield their offspring to the Devil; and pray that they may be courageous, cruel, and impudent; that they may kill their enemies, and take many slaves. Tetore says he cannot attend to what we say, until he returns from fighting at Tauranga; but that when he returns he will give himself up to us. A Chief asked me, with apparent sincerity, whether it is lawful for a Believer to go to fight. He says that he is going, because a relative of his has been murdered by the people at the southward; but he seems to have scruples about it.

Oct. ] 6: Sunday --For want of a bell, I had a gun fired at 8 o'clock, when about 70 Natives came to the place where I slept; and behaved with great reverence and attention while I held Service with them.

Oct. 20 --Spoke with five Candidates for Baptism; but found four of them still needing instruction in the very first principles. They have been inquiring the way for a long time past, and their conduct has been satisfactory.

Nov. 30 --A young Chief living with me, who was about to go from the Settlement on the morrow, came and requested to speak with me. Among other questions, he asked for information on the subject of prayer; whether it is right to pray alone; and whether it is rightly offered when a person is walking or working.

Dec. 5 --Spoke with some of our Baptized Natives on the subject of the Lord's Supper. None have yet been admitted

[Image of page 408]

to this Ordinance; but most of the Baptized have behaved consistently since they were received into the Church.

Dec. 25 --After Morning Service, I went out with Mr. King to the Natives who were at some distance from the Settlement. I conversed with the principal Chiefs; and with a few Chiefs from the northward, who were on their way, with a party of 200 people, to go against Tauranga. Wareporka said a great deal about their children dying in consequence of coming to our Schools. It is very true that the mortality of late years has been very great; and he enumerated many families which are now likely to become extinct. After he had done speaking, for he would not allow me to interrupt him, I mentioned several persons who had been in our Schools, and who died after they left us. "And how is it," said I, "that the Mission Families prosper, and very few are carried off by sickness?" "Because your God takes care of you." -- "But why do the Native Families continue healthy, which are living with us?" "Because," he replied, "your God also takes care of them. There are Tohu's children, who live, because they have been baptized in the European, and not in the Native manner." -- "Very true," said I; "our children, and those of the Natives living with us, are preserved by our God, and your children are cut off by your God; and yet you refuse to come under the protection of our God, who is ready to take the same care of you which he affords to us." He acknowledged the justness of the observation, and was silent.
[Rev. W. Williams.

At the close of the last extracts from my Journal, I mentioned that a Chief from the southward was at this place, soliciting that a Mission might be established in the neighbourhood. On the 18th of October he returned in our little cutter, accompanied by the Rev. H. Williams and Mr. Chapman, from whom you will doubtless receive an account of their most interesting visit, which has much cheered our hearts. They left behind them a Native, who lived with me from the time of Mr. Davis's leaving for the Waimate Station. He wrote to me on Mr. Williams's return, and I subjoin a literal translation of his Letter.


Mr. Brown --How do you do? Great is my love for you, and for Mother also. Here am I and my wife living at Rotorua. We are talking of the good things of God and of Jesus Christ. The men of this place have just begun to listen to the things of God and of Jesus Christ. My heart is glad about the men of Rotorua. Will you, the messengers of God, remember me? You must pray to God for me, Peter--for all the men that believe.

In another part of his Letter he thus wrote to the Native Girls who are living with us:--

How do you do? You must think of God and of Jesus Christ. Ye that believe, pray unto God for the men who now believe in this place, at Rotorua. Great is my love to toward the Children who have now learnt to understand the School. Mary Peter is the Teacher of Girls. Waitohi and Paretuahu are the Teachers. You must be glad. That is my writing to you.

(Signed) PETER, Paihaia, Rotorua.


Join with us in fulfilling Peter's wish for us to pray for him, and for all the men that believe. The Converts claim a peculiar interest in our prayers, that they may not look back from the plough to which they have set their hands: for Satan desires to sift them as wheat, knowing that every Convert drawn by Divine Grace to a Crucified Redeemer is, as it were, taking away a foundation-stone from the strong castle which he has erected in this heathen land.
[Rev. A. N. Brown.

WAIMATE: Nov. 16 --I baptized eight Adult Natives at Waimate last Sunday: it was indeed a time much to be remembered.

Dec. 29 --The Waimate is going on prosperously, and is answering our warmest expectations. The pleasing attention of the Natives to our Message gives us great encouragement. [Rev. W. Yate.

Sept. 19 --The grand enemy of souls seems to be considerably alarmed for the safety of his subjects in this land of darkness; as it is evident he is endeavouring to stir up a spirit of persecution amongst us. I informed you that the Chief, Ripi, was in the habit of going, with Aparahama, to talk with the Natives of Kaikohi, and that, from their reports, there appeared to be a way open for the preaching of the Gospel to that tribe; but at present there seem to be obstacles thrown in the way by the adversary. On Saturday a message was sent, to say that Ripi and Aparahama were not to go there again on a teaching errand. It appears that one of the Kaikohi Chiefs has been to the Bay, where he has been persuaded by different Chiefs not to pay any attention to what the Missionaries had to say; but to continue on in his native course, and do as his fathers did before him. But I hope good has already

[Image of page 409]

been done. We had thirteen of the Natives here yesterday, for the purpose of attending Public Worship. One of the young men complained very much of the wicked conversation which was made use of toward them by their friends: even in their daily labour, he said, their conversation was so bad, that he and a few others were obliged to work by themselves, at a distance from them. I have been given to understand that some of these young men wish to come and live with us, in order to escape persecution, and learn, in quiet, the ways of truth and righteousness. This may be the best step which they can take, or perhaps that we can take for them, as their knowledge of the truths of God must be very small at present: consequently, they are not, humanly speaking, so well prepared to meet persecution as they will be hereafter, should the Lord be pleased to pour out His Holy Spirit into their souls. And, although the Chiefs have prohibited Aparahama and Ripi from visiting them, yet they have not prohibited the younger branches of their respective families from coming here to hear the Gospel preached.

Nov. 28, 1831 --The young people above mentioned came, and have now been with us nearly two months: they are about twenty in number; and, to all human appearance, some of them bid fair for the Kingdom of Heaven. The Chief, Ripi, continues to walk in a satisfactory manner, and I hope is growing in knowledge. He has a son, about a month old, whom he has been very anxious to have baptized; but, as he has not yet been baptized himself, we see a difficulty in baptizing the child. The child has not been baptized by the native baptism. [Mr. R. Davis.

Beneficial Influence of the Missionaries over the Natives.

We give in detail the following negociation, between the Missionaries and the Natives, to prevent a war; as we could not otherwise adequately impress our Readers either with the difficulties involved in such an undertaking, or with the degree of influence which is required to succeed in it.

Nov. 24 --Accompanied my brother to Kororarika, for the purpose of ascertaining the disposition of the Ngapuhi to make peace with Tauranga. We found Warenui busily employed in preparing his canoe, as were also several other Chiefs; but they all left their work, to come to us. On asking what their intentions were, Rewa, a Chief of Waimate, rose up, and made a violent harangue, saying that they intend to fight and take slaves; and that it will not be well for any of the Missionaries to go down with them, because they would only be offended with the sights which they would witness. When he had concluded, we obtained a quiet bearing; and he told us privately that it did not rest with him to make peace, and that we were at liberty to go down with them if we liked. They had been somewhat disconcerted, the day before, by a report that the Natives of the Kauakaua intend to go and kill their wives and children as soon as they are gone on this expedition; and they requested us to go and speak to them the next day.

Nov. 25 --Went with my brother up to Otuihu, where the chiefs disclaimed all idea of attacking the families at Kororarika. By thus interesting ourselves in their temporal welfare, we are permitted to obtain great ascendancy over them, which will doubtless be made to work for good. They naturally look for our opinions on their State Questions.
[Rev. W. Williams.

Nov. 28 --My brother and I went to Kororarika, accompanied by Tohitapu. Rewa spoke for some time for war, but afterwards more moderately. Fears were expressed on account of Kauweti, lest he should fall upon the women and children during their absence. Commissioned to see him in the morning, and report the result. Temorenga came from the interior. Natives talking till midnight, over the affairs of the nation.

Dec. 2 --Saw the Chiefs at their respective residences. Was grieved to hear some of their expressions relative to the war. They were respectful, and appeared reconciled to the idea of some of us going to the southward. I was much distressed at the apparent state of things. All is in agitation, and ready for some desperate act. Angry feelings continually expressed, and the tribes jealous one of another. True, we experience but the shadow of those evils and trials which have been taking place in Europe; but these evils are desperate: here nothing less than the utter annihilation of Tribes is in contemplation. Were it not for the still small voice of God

[Image of page 410]

heard amidst all this confusion, encouraging us to look to Him, and put our whole trust in Him as our Salvation, we should certainly have been in despair, and considered that our strength was in vain. The Chiefs, generally, on the expedition, are our most intimate friends-- men who have distinguished themselves latterly in preserving peace; but now they appear actuated by a new spirit, to work all manner of wickedness. I told them, that if they were strangers we should not say so much; but that they were our friends and relations: therefore if they determine to go, we must go also. May the Lord grant that this may work for good!

Dec 7, 1831 --Observed several canoes under sail, standing for Kororarika. Tohitapu came, and urged our going over; which we immediately did. He observed, on our way, that we must be very urgent with the Natives, and not regard their objections to our interference. We walked up to the residence of Moka, where we met the principal Chiefs of Ngapuhi. We were received in a most gracious manner, very different from any thing which I had before observed. After talking for some time, we all walked toward Ururoa, with whom I had much conversation. He certainly shewed that he had no great desire for fighting on the present occasion; and appeared disposed to go or stay, as the Ngapuhi might give the word. Afterwards saw Tetore, who came over to Paihia, and remained till sunset. As he was the principal leader of the present expedition, it was needful to know his mind respecting our movements. He was afraid to speak in public; but said, before he left, that the Natives must proceed on: that when we approached near to Tauranga, something might be effected. Messrs. King, Baker, Davis, and Clarke, arrived during the day, to consider whether or not any step could be taken by us to check the movements of these men in their present desperate affair.

Dec. 8 --After hearing every thing which could in any way bear upon the question before us, we concluded that a sufficient opening presented itself for us to act--that it would be our duty for some of our body to accompany the expedition, and influence the Natives by any means in our power.

Dec. 10 --In the afternoon, Tohitapu ran into the house considerably agitated, and said that we must proceed immediately to Kororarika, as Tetore and Tareha were fighting. My brother and I accompanied him. Before we could leave the beach, a great gun and a volley of musketry were fired. We found the Natives in much confusion, especially the principals. Several persons said that we must remain all night, to keep the peace, as it was expected that Tetore would set fire to his houses, which would be a signal for a general battle. With Tareha we could do nothing. Tetore expressed his determination to go inland; which we were glad to hear, as we hoped thereby all would come to nought.

Dec. 11 --Passed a comfortable night on the beach with these people; a bundle of sticks for my pillow. Tareha in a sour mood: would not listen to any terms. After some time, he returned to Paihia to Service. After dinner, went over to Kororarika, by appointment, to see how matters were going on. Tetore had taken his departure soon after our leaving in the morning, and had expressed his determination to go on by himself to Tauranga. The Natives full of the transaction of yesterday. Had many fears as to the result of these things.

Dec. 13 --Three canoes came over from Kororarika, in which were Tareha, Rewa, Moka, and others. Prepared breakfast for all, with five baskets of potatoes, &c. for the Chiefs. Rewa appeared in full spirits, and all seemed disposed to be very polite. Their language now was totally altered; and they desired that both the vessels might go in company with the fleet of canoes. Not a word was mentioned about killing and eating their enemies; but all for peace, should the opposite party be disposed.

I could not but praise the Lord for having effected the great change. Day and night have our hearts been lifted up to Him, that He might confound their wicked imaginations, and bring their devices to nought. This great effort of Satan shall doubtless redound to] the glory and praise of God and the Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. [Rev. H. Williams.

The result of the interpositions of the Missionaries to appease the strife of these hostile Tribes has not yet reached us. It, is, however, a matter of much thankfulness and encouragement to find these truly Christian Offices so far acceptable to a people whose ruling passions are, thirst of revenge, and love of war.

[Image of page 411]

Chiefs' Letter to the King.

A report having been spread that he French Government had it in contemplation to take possession of New Zealand, thirteen of the Chiefs addressed a Letter to the King of England, soliciting his interference, to prevent such an occurrence. The document shews the favourable disposition of the Chiefs toward this country, and their regard for the Missionaries who labour among them.


TO KING WILLIAM, THE GRACIOUS CHIEF OF ENGLAND-

King William -- We, the Chiefs of New Zealand, assembled at this place, called the Kerikeri, write to thee: for we hear that thou art the Great Chief of the other side the water; since the many ships which come to our land belong to thee.

We are a people without possessions. We have nothing but timber, flax, pork, and potatoes. We sell these things, however, to your people; and then we see the property of Europeans. It is only thy land which is liberal toward us. From thee also come the Missionaries, who teach us to believe on Jehovah God, and on Jesus Christ His Son.

We have heard that the Tribe of Marian 1 is at hand, coming to take away our land: therefore we pray thee to become our friend, and the guardian of these Islands; lest the tearing of other Tribes should come near to us, and lest strangers should come and take away our land.

And if any of thy people should be troublesome, or vicious toward us--for some persons are living here who have run away from ships--we pray thee to be angry with them, that they may be obedient; lest the anger of the people of this land fall upon them.

This Letter is from us, from the Chiefs of the Natives of New Zealand.
(Signed)
WARERAHI, KEKEAO, HARA, REWA, TETORE, ATUAHAERE, PATUONE, TEMORENGA, MOITARA, NENE, RIPI, MATANGI, TAUNUI.


We believe the French have disavowed the intention of taking possession of New Zealand. The English Government has hitherto rejected all proposals to colonize the Island, on the humane principle, it is conceived, that the destruction of the aboriginal population is the inevitable consequence of colonizing a country, the inhabitants of which are in a slate of barbarism. The success of Missionary Labours will, with Christianity, introduce civilization. Under this process, the Natives are not only preserved, but have imparted to them all the blessings which flow from the Gospel of Christ and an improved social condition. It affords us satisfaction to add, that though the British Government decline to colonize the country, they have appointed a Consular Agent, Mr. James Busby, to reside on the Northern Island, at once to watch over our commercial interests--for a considerable trade in Timber and Flax is now carried on between New Zealand and New South-Wales; and more especially with the view of repressing the outrages and wrongs which have heretofore been perpetrated by British Subjects, to a frightful extent.

General Views of the Mission

The following extract presents a cheering view of the whole result of the labours of the Missionaries, in the midst of the various difficulties by which they have been, and continue to be harassed and opposed.

Sept. 19, 1831 --Here I would raise my Ebenezer, and say, with the Prophet of old, Hitherto the Lord hath helped us. I bless the Lord that I have lived to see great changes in this land; and although the present dispensation, from some of the leading Chiefs being so much bent on the present fighting expedition, seems to be dark and gloomy, yet I will rejoice in what the Lord has done, and in what He is about to do; as I have no doubt but even this fighting expedition will ultimately tend to the extension of His Kingdom and Cause in this land. I have now been here nearly eight years; and lean truly say that nothing but mercy and truth have followed me, even to the present moment; so that, from the gracious dealings of God

[Image of page 412]

with me, lean write faithfulness and truth on all His promises. [Mr. R. Davis.

Remarks on some recent Misrepresentations.

Few of our Readers probably are ignorant of the attacks made by writers of a certain class, on Missionary Societies, relative to different parts of their operations. Among these, the Protestant Missions established in the Islands of the South Sea have been assailed with peculiar virulence. The Church Missionary Society's New-Zealand Mission has not been exempted from such attacks. In a recently-published Volume, serious charges are brought against its Missionaries in the Island. The passages containing these charges have been extracted and extensively circulated, in our own country, in several Periodical Publications; and a degree of currency in consequence given to them, calculated to injure the Society itself, as well as the individuals more immediately implicated. While, therefore, we are desirous to abstain from a particular examination of the charges alluded to, which would lay us under the painful necessity of pursuing a course of recrimination which we are solicitous to avoid, we think it right thus far to allude to them; and to assure the Members of the Society, that the Committee have reason to believe that the charges are either altogether unfounded, grossly exaggerated, or grounded on totally erroneous views of the principles on which a Mission to the Heathen should be conducted. Though, however, the Committee have the fullest confidence in the prudence and Christian Character of the Missionaries, they have considered it due to them to forward to them a copy of the work referred to, and to direct their attention to the accusatory passages, that they may have an opportunity of giving such explanations, and making such remarks upon them, as they may judge necessary in order to put the Committee fully in possession of the whole case.

1   The French.

Previous section | Next section