1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1842 - Australasia--New Zealand, p 471-480

The inhabitants of the Eastern District, extending from East Cape to Cape Kidnapper, are, with few exceptions, professedly Christian: and there is sufficient reason to believe that this profession has been made in sincerity; for while the deeply-rooted superstitions of their forefathers have been, with one consent, relinquished, there was nothing to set in the opposite balance, save that which Chris-

tianity bestows. Human nature is ever impatient of restraint, and would not readily submit to the yoke of Christianity, so opposite as it is in every point to former habits. Where this change is met with--where a disposition to restless warfare has given way to peace, and a murderous treachery to Christian simplicity--where quarrels are settled by arbitration, and a power to resent injury gives way to amicable adjustment--where restitution is made for an injury done--and where the religious rites of the Devil give place to Christian Worship--it is clear that something more than a transient alteration has taken place--that the strong man who had long kept his goods in peace has been cast out by One that is stronger than he. This change continues in the case of those who were first the subjects of it; and a progressive advancement in other quarters shews that the Divine Blessing rests upon the work.

During the year ending June 30, 1841, three chapels have been erected at Nuwaka, Taikawakawa, and Warekahika; a fourth and fifth are in progress at Uwawa and Table Cape; and a church, ninety feet by forty-five, is being built at Turanga.

The number of Natives attending Christian Worship is about 8680; being 3200 at Waiapu and Tokomaru, 2530 at Uwawa and Turanga, and 2950 at Table Cape, Wairoa, and Ahuriri. The Services are conducted, for the most part, by Native Teachers, whose diligent attention to their work is evidenced by the fact, not only that the congregations formed are kept together, but that so much progress has been made in the attainment of Christian knowledge, as to warrant the admission of a large number of candidates to the rite of Baptism. The number of candidates during the year has been 2115; of whom 588 men and 251 women, have been baptized, with 339 of their young children; making a total of 1178. This large body of Natives, baptized at various places and at different periods, were not received to this ordinance until after long and patient examination. It has been generally noticed, that the Gospel has been first received by the Young, whose minds are naturally more open to conviction; but in the present case, although the order has not been reversed, yet the old men, including the leading Chiefs, have been among the foremost to receive the Gospel, not only giving up, with one consent, their former practices, but submitting, with wonderful simplicity, to the course of instruction required by their Teachers. At Turanga they are assembled every alternate week in Bible Classes, with the view of building them up a spiritual temple unto the Lord; but at other places, having none but Native Teachers to lead them, who themselves are acquainted with little beyond the first principles, it is manifest, that without a special interference on their behalf by the Great Shepherd of the sheep, many are likely to go astray. It is a case, therefore, which demands prompt attention. There exists a most eager desire to possess themselves of the Sacred Scriptures; for which, in most instances, they are ready to pay: the only reason why this is not done more extensively is, that the distance of their villages precludes the possibility of transporting food for the purpose.

Visits have been paid, during the year, to Wairoa, Ahuriri, Uwawa, and Waiapu; and inland to the Lake Waikare, occupying together 102 days. The results were satisfactory, as to the disposition on the part of the Natives; but distressing, inasmuch as fields white already to harvest are suffering loss for want of labourers. At Ahuriri, where the Natives are numerous, a profession of the Gospel is made, without even a Native Teacher having resided there; and the principal Chief has visited Turanga for the sole purpose of obtaining books.

A small party at Turanga, professing to belong to the Papists, have renounced their creed, and are most of them candidates for Protestant Baptism.

The schools are generally well attended by old and young; and a knowledge of reading, which is the chief object sought after, is rapidly advancing.

It may, perhaps, be thought by some that an injudicious haste has been shewn, in admitting so large a number at one period into the Church of Christ--that it would have been better to test the sincerity of their profession by longer trial. But none who know my past proceedings will find occasion of complaint on the score of hasty measures with regard to candidates

for this sacred ordinance. It has been my universal practice to keep back as much as possible, to allow time for proof to appear that the profession made is not merely that of the lips. The fact, in the present case, is, that the seed had been sown; and being in a goodly soil and watered by the showers of heavenly grace, the fields had become white. Who then could forbid water, that these should not be baptized? I passed none, not even the hoary sire of three generations, who who did not appear to possess a clear understanding of the grand truths of Salvation; and of the people generally, I can safely affirm, that I never baptized any party of Natives who possessed, on the whole, more information. This may in some measure be accounted for by the fact, that the Natives of the East Cape have, if I may use the expression, quite a propensity for attending school; and having committed to memory the Catechisms, which contain a concise summary of Christian doctrine, it is seldom that a plain question can be put without being answered; so that it becomes necessary to vary the interrogations in every way, to ascertain that the truths are really understood. The sincerity of the profession made, as in every other case, is yet to be seen; but the blessing of God appears to rest upon the work.

I am thankful to be enabled to state, that our feeble efforts among this people, during the past twelve months, have not been in vain in the Lord.

On Lord's Days I have had two Na- (Oct. 1842.) tive Divine Services and a School; and, occasionally, an English Divine Service for the European Settlers. On the weekdays I have attended the Morning School, and afterward assisted Mrs. Mason in the Female School. Four evenings in the week I have a Bible class. A great proportion of my time has been occupied in visiting the Natives up the river, at Mangawero, at the Pas along the coast, northward to Taranake, and southward to Rangitikei. Attached to this Station there are thirteen Chapels already built, and three others in course of erection. The Congregations average about 1800: there are also fifteen Schools, with an average attendance of about 900 scholars.

Our work has not been thus far carried on without its peculiar difficulties and hindrances.

First, the people, though generally willing to receive Christian instruction, are very widely scattered: the majority are located, in parties of from 20 to 400 in a village, on the banks of the river, extending more than 160 miles inland. Many of these Natives rarely come to the Settlement, and some never. It is only by visiting them at their respective dwelling-places that we are enabled to instruct them in the things which belong to their peace.

Secondly, two grog-shops have been opened, and rum-drinking, though not to a considerable extent, introduced among the Natives. We have no police to restrain the more reckless and daring; but every one is at liberty to do that which is right in his own eyes.

Thirdly, we have been twice visited by a fighting party from Taupo--in August 1840, when about 120 were killed; and in April 1841, when two lives were taken. These visits were made chiefly in consequence of our Natives having forsaken their native customs, fighting, &c, and formally embraced Christianity.

It is difficult to convey proper impres-

sions and correct ideas, in writing, or even in speaking, when endeavouring to describe the work of the Spirit; but it is especially difficult to convey those impressions and ideas, when the blessed work has been wrought upon the Heathen, to those who are necessarily unacquainted with their peculiar sins, superstitions, habits, and customs. Persons at home are apt to connect civilization with the reception of Christianity; and can scarcely form a conception of a real conversion, without assuming as an axiom, that the persons so converted must immediately become neat, cleanly, &c; and they consequently question the reality of the conversion, when these results are not found. But this is an unwarranted assumption, to which the civilized Christian is led, without ground or proof that such a result is even to be looked for, or expected, as an immediate fruit of the reception of the Gospel. On the contrary, the Scriptural view of the effect of conversion, and that which agrees with what I practically witness, appears to me at least to be a deadness to worldly things, and a carelessness about the things of the body. The young convert, who turns from the world to the Lord, shuns all those things which may draw his soul and affections from his God, and again allure him to that world, from which he now feels himself, for the first time, in some degree freed and disentangled. And though, to the civilized mind, cleanliness of person and decency of habit do not appear likely to ensnare the soul, they really have that effect upon the New Zealander, as much as gold and pearls and costly array on his civilized brethren, however improbable such an effect may appear to be.

But I trust that tests less questionable than these of a real effusion of the Holy Spirit exist. Bishop Leighton remarks, that as without a substance there is no shadow, so where there are no real believers there are no professors. Thus, when I behold the thousands among whom I live, who lately worshipped Wiro, Maru, Uwenuku, and a host of other gods, now bowing the knee to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ--when I behold tribes, which have been at enmity from generation to generation, living in peace, and meeting one another as brethren--in short, drunkards becoming sober, the unclean becoming chaste, and a multitude of other reformations, allied with a constant desire for instruction--I cannot but come to the conclusion, though in opposition to the superficial observer, that there is here an effusion of the Spirit of God; and that there are, among these people, many of the peculiar people of God, vessels of mercy afore prepared unto glory.

I was just in time to meet a party returning from the western coast, to which place they had proceeded to seek satisfaction for the death of sixty of their number, who had been slain in a late invasion by them of that neighbourhood. Providentially, the people of the villages had timely notice, and fled. Disappointed of a living subject on whom to wreak their fury, they assailed the dead, and--incredible as the fact may appear, I can solemnly vouch for its truth--exhumed two bodies that had been recently buried, washed off the putrefied parts, and ate them! Horrid, however, as was the act, I cannot regard it as evidence of the prosperity of the cause of Satan: on the contrary, I believe, that as Taupo is now the last retreat of genuine Heathenism in this island, so will its dark places very soon shine with the Gospel light, which is now pouring forth with such mighty power through the length and breadth of the land.

The Book of Psalms in the New-Zealand language is very highly esteemed: the Natives seem to prize it more than gold and silver. Our Natives are able to respond them in order, and it adds much to the beauty and usefulness of the Services of the Lord's Day. The Natives, male and female, also attend school more punctually, as they find it necessary to read over and over again the Psalms appointed for the ensuing Lord's Day. ----- [Mr. J. Matthews, Kaitaia, N. D., June 4, 1841.

In the middle of June last, when I was about leaving this place to attend a Committee at Otawao, one of my Native Teachers returned from a visit to the Uriwera,

bringing with him a youth of about seventeen, who possesses the hereditary rank of what is styled an Ariki--which, as far as I am capable of discerning, is the greatest dignity known among the New Zealanders--as an applicant for a few books. I told him that I had none with me; but if he would go with me as far as Tauranga, I would comply with his request. To this, after a little hesitation, he consented; and, on my arrival there, accompanied me to Otawao, a distance from Opotiki of not less than 170 miles. By the time he arrives at home he will have travelled 350 miles. Now this stripling came to me solely with a view of getting a Testament and a few Prayer-Books: and the circumstances which led to his visit were simply these:--

Some months ago he came to Waihoutahi; at which place, hearing the Word of Life, he became a professor in Jesus, and returned, with the good tidings, to his own people. How far they at first approved of this change in their young Ariki I know not; but one day, seeing him carry a burden on his back--which part of the body is very sacred, according to the ideas of the Natives, in men of his rank--it had such an effect upon them, that they came to him, and said, if he would procure books they too would lay aside their native ritenga--a word signifying both their customs and superstitions--and he should become their teacher.

He therefore came; and I doubt not that the blessed oracles will not have been thus sent for in vain. ----- [Mr. J. A. Wilson, Opotiki, M. D., July 5, 1841.

The desire for the Word of Life is still undiminished: the offer of a New Testament is, in many cases, more tempting than a more costly article. In my late trip to that remote place, Taupo, I used many though vain efforts, in various parts of the lake, to get a guide to Otawao: none could be induced to accompany me. It is a four days' journey; and the guide would have to carry his own food almost the whole of the way, and to return through a barren and deserted country in the depth of winter, the frost being then severe. At last I hit upon the expedient--for I began to be not a little anxious--of offering a New Testament. It was immediately accepted: two guides accompanied me to fetch it; and a third joined us for the sake of conversation and baptism, and the chance of getting another. For no other consideration do I think I could have induced these Natives, at such a season of the year, to accompany me. ----- [Rev. R. Maunsell, Waikato Heads, M. D., July 12, 1841.

Since July 17th I have received a case containing 492 Testaments, which, in the course of eight days, were all appropriated. A number have been paid for by the Natives: I have received the sum of 30l. 15s. 6d. on account of the Bible Society, which I will thank you to pay. There is yet more money to receive; but I send this amount without delay, as a substantial proof of the desire on the part of the Natives to possess the Sacred Volume. I know not what portion of the supply will be assigned to this part of the island; but I could readily dispose of 3000, and then there would still be a constant demand for more. ----- [Rev. W. Williams, Turanga, E. D., Sept. 14, 1841.

Through the blessing of God on my labours, I have been enabled to finish the printing of the Prayer Book. It has been a long while, indeed, in passing through the press; but when all the labour, from the translating to the striking off, is duly considered, and that much of it has devolved on myself, I think it will be pretty evident that no time has been lost. The greater number of the Collects were translated by the Rev. W. Williams; the Sacramental and Matrimonial Services by Mr. Puckey; and the remaining Collects, with the Epistles from the Old Testament, Thanksgivings, and Prayers, Communion of the Sick, Visitation of the Sick, Commination, Rubrics, and Articles of Religion, by myself. The last, alone, required much time, and considerable and close attention in translating, correcting, revising, and re-revising, ere they became what they now are. Thankful and humble, however, I would be, in reviewing the goodness of the Lord toward me. When I landed in New Zealand, nearly seven years ago, I often besought the Lord to grant me health, strength, and ability, to print the New Testament and Prayer Book; and He has been pleased to hear and answer my request. ----- [Mr. W. Colenso, Paihia, N. D., Nov. 17. 1841.

With the consent of my Brethren I have visited Port Nicholson, my passage having been paid by the Natives. From

that place I walked overland to Waikato, a distance of 398 miles; having made known a Saviour's love at thirty-two Pas, in all of which the majority of the Natives assembled for Worship; and in every place I met with some who could read the New Testament, that invaluable treasure having found its way to every Pa, with the exception of two. ----- [Mr. B. Ashwell, Waikato Heads, M. D., Report for the Year ending March 31, 1841.

Kahukoti, our excellent Native Chief, I regret to say is no more. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that he was, humanly speaking, the main instrument in keeping the Thames from becoming, like some of our other Stations, the seat of war. He was never averse to Christianity being introduced among his people, and for a long time past he much encouraged it. Several of his nearest relatives have been baptized, and have become steady teachers of their countrymen. The Lord's Day is strictly observed by them. Kahukoti intended to have been baptized; but one obstacle prevented it--he had two wives, and children by both of them. I have often been told that he had put one away; but from both of them being always with him, I doubted his sincerity, and therefore postponed recommending his baptism. He died, as he had lived, in peace, at our Settlement; and was afterward removed to his own place, and interred by me, at the special request of his friends. A large concourse of Natives was present. ----- [Mr. W. T. Fairburn, Maraetai, M. D., June 24, 1841.

We have lost a valuable Chief in Paul Ngaruhe, of Kaitaia Valley, a brother of Manu, the Chief who was so serviceable in the first transactions of this Settlement. His illness was of the consumptive character. His death was hastened by his visiting, very lately, his friends at Wangape; to accomplish which, he had to wade through deep water before he arrived at their village. He sent for me to converse with him on Religion. His wish was to have Religion defined in few words. He particularly wished to know what would take him to Heaven: he observed, "I think I know; but I wish to hear it from you again." He died, I trust in the faith of the Lord Jesus, on Tuesday, June 22, 1841. ----- [Mr. J. Matthews' Report of Kaitaia, N. D., for Half-Year ending June 30, 1841.

The poor Native can now obtain all that he requires, if industrious: he has land rent free, and his house he builds for himself. The time has evidently arrived, when all Christian Natives should be exhorted to assist in the erection of the great Temple, by offering their mites:-- mites do I say? they are better able to give--the poorest of them -- a shilling, than an English poor man a penny. I feel that even the bare urging of the Natives to join the universal Church in collections would have the happy effect of making them more industrious, that they might have something to give to those who need. ----- [Mr. J. Matthews, Kaitaia, N. D., June 4, 1841.

The subject of a better education for the Natives who are engaged as Teachers, is of very great importance. I have long seen the necessity of an Institution to afford further instruction to the more promising Youths, in order to prepare them for further usefulness in the Mission. We feel that most of our Native Teachers are much wanting in true Scriptural Knowledge, and are not prepared to meet, on Scriptural grounds, the heresy which the Papists are endeavouring to disseminate wherever they go. It will also be the means of raising the Natives in the scale of society. It would be well to instruct some of the more promising in the English Language, as it would bring them on a level with many of the Europeans, and enable them to prevent wicked and designing persons from taking advantage in their dealings with the Natives. ----- [Mr. J. Kemp, Kerikeri, N. D., Aug. 9, 1841.

The arrival of so many Europeans in this immediate neighbourhood, and the consequent introduction of much property, together with the great demand for native labour at extravagant prices, has almost bewildered the Natives; so that they not unfrequently accuse us of having cheated them in the prices formerly given, both for their agricultural produce and their labour. This need not be wondered at, when we know that, for common labouring work they now get 4s. per day;

and that two young men, who were brought up by me from their childhood, are now engaged at Auckland, as carpenters, at the rate of 6s. per day. Hence we are in a great measure deserted by our Natives. Although we cannot but mourn over the present state of things, knowing the temptations to which the Natives must necessarily be exposed, we still have the confidence that the seeds of Divine Truth have taken root, and that many souls will be gathered into the garner of the Lord.

William Jowett, one of our first baptized converts, seems still to hold fast his integrity: his character stands high with all with whom he has any dealings. A respectable trader told me, the other day, that Jowett was an excellent Accountant, and a trustworthy Native; that he had deposited goods in his hands, to trade for him, to the amount of 60l.; and on reckoning with him, he rendered a faithful account of all that had been put into his charge. ----- [Mr. W. T. Fairburn, Maraetai, M. D., June 24, 1841.

Since my return hither, after an absence of three months in visiting the Natives at Taupo, &c, I have been concerned to find that the temptations of the new Settlement, lately formed at Auckland, have proved too strong for some of our young converts. This is a time of sifting. Strongly, indeed, have we reason to pray, Establish Thou the work of our hands upon us. I am in hopes, however, that after the excitement of novelty has subsided, Christian principle will recover the ascendancy, and that our people will, more than ever, cleave to us as their most trustworthy friends and protectors. Of the truth of this opinion, I have lately had a pleasing proof in one of my own lads. Attracted by the very superior wages at Auckland, he went there, with some domestics of others of my Brethren. Having, however, worked there for some time, and lived with his now wealthy relations, he has returned to my service, and is working for the comparatively small allowance which we give our native labourers. This, I believe, he has done to get out of the way of temptation, as well as to be within reach of our instructions. ----- [Rev. H. Maunsell, Waikato Heads, M. D., July 12, 1841.

Of Taupo Lake I must say, that, as far as the scenery is concerned, I was much gratified indeed with my visit. The Lake is evidently of volcanic origin: its circumference is about 70 miles, and its banks are, for the most part, dark, precipitous, and barren; while the dark blue cliffs, when viewed from the eastern side, give a kind of sombre grandeur to the whole. Tongariro, one of the highest mountains in the island, and perpetually covered with snow, stands at the southern extremity. As its summit is crowned with a volcano, now in action, it is beginning to be an object of interest to visitors.

March 7, 1840--Dr. Pompallier, a Roman-Catholic Bishop, accompanied by a Priest, arrived to-day in a small schooner. Much excitement in consequence among the Natives.

March 8--At Otumoetai. As no bell was rung at the end of the Pa where the Papists had taken up their abode, I considered that they had perhaps abandoned the idea of holding a Public Service; and, after prayers at the Chapel, I went to visit the adjacent inclosures, but found all the houses empty. When I reached Tupaia's yard, however, I found a large assembly of Natives, drawn together to witness what must have been to them a novel exhibition. A small stage was erected, not unlike the puppet-shows carried about in England, adorned by trumpery drapery of different colours. The Priest was busily engaged in arranging a crucifix, three lamps, pictures of the Virgin Mary, a cup, &c. I turned with disgust from this

mockery of the pure and undefiled religion, and met the Roman-Catholic Bishop, who saluted me very graciously, and inquired if I were a settler. "No," I replied, "I am a Protestant Missionary." He said that it was by invitation of the Chiefs he visited Tauranga. I remarked, that we should feel it our duty to oppose him; but that it would be, not with carnal weapons, but with the Word of God. "You mean the English Translation of it," he added; and then proceeded to make some brief remarks on the oneness, and unity, and antiquity of the Romish Church. He did not wait for any reply; but, remarking that the Natives were waiting, he bowed, and proceeded to celebrate Mass. I of course retired; but from the reports afterward brought to me, his exhibition appears to have made but little impression on the Natives, whose risible faculties were so much excited by the gesticulations, crossings, kissing of garments, &c, that the Bishop was obliged to stop several times, and request silence. The whole Service was performed in an unknown tongue, except a few sentences at the commencement, in which the Roman-Catholic religion was described as being the "old" one, and the "only true" one. The Bishop will find, however, that the Natives will require something more than his assertions to satisfy them on these points; and that with those who possess the Scriptures the dogmas of the apostate Church will have "neither strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they be taken out of Holy Scripture." 1 After Service the Bishop sent for Tupaia and other leading Chiefs, to whom he gave clothes, &c.

March 9, 1840--Dr. Pompallier went on to Maungatapu Pa. A Native observed to me, that he now for the first time knew what the expression "believing with the lips only" meant; for the Roman Catholics, not having the Bible, had no other than "lip belief." One of our Christian Teachers told the Bishop, yesterday, that his religion could not be the true one, because he bowed to idols, which God had forbidden. The Bishop replied, that they were not idols, but remembrances. He did not, however, seem inclined to continue the conversation, and walked away.

March 19 --Matthew, one of our Christian Natives, has been engaged today in a controversy with the Roman-Catholic Priest. The Priest said, "There is one God--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." "That is truth," replied Matthew. --The Priest then, holding his cross in his hand, remarked, "We do not worship this; but it is to make us remember Christ." "That," replied Matthew, "is your speech; but what says the book? Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image. Your image is the work of man; and to make an image like that is breaking God's commandment."--Matthew then read Revelation xiv. 9, 10, 1], and asked the Priest the meaning of the passage. The Priest replied, that he did not know enough of the native language to understand him, and was walking away. "Stop," said Matthew, "you sought this conversation with me; and if you cannot understand what I say, your disciple, Haki Tara, can. I will tell him what these verses mean, and he can explain it to you. Haki," continued Matthew, "this receiving the mark of the Beast means, among other things, carrying those medals of the Virgin in your ears, and those crosses round your necks: and now, Haki, tell me what this expression means, If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch? "I do not know," replied Haki. -- "Then," continued Matthew, "I will tell you. That man," pointing to the Priest, "is a leader of the blind; and those who listen to his karakia (preaching), and receive his doctrines, and bow down to his images, are blind also; and the ditch means hell, into which both parties, unless they repent, will at last fall." The Priest would not remain any longer; but turned angrily away, probably more firmly convinced than ever that the Church of Rome is right in withholding from the common people that Word which God designed as a lamp to lead us into all truth.

March 30--Journeying to Matamata. In conversation with William Thompson I learned many particulars of the late visit made by the Papists to Matamata, and I feel persuaded that their attempt to introduce Popery was a failure. The Roman-Catholic Bishop, in order, I presume, to ingratiate himself with the Natives, has been in the habit of encouraging the national dances among them. He did so at Matamata; and was reproved for it by a Christian Native, Henry Williams, as being contrary to the Gospel.

May 28--An old Chief observed to me that he had become a Roman Catholic, because of the similarity of that religion to the native ritenga. "We have dances," said he, "and so have the Roman Catholics"--alluding to their bowings, crossings, and gesticulations: "we have tapers, and so have they: they carry medals and crosses: we pray to Wiro, Tu, and other native gods; they pray to Peter, Mary, and other gods." This parallel, drawn by one of their own disciples, might probably disgust the Papists; but there is much simple truth in it. What has a Heathen to renounce, or what sacrifices has he to make, in becoming a Roman Catholic? Literally none.

A fresh arrival of the Emissaries of the Church of Rome, consisting of four Priests and eight Catechists, two of whom have since been ordained, are actively engaged in disseminating their soul-destroying doctrines. Their Bishop intends making this place his head-quarters, and is now preparing to build a large Church. Surely it behoves us to be diligent in our Master's cause. A sharp eye is kept by them on all my proceedings. ----- [Rev. R. Burrows' Report of Kororarika, N. D, for Half-year ending June 30, 1841.

The Papists have commenced war; but the Scriptures, which are the sword of the Spirit, prevail. The opposition which the Romanists have hitherto made, has been a means of exposing their errors, and of adding some of their number to our congregations. One of these, who was a Communicant, on being asked why he left his teachers, replied, "They give us the Word of God in a language we cannot understand: you give us books in our own language, which we do understand." He then gave me a shilling for a Prayer-Book. ----- [Mr J. Shepherd's Report of Wangaroa, N. D., for Year ending June 30, 1841.

The Papists are making bold efforts to do mischief. There has recently been an accession of twelve to their number: two are at Tauranga. They may much perplex the Natives in their present state; but with the acquisition of the Testament, now sent out from the Bible Society, we trust to be enabled to stand our ground. The Popish Bishop is hard at work printing their books; yet it is difficult to see them. The Natives who possess them appear to be ashamed of them. ----- [Rev. H. Williams, Paihia, N. D., June 22, 1841.

On my return from Wangarei, I found that the Roman-Catholic Priest had challenged the Rev. H. Williams to a public discussion at Kororarika, in the New-Zealand language, which Mr. Williams had accepted. The discussion took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 26th and 27th ult. On the one side were four Roman-Catholic Priests: on the other, Mr. Williams and myself. I went to the field with much fear and trembling; not as to the ultimate result, but as to my own incapacity and utter unworthiness for such a situation. God, however, graciously strengthened us, and we were more than conquerors through the testimony of Jesus. I could scarcely have considered it possible for men holding Ministerial offices in a professing Christian Church to be so very ignorant of Scripture; or that such men could prevaricate in the manner these did. God enabled us not only to beat down all their arguments with the plain words of Scripture, but also to preach to them the truth as it is in Jesus. I could not but fancy that I plainly saw the same spirit which manifested itself in many of their unhappy Church against our Reforming forefathers. They hesitated not to affirm, over and over, that our New-Zealand Testament was all false, being not the Word of God, but merely words of our own. One solitary text of Scripture-- Joshua vii. 6--was all they brought forward during the whole of the first day's discussion, and this was done to defend their image worship, &c. They laboured most assiduously to get us to quit the plain Word of God; but they could not succeed.

It grieved me much to hear them tell the Natives, with a triumphant air of assurance, that, by their latest Letters, England was again returning to her right mind, and to the only true faith and Church; and that "Pusey, a great Doctor among them, is the great instrument employed by the Lord in this matter."

I do not think they will be at all desirous of encountering us again, for some time at least; and would fain hope, that both good to the Natives and glory to the Lord may arise from this meeting. It has, in a measure, opened the eyes of the

Protestant community to what the Romanists really are. ----- [Mr. W. Colenso, Paihia, N. D., Nov. 17, 1841.