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Tribe, this time last year, plundered the garden of the Missionaries at Whangarooa, and threatened their house also, a few weeks before their Mission was broken up; and there is not the least doubt, that their inten. tions were most mischievous when they came to our Settlement: but there was a Hand over us, which restrained them from touching éven a hair of our heads. While some of our party were in conversation with the people, I went up to a Chief of our own Tribe, who was sitting at a distance, anxiously waiting the result: he observed to me, that though the people where pacified for the present, they would soon rise up and be very angry, and carry off every thing: but I was able to tell him, that stronger is He that is for us than they who are against us: and so the result quickly proved to him.

[Rev. W. Williams.

A party of Ngate tautahi, one of the most troublesome Tribes, arrived on a plundering expedition; bringing three slaves, with some canoes, and whatever else they had been able to lay their hands on. Among other cruelties, they dragged out a poor grey-headed old man who had been left by his master to take care of the Settlement, and tied him to their canoes and brought him to Kiddeekiddee. I could not but feel very much for the old man: I had often conversed with him, and found him very attentive. They had not arrived long, when the Chief Kahakaha came running into the Settlement, apparently in a rage; and said, that if I would not let him into my place, or give him a blanket, or an axe, or a plane-iron, he would break open my house and take every thing in it away, as he had done at other places. I told him that he had better begin; for, coming in such a way, I could not think of letting him in: after he had raged for some time, and endeavoured to frighten me without effect, he went away. However, in about half-an-hour afterward he came again, but in a very different manner; when I told him, that, as he had come quietly, I would let him in; at 'which he seemed pleased, and he and his Imen behaved well afterward. Parties of strangers will thus take advantage of us, when we are weak-handed: it is very likely that these Natives would have behaved quietly had all of us been in the Settlement; but the other brethren were gone to Pyhea, to attend the opening of the New Chapel there.

[Mr. Hamlin.

A large force was observed to land at Kororareka; supposed to be Uroroa and Kira, from Whangarooa and Matauri. Learnt that Uroroa intended an attack upon Waitanga, Waikari, and the Kauakaua. At daylight, the next morning, the party was in motion: at first we could not make out their

intention, but soon observed them pull for Waitanga: orders were given to close all the passages to our houses, excepting two, which were capable of being closed at a moment's notice. Tohitapu made his appearance; and desired us to be very vigilant, for that their intentions were bad. After breakfast, it was determined to pay the party a visit: we accordingly manned a war-canoe belonging to Tohitapu, which was on the beach, and pulled up the Waitanga, after the people: their opponents had fled: they found one slave, whom they killed. We conversed with Kira; and were glad to find our friends Warepoaka and Waikato among them; but acting with us, and evidently wishing to restrain the old man.

While we were among the party, a circumstance occurred which ought never to be forgotten-so little are we capable of seeing an hour before us! Waikato, who had the gun with him which was presented to him by the King, was shewing it to us; when, observing that both locks were cocked, I took hold of it to half-cock them: but, touching the wrong trigger, it discharged: at that instant, Tohitapu was delivering an oration close to me, and his head was, at the time the gun went off, about a foot from the muzzle: he turned round, and told me I had nearly shot him: I knew that, and felt inexpressibly thankful. The piece was nearly perpendicular; but I was seated on the ground, and he was standing. Had any accident happened, our lives would probably have been forfeited. Thus does the Lord shew us ever to commit our way unto Him, and He will sustain us; for we are unable to help ourselves, or to tell what an hour may bring forth.

We returned soon after to Pyhea; and, by two in the afternoon, had the satisfaction to see all the canoes sail out of the Bay, toward Whangarooa. They discharged their pieces as they passed the Settlement, and we fired two great guns in return. Their thus quietly departing is far beyond general expectation : but there is One who ruleth, to whom we would ever look, and give Him all the praise. [Rev. H. Williams.

Visit to the Natives on the Coast to the
South-eastward.

The Herald returned to-day (April 18, 1828) from the southward, with about 40 pigs and a quarter of a cargo of potatoes. They were in a fair way to fill the vessel, but were obliged to return sooner than they wished. The particulars of this trip, so far as they are interesting in a Missionary point of view, you will hear from my Brother and Mr. Davis. The people to the southward seem to be living even in a much worse state than the Bay of Islanders: they are not scattered about as these people; but are as

sembled together in fortified places, fearful of all their neighbours. [Rev. W. Williams. April 8, 1828-Canoes came off; not to us, but to a Brig which was trading with powder and muskets: one

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canoe came

alongside, but no one offered a single basket of potatoes. Weighed, and made sail to the eastward stood along shore, about a mile distant-no appearance of Natives - the As we country most desolate and broken. came toward Wakataui, we observed some canoes: one came off, and approached with caution we hove to, and she came alongside. Murelakaka, the old Chief, said that they were on their way to Maketu, hearing that a ship was there; but that they would return with us to his settlement, as he had potatoes and pigs. We made sail with him on board: numbers of canoes pulled off: the Natives appeared pleased that we were with them.

We conversed with Murelakaka on the evil of war, and the need of turning to the Living God, and on the fall and redemption of man: he listened with attention. The land near our anchorage looked very inviting.

I am sa

April 10-Canoes came off; but nothing in them, except a few old sows, which we did not buy. Mr. Hamlin and I went to the Pa. The river was very fine, and very deep in places. As we approached the Pa, numbers of children came running to meet us. We were conducted to the house of one of the headmen, and were soon surrounded by the inhabitants. There were about 200 persons present, though not more than 20 men among them. While looking upon them, I felt a desire to be with them; but this is my constant feeling when visiting any of these distant settlements. tisfied that nothing will more tend to preserve peace among this unhappy people, than Missionaries living with them, and visiting from place to place. We spoke to them for a considerable time. They said, that it was all very good which we had told them; but, as other Natives would not let them alone, they stood greatly in need of muskets and powder, in order to defend themselves. The Pa was strongly fenced round, and divided into small allotments for different families: they were as closely packed as they could well be.

April 11-Made sail for Potiki, a settle ment further to the Eastward. The wind

was strong against us. We worked up, the Natives making great fires to invite us. Two canoes came alongside, but appeared not disposed to trade: they wanted powder: were very ill-behaved, being prompted by two Natives from the Bay of Islands; but, after a severe lecture, they behaved better, and offered flax and some mats for sale.

April 12-We had the pleasure of entering Tauranga. The harbour appeared quite deserted, there being only one canoe in sight, as the Natives were occupied with the Brig those in the canoe said they had potatoes, and were glad to see us. We told them that the next day would be the Sabbath, and that we should not trade.

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April 13: Sunday- No canoes came off. We held Service with the crew, about ten o'clock. After dinner, Messrs. Hamlin and Mair and I went to the Pa, nearest the Heads; where was a great assembly of Natives, especially children. We talked with them for a long time: they said, that unless we settled among them they should soon forget. When we returned on board, we found that a canoe had been alongside, the people of which were very abusive, being elated with the possession of a few pounds of powder obtained from the Brig.

About

April 14-Several canoes came alongside with a number of pigs, and some few baskets of potatoes, very small. No appearance of trading, all wanting powder. They would not give for the blankets, axes, &c., more than half what is given in the Bay of Islands-inclined to be very insolent. Wherever we go, the constant demand is for muskets and powder. We could have filled with potatoes at either place, but for the Brig, which is here intoxicating the Natives with these destructive materials. three o'clock they withdrew, in a very ill humour. Mr. Mair and I went up to the Pa, which, within the last fortnight, has been subdued by the Ngatemaru: we witnessed every mark of desolation. When last here, we anchored abreast of the place; and there were then hundreds of men, women, and children living here: now all was silent-their houses and fences burnt-dead dogs and pigs on all sides-and human bones in many places-a dreadful evidence of the real temporal situation of this people. The Ngatemaru are daily expected to attack a second Pa, at which we were on Sunday; and, afterward, they will visit the third. Such is the prejudice of this people, that each party will sit at his own place rather than unite their forces to resist the common foe. Surely they are in all the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity; and are daily led the willing captives of Satan, seeking one another's destruction!

April 15-Naka, a Chief from the place, came on board, to visit the Bay of Islands: he has a number of mats with him, to purchase muskets. As I considered it highly important that the Natives should not feel themselves at liberty to come on board at pleasure and pass to and fro, I felt it needful to demand a payment for his passage, and required two mats: this will give them

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greater respect for us and the vessel. At
sunset, abreast of the north head of Mercury
Bay, a canoe hove in sight: we purchased
one mat and a few fish from the people on
board, for an axe and a few fish-hooks, with
which they were greatly delighted. We in-
quired of them their disposition to make peace
with the Ngapuis: they replied that the Nga-
puis were ever killing them. We told them
that Rewa's desire was for peace, and also
that of many others; that we expected that
some of the Chiefs would proceed to their
place for that purpose; at which they ap-
peared pleased.
[Rev. H. Williams.

Favourable Indications among the Natives.

It appeared evident that our sick native little girl, Lucy, who had been with us at least three years, was now at the point of death. We went and sat with her, and conversed with her on the love of Jesus and the delights of heaven. She listened with great attention, and expressed an earnest desire to go thither: she extended her feeble hand to us, and leaned her head against us: I left her about eleven o'clock: at two, I was told that she was dead. We were much affected, for she was greatly endeared to us. She had heard much, and had been frequently conversed with.

Went to Wangai: the tide was very favourable, which allowed us to see all the Natives. Never have I spent a more agreeable season with them: they hailed us with much apparent pleasure, and collected their scattered parties to hear what we had to say. I was much struck with their behaviour, and looked up to the Lord with gratitude for His promised blessing: in His Name, I told them that we were come to declare the glad tidings of peace with God through Jesus Christthat they had long been in bondage to Satan, but that liberty was now proclaimed to all believers-that, in the Judgment Day, we should be raised again incorruptible, to give an account of the deeds done in the body: I think I may say that they received the Word with gladness. The second party to which I spoke, was an assemblage of Chiefs, undergoing the process of tatooing: many of them had borne the character of insolence: from these I did not look for much; however, I took courage, remembering that they were not my words which I had to deliver: I accordingly addressed myself to them, and was greatly surprised at their attention—not the slightest disposition to levity: they told me that they knew that our motive in coming among them was, that they might be saved from the place of torment, and become Children of God: they asked me why we could not send one of our Natives, who understood the things of God, to instruct them more frequently, we could not ourselves be more among them; but, alas! we have not yet one, who could be Oct. 1829.

if

sent on this important duty. I could wish that many of them were living with us, even married persons.

Went to the Haumi, where I met a considerable number of Natives: they paid good attention. While speaking to them of their dreadful situation, and the dominion which Satan exercised over them in holding them in his own power that they should not believe, one man from Wangai, where we have been in the habit of going occasionally, asked me whether it was Satan who restrained us from going to them as we once did to instruct them. I felt this word of admonition very keenly, and regretted exceedingly the weakness of our force. [Rev. H. Williams.

Visited Waitanga. At four places, the people were careless, as we generally find them; but at the fifth, the village where Christian Rangi's relatives live, I was much delighted. Rangi's elder brother, Wini, has struck me from the first of my visits; and I think he is not far from the kingdom of God. I began, by telling them, as we had done before, that, unless their hearts were changed, they could not see the kingdom of God. Wini replied, that they had called upon God frequently, to give them new hearts and to forgive their sins. I bade them point to the situation of the sun when they prayed. They said, that as soon as Rangi's son had returned that morning (about eight o'clock) from our house with some tea for a sick person, they all met together, and repeated the prayers which we had directed them to offer. "Perhaps," said Wini, "God will not hear us: we have called upon Him for a long time, without perceiving any great change." I then reminded him of those declarations of our Saviour, If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts, &c.—Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, &c. "Aye," said he, "God WILL hear, if we ask Him: but, perhaps, He is like us, when any one asks us for a thing and we say to him Tishore" (that is, By and bye, I will do it). We endeavour to explain continually the scheme of salvation through Christ; and we have always at hand illustrations of the vicarious satisfaction of the Gospel, in the universal practice among this people of demanding satisfaction for every offence done to them. Wini seems to have some insight into the way of salvation, and desires to learn more. He said, in conclusion, that he was vexed with himself on account of the obstinate badness of his heart-literally, "I am bad with vexation for the exceeding fixedness of my bad heart."

At Waitanga I met with a man from a village inland: as he was alone, I asked him what was the general opinion of the Natives with respect to our religion. His reply, I am persuaded, was according to the general feeling. "When you come to us," said he,

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"they all say it is well to sit still and hear you; but, as soon as you are gone, one is persuaded this way and another that, and all our thoughts stray to other things."

- We spoke to many parties of Natives, who, with very few exceptions, manifested a desire for instruction. They not merely sit and listen to what we say, and give an assent to the truth of what we tell them; but they express a wish to be visited more frequently. I believe that many have a conviction that the religion which we teach is true; though, as yet, they continue in bondage to the Wicked One. They pray, moreover, according to our instruction, that the Spirit of God may be given to them to enlighten their hearts. More than this I cannot say; nor do I wish to be very sanguine, lest, after all, I should be deceived.

-Spoke to a few Natives up the river Kauakaua. They were strangers to me, but were not unacquainted with the purport of our Message; which, they said, they had heard from those who had been in the Schools: so that, although we are often discouraged by the fickleness of our Natives, leaving us frequently very shortly after they come to us, there is this good done-they carry much away with them, and disperse it, to the great furtherance of the work.

At times, we hope that our Natives are beginning to think seriously about the things which they hear from us; though, in general, they are very indifferent. Last night, after our Evening Service, I overheard my Boys singing a Hymn in their own house; after which, one of them read a portion of St. Matthew, which we have translated; and concluded with the Lord's Prayer. The Boy, who conducted this Service, wrote to me the following question, upon his slate"How is it, that we continue to pray ac cording to your instructions, and yet our hearts are not changed?"

Went to Waiomio with Mr. Davis. I met with the Sister of Christian Rangi, whom I had not seen for several weeks, and was much gratified with her apparent state; for, unless I am greatly deceived, there is an important change going on in her. She said she had been long expecting our return, and that she had prayed to Jesus Christ to send us-that He said in her heart, "Wait, and they will come;" and "now," said she, "you are come." I asked her, what were her feelings with respect to the good things which she had heard before she replied, "I pray daily to Jesus Christ for a new heart, and He has enlightened my heart." I learnt also, that every Sunday a few persons, who are well disposed, meet together to pray.

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In a visit to Waitanga, I met with a family whose behaviour was very gratifying.

We have not had intercourse with them more than three times before; but they remembered much that they had heard, and asked many questions, such as are rarely asked by them. They were in the act of finishing a small net which they were about to put into the water, but they were conscious that it was wrong to be so employed on that day: they, however, excused themselves by saying that they were under the necessity of doing it, as they were tapued, and could not eat until the net had been wet by the salt

water.

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Went inland, for two days, accompanied by William Puckey. Branching off, as we proceeded, to different villages, we found full employment, from morning till night, until our return; and our work was a great refreshment to ourselves, as well, I trust, as a benefit to the Natives. The present season has been very sickly, and I had occasion to administer medicine in many cases: indeed, there was scarcely a family to be met with, which has not been visited by death. It seemed to be a prevailing opinion, that it is a visitation from our God, in anger to them for not observing the Sabbath Day, &c. : I endeavoured to correct their views, telling them of the origin of sickness through sin. Speaking of prayer in one village, and repeating some petitions which I recommended them to use, the principal man turned to those who were sitting round, and observed, "This will be very good for us: we will attend to it." Receiving an answer as to the number of days which intervene between each Sabbath Day, he directed the people to cut some notches in a stick, that they might be correct. If we had not been restricted through want of food, we could have taken home, I expect, from 30 to 40 Natives to the School; but I was obliged to put off those who asked to come, to a future period.

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We spoke to two groupes of Natives. The head of the party to whom I went, I had seen only once; but, on seating myself by his side, the first words which he spoke were, "E parata"-a corruption of Brother, the name by which they always call me"I have forgotten the words which you told me to make use of in prayer, when you were at my place." I then told him, that he must pray for the pardon of his sins, and for a new heart; and entered briefly into the particulars of our Lord's history, and His future coming to judge the world. I believe many of the people were as attentive as ever any Christian Congregation was.

[Rev. W. Williams

This morning (April 2, 1828) baptized the infant son of Taua and Rangi, by the name of James Kemp. Its parents have lived a long time with Mr. Kemp, and are

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both of them particularly anxious to have their child brought up in the principles of Christianity; as they have both thrown off their Native Superstitions, and have long seen the superiority of the Christian Religion. This is the first New-Zealand Child which has been dedicated to the Lord by baptism; and I trust that both its parents, though not yet baptized themselves, really feel their need of a Saviour, and are not far from the kingdom of heaven.

- Went down to Rangheehoo. In my way, I met a large party of Natives, on a fighting excursion, in two war-canoes, about 40 in number, who rowed up to the boat. My men, who were rowing me down, were much afraid that they were coming to take the boat away from us: however, they did not molest us in the least. When they came alongside, I spoke to them in a friendly manner; and they said, "Oh ! he is a Pakeha Mittenary "-White man, a Missionary"we wont touch him." They had a number of guns with them, and looked very formidable. They were aware, by my manner of talking, that I was a new comer; and, therefore, very soon turned, and went on their way. It was not always so in New Zealand!

-The Natives are evidently in an inquiring state, and always listen to our Message. The following conversation took place between a Chief and myself, at an ative residence in a little bay down the river. He said that his old heart was gone, and that a new one was come in its place-"Gone! whither?" "It is buried: I have cast it away from me""How long has it been gone?" Four days" "Like a "What was your old heart like ?" dog like a deaf man, it would not listen to the Missionaries, nor understand"-" How long have you had your old heart?" "Always, till now; but it is now gone "_" What is your new heart like?" "Like yours: it is very good "-Where is its goodness?" "It is altogether good: it tells me to lie down and sleep all day on Sunday, and not to go and fight"-"Is that all the goodness of your new heart?" "Yes"-" Does it not tell you to pray to Jesus Christ ?" "Yes, it tells me I must pray to Him, when the sun rises, when the sun stands in the middle of the heavens, and when the sun sets". "When did you pray last?" "This morning"-"What did you pray for?" "I said, O Jesus Christ! give me a blanket, in order that I may believe!"—" I fear your old heart still remains, does it not?" "No: the new one is quite fixed, it is here" (pointing to his throat)" But the new heart that comes from God does not pray in that way." "How then?"-I then proceeded to point out to him something of the nature of prayer —what he should pray for—and how ready

and willing God was to hear and to answer.
As I was leaving, he said that I must ask
him, when I came again to his residence
whether he remembered what I had now
said; and, if he had forgotten it, I must tell
him all over again.
[Rev. W. Yate

My friend Peter has been gone to the southward for the last eight months; his wife is there, on a visit to her friends; and has now her husband with her. The accounts which I have heard of Peter's proceedings are of the most encouraging nature. A Native from those parts lately made a visit to the Bay, and stated to our Natives that Peter was a praying man-that he had built a Place of Worship-and that he assembled the Natives on Sundays, and would not allow them to work on that day. [Mr. R. Davis. First Annual Examination of the Schools.

Dec. 9, 1828-The families from the other Settlements, together with the Natives in the Schools, excepting as many as were absolutely necessary to take care of the Settlements, arrived about ten o'clock in the morning; it having been determined that an Annual Examination of the Schools shall be held, which should commence at our Station. In the afternoon, at the usual hour, the Natives were assembled for prayer; and our Chapel, which has always been tolerably filled, was now crowded. We concluded with a short Address.

Dec. 10-Held the Examination. We commenced with the Liturgy in New Zealand, as far as the Psalm after the Second Lesson; omitting the Psalms for the Day, which are not translated. The first classes of the three Schools were then examined together in the Catechism, Reading, Arithmetic, &c., and so on through the School. The result was highly satisfactory, as a first trial; and is likely to have a very good effect on the Natives themselves, who took much interest in the whole. We invited some of the principal Chiefs to be present, who expressed themselves pleased with what they witnessed, and in some cases spoke of sending their own children to us. The number present was 170; namely, Pyhea 90, Kiddeekiddee 60, Rangheehoo 20. In the afternoon they all feasted together. About 60 strange Natives were present, principally friends of those who are in the Schools. [Rev. W. Williams.

Our First Annual Examination of the Native Schools took place this day; and, truly, it was a day of great rejoicing to us. I do not know that I ever experienced feelings of greater satisfaction, than those which arose from the sight of these New Zealanders all collected together in our Chapel, all under the means of grace, and all evidently anxious to learn any thing which we may require [Rev. W. Yate. from them.

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