Page images
PDF
EPUB

their favour and approbation ”—“Yes, it is very nearly so: but, since I have thought more seriously about those things, I got more and more convinced that they are true; and now I believe only in God and in His Son Jesus Christ." He spoke more of his present belief: and his views of God, of his soul, and of the way of salvation, are surprisingly just. Surely he must have thought much about what he heard, to be able to form such correct religious opinions! To know more precisely what he thought of Idols, Mr. Bärenbruck, shewing him a large pagoda, asked him if he should be allowed to see and touch the Idols therein. He replied, "You may see them at a certain distance, but you must not touch them". -"Why not? What are they? Can they do us any harm? Have they understanding ?" "No," replied the Brahmin, a little confused; they can do nothing; they are mere stone, which cannot do any good or evil" "It is strange, then, that you present your adoration to such helpless objects." 66 I do not: but the people do not know better" "Go then, and tell your people, that as the Idol cannot instruct them, there is in this place a Servant of God, who is willing to do it." Upon this the Brahmin went away, promising that he would do all in his power.

66

-Very early this morning, Mr. Bärenbruck being out, the Brahmin came and brought three little Brahmin Boys with him he told me he had made known the invitation of Mr. Bärenbruck to the people, and that many would come to hear what he had to say to them. In the mean while, I entered into conversation with him, chiefly on the great temporal and eternal benefits which we derive from our believing in Jesus Christ as our Saviour; one of our Seminarists translating what I could not express in Tamul. Before we took our breakfast, a great number came, to hear something about the Christian Religion: they all sat down, and gave the greatest attention some, however, made objections: others expressed their satisfaction, and requested Tracts. After they had received them, others came also with the same request; and, in fact, from morning till evening, Tracts were distributed to people who made application for them. The Brahmin remained nearly the whole day with us, exhorting the people who came, to give attention to the instructions which they heard;

and, in fact, to renounce the Idols and serve God: but I think that his motives for doing all this were not altogether pure; for, after the greater part of the people had gone away, he came and said, "You see, I have brought all this people together, that they might hear good instruction. I am willing still to do so, in future time; but will you not give me some money, to express your satisfaction? I am not of this place, and I have nothing to eat." We expressed to him how much we were dissatisfied, in now seeing the motives which had actuated him in his good actions. He said, “I do not require any thing from you as pay for my trouble, but as a remembrance of you." We told him, that what he had heard ought to remind him of us. "Well," he said, with good humour, "I will surely recollect you."-I do not know what to think of this man. His bringing his countrymen together, and his exhorting them to renounce Idols, shews a zeal for the Christian Religion, seldom met with in a Heathen; but his requesting money is much against him.

Visit to a Christian Village.

Mr. Schaffter gives the following pleasant account of a Christian Village in the midst of the Heathen.

On the way from Combaconum to Tanjore, on the left side of the road, in a pleasant and fruitful field, is a little Village, of more than 26 houses, entirely peopled by Native Christians; who, themselves or their ancestors, were brought to Christianity by the valuable labours of the Tranquebar Missionaries. These Christians are now in the District of Tanjore: and the Missionary of that place visits them from time to time, and has there a Catechist and a Schoolmaster, to instruct them in his absence, and to attend to their spiritual welfare.

As these Christians live not far from the road, and I could not proceed much further the same evening, I left the road to take up my quarters among them during the heat of the day. It was a real enjoyment for me, to find myself again in a place entirely peopled by the Worshippers of the Living God; after having been, for nearly five months, deprived of this invaluable advantage. Though they are very inferior to Europeans in point of knowledge and cultivation, yet some of them shew so much good sense and Christian friendship in their words and behaviour, that one may

forget among them, to a certain degree, this unessential difference, in the midst of a people whose feelings and conduct are entirely perverted by the influence of their erroneous religious notions. They seem to be more clean and orderly in their houses and dress than the Heathen; and, in many other things, it may be seen that they do not worship the same God as their countrymen.

As soon as I arrived, many of them came to see me; and others, without my request, brought grass to my horse, then climbed a high cocoa-tree and brought me the water of the nut to drink, which, though very refreshing, was not more agreeable to me than their obliging be

haviour.

About 12 o'clock, a good number of these Christians came together in a large room, which is their usual Meeting Room. We began by singing a Hymn to the honour of the great Redeemer: after this, the Catechist offered up a prayer, and read and explained a part of the Scriptures in the way of catechizing: I then gave them some words of exhortation-told them to make good use of their Christian Privileges-to save their own souls-and to be as burning and shining lights among their idolatrous neighbours; and left them, wishing that God might keep them from the seductions of the world and of the Devil, and grant an increase of grace and blessing. Testimony to the Influence of the Gospel. Mr. Schaffter writes

A Military Officer visited us at Mayaveram, on his way to Trichinopoly. He related an anecdote, which shews very clearly the blessed effect of the Gospel, in India, upon the heart and conduct of some of the Natives who profess it. He observed, for some time, one of his servants remarkable for his faithfulness in his duties, and for his humble and amiable behaviour. If this young man saw that his fellow-servants or other people wanted in any way to deceive his master, he immediately opposed; and then gave notice of it to him-who, not knowing that he was a Christian, was much surprised to find such a man among the Heathen, and was thinking in him. self how this young man could be brought to the knowledge of the Gospel, which he thought he wanted still. The Officer happened to be stationed in a town where Tamul Service was performed; and, on the Sunday, the young man came to

[blocks in formation]

66

I

now I perceive the cause of the surprising difference which exists between him and his fellow-servants-he is a Christian!" Having heard that he was married, his master called the next day for his family: they all came before him, dressed in an orderly manner; the eldest of the children holding a little book in his hand, in which he was instructed in reading. He was delighted. to see them. It appears, by this fact, that the Christian Religion makes the people better in India also: it makes faithful servants, and good subjects; and it is, therefore, the interest of the English Nation to promote it in India. Friendly Discussion on Protestant Missions,

with a Roman-Catholic Priest. Mr. Schaffter gives the following account of this discussion:

We arrived at Kariekal, a French Settlement, where we saw our School, and stayed for the day. A Roman-Catholic Lawyer, with whom I had a conversation some time ago at Mayaveram, came to us in our bungalow, with an invitation from the Roman-Catholic Priest of the place, who was, he said, very desirous to see us. He received us with much more kindness than a Protestant Missionary might expect from a RomanCatholic Priest; and immediately began a conversation with us, in a very friendly and open manner. I spent the greater part of the day with him; and the more I conversed with him, the more I saw that he was a well-educated man, who had liberal views, and was in a high degree free from prejudice against Protestants. He gave me to understand, that he saw with great pleasure that the English did so much for the moral improvement of the Indians, by sending out Missionaries, and by other means. He told me, that he had the highest regard for that Nation, on account of their zeal for propagating the Christian Religion among the Heathen. "The Lord will bless them as a Nation," said he, "on that account. However," he remarked, "if the different Societies who send out Missionaries were to be united in one, they would have to report more success; for then they could form more comprehensive plans, and would not be so likely to interfere with

one another. I told him, that, till now, these different Missionary Societies had been united together by the Spirit of the Head of the Church-who is Christ; that they had all the same object in view-to build up the Church of Christ; that they all made use of the same means to promote their object-the Bible; and so they formed only One Great Society. Further, that, till now, the different branches of that Great Society had never interfered with one another; for each of them had room enough in the Heathen World to gather its fruits separately and if, sometimes, they had come together in one place, they had been mutual supports to each other, and not rivals: they rejoiced in one another's success. I told him, further, that the Directors of the different Societies took notice of the plans and labours of other Societies, and directed their efforts accordingly. In this way a well-regulated and most comprehensive plan is formed, which takes in the whole Heathen World.

:

Australasia.

New Zealand.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. FROM the communications received up to the present time, we shall extract such passages as throw light on the State of the Natives and the General Prospects of the Mission, reserving the review of each Station for the Survey.

Warm Affections of the Natives. Visited Rangheehoo. The whole beach was covered with strange Natives, people on friendly terms from Waikoto-the tribe Ngatemaru, who have latterly excited much fear among the Bay of Islanders. At night, Titore, a Chief from Waimate, came down to see them, and to welcome home his brother Rapu, who had been up at Waikoto on an embassy of peace. Titore, when he arrived, sat for some moments in gloomy silence, his head covered with his mat, and moving his body to and fro somewhat like a hedgehog when rolled up. After a time, some of the people from the hill, bent upon mischief, rose up, and were going to take away the pigs of their visitors; which Titore prevented, or I know not the consequences which might have arisen. Titore then mounted a little eminence upon the beach, and commenced his brother's welcome, with a song peculiarly melancholy, but at the same time singularly attractive: during the time of his singing, he walked with a slow and solemn pace along

the brow of the little hill; when, suddenly coming to a conclusion, he addressed the strangers, and in a very pleasant way continued to speak to them for more than an hour. His action was perfectly natural, and consequently very graceful: his voice was loud, but beautifully modulated; and his language copious and flowery: I was much interested in the whole, which certainly was the most romantic scene which I ever witnessed. When all was concluded and this formal welcome given, Titore hasted to the place where his brother was seated: a very affect

ing interview then took place, as he had to communicate the news of the death of a sister to whom they were both very partial.

The New Zealanders are undoubtedly possessed of extraordinary feelings-feelings which I am sure would have turned to good account had they been properly cultivated and restrained when in their infancy. I cannot help hoping, and the thought frequently encourages me in my work, that the time is not very far distant when a Church will be raised up in this land: for I generally find the Natives attentive whenever addressed by the Missionaries; and I am fully convinced that their own superstitions are losing ground in their estimation, whilst the principles of the Gospel, though, like leaven, unseen, are making sure and certain progress.

[Rev. W. Yate, Turbulence of the Natives in exacting Satisfaction for supposed Insults and Injuries.

Went to the Haumi, where there was a considerable assembly. I was introduced to a man of great renown, Tekoikoi, a Chief from inland, known as a great savage. Tohitapu requested me not to say any thing about the place of fire and brimstone as a place of wicked men, while this man was with them; but I asked Tekoikoi if he had never heard of that place: he replied "No:" I therefore told them, that God had declared that the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God; exhorting them to flee from the wrath to come, and to lay hold on eternal life. I was more particular in speaking very plainly to this man, as he is a great Chief and a great Savage: and I had been told by Natives in this neighbourhood, that we should be afraid to say to him and Shunghee what we say to them. I told him that he must not suppose that we were angry with him or others; but that we spoke as we did, lest they should be caught in the snare of Satan, and perish for ever. The Old Man appeared attentive, and by no means offended by what I said: he asked Tohitapu, if this was our usual mode of addressing them, and was told that it was. I felt thankful at having an opportunity of speaking to this man.

-News arrived that Tekoikoi was on his way, for the purpose of helping himself to blankets and iron pots, and any thing else on which he might lay his hand. This did not much move me; though it was particularly to me that the compliment was intended. In these cases, I endeavour to discover the path of duty, regardless of the Natives, and act accordingly; casting myself, at the same time, on the Arm of the Lord: and though we may have yet to suffer the spoiling of our goods, I hope we may do it joyfully, and have grace to maintain our ground.

-

-Some other Chiefs from the interior came early into the Settlement, stating that they had travelled in the night to tell us that Tekoikoi, with a large party, was near at hand; and that they had come to frustrate his designs. I felt thankful to our Heavenly Father for this interference of His providence. Before I was aware indeed, Tekoikoi and his party arrived before the fence, marching toward the gate. I had but time to hasten to meet him outside the gate; which I immediately closed, and placed my back against it: he presented his nose to me; which compliment I accordingly returned. He was accompanied by an excellent character. Warenui; who is termed the Peace-Maker by the Natives, as he is thus engaged on all occasions. When I saw him, I was fully persuaded that no mischief would take place. Tekoikoi ordered his people to sit down, while we entered into a parley. He stated to the Chiefs present, that I had invited him to the house some time since, and had not given him a present; and that when I saw him at the Haumi, I told him that he would be cast into fire and brimstone; and that this fight was on that account, to seek satisfaction. We could not but laugh at these charges, which greatly threw him off his balance. We told him, that it was his mistake to imagine that he was entitled to any present; and that he had better direct his fight against Tohitapu, who had prompted him to expect

one.

In answer to the second charge, we said, that the words which we spoke were the words of God, to him and to all menthat for this purpose alone we had come to their land, to warn them to flee from the wrath to come-that they were not our words, but were delivered by us in love, that he might not die, but have everlasting life. To this he could not say a word, and the Chiefs acknowledged the truth of what we said. He told us, that he had come to make peace, and wanted something to be given in consequence: we did not, however, think it proper to give him any thing, as the whole had originated with himself; and it would have a bad effect among the Natives, as the victory would be declared on his side;

whereas now I consider that we had gained a very signal triumph. In a short time, he turned away in a rage; and some of the Natives gazed at us, not knowing what to think, considering it impossible that we should refuse his importunities. Our friendly Chiefs gladly partook of some flour; and, in a short time, all was quiet. In the afternoon, our Natives again cried out that Tekoikoi was returning: we accordingly turned out; but their appearance was very different from that of the morning: they came in procession, without arms: some were carrying small baskets of cooked potatoes, which were distributed two to each of our houses: the Old Man walked in great state at their head. They again retired as soon as possible. I had a few words of conversation with Tekoikoi, before he left us. [Rev. H. Williams,

Set out on a visit to the inland Native Settlements, in company with Mr. Davis, and Mr. Stack of the Wesleyan Mission, who was returning to Shukeangha. We took each a different route, and proceeded as far on our journey as time would permit; meeting, in the evening, at the abode of a Chief, with whom we were well acquainted.

This Chief, though for the most part on very friendly terms with us, had lately an occasion to pick a quarrel with the boys living with me, on account of a slight misconduct on the part of a girl who is wife to one of them. He came in the usual way to obtain satisfaction, by spoiling the parties concerned of some of their possessions; and an affray took place between the parties, which partook more of the nature of a wrestling match than any thing else: but this Chief unfortunately received a scratch on his elbow, and was thrown down more than once by a person much inferior in rank: he consequently went away not very well pleased; and consoled himself with the idea of obtaining payment for his mishap at some fuOur Natives were, therefore, somewhat apprehensive of rough treatment from his tribe; though, for ourselves, we felt nothing. It proved that the Chief was from home, at a place which we intended to visit the next day in the mean time we were hospitably received by those whom we found.

ture time.

The next morning we spoke at several villages in our way to the Manowenua, where we expected to find our Chief: but, when arrived there, we found all the men absent on a "Taua," or fighting expedition; being gone to assist their neighbours, who were expecting a Taua from another tribe to avenge the killing of a pig. We addressed all whom we could assemble, and were anxious then to proceed on our way.

At length we observed the party returning toward us. Three men first made their

their parents. Shortly after, the boy contrived to steal five soldiers' old great-coats, but the thief was not known until this morning. After a general consultation, we determined to take from him the materials which he had brought for sale, together with one of the coats which was upon his back, and a hatchet, having first assured ourselves that we were acting fairly in the eyes of the Natives.

appearance, all of whom I knew; but one was a noted thief, and had given us some trouble some time ago in our Settlement: he pounced upon Mr. Davis in a rage, and attempted for some time to wrest his umbrella away without effect; and then snatched his hat from his head, with which he was making away, when a nephew of Kamera's recovered it immediately. It was some time before we could understand the reason for this attack; but, at length, it appeared that this man, having stolen a planeiron from one of our boys, was told that if he made his appearance in our Settlement, Mr. Davis would cut off his head with a large pair of scissors. After we had protested against it for some time, he at last appeared satisfied that the report was a fabrication.

This matter was no sooner settled, than these three Chiefs urged us to return to Kamera's habitation; and directed us to put our blankets, tent, &c. in a heap, and to stand before them. We had barely time to do this, when the main body drew near and made a rush toward us. I still thought that they were only acting according to a native custom, which is, that when a party return home, they always are met by those who stay behind; and, after having thrown one another down, conclude with a war-dance. The assailants were met by the few Chiefs who were around us, and were kept at bay; and it was not till after this, that we learnt that the attack upon us was on account of Kamera's scratch, who himself had not yet made his appearance. As soon as the Chiefs were a little quiet, and had recounted all the great deeds which they had performed that day, we spoke a few words to them; but were not allowed to proceed on our way, until we had partaken of a good mess of potatoes.

In the mean time, Kamera arrived, habited in no mean attire for a Native. He is a little man, fully tattooed. Over his shoulder was a dog-skin mat, with a good blanket as an inner garment. In his belt was a handsome green stone," meri," and he carried a musket in each hand. His first act was to make a feint at the man who had seized Mr. Davis's hat; and then he came to us in a very friendly manner, and told us, what the Natives had done before his arrival was on account of his being a very great man. [R-v. IV. Williams.

This principle of satisfaction or retaliation has been successfully used in self-defence by the Missionaries.

We found it necessary, in a certain case, to take the law into our own hands. A Chief brought some fencing for sale. Some time ago, he had two children staying in my brother's house, who were enticed away by

--Visited the Natives of the river Waikari. The man who stole the coats belongs to this tribe, and we expected some displeasure might have been manifested for the notice which we had taken of his conduct: every person, on the contrary, who mentioned it, said that we had acted very justly toward him. A Chief came to me for some medicine, which I gave him immediately: five minutes afterwards he followed me to the Chapel, and contrived to take up a chisel, with which he walked away; but, happily, the theft was discovered before he was able to go far; and, the chisel being found, his mat was taken from him and burnt. This is a summary mode of proceeding; but where we can do it safely, we find it has a very good effect.

[Rev. W. Williams.

Wild Manners of the Natives.

-On Sunday, toward the conclusion of our Morning Service, our Natives came to tell us that a number of Natives were in the Settlement, and beginning to be very troublesome. The party consisted of Natives from a distance, who had been visiting a neighbouring Settlement, on a plundering expedition, the day before: they were come now into our Settlement, for the purpose of snatching all that they could lay hands on. We were all obliged to hurry out; as some few had already been over my fence, with baskets, for the purpose of taking up the potatoes growing. The people were entire strangers to us; and were vociferating in a most angry mood, and striking the fence with their hatchets it seemed as though they were ready to make a rush, for general plunder. We went out, however, into the midst of them; and, after a little while, persuaded them all to sit on the ground, in number 150, as nearly as we could count them. We considered that the path in which we were most likely to quiet them would be to speak to them boldly concerning our great Message: instead, therefore, of expostulating with them for coming on the errand which they were evidently bent on, we told them why we were come to this land-what was their condition -and the remedy. They listened quietly; and, though they frequently cast a wishful eye on the potatoes, and spoke of taking them, yet they, at length, walked off quietly, and gave us no further trouble. The same

« PreviousContinue »