but I can soon learn. I believe in Jesus Christ."

Ko-te-naiki ("the Knife") said: "I am from darkness; but I have begun to think about God; and, though I am from darkness and from sin, my heart is turning, and my thoughts are fixed on God.

I believe in Jesus Christ," &c. Ko-Kaitoke, ("Worm-eater,") the son of a most powerful Chief, who is now dead, and a remarkably intelligent-looking man, neat and clean, who afterwards took the name of "John Waterhouse," was also questioned by me through Mr. Whiteley. After we had begun tea, Mr. Whiteley wished to continue his inquiries. Ko-Kaitoke, thinking equal attention could not be given to two subjects at the same time, especially as the New-Zealanders never eat and talk together, asked, "Mr. Whi-te-ley, do you know what I say?" The answer showed that he was not very attentive at that moment. The Chief said, "Will you repeat what I said? and if you cannot, we will defer the business till you can hear my speech.' We were not a little amused with his shrewdness, evidently coupled with great modesty. After tea, he said: "I am here, which is a proof of alteration of mind; I am a stranger to you, and you to me. I have long been wandering about from place to place; and wherever I went, I saw nothing but evil. But now I have begun to think about religion. It is for you to consider; and if you turn me aside, I must go. It is my desire to be led aright. I believe in one God, and his Son Jesus Christ. I am determined to

serve God. I have only lately run away to you. I can read in the word of God, and desire salvation." Many other things were said by them and to them; from which, and the testimony of the three Christian Chiefs, I was led to ask, "Can any forbid water that these should not be baptized?" &c.

27th, Sunday.-A vast concourse of natives had come from every direction, so that we had the chapel filled in a most uncomfortable manner, and many were outside. I had advised that the entire of the morning should be taken up with the sacrament of baptism. Addresses were given both before and after administering the rite. Several seemed affected. I wished Joshua, our Feejeean Teacher, to address them; and, as he is eloquent in the Feejeean and Tonguese languages, I wished him to speak Tonguese, Mr. Hobbs acting as interpreter. Joshua said: "When the Missionaries came first to our land, we were ignorant, we knew

not God. Fishes were our gods; a great house was our god; a stone in the land, our god; and whales' teeth, our gods. The Missionary proclaimed the true God, and called us to turn to him. Some yielded, others said, 'No; we will serve our former gods.' But I have believed on the true God, and the payment paid by Jesus Christ for my sins; and it gives me great joy to see you embrace this Gospel. When I was at Feejee, I lived with a Missionary, the Rev. David Cargill. His wife died, and I went with him to Hobart-Town to take care of his children. I do not go wandering as the wind blows the dust. I have an object before me; and my wish now is, to go back and preach the Gospel. Great is my sorrow for my cannibal friends; but I fear not them that can kill the body only. By and by you shall see God's goodness more fully. If you serve him with your lips only, great will be your condemnation. You are baptized: cleave to Jesus Christ, lest the devil come and spoil the work of God."

In the afternoon I endeavoured to improve the painful bereavement we had experienced in the death of the Rev. John Bumby. Nearly sixty Europeans were present.

In the course of the day I held a conversation with Moses Tawhai from Waima. I asked him what he thought about having a school for the children of his tribe. He said, "It is very good. We have been taught to worship, and to meet in class; and our children must be taught in school." He then asked me if I intended to return again to them. On my saying, "Perhaps not immediately; but I shall always feel interested in your welfare, and shall be glad to hear of you and your tribe, and of your progress in religious knowledge, experience, and practice," he said to Mr. Buller, my interpreter, "It is very good. Mr. Waterhouse has been here, and planted his good seed in this garden, that garden, and the other garden; but my thoughts tell me, that when he is gone, the seeds will be blown away with the wind. For when a man has planted a field, and does not stay to look after it, but goes away and leaves it, the army of pigs and fowls, and other things, gets in, and devours his seed, and spoils the work. When a man has sown a field of wheat, he is careful to visit it often, and drive away the pigs, &c., even until he has secured the crops; or else they will be devoured." In this manner he urged the propriety of my coming again to see them,

28th. It was announced yesterday that a native Missionary Meeting would be held this morning. Accordingly, at half-past eight, we went to the chapel. Very few but Chiefs came. I explained to them the manner in which moneys were raised in England for the spread of the Gospel; and told them what the Lord was doing in the islands of the sea, and what yet remained to be done. I then called upon Titus, our Tonguese, who said: "Although small may be the contributions of your land, it is good to do what you can.

In our land, Vavau, we have had an assembly, and the King said that he would do something to send the Gospel to Feejee, the land of savages and cannibals; for if they do not embrace Christianity, and receive the grace of God in this world, where can they receive it? It is your duty also to pray for Mr. Waterhouse, on his voyaging to different places. We must all strive to see which land will be first in the work of God."

This

Joshua, the Feejeean, said: "I will tell you how I was brought to God. When I first heard the word, I understood not, because I had no desire to learn. I heard from the Missionaries of the true God, one God true, through whom I saw the wickedness of my heart. I felt as fire, conviction, and pain. Great was my grief; but I heard of the love of God, believed in Jesus Christ, and rejoiced in that love. Great is my love to God, and my hatred to sin. And in that day I said, Shall I seek after the things of this world? No; the things of God shall be my riches.' And when I had thus obtained favour of God, I began to work for God. I learned to read. Missionaries gave me books, out of which to teach the children and schools. was at Tonga. When I went to my own land, two Missionaries went to Feejee, where the people murder one another. But the Missionaries feared not; for the Scripture saith, Fear not them that kill the body.' Good is our God, one is our soul, and one our work. If our work were trifling, we might fear; but it is the work of God. When I went to Hobart-Town, and saw the dwellings and chapels of the Teachers, I loved them greatly for the sacrifices they had made. Do not say that the Missionaries come to seek your riches. No; they come to seek your souls, and to save them from the curse of God, and the wrath to come. Do not say that all your things will be wasted by the work. Mr. Waterhouse will not say that this is wasting work. No; it is to carry Mis

sions to all lands. You shall be rewarded in your own hearts; and, if faithful, on the day of judgment."

When the brethren had finished, as I understood the people were not prepared with money, (having explained our plans,) I said that we would defer the collection. Immediately, Thomas Walker, a leading Chief, rose and said: "I do not wish any one to understand that we are a poor people. No; we have great riches in this river; but we did not know that we should have to pay for our religion. Had that been stated to us when the Missionaries first came, it would have been for us to consider whether we would have their religion on such terms; with other similar remarks. We explained to them the whole matter, and urged the scriptural principle of endeavouring to benefit others as we had been blessed. On this Edward Marsh, Thomas Walker's brother, and a leading Chief, rose, and with warmth said: "We will never give any thing. If we had sent for the Missionaries, they might have asked us; but if any thing is taken from the people, I will leave the chapel." Hereupon Thomas Walker rose, and addressed to his brother a most keen and sarcastic speech. He then showed that his own first speech was the language of some; but whoever left the chapel, he was determined to give, and it should now go on. Directly one and another hastened to the table, and threw down their silver to the amount of £11.

January 8th, 1841.-About ten P. M. I crossed the bar at the Hokianga, after having for two or three days suffered much from sea-sickness, which, after the fatigues of a lengthened District-Meeting, debilitated me considerably.

13th. We were south of Mount Egmont; at the sight of which a native, whom we had taken from Mangungu, wept.

It was the land of his ancestors. His father was killed by an invading and hostile tribe, and he was taken captive, and made a slave, when a little boy. His looks were very interesting, while he said, "I am indebted to the Gospel for this sight. Sin is that evil thing, which as a fire was devouring us. We were almost consumed; but the Gospel brought the news of Christ Jesus, and that has saved us, and brought me hither." Mount Egmont is said to be fourteen thousand feet above the level of

the sea. It is a sublime object, capped with snow, and stretching its base for twenty or thirty miles, until on the north and south the level, fertile land of Taranaki seems to extend as far as the eye can

reach. I had intended placing Mr. and Mrs. Creed at Patea, above thirty miles south of the mountain; but, how to accomplish this, was the perplexing ques tion, especially as there is no anchorage, and it is altogether inaccessible, unless the wind be from the land. While I was in this state of perplexity, a strong breeze from the south-west sprang up, and we made for Ngamotu, which is the western key to Taranaki, and the only place of anchorage; but that only in very fine weather.

14th. The weather was fine. At ten A. M., while the ship was working into the bay, I went in the boat, accompanied by Messrs. Whiteley, Wallis, and Creed, to see the place and the people. We passed a sort of sugar-loaf island or rock, on the side of which were a number of huts, placed as though they were never to be reached by human beings; the sea on every hand washing the base, while we gazed on an almost-inaccessible steepness. Here, we found, the natives had taken refuge from the savage fury of the Why cato tribes, in their invasions about twelve months ago. We rode in safety through surging billows, till terra firma was again welcomed. The natives surrounded us; and, Mr. Whiteley having told them the object of our visit, we walked about half a mile to a roupo house, put up by the direction of Mr. Ironsides on his visit in last June. We now summoned the people, and asked them, if they wished a Missionary to live among them; and if they would build a chapel, and listen to his instructions. They spoke as follows:-"We have long expected a Missionary; but his delay made our hearts dark; and we said, 'The white people are buying up our land, and other tribes come to destroy us: we may as well sell all, and fly to the mountains, and die.' But now, if you will give us a Missionary, he shall be our father; we will attend to his counsel, keep and cultivate our own land, and we shall yet be a people." We blessed them in the name of the Lord, and sent our boat to bring Mr. and Mrs. Creed and their goods with all possible dispatch. Mr. Whiteley and I remained, and (as we had taken no provisions on shore) requested them to boil us some potatoes. This desire was promptly attended to; but, our boat coming with goods, we had to seek a landing-place for them; so that our potatoes were cold before we could eat them. When we had anchored our boat, and brought a rope on shore to keep her steady in the surf, the natives went shoulder-deep in

the water, and soon emptied it. On their return, an European, who had come from Port-Nicholson a few days before, but had lived ten or twelve years in different parts of New-Zealand, asked us to go to his house. Thither we took our cold potatoes, and he gave us a little cold boiled eel, which employed our fingers, and met the demands of nature most delightfully. He also urged us to take a little beer; so that we abounded in good things. I told him, we were land. ing a Missionary. He said, "I suppose it is one of these Preachers who are coming to naturalize them."

By six o'clock we got Mr. and Mrs. Creed and all their goods on shore; and, as they had a tent, and there was plenty of fern, they might rest themselves when the shades of evening came on. Bidding them and these interesting natives farewell, we hastened to the "Triton,” which was under weigh, and a brisk and fair wind wafted us onward.

At this place we left also John Leigh Tutu, a native Teacher, whom we examined at our District-Meeting, and engaged to find him food and raiment. He is to alternate with Mr. Creed in visiting every part of Taranaki within their reach. I am decidedly of opinion, that a judicious selection of such men will be of incalculable use. John was the instrument in the hands of God of the conversion of William Naylor, the fine Christian Chief of Waingaroa, of honourable memory.

By a young native just arrived at Ngamotu, from Port-Nicholson, by sea, I had the great pleasure of learning, that Mr. and Mrs. Ironsides had arrived at Cloudy-Bay, and that Mr. Ironsides had about six hundred natives surrounding him. He also saw Mr. Aldred, who bad arrived at Port-Nicholson, and had got into a roupo house, and was making himself useful.

16th. About six o'clock in the evening we crossed the bar at Kawia, wel comed by our friends, who had come down in a boat to meet us. No sooner

was the ship at anchor, than we entered the Mission-boat, and by eight o'clock took refuge in the Mission-house. This day they have experienced an earthquake. This is the third time I have visited Kawia; and on each occasion we have had an earthquake.

18th. To-day I had a very interesting meeting with the leading Chief, and a numerous party of Chiefs and natives from other places, assembled to hear a messenger from Taupo, belonging to the Ngateluwaretou tribe. Messengers had

been sent from that tribe, to this and various other places, to prevail on them to join in a party to go to Kapiti, and avenge the death of one of their friends by slaughtering the natives there. The leading Chief on Mr. Whiteley's station is not yet a Christian; "but," as he says, "is sitting in the middle way, and is a great lover of the Missionaries." He is a fine man, much resembling in person the Rev. Robert Newton. He rese in his neat mat, and spoke with great animation, stating the object of the messenger, while venerable Chiefs listened with the greatest attention. He said, (commenting on the message,) "They have been with a Missionary to Taranaki, and some Christian Chiefs have liberated their Taranaki slaves. It will not do now to go and kill the people." Through Mr. Whiteley I said: "I am much pleased with your speech. I love the New-Zealanders; and the Taranaki people are now ours, having a Missionary there. My wish is, that you should all give up your old practices, and love God, love one another, and love your children; that you should cultivate your lands, grow potatoes, feed pork, and get comfortable clothing and good houses; and that you should have your children taught to work, and to read and write. I also wish you to keep your lands, for your children and children's children, and to continue a people. And now I should like to go home, and to have my wite and ten children sitting around me as you are, and to say to them, 'Such was the messenger, and such his message; and when my friend the Chief had told them our minds, they said, We will love God, and one another; and the messenger shall go back to his people, and tell them, that there must be no more fighting; but we will shake hands'" (taking the Chief by the hand) "with every man, and live in peace, cultivating our lands,' &c." And as they like action in a speaker, I gave them to see that it was a subject which fired my mind and body. When I had done, they unanimously cried, Ka-pai, ka-pai; that is, "Very good, very good." said, "Then let all who are of my mind, signify it by lifting up the hand." Mr. Whiteley explaining, I lifted up my hands. It took amazingly with them, and up went their hands. I then went to the messenger, and shook hands heartily with him. They wished me to seal the covenant by a present. I therefore borrowed something of Mr. Whiteley, and gave part to the messenger, and part to the Chief. The Chief immediately handed his over to the messenger; say.

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ing to me, Ka-pai. We then parted, much pleased with our meeting and its results.

In the evening a vast number came to Mr. Whiteley's, to shake hands with me; and as they were sitting on the ground, I placed myself among them, while they all begged most imploringly for a Book (a New Testament). I told them that I had none, but we would sing a little, and I would hear them repeat the Catechism: with this they were much pleased. I got the book; and, being able with it to ask the questions myself, they were much delighted. Seldom have I witnessed a more interesting sight. Male and female, old and young, with sparkling eyes, answered the various questions with the greatest readiness. Having gone through the whole Catechism and the Commandments, I said, Ka-pai, ka-pai. They then requested me to catechise them on Scripture names, asking them such questions as, "Who was Adam?" &c. The whole of these they answered with equal readiness. Never was there such a people for reading: old and young acquire the ability with ease. But they want the word of God. If the Protestant churches could but see their privilege and their duty, in fortifying the minds of this people against the delusions of Popery, means would be provided for furnishing them with the Scriptures. Wherever I go, they beg for the word of God. It is no small trial to be so much away from my family; but, if other agents could not be employed, I would willingly spend one year in going from place to place throughout the length and breadth of this land, to distribute the bread of life. Could not the British and Foreign Bible Society aid in this great work?"

24th, Sunday. Yesterday we attempted to cross the bar; but the wind became unfavourable, and we were thankful to reach our old anchorage in safety. This morning, Mr. Whiteley sent his boat for me. I reached the Missionhouse in time to give a short address to the natives at their morning-service. Mr. Whiteley read the baptismal service, and we jointly addressed them on their respective duties as professed disciples of Christ. At half-past five I preached to the Europeans, and at seven to a crowded congregation of natives, from Phil. i. 27. Mr. Whiteley interpreted with great ease, while each paid the utmost attention.

The Committee of that Society have since made two very liberal grants of the New-Zealand Testament.-EDIT. Miss. Nor.

25th. This morning the two principal Chiefs came. Kave (one of them) and his people had been at all the services on the Sabbath, and were about to return to their place, seven miles distant. Neither he nor the Chief at his station has embraced Christianity; but they are both very friendly, and express great pleasure at their people having embraced Christianity. Kave expressed his great regret that Mr. Whiteley had so few copies of the New Testament; and, as they generally speak in figurative terms, he said, "Your house is now very large; but it will be dark, as you have so few lamps to put in it." By "house," he meant the visible church of Christ; and by "lamps," the word of God. He further said, "I greatly approve of what Mr. Waterhouse said last night, when he invited young and old, male and female, parents and children, to come to Christ, and to come now; but I should have liked it better, if he could have said, 'I have a lamp"" (or book) “for you."" He then made a speech of some length, with considerable action, and said: "I am a courageous man. It is not one blow which can bring me down; I can bear a second and a third" (striking, at the same time, the back of his head): "but you have nearly killed me; I shall be forced to become a Christian." When he had spoken thus, we shook hands very heartily, and parted; Mr. Whiteley expressing a hope that my interview with these Chiefs would have a happy effect.

In the afternoon I went on shore with the Captain, as we lay off Kave's villages. Kave saw us, and accompanied us to one of their huts; when he brought the New-Zealand Hymn-Book, and we sang a hymn. He then desired me to pray. This I did in English; and, on rising from our knees, he seemed much pleased, and wished to accompany us to the vessel. I made him a present of an English Bible, with which he was much pleased; and said he should go to Mr. Whiteley, and get him to read and explain it.

I have scarcely met with a NewZealander, in any place where the Missionaries have been, who cannot read the sacred Scriptures; and I never met with any people in humble life possessed of so much knowledge of the New Testament. In my casual intercourse with them in company with the Missionaries, they have asked the meaning of one text of Scripture after another; so that all our time has been occupied in commenting upon the word of God. I have been wearied with their importunities for a

copy of the Scriptures. "Book-a, book-a," is their constant cry. British Christians, help in this matter! Protestants, send this sovereign antidote against Popery!

29th. I left Kawia at one o'clock A. M. Taking the bar at night was attended with some risk; but as we had been detained for several days by contrary winds, I was exceedingly anxious to be on our way to the Islands.

February 22d. At day-dawn we came in sight of Eua, a beautiful island, twelve miles from Tongatabu. It is one of the sweetest spots I have seen in these parts, like so many fine parks, with lawns, &c.; having extensive tracts covered with rich herbage, and fine trees here and there, as if nature and art had combined to give interest to the imposing landscape. Just as we were approaching Tonga, the wind changed, and we shaped our course for Eua, which was neared about half-past five P. M. Being anxious to know the state of Tongatabu, I had the boat lowered, and we sought the passage, which lay between hidden rocks, admitting only of a canoe or boat. The natives appeared; and being eager to know whether they were Heathen or Christian, we inquired the name of the Chief, and found that the natives were in their fortress; but the parties presenting themselves were Local Preachers and others from Tonga, who exclaimed, Mr. Ua-te-hou-si, jiotoofa, jiotoofa: "Love to you, love to you." With this welcome, I landed; but as it was very wet, and night approaching, I could not go to their fortress, three miles off, where the Christians were collected, expecting an attack from the Heathen. Under these circumstances, we went into a canoe-house, with about twenty Christians from Tonga, who had come in company with some Local Preachers to visit this infant church. Some of the inhabitants who were in that part joined us while we sang a Tonguese hymn. then prayed in English, and called on a Local Preacher (an important Chief from Hihifo) to engage in the same exercise. He had great power with God, while engaged in prayer. Many wept : one great man kept kissing my hand. They thanked God for bringing me in safety, while every eye seemed suffused with tears. Hermas, the Chief before named, and Samuel, another Local Preacher, left their canoe to the care of the natives, and accompanied me to the "Triton," to point out the reefs, & c., by which we were surrounded. We reached the vessel a little before dark,

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