220 ATTEMPT TO PERVERT THE NATIVES 
It may here be observed, that various means 
have been used to thwart the designs of the Mis- 
sionaries; and, among other artifices, one was 
adopted, which would have had the effect of con- 
fusing the opinions of the Natives, in respect to 
the Lord’s Day, had the scheme of the impostor 
succeeded. The particular instance to which I 
refer, had in it such plain marks of Satanic in- 
genuity and malignity, that I am induced to digress 
a little, in order to relate it.— A Native had been 
for some time on board ship, and had taken 
several voyages with a man acquainted with the 
art of ventriloquism. The thought occurred to 
this person, who commanded the ship, that if he 
could teach this uninstructed man the art, it 
might, on his return to New Zealand, be turned 
to some account, and frustrate the plans of the 
Missionaries for the conversion of the people. 
ment of that year (see p. 191 ), the natives were assembled, 
and were anxiously waiting to receive their payments. They 
were perfectly satisfied with what they received ; and willingly 
sigTied the deed of conveyance. As soon as the business of 
the day was concluded, they fired several volleys of muskets ; 
and one of the principal men rose to make a speech. He was 
listened to with great attention ; and we were much pleased 
with the advice which he gave to his assembled friends : he 
said, Be gentle with the Missionaries, for they are gentle with 
you : do not steal from them, for they do not steal from you : 
let them sit in peace upon the ground which they have bought ; 
and let us listen to their advice, and come to their prayers. 
Though there be many of us. Missionaries and native men, let 
us be all one, all one, all one. That is all I have got to say.” 
This was the pleasing conclusion of the old man’s speech : after 
which, the assembly broke up, and all returned to their respec- 
tive homes, well satisfied with the proceedings of the day. 
