SAMUEL MARSDEN. 
593 
foundation of the Mission, was in commencing it as a lay 
establishment, rather for secular than spiritual instruction, 
laboring under the common mistake then prevalent, that it 
was useless to attempt inculcating the sublime truths of 
Christianity upon the savage mind, before it had been pre- 
pared by civilization for its reception ; and thus it is not 
surprising that no great impression was made, until the 
arrival of ordained Missionaries, who commenced with purely 
spiritual instruction : and it was very remarkable, that soon 
after their arrival the work was blessed, and became signally 
visible. The first convert, an old Chief, was made in 1 825, 
it was upon his long-benighted mind that the true light first 
beamed to cheer his closing days, and as a bright lamp to 
guide him through the valley and shadow of death into the 
realms of eternal life and light ; he was baptized by the name 
of Christian Eangi. 
Mr. Marsden left Sydney on his fourth visit to New Zealand . 
July 23rd 1823, in the Brompton ; he found the Mission 
prospering, schools established, his opinion of the importance 
of which is seen in his report : the true foundation must be 
laid in the education of the rising generation ; it was during 
this visit that the Paihia station was formed, and the two 
Mr. Williams located there ; his original intention was to 
have placed them at Wangaroa, but the Wesleyans having 
gone there, he very properly selected another spot ; the 
Brom'ptoUy in which he was to return, was unfortunately 
wrecked by missing stays, and going on the reef, which now 
bears its name ; it sailed on the Sabbath, which both sur- 
prised and alarmed several Chiefs, who were on board ; they 
said, you have taught us not to sail our canoes on the sacred 
day, your God has ordered the ship to rest, then let it rest, 
if your God be like the New Zealand god, he will kill the 
ship ; if your ship should die, you must not blame our god 
for killing it. Alas, how often have we put stumbling-blocks 
in the way of the heathen, did not God vindicate his violated 
law in the sight of the heathen, by the wreck of the Brompton 
* The brig Mercury was all but taken in Wangaroa Harbour in 1825, for 
trading on the Sabbath. Tepuhi inquired of the Missionaries, Do you know 
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