SAMUEL MARSDEN. 
595 
readied the Bay at a very important and critical time. War 
had broken out amongst the natives, and the Chiefs were 
haranguing their men as the vessel hove in sight, but 
immediately the news spread that Mr. Marsden had arrived, 
it put a stop to the battle. He lost no time in visiting the 
hostile parties, and after some difficulties and delay, suc- 
ceeded in his benevolent efforts, and peace was made. On 
the 11th April, he witnessed the baptism of a man and two 
women ; he was likewise gratified with the flourishing state of 
the schools, every individual in them knowing the Church 
Catechism, and the chief truths of the Gospel, many also 
could write, and were acquainted with the first rules of 
arithmetic. 
The natives were quite enthusiastic in their reception of their 
common benefactor ; they welcomed him with songs, dancing, 
and firing of guns ; on one occasion more than 2,000 armed 
men were present ; he was surrounded by hundreds as he 
went from place to place ; on the 2nd April, he visited Ran- 
gihu : there on the highest mound were Ruatara and his son 
interred ; the latter, a promising young man, who was to 
have returned to Parramatta, died the very morning of Mr. 
Marsden* s arrival ; during his illness, he would often say, 
Oh ! what would Mr. Marsden say were he to come whilst 
the New Zealanders are fighting, he would be very angry. 
Mr. Marsden's health being very indifferent, his friends 
hastened his return before the winter, or rainy season set 
in, and on the 16th of June he reached Sydney. 
After this visit of the venerable and indefatigable founder 
of the Mission, the work began steadily to increase. The 
Gospel had reached the hearts of the savage natives, and 
now began to show its power; they who had received it 
could not keep the glad news to themselves, but went and 
proclaimed it amongst their friends, and even risked life to 
carry it to their foes, that they also might know what God 
had done for their souls. 
The station at Kaitaia in the north was commenced, and 
at the Thames, Matamata, and Waikato, fresh ground was 
occupied. The Missionary could now traverse the country 
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