SAMUEL MARSDEN. 
29 L 
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 has been prepared 
by cultivation for its reception ; and thus it is not surprising 
that no great impression was made upon it, until the 
arrival of ordained Missionaries, who commenced a purely 
spiritual instruction: and it is very remarkable, that soon 
after their arrival the work was blessed, and became signally 
visible. The first convert was made in 1825 ; he was an old 
Chief. 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 Rangi. 
Mr. Marsden left Sydney on his fourth visit to New Zea¬ 
land 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, and that was 
Paihia. The Brompton, in which he was to return, was unfor¬ 
tunately wrecked by missing stays, and going on the reef, 
which now bears its name. It sailed on the Sabbath, which 
both surprised 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 ?* One of the passengers, the Rev. Mr. Leigh, a 
* The brig Mercury was all but taken in Wangaroa harbour in 1825, for 
ti’ading on the Sabbath. Tepuhi inquired of the Missionaries, Do you know 
this tribe ? They said, No. Is not this their sacred day ? I know it is yours. 
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