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The New Zealand Evangelist

Waimate, Taranaki South

Waimate, Taranaki South.

January 24—The year 1849 has opened upon us here with some pleasing prospects. The truth as it is in Jesus has been received into the hearts of many, and that truth has made them free. While there is much to discourage, there is also much to encourage. The people are favoured with the bounties of Providence. Crops of wheat, potatoes, and other food, are abundant. They have two large Flour Mills at work, and they have been feasting on the staff of life. This we regard a great blessing. I regret that they do so little for the cause of God; but hundreds of pigs have been sent to New Plymouth to pay for their Mills, and they are still in arrears. They are advancing in civilization; this is seen by their eating more wholesome and substantial food, though some still cleave to the old custom of eating steeped maize, rotten fish, and other unwholesome food, which induces scrofula and other diseases, shortening the period of human existence. I saw a fine little boy cut down last week like a flower by the plough. His mother persisted in eating bad food while suckling, which affected the child. He breathed his last soon after I had commended him to God in prayer. His mother hung over him in great distress. He heaved a sigh, and sunk into the arms of death.

On Sabbath the 21st inst., I had a large congregation of Natives, and administered the sacrament to upwards of two hundred communicants. The dirty mat and blanket with a few, has been exchanged for respectable suits and dresses, and one or two were very gay, unbecoming the solemn occasion. At the close of the service, they sung most heartily the praises of the Redeemer; and I never saw a congregation page 216 more orderly or attentive in England.—Many who were far off have been brought nigh by the blood of the Lamb.

“All honour and glory to Jesus alone.”

I dispensed the sacrament to a part of the people at Ohangai on the 14th; to another part last Sabbath at Mawhitiwhiti; and to the remainder on the 28th, at Patea, instead of having a large hui every quarter, as some are wont to have at different places, calling the people hundreds of miles from their homes to make a great show, and to the injury of health, whereby the old ritenga whakapehapeha is kept up, by collecting large quantities of food for a feast, &c., and causing great evil.