Te Pipiwharauroa 10

Te Pipiwharauroa 10

No 10

1898/12/01

(Maori Version at NZETC)

[1] HE KUPU WHAKAMARAMA

[2] He Kupu Whakamarama, Number 10, Nelson, December 1898 Editor: Rev F A Bennett

CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR

To the peoples and tribes of Aotearoa and Te Wai Pounamu, as far as Wharekauri [the Chatham Islands] and the other islands, Greetings, under the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is a greeting from He Kupu Whakamarama, people, at the time of the Birthday of our Lord and the New Year. May God help you, and guard you, and guide you in all the right paths. He will strengthen us to work at everything that will further the growth of his kingdom on all the marae of the tribes and hapu who live in these islands, as well as our friends and family who live in distant places and in places that have not yet seen the rays of the Day of Enlightenment.

This is a new year. We have moved closer to our everlasting habitation. This is a pilgrim people. Paul says: ‘We have no permanent dwelling here, but we seek one in the time to come.’ (Hebrews 13.14) My family, what is the food for us in that dwelling-place? What treasures are heaped up for us in that place which will not be eaten up by the moth or by rust, in that place where thieves will not break in and steal? (Matthew 6.19-20) But how does one come by this heap of treasures? Trample down anxieties and the flesh and seek the fruits of the Spirit, that is, ‘love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control.’ (Galatians 5.19-21) These are the treasures with which to fill our baskets to be food for our spirits so that we may arrive well at our eternal home, to the presence of our Saviour.

This is a new year. Be strong, people, in seeking the things that will help our Maori people to grow well. We Maori hold on still to many deceitful things. Let us do away with these things - - drinking, fornication, witchcraft and all the works of the tohunga. These belong to the world of darkness; they are fruits of the flesh. (Galatians 5.19-21)

Attempt great things in this new year. People, be diligent in advancing projects for our children. Send all our children to school. While the tree is small it can be straightened but if one waits until it is grown it stays bent and cannot be straightened. Ensure that our descendants grow well for they are the leaders for the days after us.

Hold to the Faith. This is the sail for our canoe. Don’t let your faith be just a matter of talk but give your heart as a permanent dwelling for the Holy Spirit. The important thing is this: hold fast to, be committed to our faith, to our Church, to the mother who suckled us with milk as we grew into men and women in the shelter of the faith. Cherish our mother who brought us out of the days of darkness, the times when our ancestors were cannibals. Love your mother who guarded and guided you until you had grown up. There is nothing evil in your mother. It is humans who bring evil into being. Make much of your Church. Return from the world of darkness to the world of light. ‘The Lord will not burden the gentle and submissive heart.’

During this new year let us devote ourselves to making available the Gospel that it may spread abroad to the places in the world that are living in darkness. Think of the state of our brothers and sisters living in the islands of Melanesia. Give of your love, your gifts and prayers, to help them.

During this year give more help to your ministers. Don’t leave them to do all the work alone. Be quick to help them. Bless your ministers as your Elders and Shepherds. By the enthusiasm of the people for their ministers the ministers will be inspired in their work in their districts.

Ensure that there are people to lead worship in each village so that there will be services all the time.

Open Sunday Schools in every area to teach the children all the things they need to learn  


[3] 

 so that they learn of the works of God and also of people. That’s enough.

Turning to matters of the body. In this year be dedicated to learning all the practical things that make for the well-being of people’s bodies. That is, work hard. Paul said, ‘If anyone won’t work then let him not eat’ (2 Thessalonians 3.10). Don’t be lazy. Lazy people are those often led astray by Satan. Work is a very honourable thing. Be diligent about working your land, that it may be well set up and provide you with a living.

As for the things you possess, look after these treasures given you by God. Haggai the prophet says, ‘Mine is the silver; mine also is the gold, says the Lord.’ (Haggai 2.8). And since these gifts come to you from God, do not forget him. You came with nothing into this world and you will leave this world with nothing. While you live, return a portion of what God has given you for the enlargement of his kingdom, as provision, to spread the Gospel. Don’t waste your possessions but use them in a way which will make people favourable to God. God gave talents to men saying, ‘Put these to work until I return’ (Luke 19.13).

Here we bring to a close the instructions for us to take note of in this new year.

People! this is our cry to you in this new year. Be strong, be courageous, be brave, be men, be strong. Our forbears said: 

Te upoko i takaia ki te akatea e kore e ngawhere.
‘The head bound up with creeper will not fall apart.’ 

And

Kei whakahawea ki te iti o tama; he iti tangata he rongo kua hau e.
‘Do not despise the little one; a little man but his praises resound.’ [cf. Te Pipiwharauroa 29:7]

So, greetings, greetings, people.

From the Editor of the Kupu Whakamarama.

BISHOP’S SPEECH TO THE GATHERING OF THE MAORI CHURCH HELD AT WHAKAPAU, WAIROA. 28th November 1898.

Friends, ministers, and representatives of the people, let us give thanks to God for the way he has sustained us in these past times and as we gather now to seek the things that will grow well this part of his farm. There are many things needed. If we need these things it is because of our laziness, our dispiritedness. Our Heavenly Father still wants to strengthen and encourage us; it is we who refuse to accept the strength of his Spirit which comes through daily prayer.

One subject for our praise at present is the society for carrying the Gospel to the peoples called the Church Missionary Society which is celebrating its centenary. It was God’s means by which the Maori people of this land heard the Gospel of Christ which brought an end to the troubles of the time of darkness, and the Maori people began to join the Church of Christ. That work is being carried on in the dark places of the earth. God has now opened a pathway into some places that were not previously accessible. This is his call to the Church, that is, to us, to be involved in the work. His command to preach the Gospel to all the world is still authoritative. The way in which our thanks for these good things freely given us can be expressed is by giving the same things to others. Let the Maori Church collect money which can be given to the Society who first brought the Gospel to the Maori to facilitate their work in other parts of the world. But don’t let us forget the same work which lies before us, to draw to Christ those Maori people who have gone astray and to carry the Gospel to the Islands of this ocean. In this way the living character of the this Church of New Zealand will be seen, by its urgency in fulfilling the command of Christ, along with prayers that the Word of God may rapidly spread throughout the world.

Four men were ordained Deacon on 25th September last. Two of these, Aperahama Tamihere and Tapeta Timutimu, have completed their preparations to go to work in the Urewera though those people have not yet responded to the way of Gospel of Christ which they abandoned. Let us continually pray for them that they may be blessed by the Holy Spirit, that their work may have authority and bring glory to God and further the Rule of Christ in that part of New Zealand. Another two, Te Katene Pukerua and Hemi Pititi Huata, who are with us now will fill the vacancies left by those who have died, Manahi Te Aro and Hoani Te Wainohu. Those areas have long been without a permanent minister. May God bless their work and produce fruit in their respective parishes [4] that the Church may be well.

When General Synod was held last February in Christchurch a procedure was agreed for some Maori men to be allowed into the Synod of the Bishopric. It is for the people of the Maori Church district to send them. The Diocesan Synod also arranged that our three districts would take turns in holding a gathering for the Maori Church.

Let us now look more closely at the weaknesses of this part of the Church. One sign of our ill-health is the disinclination of the majority to be involved in the works of God. But we have to admit that these bad things are not the failings of those alone, of those who are disinclined, but of us all; for all of us have failed to warn and to draw those who have turned aside back to the right path, to pray to God for them, that their hearts might be opened to hear his word. If we have a heartfelt concern for this aspect of our work, then perhaps we shall see fruit. If we had given attention to the children in order that they grew up in the fear of God, that they learned the teachings of the Gospel, then we should have seen many desiring to be confirmed, and more and more people coming to the Lord’s Supper in order to be strengthened to do the works of Christ. God is waiting for us having given us these tasks to perform. If we set about the work and trust in him then we shall see his great power and our works will abide. Let us give ourselves to him to work for him. Some of those who in the past attended Te Aute College have set about stirring up Maori people everywhere to set about doing away with wrong ways. Some people are turning back to the prayers of the ancestors in order to cure the sick; some are trampling on marriage customs; most boys and girls are being badly brought up. It is a very good thing to confront these bad things in order to bring an end to them. However, if we wish the work of Christ to prosper amongst us, let us not forget what he said: ‘Apart from me you can do nothing’. [John 15.3]

LETTERS RECEIVED

From Hakopa Kahi, Kaikohe, Bay of Islands

The reply to your letter:

Your writings and your greetings to us are much appreciated. This paper started this year. A paper has been sent to you. When you have read it you may pass it on to others. Concerning your query about the cost: give what is appropriate according as God has blessed you.. You may send what you wish. Take a look at the articles in Number 9 which I have sent to you. Share your words with the people. That is a very good idea you have. If your articles are suitable for this paper this paper will find room and your articles will be published.

To Rev. Perere Peneti.

My boy, greetings to you, the living representative of your departed ancestors. Greetings to you who have undertaken the work of the faith and who love your Maori people. May the grace of God rest upon you and all your household.

Son, when I came from Rotorua, I reached Waipawa at the same time as the letter greeting Hori Ropiha. I stopped to welcome your words with a joyful heart. Your ancestors lived and have now joined the company of the dead - Pokai, Te Waiatua, Korokai, Ngahihi and all the descendants of Whakaue, encourage you from the glorious throne.

Greetings, grandchild. I know that all of us, your ancestors living at Rotorua and Maketu and your parents are very glad. But that’s enough.

We are happy about your precious gift, your newspaper. We have seen your request to us to suggest a name. Perhaps I’m too late. My thought, given your inheritance, is to name the paper, ‘Matua Tonga’. One of the names I liked was that of the house of instruction of your ancestor, Ngatoroirangi, ‘Taumaihi o Rongo’. Perhaps that’s too long. Send a paper to me, your elder. I collect them.

May the love of God rest upon the two of us together for ever. Amen.

That’s that. From your ancestor,

Takaanui Te Ipututu.

Takapau, H.B.

December 15th 1898.

Takapau, Hawkes Bay

November 24, 1898

To Perere Peneti,

My Son, greetings to you, the embodiment of our ancestors and parents who have died. Greetings, my grandchild, sitting there on your throne and working for our good Lord. May he keep and bless the two of us together in all the times to come. Amen.

My son, the news of your publication has spread widely. [5] I was very pleased when I saw about it in the Whanganui ‘Jubilee’. This is a request from me for you to send me copies of ‘Kupu Whakamarama’ for my own information and to send on to Rotorua, Maketu and Te Puke. At the moment I have come here to Napier; in the Summer I shall leave. Let me know the policy of your paper about publishing letters so that it will be clear what this treasure supports.

My grandchild, lift up your ancestors to the light through this great treasure that seeks a name. If it only carries the teaching of the Scriptures what is wrong with that; that is good. But if it is for all subjects, that is better. And, if it covers news from afar, that also is good.

My son, greetings. Your ancestor sends congratulations to you. That is that!

From your ancestor in the faith in our Lord.

Hohaia Tarakawa.

Te Whaiti,

November 28, 1898

Rev. Peneti.

Greetings to you who are a spokesman favoured by the Father to be the source of these fruits for the benefit of his Maori Church, the people who live in the shadow of death. Rev. Peneti, you told us to describe what people are like.

The spirits of your younger brothers living in the Urewera are crying out for enlightenment.

The Church and the practices here were set up by Te Kooti. You are the one who knows what needs to be provided to bring them enlightenment. One thing that needs to be explained is the origin and the purposes of Sunday.

There is no permanent shepherd in these valleys, and if you are able to send several of these papers to Mr F Wykes the two of us will distribute them.

This small seed is a provision.

May God defend us all.

From your sister in the Lord,

Tirita Te Awekotuku.

To Tame Erihana, Wellington Your letter containing seeds to provide for our bird has arrived. Thank you for your words of greeting and your love.

Joseph G Baker, Gisborne Your letter with Anaru Ratapu’s seeds inside has arrived. Now we will send the requested papers to your friend. We are very grateful to you for the way you forward the interests of our treasure in those districts.

Moses Edwin, Matata We have your letter. Some papers are being sent to you. Be strong, be committed to every good work.

Akapita Tahitangata, Awahuri We have received your request for the Kupu Whakamarama. It will be sent to you every month We are grateful for your word concerning salvation.

Henare Roera, Muhunoa, Ohau. Your letter and you love have arrived. This paper will be sent to you every month.

THE ASSEMBLY OF SATAN (A Dream)

A certain man saw in a dream the holding of the assembly of Satan and his warriors. The purpose of the assembly was to lay down means by which the faith would be done away with. He asked his people for the ways in which they had succeeded in drawing a man’s spirit to the realm of darkness. This is the answer the first of his brave ones gave to their lord. ‘My lord, I saw the boats carrying the Gospel preachers to every land. I then caused a great wind to spring up, those boats were overturned and all the people on board perished.’ Satan replied, ‘What you did was not very wise. Now people will increase their efforts to preach the Gospel. The work of God will not be brought to an end in this way.’ After this the second opened his mouth to speak. These were his words. ‘My lord, I have written great books to turn people’s thoughts from God and from good works and from holy things.’ Satan said to him, ‘You are wiser than the first, but most people will not read your books or listen to what you say. For six thousand years I have striven with people to stop them believing that there is a God, a Heaven or a Hell, and they have not listened to me at all.’ Afterwards came the bravest warrior, very fierce in appearance. These were his words. ‘Attend! My Lord of the Darkness. Listen to what your servant has done. I entered all the buildings in which the Gospel was preached. This is what I told [6] people. “The preacher speaks not a false word. It is right that God loves you, that Christ died for you. The Holy Spirit strives with you and great peace will come into your hearts.” But at the end of the service when the congregation is going outside I whisper in their ears, saying, “Wait a minute, until tomorrow. Don’t turn to Christ now. Wait until tomorrow.” Satan was overjoyed at this, calling out and saying, ‘My blessing rest upon you. You are wiser than all these when it comes to overthrowing the thoughts and purposes of God for the salvation of people.’

Friends, take to heart the purport of this story. You have heard the call to turn to Christ in penitence. But perhaps you heart says, ‘Wait until tomorrow.’ God says, ‘Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ [2 Corinthians 6.2] Listen now and repent, lest you do not come to tomorrow.

TE AUTE AND HUKARERE

At the invitation of Archdeacon and Mrs Williams, the pupils of Hukarere went to Te Aute one day in December. There were sixty-one children who together with their teachers made up seventy persons. When they arrived they did not rest for long before going to the bush, feasting and playing. In the evening they returned home to dance and to engage in entertainments and other pleasant activities. After tea the young people from Te Aute came out fiercely like a war party. They had on the appropriate clothes, soldier’s uniforms, and carried guns and bayonets. After their entrance they did war dances. They performed very well and their sisters from Hukarere and the audience were delighted. The young people of Te Aute and Hukarere, their friends and their teachers ate and drank tea together. The boys were the waiters. The activities ended with songs, hymns and photographs. All the young people of Te Aute went to say farewell to their visitors. When the train drew near everyone sang the hymn, ‘God be with you.’

JOTTINGS

1. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (as the Pakeha say) to every hapu.

2. The Editor of Te Kupu Whakamarama is grateful to all of you for the way you have supported our paper. We have a great many requests from people that we send the paper to them. At present we print 700 copies of the paper and we are still receiving requests for some of the papers. You ought to know that this paper is printed every month. Those who work on the paper are not paid but the money you send is used to pay the printer and for postage stamps. The amount spent on the business of the paper each year is about £40. That is for you to look at. Do not forget to send seed this year to sustain our bird.

3. The design for the masthead of the paper is completed but it will cost £4 to make. You chiefs, is there not one of you who will send this amount to pay for the masthead before we go to print? You ministers, will you not agree to a collection in your district to pay for our treasure.

THIS MONTH’S GIFTS

Tirita Te AweKotuku, Te Whaiti, 2/-; Pirimona, Whangarae, 5/-; T Ellison, Wellington, 10/-; HenareTe Koera, Ohau, 2/-; Anaru Ratapu, Gisborne, 2/6; Takaanui Te Ipututu, Takapau, 1/-.

The total amount sent since the beginning of March is £27/7/0. The amount paid in expenses is £25/8/8. What remains is £1/18/4. The cost each month of printing 700 copies and the postage is £3/7/6.

So, may God draw near you all.

From your parent,

Rev. P Peneti,

Editor,

Nelson

Bond, Finney & Co, Printers, Nelson.