RATANA’S BOOK

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3041, 27 May 1926, Page 4

RATANA’S BOOK

CLOSING OF COVENANT. Interesting comments on the closing of Eatana’s book of followers are embodied in the prophet’s magazine “Te Whctu Marama,” published on May 20. The prophet’s book, or roll of followers, closed a short time ago, after a protracted series of warnings that Maoris still outside the movement would soon be bereft of any chance of participating in the benefits it is to bring. A transaction of remarks in the magazine reads: “You will have seen the announcement of the closing of the covenant for enrolment in the church and in the federation. This announcement is by the mouthpiece himself, and his reason is that many years have already been given by him, to tlie people of these islands, for them to consider the matter (as to the advisability of joining the Katana movement.) The signatories to the second covenant, and members of the church, will be known as the Morehu (the Remnants) from this day on. THE TRUE ANGELS.

“There will now he no delay in the consumption of our labours. The mouth piece has said that the true angels have asked, in the days that have passed, that this period be given to the them, and the mouthpiece has said, ‘Tailioa (wait) and give the indifferent people a chance.’ But he has now made up his mind, and the true angels shall

now and hereafter be given their opportunity. “Therefore, though the scourge of the scorpion shall come, do not ask to have the covenant re-open-ed. This great treasure will bo closed —closed for ever.”

Only the children of the Morehu, it is explained, will be admitted. When they reach the age of 21 they will become eligible for enrolment. “What you are to do now,” concludes the writer, “is to marshall the forces of the remnants, and uphold the high ideals of the Maori race. Days of knowledge have passed, and still we —the Maoris are where we were. But now Jehovah of Hosts and the true angels will direct the manner in which everything shall be done.”—Wanganui Chronicle.