AN ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY.
To the Editor of the " Maori Messenger." Long ago when I was a child, Christianity was first introduced. When all the tribes in New Zealand heard of this thing they all wondered, their bodies and minds were all united—for the Maories were an erring race in former limes; the father would fight against the son, and the grandfather against the grandson; these would turn against and eat one another. These were the crimes committed by the Maories. When Christianity came among us, there was an end to cannibalism, adultery, theft, and murder; these all ceased, for religion caused us to fear. After a lime the Maories rejected Christianity, and returned to all their old works, with the exception of cannibalism, which was entirely given up; but murder, adultery, and theft, were again carried on after they had forsaken such things. My present thoughts are upon the system of Runangas, This thing, the Runanga, has made its appearance in New Zealand, and all are taking to it as they did to Christianity, and I think it probable that they will act in the same manner with the Runangas as they did with regard to Christianity.! This is a saying of our ancestors~
Paewapaewa come back with your skeleton, sneeze revived heart. The people first believed and then went back to their old works. It will be the same with the Runangas. They will be carried on for some time, and then the people will grow tirnd of them. If the Runanga system is proved to be a correct thing, It wilfbewell. I shall then think that the men are carrying out the laws of Christ. When the law first appeared man's sin was great. This was shown by the law. If a person commits an offence now, he is brought before a Runanga. Some men talk correctly, the talk of others is altogether foolish. This is ihe system pursued by the Maories at the present time. In my opinion Maori affairs are not yet carried on properly. They say that the Chiefs are to make rules for the Runangas, whereas it should be done by those possessed of knowledge. This is following the Maori .customs—the language of the Scriptures is used in the Runangas—that is right. This is addresssed to you, 0 Editor of the Newspaper. Friend, let these few words be printed. From Wiremu Kingi Te Awaitaia.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MMTKM18600215.2.6
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Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VII, Issue 3, 15 February 1860, Page 5
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405AN ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY. Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VII, Issue 3, 15 February 1860, Page 5
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