TO THE MEMBERS OF THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealander, Volume XVII, Issue 1587, 3 July 1861, Page 2

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

PER favour of “new-zealander.”

Gentlemen, —I observe in the list of lectures advertised to be delivered before your Society one on “Maori Christianity,” and another on “ Maori Civilization.” From this I infer that the spiritual and temporal improvement of the Maorics arc subjects in which you take special interest. Now, you are aware that a considerable section of the Maori people have, under the sanction of Christianity, as they think, and with a view to the advancement of civilization among their tribes, set up a flag of separate nationality, and installed one of their leading chiefs as King of New Zealand; that in support of this scheme they have come into collision with Her Majesty’s troops at VVaitara; that having been summoned by his Excellency the Governor to haul down their flag, they have refused obedience, and that, in consequence, extensive preparations arc now in progress for the suppression of the King movement by three of arms. Should hostilities be actually resumed, from the known obstinacy of the Maori character, and from their reiterated declarations, we may be regarded as making a very moderate calculation when we venture to predict that not until the flower of the Maori tribes shall have been laid low in death may we hope for submission on the part of the miserable remnant. What hope of Maori civilization then ? As a people their fate will have been sealed, and some of you may long enough to see the last of the Aborigines of New Zealand. Can you do anything to avert such a catastrophe ns this'? As a body of Christian men, ought we not to make a united and powerful effort to induce this people pcacably to abandon their infatuated project of separate nationality ? Every heart responds in the affirmative, but the question instantly presents itself, What can we do? This is a question for yourselves to decide, but I venture to suggest, whether you could not succeed in persuading the Christian churches of Auckland to unite in sending a deputation of their ministers and most influential membets to Ngaruawabia, thereto meet the leading chiefs connected with the King movement, and by the force of argument, the expression of kindness, aiid the ] lower of prayer, endeavour to prevail upon them to give up their flag. The probability of a successful issue to such an expedition I inter from the following considerations: 1. Though the .Maorics repudiate our Government, they cling to the Bible. :2. They have appointed the 10th of each month to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer before God, on account of the evils now afliicting New Zealand, 3, When William Thompson, the acknowledged leader of the present movement, went to bring home the Waikato tribes from Taranaki, he did so at the suggestion of his spiritual advisers. Need I remind you that upon such an effort as is here proposed, conducted m humble reliance upon His aid who “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,” you may very confidently reckon upon the accompanying blessing of the “ Prince of Peace.” What an honour will be put upon your Society should it please God to employ you as His instruments in establishing a permanent peace between the two races inhabiting this island. Forward, then, young men, in whotnjour best hopes, both for church and state, arc centred —forward in this noble enterprizc ! Every Christian, every loyal-hearted Briton, will bid you God-speed in your endeavour. I am, &c., Adeliuios.