EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN N.Z.

NZ Truth, Issue 578, 15 July 1916, Page 7

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN N.Z.

Samuel Marsden's Successors m the Mission field

Gleaned from Many Sources and Authentic Racordi— lßl4-1852 ' Facts and figures, Compiled by J. M. Fords.

Creation of an Anglican Diocese

Book 6.— Chapter 8

■ B» finlwvn the First Bishop of New Zealand and the Second m Australasia Sf SS\ Established Church T of England, Sails for Maoriland m the Good Bhip Tomattu*.

The Archbishop of Canterbury— Dr. Howley— in taking leave of Dr. selwyn at Lambeth, urged him to do what he could to extend the knowledge of the Gospel to the scattered islands of the Pacific, and on this apostolic •commission, rather than on the clerical error m his Letters Patent already mentioned, he based his obligation, the;ful T fllmont of, which led him first, and^afterwards Bishop Patteson, to the toils of the Melanesian Mission. In addition to kindly words and deeds (for the good Archbishop gave the departing bishop a large sum of money towards the purchase of a diocesan ship) the orimate addressed the following valedictory letter on behalf of himself and his suffragans, m which the duty of the New Zealand church to the islands of the Pacittc is stated m cogent terms, terms, which to a man of Bishop Selwyn's disposition m which obedience was ever a ruling principle, were eQUlvalent to a command: —

"Lambeth. November 30, 1841. "My Dear Lord,— l have been requested by such of the bishops as attended the last meeting of the Committee appointed to manage the funds for tho endowment pf bishoprics In the colonies to address a valedlotory letter to your Lordship expressive of their personal respect, and of the deep interest they take m your high and holy mission. "There is not, I am persuaded, a preliite In our United church, who would not havo Joined m this demonstration of good-will to yourself and to the great cause to which you havo devoted your talents and energies, had It been In my power to call them together at this season. I could not, Indeed, have Buffered you to depart without repeatIng tho assurances of my friendly regard and esteem, and of my confidence In your ability, zeal and discretion, which were grounded originally on the rept>rt of others, and which have since been confirmed and greatly increased by personal intercourse. "I am better, satisfied, however, to speak on behalf of my brothers as well as myself, as tho testimony of many win naturally be more gratifying to four Lordship.

"The Mission over •which you preside is founded on the recognition of a principle which, unfortunately, has not always been acted on m the first establishment of our colonies. Whilst towns: have been built up and wilds have been cultivated, whilst ample provision has-been made for defence against enemies, and the administration of justice, no adequate care has, m the first instance, been taken for the religious and moral improvement of the settlers and natives. The colonists have been abandoned to dissent or Infidelity, the aboriginies m some cases consigned to almost, total extinction. Tour Lordship will have the greatest satisfaction m laying the foundation of elvlllßed, society m New Zealand, on the basis of the Apostolic Church and a pure religion.

"On your arrival you will be surrounded by a body of clergy prepared under your directions to minister to the spiritual wants of the settlers, and to impart the blessings of the Christian faith to the native tribes.

"As the population is multiplied, the number of ministers will be increased m proportion, and the incorporation of all classes within the pale of our church may, with the blessing of God, be the happy result of their exertions. Nor can our views be confined within the limits at present assigned to the exercise of your spiritual authority, your mission acquires an Importance exceeding all calculation when your See is regarded as the central point of a system extending Its Influence m all directions, as a fpuntaln diffusing the streams of salvation over the islands and coasts of the Pacifier as a luminary to which nations enslaved and debased by barbarous and bloody superstitions will look for light.

'In those glorious prospects Your Lordship -will find support and encouragement amidst the trials and difficulties of various kinds, which, as you have not engaged without forethought m the arduous service, you are fully prepared to encounter. The consciousness of going forth m the name of the Lord as the messenger of mercy and peace will reconcile you to the sacrifices you have made In obedl-

ence to the call from on High. The prayers of your friend, the pious, the good, and the philanthropic, will be offered up fox- your safety and comfort, and for the complete success of your ministry; and by none more sincerely and heartily than by myself and the prelates m whose names I write.

"Among . the blessings that will lighten your labors, there is one which I mention, not for the purpose of increasing your sense of value, which you know from experience, but m order to gratify my own feelings m regard to the amiable daughter of the late excellent Judge Richardson, and, as it appearo to Mrs. Howley and myself, the inheritress of his inestimable qualities. The influence of Mrs. Selwyn's piety and kindness will, I am persuaded, not only promote the comfort and the happiness of her domestic circle, but will be extensively useful m bettering the condition and improving the morals of all who come within its sphere.

"I must now conclude with assuring you that you may at all times depend on my disposition to render you all the assistance m my power. I venture to say as much for the bishops m general and for the great Missionary Societies m connection with the church.

"Looking forward to the pleasure of hearing from you as soon after your landing as you may find leisure to write, I must heartily commend your Lordship, your family and all the clergy m your train, to the protection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the guidance of His Holy Spirit.

I remain, my dear Lord, you affectionate brother and friend.

W. CANTAUR. (The ofßcial aigrnature of the Archbishop of Canterbury.) (To tre Continued.)