Mormonism.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 58, 15 August 1890, Page 3

Mormonism.

Mormonism (says the Post) is shown by the report; of the Government Native Agent to be almost the only religion professed by the natives of the Waikato and Kin? Country, missionaries from Salt Lake City having lived amongst the Maoris for several years. The objections raised against their sect iin America and elsewhere do not, however, apply to New Zealand, for whatever was objectionable in their religion and practices has not been introduced here, and the agent testifies that the result of their teaching amonsst the Maoris has been good. The reasons assigned why the missionaries and their teaching have found favour with the Maoris is in their “evident sincerity, their humility, the cheerfulness with which they put up with hardship, and *}]..;r readiness to adopt the Maori style -'ofliviog ” They never make collections or ask for money, neither do they seek to acquire land or mix themselves «p in any matters which do not belong to their particular sphere. The theology of the Maoris does not represent the numerous phases which character* ise that of Europeans (whose distinctions of creed and sect they wonder at) but when they find anyone putting up with personal lose and discomfort all for the purpose of doing them good, and that : without expectation of earthly fee or reward, they at first view him as a •cariosity and after that, if he proves to •fee genuine they believe in him and become converts to his teachings. A considerable number ;of < natives at Thames and Te Aroha have also Adopted the Mormon faith.