A New Zealand Story
(Continued.)
The effect that the Gospel had produced in Alice, the calm, the patience and the joy of her last days, had struck the Maoris, so that after the funeral, all those of the hamlet wished to hear themselves the good news that God had sent to them, and desired that others could also hear the message to them. They requested “their white mistress” to come at a fixed day, to tell several Maoris “the good news” concerning Jesus. Mrs. M. came to the “Pah” at the day fixed, and found twenty-seven Maoris assembled to hear. She seated herself on the ground, with her Bible on her knees, and told them the message of peace and pardon for all those who believe. As soon as she ceased reading, they looked with astonishment at the Word of God, which contained for them a message. They asked several questions, saw themselves as sinners, and inquired seriously the way of salvation. No doubt the Spirit of God worked in their hearts.
They heard joyfully, that Jesus had died for their sins, and received Him as their Saviour. One young man asked, “Would Jesus save me?” adding, with a voice which his conscience caused to tremble, “I have stolen silver from my brother.” A woman said, “Jesus died for a white woman, and Jesus died also for poor Maoris?”
It was late in the evening before Mrs. M. could leave, so great was their desire to hear the Word, and the interest which they showed in listening to that which was said to them. Mrs. M. spoke to them in a very simple manner, repeating over and over again the same sentence until they had seized it. One of them asked, “Where have these words been this long time? I never heard them in church.”
In many places there are churches for the Maoris, with ministers who have studied and have been consecrated. But how vain and useless is human teaching! The Word of God declares: “Ye must be born again,” and that new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The following morning, at five o’clock, Mrs. M. was awakened by the noise of Maori voices near the house where she lodged. Rising and dressing, she went out, to find over twenty Maoris, who, knowing that she was going to leave that day, came at that early hour, saying that they “wished to hear more good words about Jesus.” She brought them in, and three hours were spent in listening to the Word of God, and they praised and blessed the Lord for His grace. Several of them prayed, giving thanks to Jesus in their incorrect expressions “for having saved their souls in dying for their black sins.”
Thirteen Maoris confessed that Jesus was their Saviour, and were filled with joy. The mother, brother and brother-in-law of Alice were amongst the number of the saved souls. Her father was a very old man, who understood but little English. One of her sisters was a giddy girl, and quite indifferent, whilst those around her received the Gospel with happiness. An old man of seventy-two years, his face radiant with joy, said, “Jesus loves me; Jesus saved me; yes, I understand every word you say.” (He was asked if he understood.) “I am so happy,” he replied.
It was with much regret that they took leave of their “white mistress,” and she returned to the city, recommending them to God, knowing that He who had begun a good work in their hearts, would certainly take care of His Maori children. Many prayers ascended to God for them, but several weeks passed without having news of them.
One afternoon Mrs. M. experienced a strong impression that she ought to go to see them. It was quite clear in her mind. It seemed that a voice said to her, “You must go tomorrow to ‘Pah.’” As soon as the morning came, she went,, and finding the door of the house where she had lived, fastened, went directly to the Maoris’ Pah. As soon as she drew near to the enclosure, she heard groans, which announced a sad event among the Maoris. She went into the hut, and found Alice’s father near his end. The mother came to her, saying, “I know Jesus sent you! I asked Jesus to send you, and bring you safely.” God had granted her request, for the weather was beautiful, after a period of rain and cold. About thirty Maoris were around the dying man, and their deep groans penetrated the heart.
The old man stretched his arms toward Mrs. M. when he saw her, and said, “You said good things to Alice.” “Yes,” replied Mrs. M., “and now I am come to tell ‘you good news about Jesus.”
He seemed to be in great distress of soul; his tears flowed freely, while he repeated sadly: “Too dark—afraid to die—too black.”
At different times the simple message of the Gospel was repeated, “God loves you; Jesus died for you; Jesus can wash you from all your sins.” For some time Mrs. M. doubted if the old man understood. But little by little he laid hold of what it was to be washed from his sins, and replied, “Yes, I know,” and by several signs and words he showed that he received the Gospel. Then he said to Mrs. M., “You say, Thank you, Jesus! Poor old man.” She replied, “Shall I thank Jesus for having washed you from your sins?” “Yes; you say, Thank you, Jesus! Poor old man!”
The Maori pastor and another man were near the dying man during that conversation. The pastor asked Mrs. M.’s permission to read the prayers for the sick. The old man was asked if he desired it. Turning himself towards the pastor, he said, “I am not sick; I have Jesus! You have not Jesus; your book is not good.” The pastor withdrew, but Mrs. M. gave him her New Testament, and asked him if he knew. Jesus for himself. He seemed much surprised, took the book and seated himself to read. He had opened at Luke 10. After having read, he came to Mrs. M., and said to her, “I have never had that ‘good part’; have not been seated at His feet.” During that same afternoon, he also received salvation. He knew that he was a sinful man, but that God had pardoned him, and that Jesus had died for his sins.
Before the old man died, the pastor was able to say to him that he also had found Jesus. He said, “You go to be with Jesus; I remain in order to work for Him and speak of Him to the Maoris.”
The old man had truly passed from death to life, and his last words were full of joy and peace, returning thanks and rejoicing to meet again his Alice.
A few moments before his death, he called his wife, and raising his hand, he said. “Listen! Singing! Light! Beauty! Jesus, Jesus! The blood of Jesus!” Then he said to his son, “Do not call tangi for me. I go to Jesus.” Less than five hours after the arrival of Mrs. M. the old man had finished, in a triumphant manner, his life on earth, and had entered into the presence of his Lord. His wife said after his removal, “I cannot cry. He was so happy, so happy!”
All those who were present seemed strongly impressed, and received willingly some Maori tracts.
The daughter, who at first showed herself so indifferent, had been led also to believe in Jesus, and joyously said to Mrs. M., “Jesus is my Saviour; mother told me good words.” Several of those who were there knew how to read, and one of them pointed out in the passage of the Gospel of John 3:16,16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) the word “whosoever,” said, that is myself.”
The pastor, in taking leave of Mrs. M., said to her, “I return to O., but am another man. I am able to give thanks to God for having now the good part that Mary had. I wish henceforth to preach to the Maoris Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.”
This is all we know at present of that marvelous work of God. ‘How true it is “My Word . . . shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 55:1111So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11).)
(Translated from French.)
Messages of God’s Love 10/19/1913