The first indication of any religious impression was, a woman dying sent for the missionary to read to her “out of the very good book.” This was the first glimmering of light.
The missionary, in his attendance on the sick and dying, saw all stages of darkness of mind, from horror to some cases of calm Christian composure, while the prayers were listened to with solemnity and thanks. On his telling one that she must die, the response of another old woman was, “Well, let us eat plenty of flour; let us eat, drink, for to-morrow we may die.” Quite an epicurean trait of reasoning.
One young man, who first embraced the Gospel, declared he would not grease himself or paint himself with red ochre, and that he would eat with the women. This gave great offence, and they threatened to kill him, but he remained firm, and became a useful man, but early died of consumption. The congregations were at first strangely dressed—some with blankets, others with skins, some again with vests, and sometimes they wore long coats.
In 1860 the school-house was built and teaching commenced. The children were naked, and wild like monkeys, climbing the rafters and over the walls, but good-tempered. They, however, were washed and had their hair cut, which met with much opposition.
After a time the children listened to the Scriptures, and much impression was made upon their mind. Order was now secured as to school hours and working hours. On Sunday there was service twice a day and Sabbath school, which consisted of 63 boys and 65 girls. There were 23 boys and 20 girls boarders.
As the young men embraced religion and cast off heathenism, the old men became incensed, and resorted to assassination to uphold their power. Captain Jack is described as a prominent character—courageous and fearless, but rapacious. He, however, attached himself to the mission, and was very useful in subduing conflicts. His objection to Christianity was, that he had two wives—one lame and helpless, the other the mother of two children—and did not know which to divorce. “Which of them must I give up?” No doubt this was a great difficulty.
Several instances of Christians’ deaths are mentioned; in fact, these people felt the rescue Christianity afforded from the misery of the life they led, and thus were convinced of its value.
One of the great difficulties was the fights. There were ceremonial and funeral fights, and casual fights. The routine of the school would be going on as usual when the news of a fight would be brought. Off would go all the children, servants, and labourers to the battle-field. Perhaps they would be going to bed, when there was a shout and yell and a blaze, and then a general scrimmage would commence. One battle lasted for six days.
Very few were killed in these fights, but many were badly wounded. Fighting, however, gradually passed away, and religion took its place. A Bible class was formed. Some adults were baptised—forty-one natives; of these, three relapsed into heathenism.
2nd January, 1866.—The Lord’s Supper was administered. Seven formed the first communion, but the Church had increased to fifty-three members; there were thirty-three natives and twenty whites.