MEMOIRS
OF
_The Life and Labours_
OF THE
REV. SAMUEL MARSDEN,
OF PARAMATTA,
SENIOR CHAPLAIN OF NEW SOUTH WALES;
AND OF HIS EARLY CONNEXION WITH THE MISSIONS
TO NEW ZEALAND AND TAHITI.
EDITED BY THE
REV. J. B. MARSDEN, M.A.,
AUTHOR OF "THE HISTORY OF THE EARLY AND LATER PURITANS," ETC. ETC.
LONDON:
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY;
56, PATERNOSTER ROW; 65, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD;
AND 164, PICCADILLY:
AND SOLD BY THE BOOKSELLERS.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
The Editor would make his kind acknowledgments to the Church Missionary
and London Missionary Societies for the free use of the hitherto
unpublished correspondence of Mr. Samuel Marsden in their hands; and to
J. S. Nicholas, Esq., who accompanied Mr. Marsden on his first visit to
New Zealand, for the use of a valuable manuscript account of his
residence in New South Wales, containing much information respecting Mr.
Marsden. He has also had before him a manuscript life of Mr. Marsden by
Lieut. Sadleir of Paramatta, from which several extracts are made. And
lastly, he would acknowledge the courtesy of those surviving friends who
have placed in his hands Mr. Marsden's autograph letters to themselves
or deceased members of their families. From these several sources the
work has been chiefly compiled.
The Editor may be permitted to add, that the similarity of his name
having led to the general conclusion (which however is incorrect) that
he was related to Mr. Samuel Marsden, he has been repeatedly urged to
publish his life. At length this request being renewed by the Religious
Tract Society, into whose hands some valuable papers and documents had
fallen, he was induced to comply with their wishes, under the conviction
that the facts and incidents, as well as the moral grandeur, of Mr.
Marsden's life, were too important to be suffered to lie any longer in
comparative obscurity. There are ample materials for a much larger
volume; but of course the Editor has been obliged to select what
appeared to be most suitable for general usefulness.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Introductory Note iii
CHAPTER I.
Early life of Mr. Samuel Marsden--His appointment to New
South Wales--Voyage, and arrival in the Colony 1
CHAPTER II.
Discovery and early History of New South Wales--Becomes a
Penal Settlement--Its state, moral and religions, on Mr.
Marsden's arrival 11
CHAPTER III.
Mr. Marsden appointed to the Magistracy--Objections to
this considered--Cultivates Land--Charge of Secularity
considered--His connexion with the London Missionary
Society, and care of its Polynesian Mission--Revisits
England in 1807 26
Distant view of Sydney (_Engraving_) 27
CHAPTER IV.
Various measures devised for the benefit of New South
Wales--The establishment of Missions in New
Zealand--Friendship with Dr. Mason Good 47
CHAPTER V.
Return to the Colony--Duaterra--His strange Adventures--Mr.
Marsden's Labours in New South Wales--Aborigines--Their
Habits--Plans for their Civilization 63
CHAPTER VI.
Mr. Marsden's Correspondence with the London Missionary
Society--Buys the brig Active--His First Voyage to New
Zealand--Journal of Events 85
CHAPTER VII.
Death of Duaterra--Trials of Mr. Marsden in the
Colony--Libel of Philo-free--Letter to the Rev. George
Burder--To Dr. Mason Good--Sympathy of his Friends in
England--Congratulations of the 46th Regiment, and Mr. M's
acknowledgment--Letters of Lord Gambier, Rev. C. Simeon,
and Mrs. Fry 108
CHAPTER VIII.
Tooi and Teterree--Mr. Marsden's Second Voyage to New
Zealand--Progress of the Gospel there--Shunghie--His
ferocity--Mr. Marsden returns to New South Wales--Third
Voyage to New Zealand--Malicious charges brought against
him in his absence--A Commission of Inquiry--Its
result--Letters, etc.--Approbation of the Government 129
The Bay of Islands, New Zealand (_Engraving_) 133
CHAPTER IX.
Fourth Visit to New Zealand--Trials and Successes of the
various Missions--Shipwreck and Danger of Mr. Marsden and
the Rev. S. Leigh--Returns home--Letter to Avison Terry,
Esq. 167
CHAPTER X.
Aborigines--South Sea Mission--Fresh Slanders on Mr.
Marsden's character--His Pamphlet in self-defence--Letter
of Messrs. Bennett and Tyerman--Libels and Action at
Law--Verdict--Case of Ring--Pastoral Letters of Mr. Marsden:
To a Lady; On the Divinity of Christ--Fifth Voyage to New
Zealand--Letters, etc. 184
CHAPTER XI.
Death of Dr. Mason Good--Malicious charges brought against
Mr. Marsden and confuted--Sixth Voyage to New Zealand--
Frightful state of the Island--Battle of the Maories--Their
Cannibalism--Progress of the Mission--Mr. Marsden's
return--Death of Mrs. Marsden--Anticipation of his own
decease 212
CHAPTER XII.
State of New South Wales--The Aborigines--Cruelties
practised upon them--Attempts to civilize and convert
them--They fail--Mr. Marsden's Seventh Visit to New
Zealand--His Daughter's Journal--Affection of the
Natives--Progress of the Mission--Danger from European
vices--Returns in H. M. S. Rattlesnake to Sydney 232
Paramatta Church (_Engraving_) 233
CHAPTER XIII.
Mr. Marsden's ministerial pursuits and journeys--Love
of the Country and of Patriarchal story--His Old Age--Its
mental features--Anecdotes--Love of Children--Bishop
Broughton--His reverence for Mr. Marsden's character--Mr.
Marsden's views of Death, etc.--His Habits of Prayer--His
Illness and Death 260
CHAPTER XIV.
Character of Mr. Marsden--His Life and Labours 280
APPENDIX I.
Progress of the Gospel and of Civilization in New Zealand,
since Mr. Marsden's Decease 295
APPENDIX II.
State and Prospects of the Protestant Mission at Tahiti,
under the French Protectorate 311
LIFE
OF
THE REVEREND SAMUEL MARSDEN.
CHAPTER I.
Early Life of Mr. Samuel Marsden--His appointment to New South
Wales--Voyage, and arrival in the Colony.
Samuel Marsden, whose life is sketched in the following pages, was not
ennobled by birth or rank, nor was he greatly distinguished by splendid
talents. Yet he was, in the true sense, a great man; and he was an
instance, one of the most striking of modern times, of the vast results
which may be accomplished when an honest heart, a clear head, and a
resolute mind and purpose, are directed, under the influence of the
grace of God, to the attainment of a noble object. While he lived he
shared the usual lot of those whose large philanthropy outruns the
narrow policy of those around them. His motives were seldom understood,
and in consequence he was thwarted and maligned. Nor was it till death
had removed him from the scene that either the grandeur of his projects
or the depth of his self-denying, unobtrusive piety was generally
appreciated. At length, however, his character has begun to be revered.
It is perceived that he was, at least, a far-sighted man; and that in
his own labours he was laying the foundations for the successes of
thousands; while in the church of Christ he is had in reverence as the
Apostle of New Zealand--a title of high distinction, yet by no means
misapplied to one who, in the simplicity of his faith as well as in zeal
and self-denying labours, was truly an apostolic man.
Of his early life the memorials are but scanty. His father was a
tradesman at Horsforth, a village in the neighbourhood of Leeds; and
both his parents are known in the traditions of his family as having
been persons of integrity and piety, attached to the ministry of the
Wesleyan Methodists. He was born on the 28th of July, 1764, and after
receiving the elements of learning at a village school, was placed in
the free grammar-school of Hull, of which the celebrated Dr. Joseph
Milner, the ecclesiastical historian, and brother to the no less eminent
Dr. Isaac Milner, dean of Carlisle, was then head master. Here he was on
the same form with Dr. Dealtry, the late rector of Clapham and
chancellor of Winchester. Of his early youth little more is known; for
his modesty, rather than any sentiment of false shame, to which indeed
his whole nature was opposed, seldom permitted him to speak of himself,
or to dwell upon the adventures or incidents of his early life. He was
removed from school to take his share in his father's business; but he
now had higher thoughts, and longed to be a minister of Christ. That he
was a young man of more than ordinary promise is at once evident from
the fact, that he was adopted by the Elland Society and placed at St.
John's college, Cambridge, to study for the ministry of the church of
England.
The Elland Society, so called from the parish in which its meetings are
held, is an institution to which the cause of evangelical truth in the
church of England has been much indebted for the last sixty or seventy
years. It is simply an association of pious members of the church of
England, who assist young men of enlightened zeal and suitable talents
with the means of obtaining an education with a view to the Christian
ministry. In its early days, the funds were supplied by Thornton,
Simeon, Wilberforce, and others like minded with themselves; and the
society was managed by a few devoted clergymen of Yorkshire and the
neighbouring counties; amongst whom were Venn of Huddersfield and Joseph
Milner. To this society Samuel Marsden was introduced by his friend the
Reverend Mr. Whittaker, a neighbouring clergyman; and not without some
apprehensions, it is said, on the part of the latter, lest his simple
and unassuming manner should create a prejudice against him. Such
anxieties were superfluous. The Milners themselves had fought their way
to eminence from the weaver's loom, and well knew how to distinguish
real worth, however unpretending. The piety, the manly sense, and the
modest bearing of the candidate, at once won the confidence of the
examiners; and he was sent to college at their expense.
Of his college life we are not aware that any memorials have been
preserved. He was, no doubt, a diligent student; and from the warm
friendship which grew up between himself and Mr. Simeon in after life,
we may infer that he profited from his ministry. He had not yet
completed his studies or taken his degree, when, to his great surprise,
an offer was made to him by the government, of a chaplaincy in what was
then designated "His Majesty's territory of New South Wales." That a
post of such importance should have been offered, unsolicited, to a
student hitherto quite unknown, is supposed to have been owing to the
influence of Mr. Wilberforce. He had already secured the appointment of
more than one pious chaplain to the colony, and from its commencement
had always been anxious to promote its moral and religious welfare. At
first, Mr. Marsden declined the tempting offer; for such it undoubtedly
was to a young man in his circumstances, although no human sagacity
could then foresee its vast importance. He was naturally anxious to
complete his studies, and he had a deep and unaffected sense of his own
incompetence, while yet so young and inexperienced. The offer, however,
was repeated and pressed upon him, when he modestly replied, that he was
"sensible of the importance of the post--so sensible, indeed, that he
hardly dared to accept it upon any terms, but if no more proper person
could be found, he would consent to undertake it." The choice reflects,
no doubt, great credit upon the sagacity and spiritual discernment of
those who made it. "Young as he was," says one who knew him well in
after life, Dr. Mason Good, "he was remarkable for a firmness of
principle, an intrepidity of spirit, a suavity of manner, a strong
judgment, and above all, a mind stored with knowledge and deeply
impressed with religious truth, which promised the happiest results."
He was accordingly appointed as second chaplain to the settlement in New
South Wales, by a royal commission, bearing date 1st January, 1793. He
was ordained shortly afterwards, and proceeded at once to Hull, from
whence he was to take his passage in a convict transport, the only
conveyance, at that period, for the far distant colony; a banishment of
half a world. On the 21st of April, he was married to Miss Elizabeth
Tristan, in whom, for upwards of thirty years, he found not only an
affectionate and faithful wife, but a companion singularly qualified to
share his labours and lighten his toils. Disinterested and generous as
he was, even to a fault, it was to her admirable management that not
only his domestic comfort, but even his means of assisting others so
profusely, was owing in no small degree. While at Hull, an incident
occurred which shows to what an extent, even thus early in life, he
possessed the art of gaining the respect and warm affection of those who
knew him however slightly. While waiting for the sailing of the ship, he
was frequently asked to officiate in various churches. One Sunday
morning, when he was just about to enter the pulpit, a signal-gun was
heard; his ship was about to sail, and it was of course impossible for
him to preach. Taking his bride under his arm, he immediately left the
church and walked down to the beach; but he was attended by the whole
congregation, who, as if by one movement, followed in a body. From the
boat into which he stepped he gave his parting benedictions, which they
returned with fervent prayers, and tender farewells. He now found
himself in a new world. What contrast could indeed be greater, or more
distressing? The calm, though vigorous pursuits of Cambridge, and the
pious circle of warm Christian friends, were at once exchanged for the
society of felons, and the doubly irksome confinement of a convict-ship.
From his journal, which has been fortunately preserved, we make the
following extracts, omitting much which our space does not permit us to
insert.
"_Sunday, 28th August, 1793._--This morning we weighed anchor, with
a fair wind, and have sailed well all the day. How different this
sabbath to what I have been accustomed to! Once I could meet the
people of God, and assemble with them in the house of prayer; but
now am deprived of this valuable privilege; and instead of living
among those who love and serve the Lord Jesus, spending the
sabbath in prayer and praise, I hear nothing but oaths and
blasphemies. Lord, keep me in the midst of them, and grant that I
may neither in word or deed countenance their wicked practices."
It was not till the 30th of September that the fleet in which his ship
sailed finally left Cork. The war with France was then raging, and her
fleets were still formidable; so that our merchantmen only ventured to
put to sea in considerable numbers, and under the convoy of a ship of
war.
"_Cork, 30th September._--This morning the signal was given by the
commodore for all the ships under his convoy to weigh anchor and
prepare for sea. About nine o'clock the whole fleet was under
sail, which consisted of about forty ships. The wind was very
fair, so that we were quickly in the main ocean. I was soon
affected by the motion of the vessel; this rendered me quite unfit
for any religious duties. Oh! how miserable must their state be
who have all their religion to seek when sickness and death come
upon them. Lord, grant that this may never be my case.
"_Monday, 23rd October._--I have this day been reading a portion
of Dr. Dodd's 'Prison Thoughts.' What an awful instance of human
infirmity is here! What need of humility in every situation, but
more especially in the ministerial office! How needful the
apostle's caution, 'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fall.'"
The two following entries will be read with pain. The mercantile marine
of England is still capable of great improvement in matters of religion,
but we hope the instances are few in which the commander of a first rate
merchant vessel would follow the examples they record.
"_Sunday, 29th September._--How different is this sabbath from
those I have formerly known, when I could meet with the great
congregation! I long for those means and privileges again. 'Oh,
when shall I come and appear before God?' Yet it is a great
consolation to me to believe that I am in the way of my duty. I
requested the captain to-day to give me permission to perform
divine service to the ship's company; he rather hesitated, _said
he had never seen a religious sailor_, but at length promised to
have service the following Sunday.
"_Sunday, 6th October._--The last sabbath the captain promised me
I should have liberty to perform divine service to-day, but to my
great mortification, he now declines. How unwilling are the
unconverted to hear anything of divine truth!"
But Mr. Marsden was not one of those who are discouraged by a first
repulse. The next Sunday relates his triumph, and, from this time,
divine service, whenever the weather allowed, was statedly performed,
though the captain was a grossly immoral man, and Mr. M. was constantly
subject to annoyance.
"_Sunday, 13th._--I arose this morning with a great desire to
preach to the ship's company, yet did not know how I should be
able to accomplish my wish. We were now four ships in company. Our
captain had invited the captains belonging to the other three to
dine with us to-day. As soon as they came on board I mentioned my
design to one of them, who immediately complied with my wish, and
said he would mention it to our captain, which he did, and
preparations were made for me to preach. I read part of the church
prayers, and afterwards preached from the 3rd chapter of St John,
the 14th and 15th verses: 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness,' etc. The sailors stood on the main deck, I and the
four captains upon the quarter-deck; they were attentive, and the
good effects were apparent during the remainder of the day.
"_Thursday, 12th December._--I have been reading of the success of
Mr. Brainerd among the Indians. How the Lord owned and blessed his
labours to the conversion of the heathen! Nothing is too hard for
the Lord. This gives me encouragement under my present difficult
undertaking. The same power can also effect a change upon those
hardened ungodly sinners to whom I am about to carry the words of
eternal life.
"_January 1st, 1794._--A new year. I wish this day to renew my
covenant with God, and to give myself up to his service more than
ever I have done heretofore. May my little love be increased, my
weak faith strengthened, and hope confirmed."
In this humble yet trustful spirit, Mr. Marsden entered his new field of
labour. On board the ship there were a number of convicts, whose daring
wickedness--in which, indeed, they were countenanced by the whole
conduct of the captain and his crew--grieved his righteous soul from day
to day; while at the same time it prepared him, in some measure, for
scenes amidst which his life was to be spent. "I am surrounded," he
says, "with evil-disposed persons, thieves, adulterers, and blasphemers.
May God keep me from evil, that I may not be tainted by the evil
practices of those amongst whom I live." His last sermon was preached,
"notwithstanding the unwillingness there was in all on board to hear the
word of God," from the vision of dry bones (Ezekiel xxvxii.) "I found
some liberty, and afterwards more comfort in my own soul. I wish to be
found faithful at last, and to give up my account with joy to God." To
add to his anxieties, Mrs. Marsden was confined on shipboard, in stormy
weather, and under circumstances peculiarly distressing, "though both
the mother and daughter did well." But the same day the scene
brightened; the perils and privations of the voyage were drawing to a
close, and they were in sight of their future home--that magnificent
Australia--destined hereafter to assume, perhaps, a foremost place among
the nations of the earth, though scarcely known to Europe when Mr.
Marsden first stepped upon its shores; and valued only by the British
government as a settlement for the refuse of our jails. He thus gives
utterance to the feelings of a grateful heart:--
"_March 2nd._--I shall ever retain a grateful sense of the mercies
received this day, and the deliverances wrought. The Lord is good,
and a stronghold in the day of trouble, and knows them that fear
him.... As soon as I had the opportunity to go upon deck, I had
the happiness again to behold the land: it was a very pleasing
sight, as we had not seen it since the 3rd of December. We came up
with the Cape about noon."
In a few days, Mr. Marsden had taken up his abode in the "barracks" of
Paramatta, a few miles from Port Jackson, and entered upon his arduous
and toilsome duties as chaplain to the colony. His first Sunday in
Australia is thus described:--"Saw several persons at work as I went
along, to whom I spoke, and warned them of the evil of sabbath-breaking.
My mind was deeply affected with the wickedness I beheld going on. I
spoke from the 6th chapter of Revelation.--'Behold the great day of his
wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?' As I was returning home,
a young man followed me into the wood, and told me how he was distressed
for the salvation of his soul. He seemed to manifest the strongest marks
of contrition, and to be truly awakened to a sense of his danger. I hope
the Lord will have many souls in this place." He had, for a short time,
a single associate, in the Rev. Mr. Johnson, the senior chaplain, a good
and useful minister, but unequal to the difficulties peculiar to his
situation. This gentleman soon relinquished his appointment, and
returned to England. And thus Mr. Marsden was left alone with a charge
which might have appalled the stoutest heart, and under which even his
would have given way, had he not learned to cast himself for help on One
who comforted the apostle, under circumstances of the keenest suffering,
with the assurance, "My grace is sufficient for thee." On that grace our
missionary chaplain trusted; and he found it all-sufficient.