AMONG THE NATIVES by Elliot C. Chapman

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 2, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 34.

AMONG THE NATIVES.

By Elliot C. Chapman

RECENTLY Mrs. Chapman and myself made a trip to some of the remote districts of Tahiti for the purpose of distributing literature. We took in our carriage 20,000 tracts, including 500 copies of the "Life of Christ," 650 copies of "The Sinner's Need of Christ" (a translation of the first chapter of "Steps to Christ"), and 250 copies of the pamphlet "Truth Found." The first night out we stopped with some of our native brethren in a district fifteen miles from Papeete, where Brother Paul Dean has recently labored. After supper we were surprised to find that about forty people had gathered in front of the house to welcome us. To the children we gave some pretty cards, and to the older ones the printed matter. During the evening Mrs. Chapman sang to them some pieces in Tahitian from our new hymn book, which pleased them much. They were also much interested in the book "Portfolio of Life," which we exhibited to them. The illustrations of the effects of liquor and tobacco on the human system awakened some serious thoughts.

In our journey the following day we were often made sad to note the prejudice which was in many minds. Often as we would come up to a house and offer them some reading matter, we would hear someone say, "Pitonia, paha," that is, "Pitcairn, perhaps." Some were very glad to meet one of the Pitonias, while others looked very suspiciously at us, and preferred to keep at a distance. Nearly all took the papers, however.

Upon reaching the districts beyond, which are under different ecclesiastical supervision, the appetite for literature was simply astonishing. Friday, April 27, we reached the native village of Tautira, situated about fifty miles from Papeete, which we visited about nine months previously. As we drove up in front of the house of the native governor of that district, we were pleased to see that tall chief coming to welcome us, dressed in a shirt and pareu. He entertained us kindly at his house during our stay of two days. We had some pleasant talks with an old Scotch friend, who is a Seventh-day Baptist, also with the native schoolteacher and native minister of the place.

We were also pleased to meet here the native minister of the little island of Maitea, which lies about sixty miles from the eastern end of Tahiti. He asked many questions concerning the Scriptures, and seemed deeply convinced on some points which he had not thought of before. He takes some literature with him to those on his little island home. One young man was quite certain that the first day should be kept, because the Bible said that the day was changed. After hunting a good while, he produced a Catholic Bible which really did give the desired information in a footnote. Others said that they kept the seventh day, and that Monday was the first day of the week. When asked concerning the change a few years ago from the seventh day, which the early missionaries kept, to the first, which is now observed, one thought one thing and another, another.

The manakin pictures of the book "Portfolio of Life" were gazed upon in wonder by many at this place. Sunday morning, after attending their early service and giving out about all the literature that we had with us, we bade good-by to those kind-hearted people, and started for home, which we reached the following evening.

Though these people exhibit many interesting qualities, most of them are journeying in the road that leads to death, without hope and without Christ enthroned in the heart. They need the prayers of Christians that the Lord in mercy will water the seed sown and save some of these precious souls, for whom Christ died. ELLIOT C. CHAPMAN. Papeete, Tahiti, May 10, 1894.