missionaries at Tahiti, accompanied the teachers to their new station. The chiefs received them with every mark of respect, and promised them protection and aid. On the first Sabbath after their arrival, Mr. Davies preached in the Tahitian language to a number of the natives, who seemed impressed with the services. This island was visited in 1829 by two missionaries, who found that four chapels, in which religious instruction was statedly given, had been erected at different stations. The people manifested an increasing interest in religious things, and their improvement exceeded the expectations of their visiters.

The facts which have been stated in this chapter, respecting the inhabitants of the Austral Islands, are fitted to excite in every Christian mind the liveliest interest in their welfare. It is therefore much to be regretted, that the monthly publication of the London Missionary Society furnishes no recent accounts of the condition of religion in this group.

17

CHAPTER XIII.

INTRODUCTION OF THE GOSPEL INTO THE HERVEY

ISLANDS.

Teachers sent to Aitutaki-Efforts to enlighten the natives-Effect of the arrival of a ship-Subversion of idolatry-Pleasing change at Aitutaki-Missionary sufferings-Teachers left at Mangaia-their treatment by the natives-Second effort to introduce the GospelIts success-Renunciation of idolatry-Notice of Romatane-Gospel sent to Mauke-Testimony of Lord Byron--Discovery of Rarotonga-Reception of Christianity-First idol burnt-Overthrow of idolatry-Chapel built-Mr. Bourne's visit and remarks.

In the year 1821, some of the missionaries at the Society Islands, impressed with the importance of extending the Gospel to the neighboring groups, resolved to attempt the introduction of Christianity into the Hervey Islands. Mr. Williams, with two native Christians, Papeiha and Vahapata, who were intended to be placed as teachers on the island of Aitutaki, sailed from Raiatea for this purpose. On the day of their departure, the two natives were set apart to their office in an interesting religious service.

On the arrival of the vessel at Aitutaki, it was surrounded by canoes. The natives were exceedingly

noisy, and exhibited in their persons and manners all the features of savage life. Some were tattooed from head to foot; some were fantastically painted with pipe-clay and red and yellow ochre; others were smeared with charcoal, dancing, shouting, and gesturing in the most frantic manner. The chief Tamatoa was invited on board the vessel, and was followed by a number of his people. The language of these islands so much resembled that of Raiatea, that Mr. Williams found he could readily make himself understood. When he informed the chief that idolatry was abolished in the Georgian and Society Islands, Tamatoa inquired very significantly where great Tangaroa was. Mr. Williams replied that he and all the other gods had been burned. He then asked where Koro of Raiatea was. "He is," said Mr. Williams, "consumed with fire," and he added that he had brought two teachers to instruct him and his people in the knowledge of the true God, that they might be induced to abandon and destroy their idols, as the inhabitants of other islands had done. The teachers were then introduced to the chief, who invited them to accompany him to the shore. To this they agreed, and proposed to settle on the island. On hearing this, he seized the teachers with delight, and saluted them most cordially by rubbing noses. Their little stores were soon collected, and the natives having received them in the chief's large canoe, paddled off to the land, apparently delighted with their treasure. On landing, the teachers were taken to the maraes

and formally dedicated to the service of the gods. They immediately commenced their labors, and tried in various ways to benefit the people. But they met with many discouragements, especially during a war that broke out soon after, in which all their property was stolen. Having resolved at length to make a tour through the island, they visited every district, conversed with the people, and taught them the alphabet and the Lord's prayer. In one district, they held an argument with an old priest, in the presence of a multitude of people, respecting the creation of the world. The priest was finally silenced by their arguments, and the teachers embraced the opportunity to address the people on the being of God, affirming that he existed before the foundation of the world. They next spoke of the angels, and of the fall of one portion of them from their original happiness. All this was entirely new to the people and they manifested the deepest interest in the relation, crying out, if the slightest noise was made, "Be still, be still, let us hear." The teachers then gave an account of the creation of the world and of Adam and Eve, described the situation of our first parents in the garden of Eden, their transgression, with its consequences, and the love of God in giving his Son to die for men. On hearing these things, they exclaimed with one accord, "Surely this is the truth, our religion is all deceit." From that time many began to listen attentively, and to believe what they heard, and the converts to Christianity gradually increased. At times,

however, they suffered much from the persecutions of their heathen countrymen.

When Mr. Williams left Papeiha and Vahapata at Aitutaki, he promised to send them books and letters by a ship which he expected would stop at the island to inquire after their welfare. As many months had passed away and no ship appeared, the natives began to ridicule the teachers, calling them "Two logs of drift-wood, washed on shore by the waves of the ocean," and said that no ship would ever come to inquire after them. At length, however, the promised ship arrived, laden with a variety of useful articles for the teachers, and axes and various other things as presents for the people. Among these were a number of pigs and goats, which the teachers gave to the king's grandfather, who on the following day distributed them among the chiefs. The arrival of the vessel, and the reception of the presents produced a powerful impression among the people in favor of Christianity. "Behold," said they, "we called these men drift-wood, and they have rich friends, who have sent an English ship to inquire after them, and bring them property, such as we never saw before! We ridiculed and called them liars, and behold they are men of truth." Soon after this event, a general wish was expressed by the people to renounce heathenism and place themselves under Christian instruction. The grandfather of the young king, however, was firm in his determination to adhere to his heathen superstitions, and as he was at that time in the midst