the day, when the confusion was over, the king and his "praying people," with many of the idolaters, united in one large assembly, to worship the God of heaven and earth, and to return him thanks for the events of the day.

After this, Pomare, by universal consent, was re-established in his government of the whole of Taheite and its dependencies, which he had lost by the rebellion in 1808. Here it may be noticed, that recently the name of Otaheite is pronounced Taheite, Eimeo is sometimes called Moorea, and Ulietea, so called by Cook, is now known as Rai

atea.

The king with promptitude and zeal appointed in the several districts, chiefs friendly to Christianity, and some of whom had long been among the number of praying people. The consequence was, the entire abolition of idolatry at Otaheite and Eimeo, together with the small islands of Tapua Manu and Tetaroa, all of which became at once in profession "Christian Islands." The gods were destroyed, the morais demolished, human sacrifices and infant murder done away, and the people every where began to call upon the Missionaries to come and teach them.

Nor was this delightful revolution confined to these limits. The principal chief of the Leeward Islands soon public'y renounced idolatry. His example was followed by most of the other chiefs, and a large majority of the people throughout Huaheine, Raiatea, Taha, and Borabora. Many of the converted natives became Missionaries, sent by

And

King Pomare to other islands, to make known to them the unsearchable riches of Christ. Mr. Osborne, on meeting two canoes at sea, on their way with a native Missionary to Chain Island, adds, "my heart leaped for joy at the sight of a native of the islands of the South Sea, who had left his country to teach the unlettered tribes of a distant island what he knew of the word of God." may we not add, dear reader, how precious is that religion, the influence of which can implant a divine benevolence in a lately savage bosom! During these events of prodigious interest, Pomare exhibited himself a great man, and a zealous Christian. Frequently did he go round the islands preaching as an apostle, yet always subject and submissive to the instructions of the Missionaries.

The following extracts of letters will show more particularly the state of things in these islands about this time. From Mr. Bicknell, dated Eimeo, 12th August, 1816.

"Bless God with us, because he has done great things. At length superstition and idolatry are done away, and the Arreoi Society is at an end; their gods are burnt in the fire, and their children are saved from death. You know that where the gospel of Christ comes with power, it always works a change for the better in man;

"Blessings abound where'er he reigns,

And all the sons of want are blest.

"In every district of Otaheite they have built a place of worship, in which they have prayer thrice every Sunday, and once every Wednesday.

They teach each other to read and write quickly; many teach others the catechism. The king writes better than any of us." From Mr. Crook, dated Sydney, New South Wales, after receiving intelligence from the Missionary stations for which he meant to embark in a short time:

"I have just received a packet from Otaheite, the contents of which are of the most satisfactory and delightful nature. If the question now be asked, Hath a nation changed their gods? I think before you receive this it may be answered, yes. The Taheitean nation hath changed their false gods for Jehovah, the true God. The majority of the people of Eimeo also have renounced idols, and professed themselves the worshippers of the true God; and they are daily increasing. Brother Davies has six hundred and sixty in his school, whom he catechises and instructs;-dear man, he is ready to sink under his labours! I long to be with him, as he and all his brethren say I may be immediately useful. Brother Scott was taken to his eternal rest, leaving a young wife and two children. The brethren Davies and Nott, amidst their active labours, are frequently very ill; yet, blessed be God, the Gospel flourishes and gains ground rapidly.

"I am called upon for this letter, therefore must conclude; and have only time to add, that the triumphs of the Gospel in Eimeo will be considered as the most glorious and marvellous that have been witnessed for many ages. Priests publicly burning their gods-chiefs destroying their morais, pulling down their sacred altars, and cooking their

victuals with the materials-men and women eating together*, and group after group flocking to the Missionaries, and giving themselves to the Lord. These triumphs of the Gospel will be proclaimed through the world, and our Immanuel will be praised by thousands and tens of thousands for what he has done in Eimeo."

From Mr. Hayward, Missionary, dated August 16th, 1816.

"Brother Nott and I have taken a journey of fifty-two days round the island of Taheite; we experienced kindness and hospitality wherever we went. Brother Nott, besides preaching to them, spent much time, and frequently to a late hour, in hearing and answering the numerous questions put by the natives relative to their conduct under their new profession, both in civil and religious concerns; and my employment was to teach them to read, &c. We gave away all the spelling-books. They have renounced THEIR FORMER SYSTEM OF THINKING AND ACTING, and it devolves on us to model a new one for them. THE CHRISTIAN religion, as a system, is now THE RELIGION OF taHEITE: and since it has been embraced by the inhabitants, a REFORMATION has taken place among them; they have almost entirely laid aside their

* The women are not permitted to eat with the men, nor may they drink out of the same cup.' Missionary Voyage, page 361. Here is a remarkable evidence of the power of the Gospel in promoting civilization. It is by Christianity that females are restored to their proper rank in society-an argument to induce Christian females to become the warmest advocates of the Missionary cause.

vain and obscene amusements. The men, women, and children eat together, and although this may not appear of much consequence, yet their former custom led to many evils. The greater part of the inhabitants of the Leeward islands also have renounced paganism, and by their CONDUCT have said, "What have we to do any more with idols ?" This is a revolution which the most sanguine mind could not have anticipated!" From Mr. Orsmond dated Eimeo, June 30th, 1817-He had arrived there in May." Our voyage from the colony to Eimeo was long, but safe. The field is large and white; and all I need now is prudence, perseverance, unquenchable love for souls, the wisdom of the dove, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am learning the language from Mr. Nott. There is nothing I so much desire, as to be useful to these poor benighted people. They cry for instruction; they call for our exertions; they demand the vigilant improvement of every minute for their eternal welfare. The natives say to me, "Make haste, and learn our language, that you may be able to teach us." From Mr. Nott, dated Moorea, (Eimeo,) July 2, 1817,-"To us who have seen what the people formerly were, and witness what they now are, the change appears to be great. A few A few years back we were obliged to entice them to hear the word; and frequently when endeavouring to collect a few of them together, they would escape from us if they could, by skulking behind a tree, or running into a bush; but now we see them coming many miles to receive instruction; and of