NEAR PAIHIA. 
185 
all their remonstrances vain, they returned to the 
Bay of Islands. This was a season of much spiri- 
tual trial : the great enemy appeared to triumph ; 
but the sure promises of the Lord were the support 
of His servants. After a week's reflection upon 
the awful situation of this deluded people, it was 
concluded to pay one more visit: accordingly, 
the Rev. Henry Williams and Mr. Fairburn sailed 
without delay; and were gratified to find the 
position of the natives much the same as when 
they left, and that they were more inclined to 
listen to expostulation. All appeared disap- 
pointed, and weary of their undertaking. The 
different parties were visited; but still, without 
any prospect of accomplishing the desired object. 
The Missionaries therefore returned home. 
“ In consequence of the close attention which 
this warlike proceeding required from the Missio- 
naries, for many months, the visiting the natives 
to any distance from the settlement was in a great 
measure suspended. The Missionaries and bap- 
tized natives have however, occasionally, had 
opportunities of proclaiming the glad tidings of 
salvation amongst the surrounding tribes. 
“ A large addition has of late been made, by 
purchase, to the Society's land, on either side of 
the settlement ; by which a good supply of timber, 
for fuel, has been secured. The land is generally 
barren, consisting for the most part of hills : the 
patches of low ground are available for cultiva- 
tion, and afford also pasturage for the cattle. 
