FOR THE lord’s DAY. 
219 
of religion, but merely because they had heard 
from their friends that we observe it, and that, 
wherever we go, we request and expect the people 
of the place to observe it also. “ Wei],*” said one 
very old man, when the services of the day 
were concluded, ‘‘ well ; we shall never forget to 
sit still every seventh day. I will count the 
nights, and remind the tribe when the Sacred 
Day comes round."” Late in the evening, a num- 
ber of natives came to my tent-door to learn to 
sing a hymn ; and the old men, six in number, 
who act as priests, and are well versed in all the 
superstitions of the country, came to me, and 
said, “ At last the words that are straight, and the 
thoughts that are right, about God, the creation, 
sin, salvation, man, the devil, heaven and hell, 
are come to us: you, and Mr. William Williams 
must either come yourselves, and dwell Vv^ith us ; 
or send us Missionaries, that we may never for- 
get your sayings, nor turn again to our false 
thoughts. Till you can come yourselves, or send 
us others, leave us some of your understanding 
boys, that they may teach us ; and we will learn 
from them.’’’ These expressions were to me very 
encouraging ; as I have no doubt the people are 
desirous of obtaining knowledge, though more 
anxious to have Missionaries to dwell with them.^ 
* T would here add, in a note, some of the simple and 
affectionate expressions used by a chief, on occasion of our 
settling at our Fourth Station. — When I arrived at Waimate, 
at the close of 1830, to assist in purchasing the land for the 
new Station, which had been determined upon at the commence- 
L 2 ment 
