POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
135 
ing and teaching the people ; and thus^ for the first 
tirne^ published among their inhabitants the great truths 
of Christianity. Many of the natives listened with 
attention and apparent interest. The illness of the king 
terminated, for a time, the war which he had commenced 
against the people of Atehuru, and allowed the Mission¬ 
aries uninterruptedly to pursue their labours in Tahiti, 
Early in 1808, Mr. Elder left this island for Port Jack- 
son. Peace at that period every where prevailed, but it 
was of short duration. The dissatisfaction of the farmers, 
inferior chiefs, and lower orders of the people, with 
Pomare’s conduct, was daily increasing, and his recent 
massacre of the Atehuruans had greatly strengthened 
their determination to destroy his authority, and revive 
the ancient aristocratical form of government. In 
the month of October, the Missionaries received a note 
from the king, informing them of the probability of war, 
recommending them to be upon their guard, and not to 
be deceived or taken by surprise. In consequence of 
this intimation, and the increasing signs of approaching 
hostilities, they established a strict watch every night, 
and seldom went far from their dwelling. The prepa¬ 
rations for battle were continued on both sides; every 
morning it was expected that hostilities would com¬ 
mence before the close of the day, and every night it 
was apprehended that an attack would be made before 
morning. In this state of distressing anxiety, without 
any means of flying from the gathering storm, all the 
families continued till the 25th of October, when a 
vessel from Port Jackson providentially anchored in the 
bay, and, by ensuring a safe retreat in the event of sudden 
assault, afforded no small alleviation to their minds. 
On the Sabbath-day, the 6th of November, the district 
