POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
205 
CHAP. VIII. 
First record of the names of the professors of Christianity—^Taaroarii’s 
rejection of idolatrous ceremonies—Determination of Patii, the priest 
of Papetoai—Idols publicly burnt at Uaeva, in Eimeo—Increase of 
the scholars—Contempt and persecution on account of the profession 
of Christianity—Baneful influence of idolatry on social intercourse— 
Humiliating circumstances to which its institutes reduced the female 
sex—Happy change in domestic society, attending the introduction of 
Christianity—Persecution of the Christians—Worshippers of the true 
God sought as victims, for sacrifice to the pagan idols—Notice of 
Abrahama—Martyrdom in Tahiti. 
Soon after the return of Messrs. Scott and Hayward 
from Tahiti, indications of the same convictions and 
inquiry were occasionally manifested in Eimeo; and 
on the 25th of July, 1813, which was the Sabbath, 
the first place for public worship erected in the island 
of Eimeo was opened. It was also the first build¬ 
ing in the islands ever used by the natives for this 
sacred purpose. The exercises of the day were highly 
interesting both to the Missionaries and their little band 
of followers. At the close of the evening service Mr. 
Davies gave notice, according to previous arrangements, 
that on the following morning a public meeting would 
be held; when all who had sincerely renounced their 
false gods, who had desired also to relinquish their evil 
customs, to receive Jehovah for their God, and to be 
instructed in his word, were invited to attend. Forty 
