POLYNESIAN RESEAKCHES. 
207 
areoi, and chief priest of Huahine, who had long been 
one of the main pillars of idolatry in the island to which 
he belonged. 
On the 28th of July^ 1813, a number of areois visited 
Taaroarii’s encampment at Teataebua, five miles from 
Papetoae, the Missionary settlement; prepared an enter¬ 
tainment, invited him to attend, and, before it com¬ 
menced, were about to perform some heathen rites con¬ 
nected with the food they were to eat, and to deliver an 
oration, in which his rank, descent, and connexion with 
the gods by origin and family, and his future place among 
them, were to have been detailed. This, Taaroarii strictly 
prohibited; declaring that he intended no longer to 
acknowledge the gods of Tahiti, which were no gods; 
that no more ceremonies should be performed on his 
account, as he purposed to worship Jehovah. He was 
anxious to know more respecting God, and wished them 
also to hear about Him; and, therefore, sent a message 
to Mr. Nott, requesting him to come down and preach to 
the people at his place of abode. 
Mr. Nott gladly complied with his request, and, ac¬ 
companied by Mr. Hayward, repaired a few days after¬ 
wards to his encampment. When they arrived at Tiatai- 
bua, Puru, the king of Huahine, and the chief of Eimeo, 
received them very cordially; said his son Taaroarii 
wished to be instructed in the word of God, to learn 
about Jehovah and Jesus Christ, of whom he had so 
frequently heard Pomare speak. The chief added, that 
although he had no desire after these things himself, 
he did not wish to oppose his son, or prevent his hearing 
whatever Mr. Nott might have to communicate. The 
finger of the Almighty was strikingly exhibited in the door 
thus effectually opened for the preaching of the gospel. 
