POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
209 
uniform, and bright ornament to the religion of the 
Cross. 
Besides these regular periods of instruction and 
times of public worship, the Missionaries frequently- 
held special meetings with those whose names they 
had written down, for the purpose of unfolding more 
fully the sublime doctrines of revelation, and uniting 
with them in social worship. They had the delightful 
satisfaction of hearing some of the new converts engage 
in prayer, and were surprised and gratified, in a high 
degree, with their fluency and fervour, as well as the 
appropriateness of their language, when engaged in this 
sacred duty. They also learned with pleasure, that 
they were accustomed to retire morning and evening 
for secret prayer. 
In one of the visits which Mr. Nott made to the 
residence of Taaroarii, for the purpose of preaching 
to his people, he was followed by Patii, the priest of 
the temple in Papetoai, the district in which the 
Missionaries resided. This individual appeared to listen 
most attentively to what was said 5 and after the con¬ 
clusion of the service, he and Mr. Nott proceeded toge¬ 
ther along the beach towards the settlement. As they 
walked, Patii fully disclosed the feelings of his mind to 
Mr. Nott, and assured him that on the morrow, at a cer¬ 
tain hour, he would bring out the idols under his care, 
and publicly burn them. The declaration was astound¬ 
ing ; it was too decisive and important in its nature, 
and promised results almost too momentous to be 
true, Mr. Nott replied, I fear you are jesting with 
me, and stating what you think we wish, rather than 
what you intend. I can scarcely allow myself to believe 
what you say.’’ Don’t be unbelieving,” replied 
2 E 
