218 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
assemblies for public worship. He was accompanied by 
twelve of his people^ equally anxious with himself, and 
his wife, Maihota, to know more respecting these 
important matters. On the 15th of April they reached 
the Missionary station. The following day was the 
Sabbath. They attended public worship in the fore^ 
noon; and when they saw the congregation standing up, 
and heard them sing the praises of Jehovah in their 
native tongue, they were for some time mute with as¬ 
tonishment, and some of them so deeply affected, as to 
be unable to refrain from tears. An excellent discourse 
was afterwards delivered by Mr. Scott, to which they 
listened with mingled feelings of wonder and delight. 
A variety of events occurred at this time, to confirm 
the attachment of those who had professed themselves 
favourable to Christianity, and to induce those who were 
undecided to join them. On one occasion, a family in 
Eimeo were plunged into great distress, on account of 
the sufferings of one of its members, and the prospect 
of a fatal issue. A priest was sent for, who implored 
the assistance of his god; but, continuing his inter¬ 
cession for a long time, without any apparent relief to 
the sufferer, he deserted, and left the family in hopeless 
disappointment. A. native, who was a worshipper of 
Jehovah, was among the attending friends. He kneeled 
down, and offered up a fervent prayer to the true God. 
While he was thus engaged, relief was afforded, and 
the weeping and forebodings of the family turned into 
grateful wonder, and joyous gratulations.'^ I simply 
* In recording this incident, it is proper to state, that the Missionaries 
disclaim all idea of miraculous interposition. At the same time, the provi¬ 
dential coincidence of the events, and the encouragement which the word 
of God gives to “fervent and effectual prayer,” demand attentive con¬ 
sideration, and grateful acknowledgment.—Psalm cvii. 43. 
