POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
245 
CHAP. X. 
The refugees in Eimeo invited to return to Tahiti—Voyage of the king 
and his adherents—Opposition to their landing—Public worship on 
the Sabbath disturbed by the idolatrous army—Courage of the king— 
Circumstances of the battle of Bunaauia—Death of the idolatrous 
chieftain—Victory of the Christians—Clemency of the king and 
chiefs—Destruction of the image temple and altars of Oro—Total sub¬ 
version of paganism—General reception of Christianity—Consequent 
alteration in the circumstances of the people—Pomare’s prayer— 
Tidings of the victory conveyed to Eimeo—Its influence in the adjacent 
islands—Remarks on the time, circumstances, means, and agents, con¬ 
nected with the change. 
In the commencement of the year 1815^ the affairs of 
Tahiti and Eimeo, in reference to the supremacy of 
Christianity or idolatry, were evidently tending to a 
crisis 5 and although the converts had carefully avoided 
all interference in the late wars which had deso¬ 
lated the larger island, they were convinced that 
the time was not very remote, when their faith and 
principles must rise pre-eminent above the power and 
influence of that system of delusion and crime, of which 
they had so long been the slaves. To maintain the Chris¬ 
tian faith, and enjoy a continuance of their present peace 
and comfort, they foresaw would be impossible. Under 
the influence of these impressions, the 14th of July, 
1815, was set apart as a day of solemn fasting and 
prayer to God, whose guidance and protection was 
implored. A chastened and dependent frame of mind 
was very generally experienced at this period by the 
