504 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
The young chieftain was in his nineteenth year; his 
high rank, and extensive influence, led us to indulge 
cheering anticipations ; and, during his juvenile years, 
he was greatly beloved by the people. He had also, when 
it was supposed he could scarcely have arrived at years 
of discretion, shewn his contempt for the idols of his 
country, his desire to be instructed concerning the true 
God, and had prohibited the licentious and idolatrous 
ceremonies of the Areois, when there were very few in 
any degree favourable to Christianity. Subsequently, 
Taaroarii had become a diligent pupil of the Mission¬ 
aries. We could not but hope that Divine Providence 
was raising him up to succeed his father, and to govern 
the islands under his authority, for the stability of the 
Christian faith, and the advancement of the people’s true 
interests. 
These hopes, however, were disappointed. He treated 
Christianity and the worship of God with respect, 
was a steady enemy to the introduction or use of ardent 
spirits by chiefs or people, and was not a profligate 
man. But, soon after our establishment in Hua- 
hine, a number of the most abandoned young men, 
of that and other islands, attached themselves to his 
retinue, which was always numerous, became his com¬ 
panions, flattered his pride, and, in many respects mini¬ 
stering to his wishes, they infused their own spirit into 
his mind. 
Being naturally cheerful and good-natured, he was 
induced by his companions, first to neglect instruction, 
then the public worship of God, and, subsequently, to 
patronize and support his unprincipled followers. His 
venerable father beheld the change with the most 
poignant grief, and used all the affection, influence, and 
