300 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES, 
latter part of it, was tranquil, in reliance on that Saviour 
who alone can support in the prospect of dissolution. 
I have heard he was the first individual who offered 
his services to the Missionary Society, and was among 
the first who landed from the Duff in 1796. He re¬ 
mained in Tahiti till the civil war in 1808 drove them 
from the islands, at which time he visited New South 
Wales and England. When Pomare invited the Mis¬ 
sionaries to return, he was the first to resume his sta¬ 
tion, which he never abandoned, till called by death 
from a field, on which he had bestowed upwards of 
twenty years of patient persevering toil, and from 
which, though long barren and fruitless, he had ulti¬ 
mately been honoured to reap the first-fruits of a glorious 
harvest. 
In 1818, he removed to the populous district of Papara 
on the south-west side of Tahiti. This district had, 
prior to the last war, been the stronghold of idolatry, 
and was the head-quarters of the pagan army; and the 
inhabitants, until the death of their chieftain in the 
memorable battle of Bunaauia, obstinately opposed the 
progress of Christianity. Here, under the favourable 
auspices of Tati, Mr. Bicknell commenced his labours ; 
and while Mr. Tessier daily instructed numbers in the 
school, Mr. Bicknell collected around him large and 
attentive congregations, baptized many, and gathered an 
interesting Christian church. 
His latest earthly concern regarded the stedfastness 
and welfare of his charge. On the last evening of his 
life, and but a few hours before his departure, he ad¬ 
dressed Mr. Crook (who had attended him during his 
iilness, and who was then about to perform divine ser¬ 
vice among his people,) on the subject. ^^Tell them,^’ 
