268 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
Mr. Nott delivered a short, animated, and suitable 
discourse, from the Eunuch’s answer to Philip, 
Acts viii. 30, 31. As soon as this was concluded, 
Pomare addressed the multitude of his subjects 
around, proposing the formation of a society. 
He began by referring them to the ages that 
were past, and to the system of false religion by 
which they had been so long enslaved, remind¬ 
ing them very feelingly of the rigid exactions im¬ 
posed in the name of their imaginary gods, for 
they were but pieces of wood, or cocoa-nut husk. 
He then alluded to the toil they endured, and the 
zeal and diligence so often manifested, in the 
service of these idols. To them the first-fruits of 
the field, the choicest fish from the sea, with the 
most valuable productions of their labour and 
ingenuity, were offered; and to propitiate their 
favour, avert their displeasure, and death, its 
dreaded consequence, human victims were so often 
slain. While referring to these dark and distress¬ 
ing features of their idolatry, the general serious¬ 
ness of the assembly, and the indications of re¬ 
morse or horror in the recollection of these cru¬ 
elties, appeared to accompany and respond con¬ 
firmation to his statements. In striking contrast 
with them, he placed the mild and benevolent 
motives and tendency of the gospel of Jesus 
Christ, and the benefits its introduction had con¬ 
ferred : alluding to the very fact of their being 
assembled for the purpose which had convened 
them, as a powerful illustration of his remarks. 
He then stated the obligations they were under to 
God for sending them his word, and the partial 
manifestation of gratitude they had yet given. 
After this, he directed their attention to the 
miserable situation of those whom God had not 
