238 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
gentle but elastic current of air swept along the 
course of the river, beneath foliage that often 
formed beautiful natural arches over the water, 
and through which a straggling sun-beam was here 
and there seen sparkling in the ripple of the 
stream. 
After mingling my sympathy with the friends 
around, I spoke at some length to the young man, 
whose visage had considerably altered since the 
preceding day. I endeavoured to direct his mind 
to God, for mercy through Christ, and affection¬ 
ately urged a personal and immediate application, 
by faith, to him who is able to save even to the 
uttermost, and willing to receive even at the 
eleventh hour, &c. 
All prospect of his recovery had ceased ; our 
solicitude was therefore especially directed to his 
preparation for that state on which he was so soon 
to enter. This indeed had been our principal aim 
in all our intercourse with him. On this occasion 
he made no reply, (indeed I suppose he was unable, 
had he been disposed,) but he raised his head 
after I had done speaking, and gazed stedfastly 
upon me, with an expression of anguish in his 
whole countenance, which I never shall forget, and 
which is altogether indescribable. Whether it 
arose from bodily or mental agony, I am not 
able to say, but I never beheld so affecting a 
spectacle. 
Before I left his couch, I again attempted to direct 
his mind to the compassionate Redeemer, and, I 
think, engaged in prayer with him. The evening 
was advancing when I took leave, and the con¬ 
viction was strongly impressed on my mind, that it 
was the last day he would spend on earth. My 
eye lingered on him with intense and mingled 
