PROVIDENTIAL COINCIDENCES. 121 
them. On one occasion, a family in Eimeo were 
plunged into great distress, on account of the 
sufferings of one of its members, and the pros¬ 
pect of a fatal issue. A priest was sent for, 
who implored the assistance of his god; but, con¬ 
tinuing his intercession for a long time, without any 
apparent relief to the sufferer, he desisted, and 
left the family in hopeless disappointment. A 
native, who was a worshipper of Jehovah, was 
among the attending friends. He kneeled down, 
and offered up a fervent prayer to the true God. 
While he was thus engaged, relief was afforded, 
and the weeping and forebodings of the family 
turned into grateful wonder, and joyous gratula- 
tions.* I simply state the fact, as it is recorded by 
the Missionary in the island at the time, without 
making any comment; which, indeed, it neither 
requires nor admits. On the minds of the family, 
and the inhabitants of the place, it produced a 
powerful impression. They hastened to the idol 
temple of the district, which they demolished, 
breaking down the altars, and bringing forth their 
gods, which they execrated as false, and publicly 
committed to the flames. 
A similar instance occurred early in this year. 
One of the scholars, the wife of an Areoi, who 
had for some time, with her husband’s consent, 
attended the school, was suddenly taken ill. The 
members of the family were alarmed ; and, accus¬ 
tomed to attribute every calamity to the anger of 
* In recording this incident, it is proper to state, that 
the Missionaries disclaim all idea of miraculous interposi¬ 
tion. At the same time, the providential coincidence of 
the events, and the encouragement which the word of God 
gives to “ fervent and effectual prayer,’* demand attentive 
consideration, and grateful acknowledgment.—Psa. cvii.43. 
