203 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
and a pulpit for the minister, rose, and gave out 
a hymn in the native language. The whole con¬ 
gregation now stood, and many of them joined in 
the singing. A prayer was then offered, during 
which the congregation remained standing; another 
hymn was sung; the people then sat down, and 
listened attentively to a discourse, delivered by the 
Missionary standing on the ground behind the 
desk. When this was ended, a short prayer was 
offered, the benediction pronounced, and the ser¬ 
vice closed. The assembly dispersed with the 
utmost propriety and order; many of them, as they 
passed by, cordially shook me by the hand, and 
expressed their joy at seeing me among them. My 
joy, and excitement of feeling, was not less than 
theirs. There was something so pleasing and 
novel in their appearance, so peculiar in their 
voices when singing, and in their native language, 
both during the prayers and sermon, and some¬ 
thing so solemn and earnest in their attention, 
with such an air of sincerity and devotion during 
the whole service, that it deeply affected my heart. 
I was desirous of speaking to them in return, and 
expressing the grateful satisfaction with which I 
had beheld their worship; but the scene before me 
had taken such a powerful hold of my feelings, 
that I returned home in silence, filled with aston¬ 
ishment at the change that had taken place, and 
deeply impressed with the evidence it afforded of 
the efficacy of the gospel, and the power of the 
Almighty. At eleven o’clock I attended public 
worship in the English language. 
At four in the afternoon the natives again assem¬ 
bled, and I attended at their worship. Though I 
could not understand their language, I was pleased 
with the large attendance, and the serious and 
