TAAROARII RENOUNCES IDOLATRY. 107 
Sanders’ Island, and Matapuupuu, a principal 
Areoi, and chief priest of Huahine, who had long 
been one of the main pillars of idolatry in the 
island to which he belonged. 
On the 28th of July, 1813, a number of Areois 
visited Taaroarii’s encampment at Teataebua, five 
miles from Papetoai, the Missionary settlement ; 
prepared an entertainment, invited him to attend, 
and, before it commenced, were about to perform 
some heathen rites connected with the food they 
were to eat, and to deliver an oration, in which his 
rank, descent, and connexion with the gods by 
origin and family, and his future place among them, 
were to have been detailed. This, Taaroarit 
strictly prohibited ; declaring that he intended no 
longer to acknowledge the gods of Tahiti, which 
were no gods; that no more ceremonies should be 
performed on his account, as he purposed to wor- 
ship Jehovah. He was anxious to know more re- 
specting God, and wished them also to hear about 
Him; and, therefore, sent a message to Mr. Nott, 
requesting him to come down, and preach to the 
people at his place of abode. | 
Mr. Nott gladly complied with his request, and, 
accompanied by Mr. Hayward, repaired a few days 
afterwards to his encampment. When they arrived 
at Tiataebua, Puru, the king of Huahine, and the 
chief of Eimeo, received them cordially; said 
his son Taaroarii wished to be instructed in the 
word of God, to learn about Jehovah and Jesus 
Christ, of whom he had so frequently heard 
Pomare speak. The chief added, that although he 
had no desire after these things himself, he did not 
wish to oppose his son, or prevent his hearing 
whatever Mr. Nott might have to communicate. 
The hand of the Almighty was strikingly exhibited, 
