SCHEME OF THE REBELS.

215

and they feared they should do no more good in Huahine, (if they continued there,) than they had done in Tahiti.

It was not surprising that they felt discouraged in their work, which seemed to be of no use: yet, perhaps, it would have been better, if they had resolved still to plough in hope.

In July Mr. Hayward arrived at Huahine. He informed the brethren that the rebels continued to have possession of Tahiti, and that the king remained in Eimeo, alone with Mr. Nott. This news strengthened the brethren in their resolution to leave the islands, as soon as a ship should arrive.

We will now mention some events that happened at Tahiti during this year. As soon as the rebels made themselves masters of the island, they formed the wicked scheme to seize any ships that should touch at Tahiti. Mr. Nott, who was then at Eimeo, heard of their intention, and wrote a note, which he committed to the charge of a messenger, whom he thought he could trust, and desired him to deliver it into the hands of the captains who should arrive.

After many months, a small ship, called the Venus, came to Tahiti, and before the messenger could find an opportunity of delivering the note, the vessel was seized by the rebels. Happily, however, none of the sailors, except

216

DELIVERANCE OF TWO CREWS.

the first mate, were murdered, but they were kept to offer in sacrifice to Oro. Who can conceive the horror that filled the hearts of these unfortunate men? God, however, by his great power, delivered them from the jaws of death. Another ship arrived, named the Hibernia. The natives intended to seize it also; but on this occasion the messenger was successful in delivering the note. He went secretly to the ship in an old broken canoe, ran down into the cabin, and awoke the captain, who was asleep, and gave him the note. By this means the captain was enabled both to save his own crew, and also to deliver the crew of the Venus. Of course he felt exceedingly thankful to the missionary, who had warned him of his danger.

When he heard that there were several missionaries at Huahine, he sailed to that island, and was received with great delight; for the brethren had spent nearly a year there, without having seen a single ship. He willingly consented to take the missionaries to Port JackMr. Hayward, however, chose to remain in Huahine. The rest embarked in October 1809, and, after a very long and dangerous voyage, arrived at Port Jackson in February 1810.

son.

Mr. Hayward did not remain alone in Huahine, for almost immediately he was joined

ABANDONMENT OF TAHITI.

217

by Mr. Nott, who had now no inducement to stay in Eimeo, as the king had gone over to Tahiti to fight against his rebellious subjects. Pomare could not, however, succeed in subduing them; yet he would not give up the attempt, hoping, that neighbouring kings would come to help him. He was now justly punished for his cruel robberies and murders, and for his obstinate idolatry. It appeared as if God had withdrawn his favours, both from him, and his people, and as if he had left them to bite, and devour one another, until they were consumed. But O the depth of the mercy of God! He yet remembered Tahiti, and purposed to arise and shine upon her.

Many people in England, began to mock when they heard that the missionaries had converted none of the heathen, and had been obliged to flee. They opened their mouth wide, and cried, "Aha, aha:" they said in their hearts," so would we have it." Psalm xxxv.

21, 25.

Many of the righteous were cast down, and wondered why the Lord had not blessed the labours of his servants. But the Lord's ways are not as our ways, nor are his thoughts as our thoughts. He chose to try the faith, and patience of the missionaries, and to permit them to plant and water long before he gave the increase.

CHAPTER XIV.

1810, 1811, 1812.

BRIGHTER DAYS THAN ANY THAT HAD GONE

BEFORE.

THE greatest part of the missionaries were now at Port Jackson. Soon after their arrival, Mr. Bicknell returned from England, accompanied by a wife, and four young Englishwomen. He was much surprised to find his brethren at Port Jackson, as he knew nothing of the alarming events that had lately happened. He waited with his brethren at Port Jackson, to see whether the Lord would again open a door for the gospel in Tahiti.

At the end of some months the brethren received a letter from Pomare, in which he told them that many chiefs had brought men from other islands to help him to subdue his rebellious subjects, and that he was now acknowledged king, and at the same time he entreated them to return.

Soon afterwards letters arrived from Mr. Hayward and Mr. Nott, mentioning that they were with the king at Eimeo, and that peace still continued. Most of the missionaries now

RETURN OF A FEW MISSIONARIES.

219

determined to return the first opportunity to the poor heathen.

In July, 1811, a little vessel set sail from Port Jackson to fetch pork from the South Sea Islands. There was only room in it for a few of the missionaries.

Mr. Bicknell, with his wife and one of the young women, lately arrived from England, named Sarah Chrystie, embarked in the little ship, as well as Mr. Scott, and a wife he had lately married. After a fatiguing voyage they arrived at Eimeo, on the last day of October. They found the king there, as well as his mother Idia, Mr. Hayward, and Mr. Nott.

Pomare received them with great delight. The brethren soon observed that he appeared to regard his idols less than he had done in time past partly, perhaps, from having found the prophecies of the prophet Mitia respecting his success so false; partly, perhaps, from his afflictions, and the company, at such a season, of Mr. Nott and Mr. Hayward.

The missionaries had to suffer great inconveniences, as they had no comfortable houses, like those they had built in Tahiti. They lived at first with the king in a native house, while they erected better dwellings. The Englishwomen suffered much from the water overflowing the house, and Sarah Chrystie never recovered from the ill effects of this