others was dead. God thus showed the natives, that the stuff had not been cursed.

On September the 8th, a week after the accident, Temari expired. It is remarkable, that his death was caused, by the gunpowder he had desired for a wicked purpose. It is written in the scriptures, (Rom. i. 18,) that the wrath of God is revealed "from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men," who act against their own consciences, as Temari certainly had done. Temari had also offended God, by having once encouraged Otu, to send his servants to attack the brethren. It is written, "Avenge not yourselves. Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord."

Great honours were paid to Temari's body: it was embalmed, dried in the sun, and kept in the Nanu. It was intended that it should shortly be carried in state round the island.

CHAPTER XIV.

1798.

A TREACHEROUS MURDER.

You have already heard what wicked plans, Otu had been forming against his father. Though Temari, who had encouraged these plans, was

NEW HOUSE COMPLETED.

119

dead, Otu had not renounced them, and he had another wicked companion to assist him.

But before we enter upon this part of the history, we must just mention, that on September 5th, the house the missionaries had begun to build in the winter, was finished. Mr. Eyre, however, was not willing to remove to it, having observed a pool of rain-water very near, which he feared would render it unwholesome he wished to remain in the old house with Mr. Jefferson, till the other four brethren had tried how the new one agreed with their health. Between the two houses ran a small river, over which a bridge had been built. It was therefore easy for the brethren to meet together for morning and evening prayers in the old house.

About two months after Temari's death, Otu declared, he was much offended in consequence of some words, that had been spoken by the man, called Pomare's orator. This man, in a speech upon Temari's death, had said that Pomare would not let Temari's corpse be brought to Matavai, but would throw it into the sea.

Perhaps you remember that Matavai was the part of the island where the missionaries lived: it was also the part of which Pomare was the chief, and where he had great authority.

Otu made use of the orator's speech as an

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OTU'S REBELLION.

excuse, for rising up against his father. Manemane joined with Otu in this wicked rebellion, and brought down upon his hoary head the vengeance of God, (as you will hear very soon.)

At this time, Pomare was absent at some very small islands, belonging to him, called Te-tu-roa; and Otu thought he had now a good opportunity for beginning the war.

At nine o'clock on the evening of November 16th, the missionaries were told by Michael Donald, the sailor, that Otu was coming in the morning to attack Matavai. The people of the place were immediately in the greatest confusion. Most of them hastened to the mountains, while others seized their spears, and prepared to fight. There was much noise that night around the missionaries' dwelling; yet, within, there were some whose hearts were kept in peace, not being afraid of evil tidings, because they trusted in the Lord. Before morning, Otu's men arrived at Matavai, pursued the remaining inhabitants to the mountains, and killed three men and one child: they then returned to plunder and burn the houses. The dead bodies were taken to the king, who had remained at Pare, and offered up by Mane-mane to the gods.

But though Matavai was now empty and desolate, the missionaries had received no harm.

STORE-ROOM BROKEN OPEN.

121

In the evening of this terrible day, the brethren assembled as usual for prayers, in the old house. They were interrupted by the king and queen, coming to their door. When they went out to them, Otu asked for a comb, a cup, and a looking-glass. They told him they were at prayers, but would give the things to him when they had concluded. How little did this wicked man deserve a gift! He was, however, hardened in his sins, and went away that evening quite pleased with his presents.

Otu now considered the whole district of Matavai his own, instead of Pomare's; and he divided it between himself, and Mane-mane. He also laid claim to the store-room and blacksmith's shop, that the missionaries had given to Pomare.

The day after the attack on Matavai, was Sunday. In the afternoon, the king came with Peter and the sailors, to the missionaries' old house, and asked for the key of the storeroom. The missionaries told him that they had given the key to Pomare. Then Peter and the sailors took down some of the boards of the room, and went in; and soon Manemane joined them. While these men were searching for the things they wanted, the missionaries held their service, though much disturbed by the noise the natives made around the house.

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MANE-MANE'S VESSEL.

Idia was much vexed when she heard that the store-room had been broken open. She had the key of it in her husband's absence, and she came in a few days to see what had been taken away. While she was in the room, Mane-mane entered, and asked her to give him some tar for his vessel. She gave him a little, but he wanted more, which she refused to give. Otu, hearing of this dispute, came to the room, and insisted on Idia giving the priest, as much as he wanted; and she was obliged to yield to the demand, though she still kept possession of the key. She was afraid of resisting her son, and, in spite of his rebellious conduct, continued to speak to him in a friendly

manner.

Old Mane-mane seemed now on the point of gaining the wish of his heart, for his vessel was almost finished, and Peter and the two sailors had promised to accompany him in it, to his old kingdom, the island of Raiatea. But God has declared in his word that when the wicked is going to fill himself with the fruits of his sin, he will cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and rain it upon him while he is eating. Job xx. 23. Thus God dealt with Mane-mane.

The next Sunday after the plunder of the store-room, Mane-mane entered Mr. Eyre's room, and asked for an axe. On being told,