Then they followed us to the hut of the good
missionary, who had been engaged all day in visiting the dwellings of
the natives, and teaching them the truths of religion. I had accompanied
him, but, from ignorance of the language, could not aid him. I was,
however, delighted with the simple and earnest manner in which he spoke,
and the eagerness with which they heard him. He finished by a prayer,
kneeling, and they all imitated him, lifting up their hands and eyes to
heaven. He told me he was trying to make them celebrate the Sunday. He
assembled them in his tent, which he wished to make a temple for the
worship of the true God. He intended to consecrate it for this purpose,
and to live in the grotto, after our departure.
The day arrived at last. Jack's shoulder was nearly healed, and my
wife, along with her happiness, recovered her strength. The pinnace had
been so well guarded by Parabery and his friends that it suffered no
injury. I distributed among the islanders everything I had that could
please them, and made Parabery invite them to come and see us in our
island, requesting we might live on friendly terms. Mr. Willis wished
much to see it, and to complete our happiness he promised to accompany
and spend some days with us; and Parabery said he would take him back
when he wished it.
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