ATIU.

Leaving Mangaia, we proceeded to this island, which, after two days' pleasant sail, we reached in safety.

We received a most cordial welcome from the teachers and people, who conducted us to the settlement, which occupied an elevated and beautiful situation, it being a fine extensive plain, upon the top of the mountain which forms the body of the island. The dwellings are open to the fresh breeze of the sea, of which they command a full view on every side; indeed, the chapel is the first object descried on approaching this island.

On our arrival, we were happy to meet the teachers, with the principal chiefs and people of the neighbouring islands of Mauke and Mitiaro. The object of their visit to Atiu was, first, to attend the opening of the large new chapel; and, secondly, to be present at the marriage of Roma-tane, the king, who was about to be united to the daughter of the chief of Mauke.

On the following day we opened the chapel, which would accommodate about 1500 people. My colleague, Mr. Barff, preached from Ps. xcvii. 1. “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.” After this, I administered the Lord's Supper, for the first time, to twenty communicants, among whom was the chief, who, it will be recollected, was so deeply impressed with the folly of idolatry, by the representations of Isaiah on that subject.