the
reverence which they displayed towards me, confirmed my impression that
they regarded me as something supernatural, not of this world, and
divine.

To remove this belief was most certainly my duty, but how was it to be
done? Alas! I must now admit that I yielded to a subtle temptation, and
was led into conduct unworthy of a vessel. Sad to say, as I search the
rewards of my own heart, I am compelled to confess that my real desire
was not so much to undeceive the people--for in their bewildering myriads
of foolish beliefs one more or less was of small importance--as to
recommend myself to Doto. This young woman, though not a member of our
Connection, and wholly ignorant of saving Truths, had begun to find
favour in my eyes, and I hoped to lead her to the altar; altars, for that
matter, being plentiful enough in this darkened land. I should have
remembered the words once spoken by a very gracious young woman, the
daughter of a pious farmer. "Mother," said she, "I have made up my mind
never to let loose my affections upon any man as is not pious, and in
good circumstances." Doto was, for an islander, in good circumstances,
but who, ah! who, could call her pious?

I endeavoured, it is true, to convert her, but, ah! did I go to work in
the right way? Did I draw, in awful colours, the certain consequences of
ignorance of the Truth? Did I endeavour to strike a salutary terror into
her heathen heart?

No; such would have been a proper course of conduct, but such was not
mine! I weakly adopted the opposite plan--that used by the Jesuits in
their dealings with the Chinese and other darkened peoples. I attempted,
meanly attempted (but, as may be guessed, with but limited success), to
give an orthodox Nonconformist character to the observances of Doto's
religion. For example, instead of thundering, as was my duty, at her
worldly diversions of promiscuous dancing, and ball play, I took a part
in these secular pursuits, fondly persuading myself that my presence
discouraged levity, and was a check upon unseemly mirth.

Thus, among the young native men and maidens, in the windings of the mazy
dance, might have been seen disporting himself, a person of stalwart
form, whose attire still somewhat faintly indicated his European origin
and sacred functions. A hymn-book in my hand instead of a rattle (used
by the natives), I capered gaily through their midst. Often and often I
led the music, instructing my festive flock