CORONATION OF POMARE III.

221

object of their choice; and, on the part of the king, an acceptance of that office; and explained the importance and advantage of being governed by just laws, to the well-being of society. After the address, Mr. Nott read an abridgment of the code of laws to the people, who were afterwards requested to signify their approbation of them, by holding up their hands.

The code of laws being read, and replaced on the table, Mr. Bennet took the laws, and put them into the hands of the king, and Mr. Wilson addressed his majesty at the same time in the following language: "Do you promise to govern your people in justice and in mercy, agreeably to the word of God, and these laws, and what other laws the national assembly may agree upon, being sanctioned by yourself?" To which the king answered, "I do, God being my helper."

Mr. Henry then took the anointing oil from the table, and poured a little on the head of the king, and in a few words stated what the anointing was intended to signify, viz. "the heavenly unction of the Holy Spirit, without which he could not fulfil his high office as a Christian prince." A short prayer was then offered, by Mr. Davies, for the grace and blessing of the Holy Spirit to rest upon the king, and concluded with a few words pronounced in the form of a benediction.

Mr. Nott, at the right hand of the king, according to the arrangements previously made, then took the crown from the table, and put it on the king's head; pronouncing a benediction as follows: "May God grant you prosperity, health, length of days, and grace to rule in righteousness, and in the fear of the Lord." Here the people gave three shouts, saying, "Long live the king!-may the king be saved!" &c.

The Rev. D. Tyerman, on the right hand of the king, now took the Bible from the table, and presented it to the king; and Mr. Darling addressed his majesty, at the same time, in the following words :

"King Pomare, we present to you this book, the most valuable thing in the world. Here is wisdom; this is the royal law; these are the lively oracles of God. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear, the words of this book, and keep and do the things contained in it; for these are the words of eternal life, able to make you wise and happy in this world-nay, wise unto salvation, and so happy for ever19*

222

CORONATION OF POMARE III.

more, through faith in Christ Jesus, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Mr. Jones now gave out another hymn, and Mr. Wilson concluded with a short prayer for the king, for the nation, and for the church of God.

An herald now proclaimed freedom to all who were under the sentence of the law, saying, "Let those that have been banished return to their lands, and let every man and woman be freed from every penalty; and let all be exhorted to become good members of society."

The coronation being ended, the procession proceeded to the royal chapel to worship God.

The same order was observed in returning as in going to the place of coronation, only the king wore his crown in returning. On the arrival at the chapel, the Bible and the code of laws were placed on the tables in the pew prepared for the king. The king sat in his chair in the pew, and his crown was taken from his head and placed on the table before him. His mother, and aunts, &c. sat with him.

Mr. Wilson commenced the worship of God by giving out a hymn, Mr. Crook read a portion of scripture, Mr. Darling engaged in prayer, and Mr. Henry preached a short and appropriate sermon. Mr. Davies concluded with singing and

prayer.

Public worship being over, all proceeded to the place appointed for the coronation dinner, where plenty of wholesome food was provided.

After dinner, the brethren held a meeting with the members of the deputation, in order to take leave of them, they being about to depart from the islands. It is with pleasure we look back upon the period these gentlemen have spent amongst us, and we trust their visit to these islands will be followed with lasting benefits to the mission. In the evening we returned to our lodgings, and the next day to our different stations.