I do not know whether Bara-ourou comprehended this, but he remained for some time in deep thought.

I profited by this to ask the missionary what were the words which had terrified them so when they wished to keep my son from me, and which had compelled them to surrender him?
"I told them," answered he, "that the Almighty and unseen God, of whom I spoke to them daily, ordered them, by my voice, to restore a son to his father; I threatened them with his anger if they refused, and promised them his mercy if they obeyed; and they did obey.

The first step is gained, they know the duty of adoring and obeying God; every other truth proceeds from this, and I have no doubt that my savages will one day become good Christians.

My method of instruction is suited to their limited capacity.

I prove to them that their wooden idols, made by their own hands, could neither create, hear them, nor protect them.