on the part of the Government respecting christianity seemed to pass
away. The leaders had doubted whether it did not necessarily involve
the introduction of purely foreign elements into the general
government of the island. But reassured by the steadfast loyalty of
the Protestant missionaries, who have adhered strictly to their
position as religious teachers, and whose prudent, sober conduct in
difficult circumstances the Directors consider deserving of high
praise, the nobles, believing that christianity had proved itself
a great public blessing, began to accept it heartily for themselves.

Kind messages were sent from the Queen to the missionaries on her
accession; with assurances of public protection for all their
converts. The diviners and idol keepers, who had been so influential
in the palace, were dismissed to country villages. Numerous members
of noble families joined the several congregations in the city, and
many of the highest rank were baptized. The congregations both in
town and country grew larger and larger, and it was most difficult
to find them room. Next a law was passed, putting a stop to all
official work on the Sabbath-day: and was followed by another law,
which directed that Sunday markets should be held on some other
convenient day. After full consideration, the Council repealed the
ancient law, which forbade the erection of stone buildings within
the capital, and had sanctioned only palaces, houses and walls of
wood. Such a step may appear to be a trifle. It may seem to be a matter
merely of economy, safety, and convenience, whether a people shall
build in wood or earth or stone. But the repeal meant more than this.
It was a veritable Reform Bill: it swept away old traditions,
conservative customs, and those rules and motives of the past which
were the buttresses of idolatry, and which had hitherto hindered all
public progress. It was a sign that this young nation had entered