He was honoured by annual games, as well as public worship; and his return being expected, Captain Cook's arrival was considered as the fulfilment of their hopes. The people were taught that Orono was returned, and were invited to adore him. The idol clothed in red, was the image of Orono; and the Captain was decked in red cloth, as his appropriate dress.
It is much to be regretted, that in this instance, our illustrious countryman suffered his curiosity to overcome his sense of duty. However eager he might be, to know the religious rites of this people, he ought not to have shared in their idolatries. As a Christian he was bound, both to refuse adoration to their gods, and to reject it when offered to himself. He acted honourably at Otaheite, in condemning the human sacrifice, which his curiosity induced him to witness; and now, when he saw plainly, that these wretched idolaters mistook him. for a god, he ought to have remembered the conduct of Paul and Barnabas at Lystra, on a similar occasion, and have shuddered at the thoughts of accepting Divine homage. If the strength of his curiosity may be pleaded as an excuse for allowing this idolatry for once, no such plea can be advanced on behalf of its repetition; which took place a few days after, at the house, or temple, of Orono, with equal, if not greater solemnity; not to speak of the more common tokens of adoration, almost daily offered to him by the priests or the people. It might, indeed, be thought good policy, to encourage this veneration of his person, as a means of ensuring his safety, and the comfort of his men; but if such was his object, it completely failed. On the 17th of January, he first accepted adoration
