Revised Jun 13, 2021
Adams had begun to read his Bible; and who can tell the power given by the grace of God to the study of the revealed Word, with prayer? With a clearer view of the parental character, and of the condition of his own soul, Adams became a religious man. He gained a knowledge of the Saviour, who died for him, and who called him by His grace. Penitent and zealous for his Master's honour, the lately rough sailor was softened, and began to inculcate in the minds of the young people about him the love and fear of God. He prayed for them, and for himself. He observed the rules of the Church of England, always had morning and evening prayers, and taught the children the Collects, the Catechism, and other portions of the Prayer-book. He was very particular in hearing them say the Lord's Prayer and the Apostles' Creed. The youthful pupils took such delight in Adams's instructions, that on one occasion, on his offering to two of the lads, Arthur Quintal and Robert Young, some compensation for their labour in preparing ground for planting yams, they proposed, that, instead of his giving the present held out to them, consisting of a small quantity of gunpowder, he should teach them some extra lessons out of the Bible, a request with which he joyfully complied.
He exhorted the people, before going out fishing, or proceeding on any dangerous enterprise, to pray to God for his protection and blessing. On one occasion, he and some of the Otaheitan women went out fishing on the south side of the island. The surf became heavy, and broke their canoe. To ascend the precipice was impossible. Their only alternative was, as Adams told them, to commit themselves by prayer to their Maker, and swim to a rock some distance from the land, and again swim to another part of the island. This they did; and at last they all reached the shore in safety.
Adams, in the latter part of his life, was very fond of reading a book published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, entitled, "The Knowledge and Practice of Christianity; an Instruction for the Indians, by the Right Rev. Dr. Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and Man."