338 THE EVOLUTION OF THEOLOGY vin 



to the influence of foreign idolatries, we may fairly 

 inquire whether editorial Bowdlerising has not 

 prevailed over historical truth. 



An attempt to compare the ethical standards 

 of two nations, one of which has a written code, 

 while the other has not, is beset with difficulties. 

 With all that is strange and, in many cases, repul- 

 sive to us in the social arrangements and opinions 

 respecting moral obligation among the Tongans, 

 as they are placed before us, with perfect candour, 

 in Mariner's account, there is much that indicates 

 a strong ethical sense. They showed great kindli- 

 ness to one another, and faithfulness in standing 

 by their comrades in war. No people could have 

 better observed either the third or the fifth com- 

 mandment ; for they had a particular horror of 

 blasphemy, and their respectful tenderness to- 

 wards their parents and, indeed, towards old people 

 in general, was remarkable. 



It cannot be said that the eighth commandment 

 was generally observed, especially where Euro- 

 peans were concerned ; nevertheless a well-bred 

 Tongan looked upon theft as a meanness to which 

 he would not condescend. As to the seventh com- 

 mandment, any breach of it was considered 

 scandalous in women and as something to be 

 avoided in self-respecting men ; but, among un- 

 married and. widowed people, chastity was held 

 very cheap. Nevertheless the women were 

 extremely well treated, and often showed them- 



