BOWDITCH ISLAND. 23 



lead them among this as yet uncontaminated people, who will then 

 receive, coeval with their discovery, and prior to any contaminating 

 influence, the truths of the gospel. 



The plan adopted, of using native pioneers, seems to be one well 

 calculated to succeed ; and I am satisfied, from the view I have had 

 of missionary operations, that it is the only one likely to give a founda- 

 tion on which to raise any permanent superstructure. 



The white missionaries have a vast many difficulties to contend 

 with, and are very likely to be deceived in some respects, in conse- 

 quence of their general want of knowledge of the world. These diffi- 

 culties are principally the hypocrisy and deceit of the natives, who are 

 adepts in the art, giving a false impression relative to their feelings and 

 designs, particularly when they think their personal interest may be 

 promoted by their dissimulation. This trait of character is not con- 

 fined to individuals, but frequently extends to whole districts. 



Influential natives, brought up as teachers, are well calculated for 

 the duties of missionaries, and take pride in the performance of them, 

 and being fully aware of the native character, understand well where 

 to place their confidence. I have had occasion to speak of the enthu- 

 siastic manner in which they enter upon their duties. 



I would not be understood as throwing any doubt over the expe- 

 diency of the missionary operations in these islands, but my intention 

 is to express my preference of the mode they are now adopting to 

 spread the gospel into the other islands, a mode which I am well 

 satisfied will be of infinite advantage in facilitating the desired effect, 

 and at a much less cost, both of time and money. 



No political change had taken place in the government. Malietoa 

 and the Manono party still have the power in their hands, but reports 

 were rife that the chief had been a backslider from his professions of 

 Christianity, by attending some of the feasts of the devil's party. 

 The consequence, as at his time of life may be readily imagined, was 

 a fit of sickness, which has been considered as a judgment upon him, 

 and caused his return with much contrition to his religious duties and 

 observances. It is said, that during his illness there was much excite- 

 ment among the high chiefs, in relation to the succession to his title, 

 that of " Tupu," or sovereign; and some fears were entertained that 

 an outbreak might occur, that would place the power in the hands of 

 some of the restless spirits that are known to be averse to the mis- 

 sionaries. If, however, they have established themselves as firmly 

 as appearances warrant one in believing, there cannot be much danger 

 that their exertions will be retarded, much less put a stop to. 



Among the visiters to the ships, was Mole, the second son of Malietoa, 



