GOOD CONDUCT OF VISITORS. 157 
Thomas Staines visited the island in 1814, so 
they are now in 1856, — the same contented, 
kind, and God-fearing race. Nor need we feel 
surprise at this, however delighted we may be 
with the picture. They are sensible of the trea- 
sure which they possess in the Bible, and they 
take it for their guide in the performance of 
their duty towards God and their neighbour. 
And they have learned to estimate the value 
and excellency of the Book of Common Prayer, 
which, as a faithful exponent of the revealed 
word of God, has tended to keep them in the 
unity of faith, in the bond of peace, and in 
righteousness of life. 
The difficulty of landing on the island, and 
the want of harbour and anchorage, though at 
first sight a disadvantage, may have proved a 
blessing, in preserving these simple-minded 
people from the baneful effects too likely to 
arise from crews remaining, as a matter of 
course, among them. As it is, the behaviour 
both of officers and men, who visit the place, is 
stated to be most exemplary. No encourage- 
ment is given to evil ; and no instance can be 
quoted of the transgression, on the part of 
visitors, of the sacred law of hospitality. On 
the contrary, the good habits, and moral and 
religious conduct of the islanders, do not fail to 
produce, by the power of example, a wholesome 
influence on strangers. 
If it be asked how the people pass their 
time, and what they can have to do in a spot 
whose utmost limit is barely four miles and a 
half in circumference, comprising less of extent 
