430 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
only that which arises from their expectation of the pre¬ 
sents he may make them. His influence must be of 
another and a higher order^ if he desires to succeed. 
The effect of a present on the mind of a rude or 
partially civilized chieftain is instantaneous, but requires 
constant repetition, or increase, to prevent its decline. 
The influence which a Missionary will aim to possess 
is more difficult to attain; but when once possessed, is of 
exceedingly greater value. It is the result of a convic¬ 
tion in the minds of the people, that his ultimate aim is 
their welfare; that he comes among them to promote, 
not his own, but their interest; and that his efforts tend 
to increase their knowledge and their enjoyments, and 
are adapted to put them in possession of the means of 
multiplying their comforts in this life, and leading them 
to future blessedness. 
To produce and sustain this conviction in the minds 
of the people around him, should be one of the first and 
the constant endeavours of a Missionary. Until he has 
effected this, he can expect but little success; and when 
once, under the blessing of God, it is attained, one of the 
greatest difficulties in his way will be removed. This 
influence is not to be obtained by presents; these, the 
most rude and untutored heathen know, are seldom 
given unless an equivalent is expected in return; but 
it is to be gained by a full, plain, and explicit state¬ 
ment of his objects in the commencement of his work, 
and a uniform reference, in all his subsequent conduct, to 
the advancement of these objects. Uncivilized communi¬ 
ties are often most shrewd observers of the conduct of 
those who enter their society, and pay far more regard 
to the actions and dispositions, than the mere declara¬ 
tions, of strangers. Singleness of aim, and purity of 
