POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
431 
motive, embodied, before such observers, in undeviating 
and disinterested efforts, will in general be appreciated, 
although they may not soon yield themselves up to the 
influence of those efforts. 
One of the most effectual means of implanting 
and preserving this impression, is the exhibition of 
uniform benevolence. The office and the aim of 
every Missionary require the exercise of this dis¬ 
position in the highest degree; and he who would 
be successful, should by this identify himself, as far 
as possible, with the objects of his regard. Without 
officiously interfering with their individual or family 
affairs, he should interest himself in their welfare, and 
strive to share and alleviate their distress. Besides 
the deep commiseration, which their spiritual wretch¬ 
edness will excite, he will often find their temporal 
afflictions and sorrows such, as to claim his tenderest 
sympathy. Kindness is the key to the human heart,^’ 
when the spirit is softened or subdued under the 
influence of sufferings, it is often most suscepti¬ 
ble of salutary impression; and the exercise of Chris¬ 
tian sympathy and kindness, in such a season, will 
seldom fail to produce, even among the most bar¬ 
barous tribes, highly favourable results. 
In mere casual visits, or journeys through the coun¬ 
tries of uncivilized tribes, presents to their chiefs are 
necessary, and often desirable, even where a Missionary 
is a permanent resident; but they should always be 
given as a token of friendship and personal respect 
from the Missionary, or of good-will from some friends 
by whom they may have been sent, and not as a 
means of obtaining influence, or inducing the people 
to attend to instruction. 
