308 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
Having been for some months engaged weekly in 
imparting this kind of instruction to those who had 
expressed their desire to receive the ordinance of the 
Lord^s supper, the month of May was selected for 
forming the church. Sixteen individuals, who in the 
judgment of charity we had every reason to believe were 
sincere Christians, then met us, and, after imploring the 
blessing of the great Head of the church, offering a 
suitable address, and receivmg their declaration of faith 
in Christ, and desire to enjoy the privileges of church- 
fellowship, a voluntary association was formed, the right- 
hand of fellowship was given, and they recognized each 
other as members of the first church of Christ in 
Huahine. 
We did not present any creed or articles of faith for 
their subscription on this occasion. Sensible of the in¬ 
sufficiency of all mere human writings, however excellent, 
to restrain the mind, or control the opinions of men, we 
thought it best to dispense with them, lest the bare 
assent, or subscription to certain articles of faith, or 
doctrines of truth, should be substituted, as grounds of 
confidence, for an experience of the influence of those 
doctrines on the heart. Their names only were entered 
in a book kept by the Missionaries for that purpose, and 
called the Church-book. This little meeting w^as held 
in the chapel at Fare, on Friday evening, the 5th of 
May, 1820: and it is hoped that what was done on earth 
was confirmed in heaven, and that the union then formed 
among the disciples of Christ below, though it may be 
dissolved by death, will be realized in his presence above, 
and endure through eternity. 
On the following Sabbath, May the un-* 
usual number attended the large place of worship. Mr. 
