312 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
among the people^ since the preceding summer, appeared 
to increase, and demanded redoubled efforts for their 
spiritual advantage. Numbers came as candidates for 
baptism, and regularly attended the meeting for the in¬ 
struction of such. Others, from among those who had 
been baptized, desired to be admitted to church fellow¬ 
ship. 
Our liveliest affections were awakened on their behalf ; 
but while we had reason to believe many were sincere, 
we had also reason to fear that others were influenced 
by less commendable motives. Anxious to afford en¬ 
couragement or caution, as the circumstances or cha 
racter of each required, it was not easy to satisfy our 
own minds as to the best manner of proceeding. We 
feared to discourage any who were sincerely seeking a 
more intimate acquaintance with Christ, and who were 
desirous to be fully instructed in all things concerning 
his will. On the other hand, we were equally fearful of 
encouraging the indulgence of improper views, or of 
admitting to the ordinances of the gospel any who were 
uninfluenced by those motives which Christ would 
approve. 
There was, however, no part of our charge in whose 
welfare we now felt so deeply interested, as the little 
flock, of which the great Shepherd had made us the 
pastors. So far from considering our work done, with 
special reference to those whom we had instructed in the 
nature of a Christian church, and had admitted to this 
fold, we considered it as only the commencement of a 
new series of important and interesting duties, arising 
out of the new relation now subsisting between us. 
We experienced an attachment binding our hearts 
to theirs, to which we had before been strangers. 
