326 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
down^ near the same place, simply because it did not 
belong to him. 
These facts are most pleasing and decisive illustrations 
of the power of Christian principles. Yet every individual 
is not influenced by them. These were Christian men; 
there are others who are such only in name, and who are 
addicted to the practice of pilfering and theft, especially 
at those stations near the harbours which are the most 
frequent resorts of shipping, where the temptations are 
greatest, and the influence of foreign intercourse most 
injurious. Nevertheless, when we consider that they 
were formerly, as every navigator by whom they were 
visited has testified, almost a nation of thieves—that 
Hiro, the god of thieves and plunderers, occupied a place 
in their mythology, and had a temple and priests—we 
cannot but admire the operation of Christian principles 
in producing, in such a number of instances, a conscien¬ 
tious regard to justice and honesty. It was, there is 
reason to believe with many, the result, not of an appre¬ 
hension of detection, but of a strict regard to moral rec¬ 
titude, and the declared will of Him who said—Thou 
shalt not steal.’^ 
The meeting of those who were desirous of uniting 
with us continued; and from among them who attended, 
many were added to the church. Besides this meeting, 
we held one with the communicants only, on the Friday 
evening preceding the Sabbath when the ordinance was 
administered, which was the first Sabbath in every month. 
At these times, new members were proposed by the Mis¬ 
sionary, or by any member, to the whole body. Inquiry 
was made of those present, as to their eligibility, and if 
any had objections to an individual, he was requested to 
state them there ; if not, one or two of the members were 
