338 
POLYNESIAN llESEARCIiES. 
it is unnecessary to detail their origin or progress. I 
have selected that in Huahine^ not because it is superior 
to others for its order, or faith, or the piety of its mem¬ 
bers, but because it was that of which I was, with my 
esteemed colleague, a pastor, till the providence of God 
called me to another field of Missionary labour—and 
because it was planted in the station at which I spent 
the greater part of the time I resided in the South 
Sea Islands. 
I have also been minute, perhaps too much so, in 
detailing its nature, order, and discipline. This has not 
arisen from a desire to give it undue prominency, but 
because it forms an important epoch in the history of the 
people, and is a matter of considerable interest with 
many who are concerned in the extension of the Chris¬ 
tian faith throughout the world; I also conceived the 
patrons of the South Sea Mission entitled to the most 
ample information on the subject. 
It has not been my object to exhibit the plan and 
order of this, or the other churches in those islands, as 
models of perfection, nor to claim for them any degree of 
excellency which others, formed and regulated differently 
in some minor respects, might not possess; but sim¬ 
ply to narrate our own views, and consequent proceed¬ 
ings, in reference to measures which will be regarded 
with indifference by few, if any, whatever may be their 
peculiar opinions as to the plan we have pursued. From 
all, I would ask fervent prayer, that whatever has been 
contrary to the will of God may be amended, and that what 
has been agreeable thereto may continue to share his bless¬ 
ing. The church of Christ in Huahine, as well as those in 
other islands, has had its trials. Some of its members, 
as might be expected, have departed from the faith and 
