534 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
upon just and honourable principles, were viewed as 
inimical to their interest, and consequently beneath 
their regard. It is needless to add, that these speculations 
ended in embarrassment and loss. 
The habits of intemperance which Pomare was led to 
indulge, in consequence of these associations, threw a 
stain upon his character, and cast a gloom over his mind, 
from which he never recovered, and under the cloud thus 
induced he ended his days. 
He was also reported to be addicted to other vices, 
but it is not my object to exhibit the dark features of his 
character—truth and impartiality require what has been 
said—and it is with far greater pleasure that we contem- 
plate his uniform kindness to the Missionaries, and his 
steady patronage of them, especially in their seasons of 
greatest extremity, when civil wars forced them to 
abandon their home, and seek safety in flight. His 
unwavering adherence to the profession of Christianity, 
amidst the greatest ridicule and persecution, and his valua¬ 
ble aid in its introduction, were highly serviceable to the 
nation. Without presuming to pronounce an opinion on 
his final state, he certainly was employed by God (who 
selects his agents from whatever station he chooses, and 
uses them just so long as he sees fit,) as a principal 
instrument in subverting idol-worship, introducing the 
gospel of Jesus Christ, and establishing a code of laws 
founded on the principles of true religion; he is there¬ 
fore to be considered, if not a father, undoubtedly as a 
benefactor to his country. Pomare was not averse to 
religious conversation and devotional engagements; we 
conversed very freely together the last time I saw him, 
which was about two months before his death. He ex¬ 
pressed his apprehensions of the increase of his disorder. 
