572 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
perplexing questions relative to polygamy have naturally 
arisen^ but for the principal difficulties^ the code of laws 
inserted in a preceding chapter has made suitable pro¬ 
visions. 
In the marriage ceremony, the use of the ring has not 
been introduced, and the only distinction that prevails 
in society, in reference to married and unmarried females, 
is, that the wife ceases to be called by her original 
name, and is designated by that of her husband : except¬ 
ing where the name of the wife was also an hereditary 
title of rank or honour, in which case it is retained. 
No change in their customs or usages has taken place 
in connexion with the introduction of the religion of the 
Bible, more extensive or beneficial in its influence on 
every class in society, than the institution of Christian 
marriage. Instances of unfaithfulness are not indeed 
unknown, but, considering their former habits of life, 
the partial influence of regard to character, and the slight 
inconvenience in reference to the means of support, by 
which they would probably be followed, they have but 
seldom occurred. The solemn and indissoluble obliga¬ 
tions of the marriage vow are recognized by all who 
profess to be Christians ^ and the domestic, social, and 
elevated happiness it has imparted, is readily acknow¬ 
ledged. It has entirely altered the tone of feelings, and 
imparted new principles of conduct in regard to the 
conjugal relation. 
Originating from the institution of marriage, and 
nurtured by its influence, domestic happiness, though 
formerly unknown even in name, is now sedulously culti¬ 
vated, and spreads around their abodes of order and com¬ 
fort, its choicest blessings. The husband and the wife, 
instead of promiscuously mingling with the multitude. 
