INFLUENCE OF PRESENTS. 259 
which arises from their expectation of the presents 
he may make them. His influence must be of a 
higher order, if he desires to succeed. 
The effect of a present on the mind of a rude or 
partially civilized chieftain is instantaneous, but it 
requires constant repetition, or increase, to prevent 
its decline. The influence which a Missionary 
will aim to possess is more difficult to attain ; but 
when once possessed, is of exceedingly greater 
value. It is the result of a conviction in the minds 
of the people, that his ultimate aim is their welfare ; 
that he comes among them to promote, not his 
own, but their interest; and that his efforts tend to 
increase their knowledge and their enjoyments, 
and are adapted to put them in possession of the 
means of multiplying their comforts in this life, 
and leading them to future blessedness. 
To produce and sustain this conviction in the 
minds of the people around him, should be among 
the first and the constant endeavours of a Mis¬ 
sionary. Until he has effected this, he can expect 
but little success; and when once, under the 
blessing of God, it is attained, one of the greatest 
difficulties in his way will be removed. This in¬ 
fluence is not to be obtained by presents; these, 
the most rude and untutored heathen know, are 
seldom given unless an equivalent is expected in 
return; but it is to be gained by a full, plain, and 
explicit statement of his objects in the commence¬ 
ment of his work, and a uniform reference, in all 
his subsequent conduct, to the advancement of 
these objects. Uncivilized communities are often 
most shrewd observers of the conduct of those who 
enter their society, and pay far more regard to the 
actions and dispositions, than the mere declara¬ 
tions, of strangers. Singleness of aim, and purity 
s 2 
