PRINCIPLES OF LEGISLATION. 135 
others should do unto them—that with regard to 
government, Christianity taught its disciples to fear 
God and honour the king—to render to Cesar the 
things which were Cesar’s, as well as to God the 
things which were God’s—that the power which 
existed was appointed of God—and that magis¬ 
trates were for a terror to evil-doers, and a praise 
to them that do well. These general principles 
were presented and enforced as the grounds of pro¬ 
ceeding in all affairs of a civil or political nature. 
The Missionaries, though frequently appealed 
to by the people, generally left the determination 
of the matter to their own discretion, declining to 
identify themselves with either party, in any of 
their differences. They promised, however, to the 
chiefs such assistance as they could render in the 
preparation of their code of laws, and constitution 
of government, but were exceedingly anxious that 
it should be the production of the king and chiefs, 
and not of themselves. They had hitherto avoided 
interfering with the government and politics of the 
people, and had never given even their advice, 
excepting when solicited by the chiefs. When 
the conduct of petty chiefs or others had affected 
their own servants, or persons in their employ¬ 
ment, if they have taken any steps, it has been as 
members of the community, and not as ministers 
of religion. 
After the introduction of Christianity, the chiefs 
were among the first to perceive that the san¬ 
guinary modes of punishment to which they had 
been accustomed were incompatible with the spirit 
and precepts of the gospel, and earnestly desired 
to substitute measures that should harmonize with 
the new order of things. The king applied for 
assistance in this matter, soon after the general 
