PREFACE, 
It is hoped, that in various points of view, the following narra¬ 
tive will be found interesting. It will introduce to the more 
accurate knowledge of our country a portion of the human race, 
with which they have been hitherto very imperfectly acquainted; 
and tend to remove some prejudices which may have existed 
respecting the supposed invincible ferocity of the Sandwich 
Islanders. It will prove that they are rapidly emerging from 
their former condition, and preparing to maintain a higher rank 
in the scale of nations. Above all, it will furnish a decisive and 
triumphant illustration of the direct tendency of Christian prin¬ 
ciples, and Christian institutions, to promote the true ameliora¬ 
tion of mankind in all the relations of social life. Without 
depreciating the value of those efforts, which mere political phi¬ 
lanthropists may employ for the interests of humanity; such facts 
as those presented to the world, in the recent history of the 
Society and Sandwich Islands, prove, that Christianity alone 
supplies the most powerful motives, and the most effective ma¬ 
chinery, for originating and accomplishing the processes of civi¬ 
lization. While the spiritual welfare and the eternal destinies of 
men are the primary objects of its solicitude, it provides for all 
their subordinate interests on true and permanent principles; 
and thus lays a solid foundation for personal happiness, domestic 
comfort, and national prosperity. These are the legitimate 
triumphs of the gospel; these are moral demonstrations of its 
efficiency and its origin; these are proofs, in perfect harmony 
with other illustrations of the fact, that “ the foolishness of God 
is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men;” 
and that “ godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and 
of the life which is to come.” 
The candid reader will pass over all the defects in the execution 
of the work, when assured, that every pretension, except to a 
simple narrative of facts, is disclaimed; that it was prepared 
amidst a variety of engagements, and under the pressure of severe 
domestic affliction; and that the last ten years of my life have 
been so much devoted to the study of the uncultivated languages 
of the Pacific, that when most of it was written, they were more 
familiar than my native tongue. 
London, February % 3, 1826. 
