INVIDIOUS DISTINCTION. 85 
insinuated, that the founders of the Missionary 
Society expected to convert the heathen to Chris¬ 
tianity by their own energy; and the allegation 
has been occasionally repeated since thosedays,—* 
perhaps, in some instances, to increase the impres¬ 
sion produced by the accounts of the recent 
changes which have taken place in those islands, 
contrasting the former and latter results of Mis¬ 
sionary labours, and representing them as demon¬ 
strations of the impotency of man, and the power 
of the Most High. The lively feeling that 
attended the establishment of the Missionary 
Society, the liberality of the principles recognized 
as its basis, and the combination of different 
parties in its support, were at that time adapted to 
excite in minds of a cautious and deliberative habit, 
and fearful of innovation, the apprehension that it 
had originated in a desire, on the part of its pro¬ 
jectors, to signalize themselves, and secure a name 
and influence in the Christian world, to which they 
were not otherwise entitled. Individuals, whose 
minds were deeply imbued with the subject, who 
had identified themselves with its progress and its 
results, and had embarked not only their influence, 
but much of their property, in the undertaking, 
might, and probably did, under the ardour of their 
feelings, indulge on some occasions in a splendour 
of imagery, and a richness of description, that 
exceeded the sober realities of fact: but they never 
imagined that they could subvert any system of 
idolatry by their own agency ; or, that their efforts 
would be in any degree effectual for the conversion 
of the people, but as they were attended by the 
influence of the Holy Spirit. There might be, and 
perhaps was, a more confident hope of the speedy 
accomplishment of the object than now prevails; 
