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It is hoped, that in various points of view, the following narrative 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 principles, and Christian institutions, to promote the true amelioration of mankind in all the relations of social life. Without depreciating the value of those efforts, which mere political philanthropists 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 machinery, for originating and accomplishing the processes of civilization. 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 23, 1826.

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