interest, and inspire its friends with a warmer and more enduring zeal. Let it teach the nations, that there dwells not a human being on the face of the earth, who may not be brought to bow before the cross of Christ; no matter whether he be found in the centre of dark and fettered Asia, or on the arid plains of long abused Africa; whether he roams the wilds of Siberia, or is burnt by a vertical sun. In conclusion, I would remark, that the converted Sandwich Islanders are happily situated in respect to the influence they may exert on other less favoured people. They have easy communication with the Polynesian Isles. They are visited by ships from all parts of the world. The recollection of their own recent delivery from superstitious bondage, will excite them to the most persevering efforts in behalf of others. Already have they begun to contribute of their substance to the cause of Christian philanthropy. We know not how great their influence may be, nor in what manner it may be directed; but we have every reason to believe, that it will be extensive and highly auspicious to the great interests of humanity and religion. But I must bring these reflections to a close, or the deep interest I feel in the subject, will carry me beyond due bounds. In reading the foregoing letters, the thought can scarcely have escaped you, that these poor islanders will rise up in judgment against many in our land, who have enjoyed far greater privileges than they, and have yet abused them all. Let it be your earnest endeavour to lay up a treasure in heaven, which is subject neither to change nor decay, and which shall be shared by you in common with an innumerable company, redeemed out of every kindred, and nation, and tongue, and people. Yours, E. E. APPENDIX, Added for the purpose of facilitating the pronunciation of Hawaiian words. In publishing the present edition of this work, the Committee of Publication acknowledge their obligations to Mr. Loomis, formerly a missionary at the Sandwich Islands, for many valuable suggestions. They have all received attention, especially those relating to the orthography of Hawaiian words. In this respect considerable changes have been. made, which are fully justified by the practice prevailing on the islands, and which will doubtless soon prevail in this country. The history of the mission has been brought down to the latest intelligence, and the work rendered more complete than in the former edition, which was pronounced by Mr. Loomis, the best he had seen on the subject. THE END. |