aim was to promote the happiness of
the people, both temporal and eternal; there are many barbarous
countries where they would readily acquire much influence, and be able
in a gradual manner, by friendly and prudent suggestions to the rulers,
and in other ways, to effect changes that would be productive of
incalculable good. Many changes, with pains-taking and care, could be
made to appear to the rulers to be really for their interest, as well as
for the interest of the people; and more light and knowledge, without
the intervention of any new motive, would soon introduce them.

A few years since, the king and chiefs of the Sandwich Islands sent a
united appeal to the United States for such an instructor, to guide them
in the government of their kingdom, and offered him a competent support.
While the nation had improved in religion and morals, the government had
remained much as it was--keeping the people in the condition of serfs.
The system was wrong throughout: of the very worst kind, both for the
interests of the rulers and of the subjects. The chiefs began to see
this, and asked for an instructor. Such an instructor was not obtained;
and one of the missionaries was constrained, by the urgent necessity, to
leave the service of the mission board, and to become a political
teacher to the king and chiefs. His efforts have been crowned with great
success.

Civilians might do good also, not only in the way of their profession,
but by a Christian example, and by instructing the people, as
opportunity should offer, in the knowledge of Christ.

_Commercial men_ also, actuated by the same benevolent and disinterested
spirit, might develope the resources of heathen lands, and apply them in
a wise manner for the benefit of those lands; promote industry, and
afford the means of civilized habits; increase knowledge, by expediting
communication; and in this way, indirectly, though efficiently, aid the
progress of the Gospel. By exhibiting also in their dealings an example
of honesty, uprightness, and a conscientious regard to justice and
truth; by showing practically the only proper use of wealth, the good of
men and the glory of God; by conversing daily with individuals, as did
Harlan Page and Normand Smith, at their houses and by the wayside, on
the great subject of the soul's salvation; and by presenting in
themselves and in their families examples of a prayerful and godly life,
they might exert a powerful influence, and per