Raiatea—to the shores of which the eyes of the reader have been so frequently directed, and amidst whose smiling scenes of social and spiritual prosperity, the reflecting Christian will not have lingered in vain, must, from this time, cease to fill the central position in Mr. Williams's history. For more than eleven years, deducting the periods passed at Sydney and Rarotonga, this favoured and fruitful isle had been cheered by his presence, and blessed with his labours. But, henceforward, we are to follow him into other and wider fields of exertion; for, although he returned to Raiatea, he did so rather as a visitor than as a resident. At this point, his stated and steady superintendence ceased. And it is a subject of congratulation, that it did not terminate earlier. Had not the Great Head of the church frustrated the designs of his servant, and hedged up his way, he would undoubtedly have engaged in his Missionary Enterprises, ere the experiment so auspiciously commenced at Raiatea, could have been conducted to such a successful issue; and in that case, the fruit which his care and toil had brought to maturity, would have fallen unripe to the ground. But, happily, he laboured there long enough to demonstrate, by the most conclusive evidences, the leading objects, the essential features, and the incalculable value of Christian Missions; and it is difficult to conceive that a candid mind could consider the history of this island, without admitting their importance and obligation.