LIFE OF JAMES DWIGHT DANA 



arm alone could shut out such floods of vice, and shall 

 we not pray with increased fervor that His arm may be 

 outstretched to rescue the people from further declension,' 

 that His spirit may be felt among them, giving power to 

 the truths of the Gospel, and strength to the ministers of 

 the Gospel on this island ? 



Follow me to the Navigator Islands and I will show 

 you a brighter picture, one which has made my heart 

 glad. The mission here has been established less than 

 four years, and through the grace of God the change has 

 been truly great and must cause a thrill of joy in every 

 Christian heart. At Tutuila, one of this group of islands, 

 we remained nearly two days; a short time, but long 

 enough to see the effects of the Spirit of God among the 

 people. Nearly the whole population have given up 

 their heathen rites and nominally at least profess Chris- 

 tianity. The church under Mr. Murray contains but few 

 members, I believe not over twenty or twenty-five; 

 though many others have given evidence of Christian 

 character. He admits them to church membership with 

 great caution. The natives are truly hungering for the 

 bread of life. Such solemnity as prevailed through his 

 church during divine service on Sunday might put to the 

 blush many a congregation at home. Not a smile or a 

 whisper, not a wandering eye could be seen through the 

 whole of a large congregation. They seemed to drink in 

 every word that was uttered, as if they were indeed the 

 waters of salvation to them. The influence of the Bible 

 does not leave them as they leave the church : but in all 

 their dealings with us we found them strictly honest and 

 moral. Mr. Murray, the missionary at the station we 

 visited, is a very devoted Christian. Judging from his 

 pallid countenance, he appears to be already wearing 

 away in the cause of Christ. 



" On the island of Upolu, which contains about 30,000 

 inhabitants,two-thirds have nominally embraced Christian- 

 ity ; the heathen part of the population present a striking 

 contrast in their habits, manners, and character, when 

 compared with those who have received the light of the 

 Gospel. Among the latter, books are sought for with 

 great earnestness, and day after day they look anxiously 

 forward to the publication of some new tract or new por- 

 tion of the Bible from the printing-press of the station. 



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