162 ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH SEAS 
his help, under the guidance of divine Providence, we suc- 
ceeded in accomplishing our object. Two Samoan teachers, 
Taniela and Tataio, were introduced to the island; they met 
with an encouraging reception, and we left rejoicing that 
God had so far prospered our way. We were very favorably 
impressed with the appearance of the natives, and everything 
seemed to encourage the hope of an easy conquest. In this 
expectation, however, we were sorely disappointed. 
“The ‘night of toil’ was long and deeply trying; eight 
weary years passed before even a ray of light gladdened 
the hearts of the sorely tried laborers; they endured great 
privations, and their lives were often in imminent peril. 
They plodded on, however, and at length they had their 
reward. One of the two pioneers, indeed, rested from his 
labors long before the dawn appeared, but after a time re- 
enforcements came to the help of the survivor, and in due 
time success crowned their toil and a precious harvest was 
gathered in. In few parts of the mission field have more 
striking displays of the power and grace of God been wit- 
nessed than on the island of Maré. 
“Tn 1854, thirteen years after the introduction of teach- 
ers, two missionaries, Mr. S. M. Creagh and Mr. J. Jones, 
settled upon the island. Mr. J. P. Sunderland and Mrs. 
Sunderland, from Samoa, accompanied Messrs. Creagh and 
Jones, and remained with them about twelve months, giving 
them the benefit of their experience in commencing their work. 
“They found a marvelous state of things: about half the 
population had renounced heathenism and embraced Chris- 
tianity; hundreds had learned to read, and services and 
schools were attended by crowds of deeply interested wor- 
shipers and learners, and many gave evidence of being gen- 
uine converts to Christianity. Churches were organized, 
and throughout the Christian part of the island the word 
of God had free course and was glorified. 
“The other side of the island, however, presented a most 
striking and melancholy contrast. There the darkness of 
