6 The Pioneer. 
1796: Captain Wilson carried the first band of christian 
missionaries, sent out by the London Society, to Tahiti, in the 
ship “ Duff.” 
1812: After sixteen years’ seemingly fruitless labour, and 
while the missionaries were absent from the Island—driven 
away by war—a few of the natives met to pray ; and when the 
missionaries returned they found the people prepared to abandon 
idolatry and embrace christianity. 
1817: John Williams joined the mission. 
1827: The first missionary ship, the “ Messenger of Peace,” 
was built by John Williams at Raiatea. 
1838: The first British missionary ship, “The Camden,” was 
built in England. 
1839 : November 19, John Williams paid the first missionary 
visit to the New Hebrides, and placed native teachers on Tana. 
On the following day he landed at Eramanga, and was murdered. 
1848 : May 28, Mr. and Mrs. Geppie landed at Aneityum. 
My story opens at the last of these dates, and will narrate the 
labours of the last-named missionary. But first I shall say a few 
words about his previous career. 
Joun GEDDIE was born in 1816, in the quaint old town of 
Banff on the shores of the Moray Firth. His father followed 
the honourdble occupation of a goldsmith. He was a much- 
respected citizen and a devout christian. He had come to be 
much interested in the London Society’s South-Sea enterprise, 
and was anxious to help on God’s work in the world. Robert 
Morrison, China’s great missionary, was his apprentice—whom 
he released from a profitable indenture that he might equip him- 
self for higher service. And when this child was born: his 
parents gave him up in a silent dedication to God, for such 
mission work at home or abroad as He might be pleased to ap- 
point for him. Their wishes in that matter were abundantly 
gratified. 
