PREFACE. Vll 
imaginations, in America and elsewhere, have 
thought, by their correspondence, it was their 
calling to effect. 
" The affectionate attachment of the islanders 
to Mr. Nobbs (who, in the triple capacity of 
pastor, surgeon, and teacher, is as necessary to 
them as their food) created some little difficulty 
in his leaving; but it was overcome by the 
arrangement made for leaving with them our 
chaplain, Mr. Holman, and by my assurance 
that I would return their pastor to them with 
as little delay as possible. I hope I am not 
wrong in supposing that if Mr, Nobbs is found 
worthy of being ordained, only a short time will 
be required to prepare. 
" I think I did not mention to the Bishop of 
London the way in which Mr. Nobbs reached 
Pitcairn. It disproves the malignant stories 
which have been circulated. And the success 
of twenty-four years' labour is an abundant 
proof, that, under the blessing of God, he has 
educated in the principles of our Church, as one 
united family, a community whose simple and 
virtuous lives are so pre-eminent. 
" In 1826 he left England for the purpose of 
going to Pitcairn. For nearly two years, by 
