The Missionary by S. N. H.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 16, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 27.

The Missionary.

By S. N. H.

Incidents by the Way. No. 3.

MISSIONARY WORK ON NAVIGATOR’S ISLANDS.

WE are becoming more than ever satisfied that we have never fully realized the importance of extending our work to all portions of the earth. John saw the mighty angel come down from heaven, and the earth was lighted with his glory. The last solemn warning of mercy is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. There are many groups of islands in the Pacific Ocean, and these to a greater or less extent are inhabited; some of them for commercial interests only, and that temporarily, while most of them have permanent settlers. Where this is the case, enterprising English-speaking people are found; so much so, that there are natives as well as foreigners who understand both languages. Thus through the English language a door is opened for the truth to almost every island in the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. These islands yield some products that are of commercial value to other parts of the world. It is thus that the world is brought together.

We have never realized the importance of the ship missionary work as we have on this voyage. Vessels are sent out, not on regular lines directly to and from certain nations as the steam-ships that cross the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, but in search of trade. They go everywhere. The Samoan Islands, formerly called Navigator’s Islands, are nine in number, 4,365 miles from San Francisco, 2,271 miles from Honolulu, and 2,775 from Sydney, Australia. Like other groups in the Pacific Ocean, there is one principal island from which the mail and all information is brought to the others in that group. Sometimes small groups that are not more than seventy-five or one hundred miles distant will receive their communications from some other group. We can safely say that from the islands of the sea to the uttermost parts of the earth there is a connection at the present day. And wherever this connection exists civilization exists to a greater or less extent. The heralds of the cross have gone and prepared the way.

It is stated that there are no more productive fields for cotton in the world than on some of the Samoan Islands. There are two large German companies that send vessels from Hamburg, Germany, and trade in cotton raised on one of these islands. Tropical fruits grow here in abundance. The bread fruit, cocoanut, banana, taro, and yam form the staple food all over Polynesia. In some small islands, the inhabitants live altogether on the cocoa, and grow nothing else. Oranges are also found here. These products bring trade from different parts of the world. Of this group, Tutula is the one that forms the connection with those vessels that cross the Pacific carrying the United States and English mails. The steamers running to and from Australia exchange mails at this point.

It is estimated that there are not less than 50,000 people on these islands. Probably 3,000 of these are civilized. Missionaries are all through these islands teaching schools and employing the natives in husbandry. Attending worship on Sunday, clothed like the white man, is, it seems, made a test of Christianity more than is a change of heart. They are very strict observers of Sunday. A large proportion of the natives have learned to read. This being the situation of matters it can be readily seen that those who have gone there from parts where reading was plenty would be ready to devour anything that should come to them in the shape of reading, and from them, the natives would also receive it readily.

Providentially we became acquainted with a man from Berkeley, California, who has been employed by the Guano Mining Company for a year, as chemist and surgeon. He goes to the Samoan Islands, and from there takes the schooner to the Phenix Islands. He knows about our work in California. This man manifests an interest in taking our publications to these islands, and is willing to do for us in this direction all that he can. We furnished him with what we thought was proper, and with it sent many prayers that it might bear some fruit in the kingdom of God. This, we think, is casting bread on the waters. We hope to hear from it again.

We trust that the time is not far distant when we shall know of young men whom God has called, who will go to these islands as others have to the Sandwich Islands. In this manner the truth can be planted in the islands of the sea. We are becoming satisfied in our own minds that we have not entered the Australian field any too soon. May God help us to be faithful, to have discernment to see, and hearts to understand, each and every opening of God’s providence where the truth may be planted in the isles of the sea, and in the country where we are going. We believe that we shall have the prayers of our brethren, and when means are wanted that that also will be forthcoming to send the truth to the earth’s remotest bounds.

It is evident that our missionary work on the ship is telling to some extent. We have the respect of both crew and passengers. We have found some very fine Christian people in the steerage. Last night we were informed that they had been to the captain and asked the privilege of holding religious services on the deck to-day after the ship’s services. Not only did he grant the privilege but had the arrangements all made, and furnished an organ.

Accordingly at three o’clock on Sunday, May 24, we met. There were not only the steerage passengers present, but many of the cabin passengers. Elder Corliss preached, taking for his text, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The points were made clear and forcible. Good attention was paid. Everything passed off pleasantly. To all appearance a good impression was made. We can but thank God that we have a truth that can be presented under all circumstances.

There was a Jewish lady present, and when the promise to Abraham was referred to, her attention was arrested, and from that time she paid the strictest attention. We hope that impressions were made that will yield fruit in the kingdom of God. S. N. H.