was, however, discovered, and would probably have forfeited his life had not Mr. Rodgerson exerted his influence to have him spared. This occurrence impressed the missionaries with the necessity of taking measures for their better protection in future, and confirmed them in the belief that it was advisable for them to remain together. Soon after this event a fierce and sanguinary contest broke out between Iotete and the chiefs of one of the adjoining districts. The missionaries in vain employed the most earnest entreaties and expostulations to prevent hostilities; and Iotete having succeeded, after a battle of several days' continuance, in defeating his enemies, took possession of their land.

In October, 1838, Mr. Rodgerson relinquished his station at Santa Christina, and removed with his family to Borabora, where he occupied the place of Mr. Platt, who had gone to Raiatea. In reference to his removal, he says, "I did not leave the poor Marquesians without pain of mind, being convinced how much they need even increased efforts to be made on their behalf, to deliver them from the power of the Prince of darkness by whom they are led captive at his will. Nothing should ever have induced me to take such a step could I possibly have remained with my family." After Mr. Rodgerson's removal from Santa Christina, Mr. Stallworthy pursued his solitary labors until he was joined by Mr. Thomas.

In August, 1838, two Roman Catholic mission

aries from the Popish College at Valparaiso were brought to the island by the French frigate La Venus. Mr. Stallworthy made strong objections to their settling at any station where missionaries had been placed by the London Missionary Society, but without effect. The chief having received several presents from the Captain of the frigate, cordially received the priests, and gave them a piece of land for a garden. He, however, evinced an unshaken attachment to the missionary who resided on the island, but the people showed the same indifference to the Gospel which they had always done. Early in the following year seven more Romish missionaries arrived at Santa Christina, and established themselves in various parts of the island. The imposing ceremonies connected with their worship, their insinuating manners, and their skill in operating on the self-interested motives of the people have not been without effect. No general movement has, however, taken place in their favor, and the religious instruction communicated by the missionaries continues to be well received.

CHAPTER XVII.

RECENT EFFORTS TO EXTEND THE SOUTH SEA

MISSIONS.

Mr. Williams's visit to England-Interest excited there--Purchase of a missionary ship-Missionary meeting-Address of Mr. EllisAddress of Mr. Williams-Sailing of the Camden-Arrival at Sydney-Visit to the New Hebrides-Murder of Messrs. Williams and Harris-Native College.

THE Reverend Mr. Williams, whose name has been often mentioned in this narrative, accompanied by Mrs. Williams, left England in 1816, and in the following year entered on his labors in the Society Islands. The account which we have given of the efforts of the missionaries in those Islands, and of the introduction of the Gospel into the Hervey and the Navigators' groups, will sufficiently illustrate the diligence, energy, and zeal with which his work was prosecuted.

After seventeen years of unremitted toil, the illness of both Mr. and Mrs. Williams obliged them, in 1833, to leave the Islands. In June of the following year, they arrived in England. His own health and that of Mrs. Williams having been recruited by the

voyage, and by a residence of four years in England, Mr. W. became anxious to return to the scene of his former labors. The plan proposed by him was to undertake an exploring voyage among the groups situated between the Navigators' Islands and New Guinea, and to place on them native teachers. For the prosecution of this object, it was deemed advisable to purchase a ship which should be exclusively devoted to missionary purposes. In order to procure the necessary means, an Appeal was made to Christians in England, which was speedily responded to in a very generous manner. Mr. Williams visited several parts of the kingdom, and in every place where he invited attention to the subject, the plan was cordially approved, and liberally patronised. The interest which Mr. Williams's Narrative excited throughout England, seconded by his personal representations, was so great that he found easy access to the hearts and the charities of those whom he addressed.

The Duke of Devonshire was the first nobleman who expressed his good feeling to the cause, and testified that feeling by a liberal donation. Among others who contributed, were the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and Earl Fitz William, who made a donation of £300.

The value of the contributions of the English nobility, is increased by the consideration of their ecclesiastical relations. These are referred to in a letter from the Earl of Chichester to Mr. Williams.

believe, without exception, members of the established church, there are instances of not a few of them, liberally contributing to the missionary efforts of other Christians; and, for my part, I can truly say, that notwithstanding those predilections and attachments to which I yet adhere, I feel convinced that, in contemplating with due affection the great work of preaching the Gospel to the heathen, we must merge all minor differences, in one united stream of loyalty and love to our blessed Redeemer.”

At Birmingham, a gentleman having been introduced to Mr. Williams, said to him that he had brought fifty pounds, and if two or three hundred were required, he should feel pleasure in devoting it to such a purpose.

Among the tradesmen also, who were engaged in fitting out the vessel, the same delightful feeling was displayed. “After Mr. Fletcher had put the vessel in thorough order, and rendered her in every way sea-worthy, instead of sending us in a bill for £400, he addressed to the Directors of the London Missionary Society a Christian letter, stating, that he felt gratitude to God that he was able to give such a donation to so good a cause. Then, again, a pilot, a perfect stranger, came and solicited the privilege of gratuitously piloting the vessel from London, which would have cost us £20 or £25. The individual who supplies ships with filtered water, has filled our casks with upwards of twenty tons; and instead of receiving payment, which would, perhaps, have been