religion. For example, instead of thundering, as was my duty, at her
worldly diversions of promiscuous dancing, and ball play, I took a part
in these secular pursuits, fondly persuading myself that my presence
discouraged levity, and was a check upon unseemly mirth.

Thus, among the young native men and maidens, in the windings of the mazy
dance, might have been seen disporting himself, a person of stalwart
form, whose attire still somewhat faintly indicated his European origin
and sacred functions. A hymn-book in my hand instead of a rattle (used
by the natives), I capered gaily through their midst. Often and often I
led the music, instructing my festive flock in English hymns, which,
however, I adapted to gay and artless melodies, such as "There's some one
in de house wid Dinah!" or "Old Joe kicking up behind and afore!"

This kind of entertainment was entirely new to the natives, who heartily
preferred it to their own dull music, resembling what are called, I
believe, "Gregorians," by a bloated and Erastian establishment.

So far, then, I may perchance trust that my efforts were not altogether
vain, and the seed thus sown may, in one or two cases, have fallen on
ground not absolutely stony. But, alas! I have little room for hope.

I pursued my career of unblushing "economy"--as the Jesuits say, meaning,
alas! economy of plain truth speaking--and of heathen dissipation. Few
were the dances in which I did not take a part, sinking so low as
occasionally to oblige with a hornpipe. My blue ribbon had long ago worn
out, and with it my strict views on Temperance. I acquired a liking for
the strange drink of the islanders--a thick wine and water, sometimes
mixed with cheese and honey. In fact, I was sliding back--like the
unfortunate Fanti missionary, John Greedy, M.A., whose case, as reported