"Knowest thou the value of a soul immortal?
Behold the midnight glory, worlds on worlds!
Amazing pomp! Redouble the amaze.
Ten thousand add, and twice ten thousand more;
Then weigh the whole. ONE SOUL outweighs them all."




VIII.--THE SOUTH SEA MISSION.


[Illustration: Map of Western Polynesia, New Caledonia, Loyalty Is.
&c.]

[Illustration: Map of Samoa or Navigators Islands]

The SOUTH SEA MISSION lies deep in the affection of the Society's
friends. Seventy years have passed since the first missionaries were
landed by the _Duff_ on the Island of TAHITI. After long trial of
patience, amid a most depraved and corrupt people, heathenism gave
way, the gospel triumphed, and the Society Islands became Christian.
In 1823 RAROTONGA was discovered, and the Hervey Islands, now
containing one of the brightest groups of our Christian churches,
were evangelized. In 1830, SAMOA received that gospel which has
sanctified the gentle habits of its people, and produced in them a
zeal in the extension of the church which none of their neighbours
have excelled. In 1840 and onward, the efforts to evangelize the dark
races of the NEW HEBRIDES were commenced and partly frustrated. In