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Chalmers, James, 1841-1901

"Adventures in New Guinea"

How the change came about is simply by the use of the same
means as those acted upon in many islands of the Pacific. The first
missionaries landed not only to preach the Gospel of Divine love, but
also to live it, and to show to the savage a more excellent way than
theirs. Learning the language, mixing freely with them, showing
kindnesses, receiving the same, travelling with them, differing from
them, making friends, assisting them in their trading, and in every way
making them feel that their good only was sought. They thought at first
that we were compelled to leave our own land because of hunger!
Teachers were placed amongst the people; many sickened and died. There
was a time of great trial, but how changed is everything now! Four years
pass on, and, in 1882, we visit them. We left Port Moresby, and arrived
at East Cape on a Sunday. Morning service was finished, and, from the
vessel, we saw a number of natives well dressed, standing near the
mission house, waiting to receive us. The teachers came off, and with
them several lads, neatly dressed.


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