sent out the first mission-ship, called the Duff. She sailed from Cadwell, England, August 10, 1796, with thirty missionaries on board, a number of whom were accompanied by their wives. Then the first missionary flag — three doves on a purple field, bearing olive branches in their beaks — floated to the breeze from her mizzen peak. The directors of the society received the missionaries of different denominations. Simply as Christians they sent them to the isles of the sea, putting into their hands the Bible, with this brief and simple charge: "Go, beloved brothers. Live agreeably to this blessed Word, and publish the Gospel to the heathen according to your gifts and abilities." The mission-ship was hailed a few days out by a man-of-war.
"Ship ahoy!"
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"What ship is that?"
"The Duff."
"Where bound?"
"Otaheite."
"What cargo?"
"Missionaries and provisions."
Eighteen of these men were left on this island. They must have done a great work, for now they have quite a number of churches and schoolhouses in this group, and many of the natives can read and write.
Saturday, September 14th, arriving on their Sunday, by our reckoning, all labor was stopped, and all hands except the first part of the starboard watch went on shore to meeting. There were two missionaries, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Pratt. The former, a very old man, preached. He
