Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands; with remarks upon the natural history of the islands, origin, languages, traditions and usages of the inhabitants

Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands; with remarks upon the natural history of the islands, origin, languages, traditions and usages of the inhabitants

Williams, John

London: Snow, 1837

Internet Archive

1837

George Eliot to Maria Lewis, 6-8 November 1838. "Are you fond of the study of unfulfilled prophecy? The vagaries of the Irvingites and the blasphemies of Joanna Southcote together with the fanciful interpretations of more respectable names have been regarded as beacons, and have caused many persons to hold all diving into the future plans of Providence as the boldest presumption; but I do think that a sober and prayerful consideration of the mighty revolutions ere long to take place in our world would by God's blessing serve to make us less grovelling, more devoted and energetic in the service of God. Of course I mean only such study as pigmies like myself in intellect and acquirement are able to prosecute; the perusal and comparison of Scripture and the works of pious and judicious men on the subject. I wonder if you have read Mr. Williams's account of his missionary enterprises in the South Seas. It is deeply interesting; truly the "isles are submitting to the Lord" and literally "wailing for His law" for in many islands the parting request of the inhabitants was "Do send us a teacher." If you have not seen the book and have an opportunity of choosing one for your society I think I may venture to say that it could not fail to interest any person of taste to say nothing of religion. Mr. W. is a dissenter but the B[isho]p of Chester highly commended his work in a speech at a meeting of the Bible Society and it has since been purchased by all denominations. If you have any bigots near you there could not be a better book for them." GEL 1: 11-2

Williams, John, Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands; with remarks upon the natural history of the islands, origin, languages, traditions and usages of the inhabitants, George Eliot's Reading, George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/57416

https://georgeeliotarchive.org/files/original/8ef6e599a073f82f525887d16cbacf42.pdf