midnight
Thus several sections of the Protestant Church have been engaged cordially together in instructing the heathen nations of the Pacific in a knowledge of the truth , and in many instances the Holy Spirit has richly blessed their efforts . Still there are many hundred islands the inhabitants of which remain in gross darkness , while a large portion of those who have been converted require instruction , support , and the correction of errors . Much is done through native agency , but still the superintendence of well-educated and well-trained English missionaries is required at even the most advanced settlements to act as overseers or superintendents . Having now given a very brief account of the progress of Christianity since those midnight hours when my uncle sailed in these seas , I may commence my personal narrative . It must be understood that I have somewhat anticipated events in the above account . At the time my narrative commences , Christianity , though advancing , had not made the great progress it has since done , and many of the islands which are now entirely Christian , were then only partially so , heathen practices prevailed , and the heathen chiefs had still influence and power . It is daylight over these regions , but nearer the dawn than noon .