noon
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 . Many a year must pass away before the full blaze of the light of truth will shine from east to west across the vast Pacific . I must not forget to mention the impediments which the priests of Rome , chiefly Frenchmen , endeavour to throw in the way of the progress of the pure faith in Christ . To gain an influence with the natives they wink at many of their vices , they teach them an idolatrous faith , and try to prejudice them against the Protestants .