’I think, therefore, that men are needed who have what I may call strong religious common sense to adapt Christianity to the wants of the various nations that live in Melanesia, without compromising any truth of doctrine or principle of conduct—­men who can see, in the midst of the errors and superstitions of a people, whatever fragment of truth or symptom of a yearning after something better may exist among them, and make that the point d’appui, upon which they may build up the structure of Christian teaching.  Men, moreover, of industry they must be, for it is useless to talk of “picking up languages.”  Of course, in a few days a man may learn to talk superficially and inaccurately on a few subjects; but to teach Christianity, a man must know the language well, and this is learnt only by hard work.

’Then, again, unless a man can dispense with what we ordinarily call comfort or luxuries to a great extent, and knock about anywhere in Melanesian huts, he can hardly do much work in this Mission.  The climate is so warm that, to my mind, it quite supplies the place of the houses, clothing, and food of old days, yet a man cannot accommodate himself to it all at once.  I don’t say that it came naturally to me five years ago, as it does now, when I feel at home anywhere, and cease to think it odd to do things which, I suppose, you would think very extraordinary indeed.

’But most of all—­for this makes all easy—­men are wanted who really do desire in their hearts to live for God and the world to come, and who have really sought to sit very loosely to this world.  The enjoyment, and the happiness, and the peace all come, and that abundantly; but there is a condition, and the first rub is a hard one, and lasts a good while.

’Naturally buoyant spirits, the gift of a merry heart, are a great help; for oftentimes a man may have to spend months without any white man within hundreds of miles, and it is very depressing to live alone in the midst of heathenism.  But there must be many many fellows pulling up to Surley to-night who may be well able to pull together with one on the Pacific—­young fellows whose enthusiasm is not mere excitement of animal spirits, and whose pluck and courage are given them to stand the roughnesses (such as they are) of a missionary life.  For, dear Uncle, if you ever talk to any old pupil of yours about the work, don’t let him suppose that it is consistent with ease and absence of anxiety and work.  When on shore at Kohimarama, we live very cosily, as I think.  Some might say we have no society, very simple fare, &c.; I don’t think any man would really find it so.  But in the islands, I don’t wish to conceal from anyone that, measured by the rule of the English gentleman’s household, there is a great difference.  Why should it, however, be measured by this standard?  I can truly say that we have hitherto always had what is necessary for health, and what does one need more? though I like more as much as anyone.