The Martyrs Of Polynesia PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ... THE MARTYRS OF POLYNESIA. INTRODUCTION. For a number of years it has been upon the mind of the writer to attempt to rear a memorial to the martyrs of Polynesia. The idea was suggested seventeen years ago by a remark, casually thrown out by a brother missionary, to the effect that it was much to be regretted that something had not been done towards perpetuating the memory and usefulness of the men and women who had died as martyrs, in connection with our South Sea Missions. The writer was struck with the remark, and a purpose was formed, [almost forthwith, that, should his life be spared, and the opportunity be afforded, he would make an attempt to supply what seemed to be a manifest lack in the missionary literature of the South Seas. The purpose has gained strength rather than otherwise during the intervening years, in the course of which some distinguished additions have been made to the martyr-roll of Polynesia; and now the long-waited for opportunity is afforded, and the writer enters upon the task which he has set himself, with pleasant anticipations that it will prove to him a labour of love, and that it will subserve in some measure the interests of the great cause of Christian missions. The materials for the accomplishment of the proposed object are, in some cases, rather scanty; and in all, much of what invests ordinary tales of martyrdom with such tender and stirring interest is wanting. The pomp and show and circumstances of earthly tribunals; the touching tales of the heroism and bravery of the victims; their grand testimonies as they were exposed in the amphitheatre, bound to the stake, or subjected to modes of death still more terrible--all these are wanting: nor will there be much to appeal to our feelings of patriotism...