071 Prince Edward Island

votion. Though from early life his heart was set on foreign mission work, he was yet one of the most devoted and zealous of home workers. He was abundant in labors, and there was ample scope for his eneriges, for the whole island was little more than a mission field. His zeal was, by the blessing of God, the means of infusing new life in his co—pres- byters with regard to church work both at home and abroad. At a time when railroads were not thought of, and when there were neither the com— forts nor conveniences of travel that there now are, he traversed the whole island, visiting every settle- ment in which Presbyterian families were to be found, and never allowed cold or storm to interfere with the fulfilment of his appointments. He was always a welcome visitor. Even his old horse, Samp- son, for his master’s sake was always welcome to the best the stable could afford. Mr. Geddie’s gentle and kindly nature secured for him the warm attach- ment of old and young not only in his own congre- gation, but wherever he was known. He formed a missionary society in his own congregation in 1837, and through his influence missionary societies were formed in all the congregations of the Presbytery, and their first contributions were sent to the London Missionary Society.

In 1844 the propriety of undertaking the support of a foreign missionary amongst the heathen was brought before the Synod of the Presbyterian church of Nova Scotia by Mr. Geddie in the form of an overture. It was sent down to Presbyteries to

23