Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/277

 SOMOSOMO. 24T same thatch were several tiny gi-aves, where the devoted men and wo- men of that Mission had laid their little ones who had died early in the land of strangers. Mr. Williams, on hearing of the death at Somoso- mo, at once set out from Lakemba in a canoe, in order that he might do all that sympathy could, to comfort the widow, and help in preparing for her departure with her five orphans when the Mission ship should arrive. He also prepared a neat wooden monument, with an inscrip- tion, to place over the grave of Mr. Cross.* At the District Meeting in 1843, the state of affairs at Somosomo caused the Missionaries gi-eat anxiety. Much of their best labour had been expended there, but with small visible result. Yet it seemed likely that to abandon the Station just then would be to imperil the safety of several infant Churches in other parts of Fiji, where the in- fluence of Somosomo was felt. It was also felt that it was not the place for a solitary Missionary ; so the Rev. Thomas Williams joined Mr. Lyth in August, and in September of the following year, on Mr. Lyth's removal to Lakemba, the Rev. David Hazlewood, who had lately arrived from Sydney, came to the Station. In June, 1845, Mr. Williams writes as follows : — " Our opportunities of preaching to strangers from other parts of Tuikilakila's do- minions have been unusually numerous. Seyeral hundreds of these strangers, influ- enced br curiosity, have visited our houses, and the little place in which we assemble for public worship ; and in these their attention has been directed to Jesus Christ, the friend of poor, sinful, deluded Fijians. We have also frequently, and, when practicable, regularly visited them and the Somosomo people in their respective habitations. We mostly find a welcome ; and the people often inquire, with a degree of seriousness, what constitutes the wide diflference between us and them ; but they scarcely dare think of embracing that religion which secures to those who cordially embrace it present and everlasting happiness. At the commencement of the year 1845, we were rejoiced to see a movement amongst some of the people in favour of Christianity ; but it was of short duration. It is true, a respectable Chief amongst the Somosomo people gave in his name as a Christian, in consequence of his wife having fallen down dead ; but, as he is so afraid of the King that he dare not unite with us, even in our regular Sabbath ser- vices, his union with us, under such circumstances, tends to discourage persons of the lower classes, who may think of following his example. Indeed, the people do not fear without a cause, the King having publicly repeated his determination to kill and eat any of his people who may profess and interest themselves in the religion of Jesus. He has further shown his dislike to religion, by his severe conduct to a few semi-Christian Ton- gans who reside here, on account of some of them expressing a determination to attend our Sunday services. As the King's authority here is absolute, the people do not dare to oppose themselves to him in such a matter as religion. The excellency of religion is but partially perceived by them, whilst they have the most debasing idea of their King's power." Islands : with a short Xotice of the early History of the Missions. By the Eev. J. Hunt. Sec- ond Edition. London: Mason.
 * Memoir of the Rev. William Cross, Wesleyan 2fissionary to the Friendly and Feeje6