Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/300

 270 FIJI AITD THE FIJIANS. where the new religion prevailed ; and after the firmness of the people in keeping to their principles, it became a question of great moment, how they would act in the matter of tribute. At this time, while so many eyes were upon them, the Christian people of Ono cheerfully paid the usual tribute, and acknowledged the authority of those who were over them. The news of this went, side by side, with the news of the spread of the lotu at Ono, and great good was thus effected throughout Fiji. Tui Nayau and his heathen Chiefs had now lost all their partisans at Ono, and the Christian girl was left undisturbed, though unable to be married, as the King had never formally relinquished his claim. In addition to the two Tongan Teachers, Silas Faone and Jonah Tonga, and the two natives already mentioned, there were raised up among the Ono people several men of great worth and zeal, who were made very useful. The printing-press now furnished a larger supply of books. Portions of the New Testament and of Genesis, the First and Second Wesleyan Catechisms, and Short Sermons, giving a simple system of theological teaching, were eagerly sought after by the peo- ple, and the sermons were greatly treasured by the Teachers, Class- Leaders, and Exhorters. Many could read well, and seemed anxious to learn, and some began to write as well. In October, 1845, Ono was again visited by a Missionary, who was gladdened by tidings of a great work of good which had been going on there. On the Sunday after Whit-Sunday, while the service at the ad- jacent island of Ndoi was being conducted by Nathan Thataki, — who remains to this day a devoted labourer in another part of Fiji, — the people began to weep aloud. The preacher was much affected, and sank down, unable to proceed. A note was sent across to Ono to the head Teacher, Silas, who immediately came, and again assembled the people for service ; but the emotion and excitement were so great that he was not able to preach. They then prayed together, and, as in the olden time, the Holy Ghost fell upon them in great power. Silas begged the people to go with him to Ono, and they crossed over, dividing them- selves into parties for the different chapels where prayer-meetings were held. The holy influence now spread on all hands. Old and young became alarmed and earnest about their souls. In a few weeks, about two hundred persons showed good signs of having been truly saved. Great was the joy of these new converts, and whole nights as well as days were spent in praise and prayer. Several said they should like to die soon, lest they should sin again ; and many offered to go to the most dangerous parts of Fiji, to tell about the salvation which had made them so happy.