Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/318

 288 FIJI AND THE FIJIANS. Joseph Mbukarau became a Christian. All seemed earnest and zeal- ous, but they looked forward with considerable misgiving to the ap- proaching visit of Tuikilakila, the terrible King of Somosomo, who had threatened to kill and eat any of his subjects who should lotu. He was now about to visit his Lomaloma dominions to receive tribute, and the report had been diligently circulated that he would carry out his threat on any who persisted in their adherence to Christianity. Then the members of the little Church betook themselves to earnest prayer, and determined calmly to abide the result. The great cannibal King ar- rived, attended by many of his people, sailing in several canoes. He heard of the fears of the Christians, and said, " The report is false. I never said so. Why should 1% Is there any land where Christianity is not % Are not Missionaries living with me ? " Thus were these good people set at rest, and their heathen neighbours surprised and confounded. This was one of the good results of the Somosomo Mission. Another trial awaited the people of the lotu. They had hitherto refused to join in presenting first-fruits to the gods of the land, and to work on the Lord's day. Arrangements were made for the great event of the King's visit — the presentation of tribute — to take place on the Sunday. After trying vainly to get the day altered, the Chris- tians firmly refused to take part in the proceedings. Their absence was sure to be remarked, and no one could foretell the effect such a slight would have on the much dreaded visitors. The next day, the Chris- tians acknowledged the King's supremacy by bringing their own sepa- rate offering of tribute, which was very graciously received. This affair produced a most favourable impression on the minds of the Somo- somo King and his people, showing, as it did, what was the genuine effect of Christianity when thoroughly carried out ; but the Lomaloma Heathens, who expected far different reception for their Christian coun- trymen, were again greatly disappointed. Many circumstances took place which tended to increase the influ- ence of the new religion among the people. A woman who professed to be inspired by an evil spirit, soon lost her frenzy when brought under the influence of the Christian Teacher ; and the priests found it more and more difficult to get up a good shaking under the inspiration of their gods. On one occasion, when a feast of many pigs and other food was duly prepared, and the priests seated round, ready to begin their convulsive performance under the divine afflatus of their several deities, Daniel, the Teacher, drew near, and spoilt it all. They looked at each other, but no one spoke, until one, bolder than the rest, became