Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/339

 LAKEMBA. . 309 inally and professedly Christian, each family attending to domestic devotion twice a day, regarding the Sabbath, and many of them read- ing the Scriptures, they joined him in his wars, and partook of a fight- ing, dancing, and altogether heathen spirit. Having scanty fare at home, they were always ready to be employed by the Fijians in sailing about. Idleness did much more than clothe them with rags ; it pre- pared and disposed them to steal and encroach upon their neighbours, and left them ready in body and mind for employment by Satan and mischievous Chiefs. There they were, and there they would continue in great numbers, exercising much influence for bad or good, according to their conduct. It was, therefore, plainly the Missionary's duty to labour to prevent the evils arising from the irreligious practices of the Tongans, and to try to reclaim them, so that their influence might be beneficially exercised. They were, therefore, faithfully reproved, in- structed, warned, and exhorted in private and in the public congrega- tion. Special eflbrts were made to recover them from idleness, that they might have homes, with the attraction of plenty of food. It was shown that those who would eat ought to work, and that those who refused to labour walked " disorderly ; " and they were exhorted " with quietness to work, and eat their own bread." It was not an easy mat- ter to cure them of indolence, and lead them to abandon worldly pleasures and sinful practices. Feeling that nothing could be done in spiritual matters with those who were idle, practice was brought to bear against this evil, as well as precept. The use of plots of land was easi- ly obtained. The Missionary had very large beds of bananas and yams planted in a conspicuous place near the Mission premises, and in various directions on other parts of the island. These were known and seen by all ; and impressively instructed both parties, by reproving the Tongans for their neglect, and encouraging the Fijians in their diligence, at the same time giving additional proof to the latter that the former acted in a way unbecoming their Christian profession. Happily, the proper views, practice, and injunctions of King George of Tonga were familiar to all. The principal Fijian Chief, Thakombau, was also known to work in his own gardens, and severely to reprove any of his peo- ple who were idle. One incorrigible Tongan, who would not be per- suaded to work, was made an example of by being excluded from church- membership for idleness. His remonstrances were in vain, as the sin of " working not at all," after faithful warning and entreaty, could not be allowed in the Church. These efforts were not useless. Some planted food, built better houses, and were glad to remain at home, and attend to their families and religion. But the Chiefs led their people