Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/346

 316 FIJI AND THE FIJIANS. " Active," who were murdered and eaten. Among this man's strong- est passions was an intense hatred of the Tongans and Christianity. Again and again did he exert his influence at Mbau, to bring about a rupture with the Tongan settlers ; but in vain ; for these strangers were valuable, and generally considered difficult to control. But the Levukan's efforts to put down the lotu met with greater favour in the councils of Mbau, where the celebrated Verani exercised all the great power given him by his position and the extraordinary vigour of his character. The King and Chiefs showed all willingness to join in any scheme whereby the new religion might be destroyed in the domin- ions of Lakemba. But year after year every plan was defeated or delayed. One evening Mr. Calvert had a favourable opportunity of talking with the famous Levukan buccaneer, when he urged upon him the claims of religion, unfolding the truth, and commending it to his serious consideration. The Chief listened attentively, and again came to inquire more fully. As he inquired, he felt that the truth thus taught aroused and troubled his conscience, and before long that man of rapine and blood was bending before God, in humble penitence, ackowledging his sins, and earnestly pleading for pardon through the atonement of Christ. The stout heart of the lawless one had yielded to the power of the Holy Ghost, and an utter change, whereat all wondered, came over him. His distress and earnestness seemed proportionate to his former crimes, and several of his relatives, and many who had known him as he used to be, were led by his contrition to seek mercy for themselves. All parts of Fiji were open to him, and many had good reason to remember his visits. But now, wherever he went, people saw that he who had stolen, stole no more ; that the man of over- bearing tyranny and treachery was now humble and straightforward ; and the wonder was great accordingly. But as yet the Levukan Chief could not be admitted into the Church ; for he had many wives who were very valuable to him, being celebrated for the wealth they gathered by their work, and the position thus given to the husband. He worked hard for the Mission, and, as many of his own people had become Christians, prepared to build a chapel in the town. Some of the Levukans helped him, b t most of the sinnet and timber, as well as the food and wages of the carpenters, was provided cheerfully at his own expense, nothing being spared, so that the house of God might be in all respects good. On April 14th, 1848, the chapel, which was by far the most beautiful in that district, was opened for worship. A large congregation was crowded together beneath the broad thatched