Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/377

 REWA. 347 soon as this was finished, a printing-office had to be built, which also cost much time, and gave the Missionary great anxiety and care. These were some of the hindrances and discouragements in the way of the Rewa Mission ; but there were many more, which can only be alluded to. Scenes were constantly witnessed by the Mission family, which may not be described, in consideration of the feelings of those who have never lived beyond the limits of ci'ilization, — scenes, the remembrance of which thrills with horror those to whom they became terribly familiar. Yet among all these opposing influences, work was done, and done diligently, by the Missionary and Teachers. There were a few, even here, who with steadfast boldness held fast by their Christianity, and lived in purity and good report, in the midst of the surrounding abom- inations and cruelty. Other signs of good broke forth in the darkness, and told the patient and toiling watchers that there was yet to be a glorious daybreak for Fiji, when the Gospel should prevail ; and they waited and toiled on ; they trusted in their God, and did not despair. The printing-office was found suitable, and in 1842 a fresh supply of types and paper arrived from England. Books were in great demand ; and, before long, there were issuing from the press publications in four of the dialects of Fiji. Thus, while the actual Mission work was almost stayed at Rewa, very important help was being rendered to other Sta- tions. This Mission record must also be a chronicle of the most important passages of Fijian history, since the great work here described was, of necessity, greatly affected by all the political changes and commotions which took place. Here, then, must open a faithful narrative of the great Fijian war. Reference to the chart will show that the south-east coast of Vita Levu runs out into a promontory, forming an irregular triangle, along the base of which flows a river, which thus insulates the promontory from the mainland. Rewa is situated on the banks of this river, near to its southern outlet. Just off its opposite and northern mouth lies the little island of Mbau, which, at low tide, is joined by the reef to the mainland. IMbau had now become the centre of a power more widely extended, and more firmly based, than any known in Fiji be- fore. The old King, Tanoa, was infirm, and his son, Thakombau, was the actual head of the government. This extraordinary man had gained immense influence ; so that foreign ships visited his island, and hon- oured him as above the ordinary Fijian Chiefs. To his -visitors he sup- 23