Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/403

 EEWA. 373 about fifteen days ago by Koroi Nduandua. They were all eaten. We are, however, getting some hold of him, through our Teacher at Naitonitoni, which is quite close to him. He says he will soon lotu. Thence, coming up the coast, we have hold of Mosi, Nalasilasi, Namuka, Tamavua, and Suva. The work prospers at the last place At home, we have great cause to be encouraged. I cannot get a Sunday at home in months. At Notho, Tokatoka, Nai Malavou, and Nakelo, we have large chapels, from sixty to ninety feet long. Ra Ngata is baptized ; also the Chief of the Naitasiri ; and many others evidence a concern for their souls. But not half of the people in this Circuit are yet lotu. This large land is still in darkness and the shadow of death ! The enemy has a vast army still in the field ; it is not yet time to cry, deadly fight has yet to be fought. The great work of teaching has to be done ; and, unless we can get more help, how is it to be done ? I begin to fear that the colonies will not be able, however willing they may be, to supply the men and means for this Mission. The mission- ary fire does not burn hotly. The thirst is rather for gold than for souls. We must, however, continue to hope and see what the ^ Wesley' will bring this time. " There seems to be an impression abroad that we want to run away from Fiji ! How can it have been raised 1 For my own part, I am willing to stay and die in Fiji if the Committee wishes me to do so, and it be thought best. I should look upon it as an aflliction, a trial, a judgment, should I, from family circumstances be obliged to quit the field of labour ; and I believe, as a District, we are all fully devoted to our work, and determined to labour for the salvation of Fiji. If we write strongly, it is because we love Fiji, are jealous for the honour of our Master, and feel that now is the time for working. More help is now needed in Fiji. The enemies of Christ are confounded, con- fused, and retreating ; but unless we get more men and means, the enemy may rally, and prolong the battle, and great loss result. I need not tell YOU the state of Fiji. Just look at the Rewa Circuit. We have not ten men that can be called Teachers. Think of Kandavu, and all the places on this land, left in the hands of men who have just been taken from their Classes, quite raw, having never preached a sermon ! How are the people to be taught by them ? What" can we expect from them ? And what must be the consequence if they are not well looked after by the Missionary 1 And how are we to see after them with our present numbers ? My heart sinks when I consider the state of this Circuit and of Fiji generally. Look at Mbau, Avith a Missionary
 * Victory ! ' No, not yet the time to withdraw the troops. The