Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/429

 VrWA AND MBATJ. 397 of terror, wherever he came with his band of bold followers. Verani was considered the right hand of Thakombau, who felt satisfied so long as he remained firm to Heathenism. From the commencement of the Mission, these two Chiefs had resolutely set themselves to resist Christianity, and had declared their purpose to prevent any of their own people from embracing it. But now the religion they hated was establishing itself firmly close to their home, and Verani began to inquire carefully into its true character. He treated the Missionary with respect, and conversed with him frequently. Special prayer was offered by the converts on his behalf, and the effect of the truth began to show itself in him, so that many expected him to abandon Heathen- ism. Thakombau feared it, and entreated him to be firm, and unite with him, while both were young, in fighting. He requested Verani to repair and rebuild the temples of Viwa, promising him help in the task. Viwa was but a small place, yet Verani mentioned thirteen temples in it, and said there were others he had not named. He consented to remain heathen, and helped Thakombau in his wars ; but only the principal temple was rebuilt. This was done in superior style, and great stones and immense posts were taken up the hill for the purpose. In the mean time, Mr. Cross and his family got comfortably settled. A church was formed, and in October two couples were married. The old Mbau King, Tanoa, still showed a friendly spirit, and begged Mr. Cross to let him know when he wanted food, that he might order some to be sent from the towns near. Visitors from Mbau and places on the mainland were frequently at the Mission-house. Many came to trade ; but all were instructed in religious matters, and strangers were frequently present at the public worship. Among the visitors soon came Thakombau himself. His first call lasted four hours, which he spent in disputing with the Missionary about religious truths, declar- ing, before he left, that he would never lotu. Mr. Cross said, " If you do not, your children will." " Nay," replied the other, " though other places may, I will not ; and when about to die, I will tell my children not to lotuy About ten miles from Viwa, on the mainland, was the district of Verata, subject to Mbau, but in a state of revolt. War was declared against it, and Namosimalua was asked to give his help. This, how- ever, he stoutly refused ; but Verani joined heartily, with many Viwans, in the war. In October great numbers of the enemy were slain, and their bodies, carried with dreadful shouts, passed Viwa, on the way to Mbau, there to be shared among the faithful towns. The