Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/435

 YIWA AND MBAir. 403 Thakombau and Verani made offerings to Namosimalua, in order to propitiate him for the loss of his fishermen ; and both earnestly entreated the Missionary not to leave Viwa because of the late outrage. Many who knew Namosi's past career, believed that he had connived at the plot throughout, and thus the religion he professed was brought into evil repute. Yet the work went on, and, at the end of 1841, Mr. Cross had to report an increase of ten church-members during the year, two of whom were Chiefs, from distant parts, who would spread the knowl- edge of the Gospel in other islands. A hundred and twenty persons were under religious instruction in Viwa, and some of them gave cheer- ing signs of being truly converted. Eight Native Teachers were employed in different parts of the Circuit. The devoted Joshua had gone to Mbua. A Nandi Chief had become Christian, and a footing had been gained at Nakorotumbu. But the man who stood as leader to the good work, and who had laboured in it, with such unsparing toil, was fast failing. He had spent eight years in the Friendly Islands, and six in Fiji, during which time he had suffered many hardships, and passed through great dangers; sickness had several times cast him down, and sights and sounds of horror had been round him continually. Now his course was run. His success had been great, but he had become weak and unable to work continuously. Feeling that his strength was failing, he obtained permission to remove to the Colonies to recruit ; but finding how the work was cramped for want of men, he nobly refused to leave, and resolved to die at his post. In 1842, Mr. Cross went to Somosomo, that he might have the benefit of Mr. Lyth's medical skill and attention. On the 15th of October, 1842, he died, exclaiming just before he lost his consciousness, " Best for a Missionary to go home ; to escape to the skies, and join the enraptured hosts of heaven, and be with Jesus and angels ! " He left a widow and five children. The Station thus left vacant was occupied on the 30th of August, 1842, by the Rev. John Hunt, who had been at Rewa, where, for the first seven months of his residence, he was with Mr. Cross. For three years previously he had been at the most trying of all the Stations, — Somosomo, where he had gained an intimate knowledge of the language, and had passed through a severe discipline of suffering, having buried his first born there. No more fitting man could have been found to take up the work in this the head district of Fiji. Joined to a deep and devoted piety, Mr. Hunt was characterized by great mental and physical energy and untiring industry. He was now appointed to sue- ceed Mr. Cross also as Chairman of the District. The following letter