Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/458

 426 FIJI AiO) THE FIJIANS. she felt she tried hard to communicate to others ; and, in the midst of peculiar trials belonging to the household of a polygamist, sustained an unblameable confession of Christianity. Though her position excluded her from baptism and church-membership, yet at the services of the Christians she vras a welcome and regular attendant. Already she had learned to read and write well at the school, and stood in all respects in high superiority over her countrywomen. During the great revival, she grew rapidly in grace, and diligently used the many opportunities which her high rank gave her of reproving sin and recommending reli- gion. With great respect, yet with an earnestness that moved her to tears, she pleaded with her cousin Thakombau, then at the height of his glory and pride, to forsake his false gods, and seek forgiveness through the only Saviour. He listened to her bold warnings and warm entrea- ties, and left her without reply. 'Among her friends at Mbau she worked hard, and some of them were led by her to seek the salvation of their souls. When her husband showed signs of genuine repentance, and vowed to give up all his wives but one, Vatea was the one selected, and thereupon was received mto the Church, taking at baptism the name of Lydia. When Namosi's good feeling had passed away, and the fear of death from !Ml3au had been removed from him, he again treated her ill : and for a lon^ time she stood firm against the most severe domestic trials, which were rendered the more bitter by the remembrance that she had originally been forced into her present position. Her faithful endurance had a powerful effect for good on the people who witnessed it ; but at last in an evil hour, she gave way, and fled from her husband to Mbau. The Chiefs at this place compelled her to return to the hus- band she had never loved, and to whom she had now been unfaithful. Her heart rebelled against the tor ure, and she sought escape from her misery by throwing herself from a steep cliff. The fall, though not fatal, caused her great suffering. She was taken back to Mbau, where, after her recovery, she was allowed to remain. After living for several years, fallen from religion and virtue, and wretched on account of her sins, she again repented bitterly, and, before the congregation of proud Mbauans, passionately confessed her sins and prayed for mercy, to the astonishment of those who listened. Again, " being justified by faith, she had peace with God ; " and in the city of Mbau she lived as a faithful and zealous witness of the power of the Gospel, until affliction laid her by, and she died happy in the love of God. During this year the Fijian Mission lost Jolm Hunt. On August 9th, 1848, his overtaxed strength broke do^^'n. The amount of his labours during six years at Viwa can never be told. Every part of the