Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/464

 432 FIJI AND THE FIJIANS. and the service of God. "While this is the only ohject I have in vieW; I am aware that you are destitute of many articles which we have in England, and which would increase your comfort. Some of these I can obtain for you by writing to my friends in England. I shall be glad to do so, as I should like to see you improved and raised in tem- poral matters. Only, when I send for goods, I have to pay for them, and you must pay for whatever I obtain for you. We give our time and energies for your salvation ; but we have not come to supply you with worldly riches. Yet, if you will pay for what you require, we will try to obtain useful articles for you." Tliakombau listened com- placently, soothed by the present just given, and said he was glad to know the right plan, and should like to be informed of what was ex- pected in payment for any articles he might hereafter desire. A deci- sive and important step was thus taken, which made it easier to resist the perpetual begging of smaller people. Yet, in many eases, it was still hard to refuse ; for the natives were such accomplished and judi- cious beggars, never asking but when they saw a good opportunity. Nevertheless, though it was still necessary to make occasional presents, the more reserved plan was found to answer ; for the people learned to value what they worked for, and gained self-respect in behig rid of a system which pauperized them. The purpose which the Missionary declared to Thakombau, he strictly carried out, and made unwearied efforts to arouse the con- science of the King, and apply to it the truth of the Gospel. On his frequent visits to Mbau, he always sought an interview with the Chief. Sometimes he found him in a bad temper, or engaged, or indisposed to listen to religious matters. Other houses were then visited, and the hureSj or temples, for the purpose of religious discussion. If the King was still found to be in an unpropitious mood, the delay was extended, so as to secure, if possible, the commmiication of some truth. Often these visits were returned, when Thakombau wouldseek a private inter- view with the Missionary in his bed-room, or little study, and converse for hours, generally starting such objections as would bring out the strongest arguments against the Heathenism of Fiji, which arguments, on leaving, he would use in opposing his own Priests and Chiefs. Whatever other effect was produced upon Thakombau, it was certain that his opposition to the lotu was restrained ; and this was no small good. No Chief had ever held such extended and formidable power, or had amassed such great stores of war-material, as this King of Mbau : for King he really was, although his old father, Tanoa, still lived, but without taking the lead in the government. The influence