Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/532

 494 FIJI AOT) THE FIJIAlvS. The profession of Christianity was prohibited, and those who adhered to it were subjected to much wrong. Their hogs, fowls, and gardens were destroyed ; their yam-stores broken open, and plundered of their contents. An incendiary was employed to fire their neat chapel, the flames from which consumed one of the Teachers' houses ; but by great activity the rest of the village was saved from ruin." During this persecution some of the converts went back ; but many remained firm, and continued under the care of the Teachers. In 1847, Tui Mbau died, when three of his wives were strangled. The refusal of the Christians to take part in the heathen observances on this occasion, subjected them to the still heavier displeasure of the sons of the deceased, who were now in power. When the Somosomo Mission was abandoned, a Missionary was sent to Mbua, and, in the prospect of this event, Mr. Hunt had caused a hou!?e to be built in the village of Tiliva, where the Christians lived. On the 3rd of November, 1847, the Eev. Thomas Williams arrived from Somosomo to occupy this Station ; and the history of the new- Mission could not be given better than in his letters addressed to the General Secretaries, from which the following extracts are taken : — " November 11th, 1847.— With the locality of this new Station 1 am much pleased. It is embosomed in tropical luxuriance, on the edge of a good river, and two miles from the sea. The village of which my house forms a part is Christian : that on the opposite bank of the river is Heathen. My congregation on Sunday last numbered about one hundred and twenty souls, most of whom were seriously attentive. The physical appearance of this people is far below that of the Fijians among whom I have laboured previously ; but there appears a willing- ness to be taught, and to make my way as pleasant' as they can. Tl:c mind which produces these dispositions is of more worth than a noble exterior. Several small places at distances of from three to ten miles are open to me, at three of which we have a few church-members. " My hands and time are fully occupied in getting my abode into such a state as to secure health and comfort, so far as they can be had here. TJie house is scarcely ever free from natives during the day. There are so many things that are new to them, that they are often un- willing to move, lest any new thing shouldpassby unobserved by them. Though they are sometimes in my wa}", I cannot find fliult with them ; their docility and simplicity prevent my complaining. " Mr Lawry came on shore the day after I landed. The people had their school-feast, when they repeated portions of the Scriptures in his hearing, and presented a quantity of sandal-wood, mats, and oil, as a