Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/560

 622 FIJI AXD THE FIJIANS. district, was dying of dysentery. Mr. Malvern's infirm state of health renders it impossible that he should pay them even an annual visit. On all that part of the coast the people desire the Gospel ; fields ready for cultivation spread before us on all sides, and, had we labourers, we might enter them at any hour with the most glorious prospects of success. Nothing but imperious necessity can excuse our not helping them instantly. " Wangka Levu was here at a solevu [feast] since I came to this place, and his people brought the body of a dead man after him, for his food during his stay ; but the wind being contrary, they had to put in at Nananu, where they found their Chief weather-bound, and they there cooked and devoured the body. " In this Circuit the work of the Lord is spreading with a rapidity and power truly astonishing. Many to^vns, both on the coast and in the interior, have recently lotued, and the inliabitants of some of them manifest much zeal on behalf of that cause which is stirring Fiji to its foundations. I may mention, in particular, Nawatha, a town of bad fame formerly, in which Elijah and many of the Yiwa people had a narrow escape from being murdered. I paid them a visit a short time ago, and, no house being large enough to hold the congregation, I conducted the service in the open air. Tlieir Chief remained with me till near midnight, hearing of Clirist and things Divine ; while his piercing black eyes, which were rivetted on me, spoke a language not difficult to be understood. Since my return, the people have com- menced building a chapel, and have been occupied in di'agging posts of great size to the site. " I am preparing to sail for Mouta and Yasawas, and hope to find Heathenism all but extinct in both places. Tlie people some time ago sent to Mbua for Teachers, and also to know the mind of the Chiefs on the subject of the new religion : the message sent back was, that they were all to lotu. The Chief of Mouta has brought three pounds of turtle-shell, as his tatau, or offering for a Missionary. In every place the cry is, ' Give us Teachers, books, dresses, and Mis- sionaries.' Guns, hatchets, powder, etc., are now at a great discount. Another thing you will be pleased to hear is, the people who have Teachers are subscribing liberally to support them. In this Circuit, after paying the Teachers and other agents, I shall have got something in hand. Men who were Heathens only a few weeks ago, give cheer- fully for the support of the cause of God, when the duty is scripturally placed before them. " The work in Fiji is great and glorious, and I am thankful to the