Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/564

 526 FIJI AND THE FIJIAKS. have been able to contribute to the Society at least £20. I constantly teach the people to show their gratitude to Christ and His Church by giving of their substance ; and, as far as my observation extends, this contributes to check their selfishness, to awaken generosity, to give solidity to their religious character, and to heighten Christianity in their esteem. " August 5th. — Our troubles in Fiji increase ; yet we are strangely made joyful and prosperous in our work. On the first of this month the highest Chief in this neighbourhood was treacherously murdered in his own house, together with a young man, a Local Preacher, who was more valuable to us than any other man in Fiji, in sailing, and aiding in our printing establishment We pray for the ' powers that be ; ' and endeavour, in all scriptural ways, to secure peace. The lawless, and such as delight in war, hate us on this account ; but we have the happi- ness of seeing the peaceable Chiefs growing in wisdom, miited to one another, and disposed to exercise forbearance towards their enemies. It is indeed apparent to friend and foe, that ' Jacob's God is still on our side : ' and we know that while we make His word our rule, and His glory our aim, we shall be blessed in our deed, and shall see His work prosper. Even the sad event over which we now mourn will be sancti- fied for good. Ratu Benjamin, the murdered Chief, was once a good man, and a great help to the Missionary at Nandi ; but since we came to Fiji, he was seduced into Heathenism, lefl the Christians at Nandi to their fate, and became ' sensual, not having the Spirit.' Latterly he has been veering agam towards Christianity and the peace party ; but he showed none of the power of godliness. Since his death transpired, all the natives are saying it is retribution, and what all backsliders may expect, seeing God did not spare so great a Chief. We fear this murder may lead Thakombau into war ; for it is generally considered only as another step towards the taking away his own life. He has sent to Tonga, but the purport of the message is not known. We have confi- dence that jboth he and King George will temper justice with mercy. They have received more provocation than civilized nations would have endured ; but they wish to do the thing that is right in the sight of God. " 12th. — This has been a festival day, and I am unwilling to let it close without jotting down some of its enjoyments, that you may rejoice with us. A School Anniversary and Missionary Meeting in Fiji ! Thank God, such scenes are not now of unfrequent occurrence. Notice of the intended gathering had been sent out to the Teachers of the differ- ent towns about ten days ago ; and towards sunset on Tuesday the