Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/255

BEGINNINGS ^LAKEMBA AND EEWA. 225 share the common ruin : — ^the Mission party for daring to "bring their religion to a place where such powerful gods held sway ; and the King and people for permitting them to gain any footing there. As long as nothing but threats — human and oracular — ^were brought to bear against the converts, it mattered little ; but actual annoyance became more and more frequent, and the relatives of the Christian natives began to fear to show them any kindness. It was made known that as soon as preparations for building the . new temple were sufficiently matured, the event of setting the first post was to be celebrated by the killing and eating of some of the Christians. Fear of the great Ton gan was no longer to stand in the way, and measures of powerful sup- pression were to be at once taken. On a day secretly fixed, a large party of young men set out, and attacked the two small towns of Wathiwathi and Waitambu. The houses of the Christians were pillaged, their stores of food taken, and their crops destroyed, while their wives were led off to the King's house. As yet, however, life had not been sacrificed, and some of the persecuted found asylum in the town of the Tongan Chief, in consequence of whose interference the stolen wives were also restored. Christianity has always received ultimate gain from the persecution aimed at its overthrow. It was so now in Fiji. True, the first apparent effect was to frighten many half-persuaded ones, and deter them from yielding to their convictions ; but the general result was most beneficial. The calm boldness with which these Christians kept to their new principles, heedless of the threats, annoyance, and persecu- tion to which they were subjected, and which were likely enough to lead to bloodshed, — all this was a strange and unheard-of thing : an unknown power was manifestly among them. And not only did the Christians endure hardships without repining, but they were actually cheerful under it. Then, too, it was utterly opposed to all Fijian ideas, that men should suffer so much, and yet seek for no revenge on their enemies ; nay, should even show good-will and pray for the King and Government, while they proved their sincerity by labouring diligently in public works, and paying tribute with all readiness. Some who had suffered loss of all things and banishment for Christ's sake, were at last permitted to return to their homes, where they found themselves greeted with a strange respect. Among these exiles from Waitambu, was a man of noble and vigorous character, named Moses Vakaloloma. His wife was a kindred spirit, and their family were well trained. Foi several years this man worked hard and well ai a Local Preacher, and at last died happy in the Saviour. One of his sons is now a devoted Teacher in a distant part of Fiji.