Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/364

334 FIJI ANB THE FIJIANS. pie of the island, the King said, " That is the proper reward foi- break- ing the Sabbath." The Missionaries continued to use every means to influence the large population around them, by conversation with those who visited the Station for the sale of food, or out of curiosity. They also paid frequent visits to the villages and towns ; and, in December, went twenty miles up the river to see Savou, the Chief of Naitasiri, a town of considerable importance. Savou received them with great kindness ; and, as soon as he could get rid of an old priest who was present, talked very freely with them. Both he and his wife seemed much struck with the singing and prayer at family worship, as conducted by the Mission- aries, who then retired to the best part of the Chief's house, which had been prepared for their lodging. Savou was very anxious to retain them for another night, and expressed a wish to make their canoe sink with presents. It seemed hard to leave the Mission families alone, while things were so unsettled at Eewa ; but the present opportunity for doing good was so remarkable, that the Missionaries resolved to stay. The next day they went, in a small canoe, several miles higher np the river, calling at several villages on its banks, preaching the Gospel everywhere. Savou did not consent to receive a Teacher, or de- cide to become Christian ; but the visit was not lost, and he often spoke of it afterwards with gratitude. He exercised a very favourable influ- ence on behalf of the Mission work, which he was able to do in conse- quence of his high rank and near relationship to the Chiefs of Mbau and Rewa ; his wife also was daughter of Tanoa, the old Mbau King. When the loiu was established in Mbau, Savou became an earnest and decided Christian. During this first visit, the Missionaries were treated with all hospitality, and returned home with their canoe laden with 2,500 heads of taro, as an expression of the Chief's esteem and thanks, both he and his wife accompanying them to the bank to take an affec- tionate farewell. The Mission Station had now become the centre of a small settle- ment ; for several Tongans had built houses near, one of which was used as a place of M'orship. Some few Rewans also dared to come out from among the Heathen, and make their home near the Missionaries, to whose teachings they gratefully listened, while others, who were sick, came to live across the river, that they might get the benefit of medical care. Joel Bulu, a Tongan Teacher, who had been brought from Lakemba to help in printing, gave the little settlement the name of Zoar : " For," said he, " at the heathen places the people are dis- eased, and they cannot cure them ; and their souls are sinful, and they