Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/426

394: FIJI AND THE FIJIANS. growing political importance, the hearts of the Missionaries were stirred because they saw here the centre and stronghold of all the horrors and abominations that darkened Fiji. In less than two years after his arrival in the group, Mr. Cross left Lakemba for the purpose of com- mencing a Mission at Mbau. But the storm of the great rebellion was scarcely calmed, and the w^ork of vengeance was at its height ; Thakom- bau told the Missionary plainly that he could not guarantee his safety in the present state of affairs, neither would the active pursuit of w^ar permit his own attention to religion for some time to come. Mr. Cross, finding that the island was densely crowded with savage people, infuriated with w^ar, and that tw^o rebel Chiefs had just been eaten, and two more were in the ovens when he arrived, determined to wait for a better time. In January, 1839, after being joined by Mr. Hunt, Mr. Cross again went to Mbau, w^hich was now quiet and prosperous, and obtained a promise from the old King that a Missionary should be received, and a house built for him. In May, a Special District Meeting was held at Rewa for the more efficient location of the Missionaries. Mr. Cross was then definitely ap- pointed to Mbau, and he at once urged the King to redeem his promise, and help in the removal. But the stated time for the building of the house had gone by, and still, again and again, Tanoa renewed the promise, only to break it when the time came. Instead of a Mission-house, he was occupied in erecting a new heathen temple, at the consecration of which many human victims were to be sacrificed. The actual opponent of the Missionaries, however, was the son, Thakombau. He was offended with Mr. Cross, because he would not trust himself at Mbau on his first visit, but turned aside and opened a Mission at Rewa. The proud spirit of the Chief was hurt at being placed second, and the erection of the house was prohibited. Finding that access to Mbau was thus prevented, Mr. Cross deter- mined to establish himself for the present in Yiwa, the next island off the coast, two miles to the north. Here he would be very near, and able to exercise powerful influence on Mbau, though not residing there. Viwa was much more healthy, and was well prepared to receive a Mis- sionary. Mr. Cross had frequently visited it, and its Chief with many of the people was already professing Christianity, and had built a large and handsome chapel for public w^orship. This island was of considerable importance, and one of the most valuable dependencies of Mbau, in the service of which it had been very successfully employed. Its people were good sailors, bold and enterprising, and its Chief famous for everything that gives a man fame and influence in Fiji, while his nephew