Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/449

VIWA AND MBAF. 417 So it is : the kingliness of consistency is acknowledged all the world over ; and, even in Fiji, men pay tribute to it. Again Verani proved his thoroughness in embracing the lotu. Namosimalua and other Chiefs, while professing Christianity were never admitted as members of the Society, because they refused to part with their many wives. Not policy or novelty, but the urgency of intense conviction, had bent Verani's heart to the Gospel. He sought its blessings in the full recognition of its requirements, and, repenting bitterly of his great sins, brought " forth works meet for repentance." Of his own accord, he resolved lawfully to marry his chief wife, and to set the others at liberty. Old men of rank and influence, to whose judgment he had been wont to submit, remonstrated with him, and advised him to keep the rest as servants. But they spoke to a man whose whole heart was set against evil too fully to allow him to keep temptation, under any form, in his way. " You," said he to these counsellors, ".are on the devil's side. If my wife cannot manage in our house, I will help her to get wood, and cook our food ; but I will not continue to sin against God." Verani's crimes had been of no ordinary kind and number. Few men's history had been so blackened with every kind of outrage and abomination, and few men's hands were so stained with blood. His grief and penitence were proportionate to the enormity of his sins, and amounted to agony, as he wept bitterly before God, while every remembrance of the Saviour's love drove the stings of remorse deeper into his broken heart. If few men had ever sinned more no man ever repented more deeply. His hicih-souled pride was gone, and in his lowliness " this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." Verani continued in prayer day after day, until he found salvation by faith in Christ's atonement, and went out before his fellows a changed man, rejoicing in the blessedness of having his iniquity forgiven. He now verified the judgment of his heathen friend, and became a thorough Christian, using every effort to lead others to the same gladness which filled his own heart. About a month after his conversion, he had an interview with Thakombau on board a trading vessel lying off the coast. Verani told him all he knew and felt of religion ; and when he had done, the Chief said, " Go on, go on ! " The next day he visited him again, and told him that the Christians would obey all his commands if right ; but they would do nothing wrong, and could not take part in cruel and barbarous wars. The Chief said, " Very good ; you stay at home, and learn your book well ; " and promised that he would eventually lotu.