Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/457

TTWA AOT) MBATJ. 4:25 by quarrels among themselves, and he was in want of men to maintain his position at home ; yet, feeling that the Mission-work needed them more, he freely gave up several who had become converted, that they might go as Teachers to islands where the people asked for instruction. He showed an intense interest in all that went on this errand, and they were strengthened by their confidence in his powerful help, and still more powerful prayers. Thus great prosperity came to the good cause, and the people everywhere were moved by what they saw done in Viwa. No place could have been chosen better for the Station ; and religion had fully taken hold of the island now, so that its aspect and fame throughout the group were entirely changed. The year 1847 was remarkable for the completion of the first entire edition of the New Testament, — the result of severe toil on the part of all concerned. New Stations also were established at Mbua and Nandi, on Vanua Levu, under the care of Messrs. Williams and Watsford ; and at Nairara and Mba on Viti Levu, under the care of Native Teachers. In September, Mr. Lawry, on his tour as General Superintendent, visited Viwa, where the District Meeting was held, and the reports from the different Stations gave great encouragement. In the following April Mr. Ly th was in great peril, in attempting to cross over to Nandi in a small schooner, to visit Mrs. Watsford, who was dangerously ill. Mr. Lyth and five others, in a heavy gale which prevented their proceeding, took refuge on board an American brig anchored off Ovalau. A terrible hurricane ensued, in which both the cables of the brig parted, and she was driven on shore, where she became a complete wreck. Three men had been left on board the little schooner " Venus," and, soon after the brig struck, she drifted past the stern and was seen no more. One of the three men on board, a young half-native, was wonderfully saved after swimming a whole day, and being exposed for two days without food in an open boat. The other two were drowned. All hands on board the brig were saved, and, after severe privation, Mr. Lyth returned to Viwa. Some record is demanded of an interesting character, who played an important part in the history of Viwa, and whose name has already been mentioned. Vatea, the chief wife of Namosimalua and niece of Tanoa, when given to the former as a reward for service, came very unwillingly to his home, and never got reconciled to her union with one so much her senior, and for whom she felt no esteem. Under the teaching of the Missionaries she had become thoroughly convinced of sin, and in 1844 found peace with God through faith in Christ. Her confidence was firm, and the reason for her hope intelligent and clear. The joy