Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/542

504: FIJI AND THE FIJIAITS. ' I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.' ' But will God indeed dwell on the earth ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens caimot contain Thee ; how much less this house that I have builded ! ' To this another party would respond. ' The Lord hath chosen Zion ; He hath desired it for His habitation.' Another favourite chant was, 1 Kings viii. 28-30. And, with suitable feeling, a number would join in the petitions, * Hearken unto the prayer which Thy servant shall make ; ' ' And when Thou hearest, forgive.' " Several pleasing facts are connected with the building of this chapel. Had it been built eighteen months ago, the Heathen Chief of that day would have construed our work into an offence, for which nothing short of our mourning over its ashes could atone ; whereas, the present heathen Chief sent us a message to the effect that we were few, and engaged in a great work ; and, if agreeable, he would help us. His proposal was accepted ; and the wall and roof of one side of the chapel were done by the Heathen, and well done too. And, at the opening of the chapel, the Heathen assisted in preparing food for our visitors. We rejoice in so pleasing a change. " Many have been attracted to this place by the report of the chapel ; and these opportunities have been improved to preach unto them Jesus. The strangers, without exception, expressed surprise that such a work could be done by Fijians. Our company said, ' By this we are convinced that religion is true : if it was not, you would run away, and leave the work undone.' Another party, fresh from the slaughter, and their battle-axes dyed in blood, declared their conviction, ' that no number of Heathen could do what these few Christian men had done.' "We have been visited by Ratu Elijah Verani, and other Viwa friends, who say, ' You are the first who have surpassed the temples built by our Chiefs for the de^dl : you have put all their works under your feet.' " The chapel is a proof of the growing industry of the people. The Mission-house is a large and very substantial building on an European plan, its timbers and walls of green-heart ; and towards its erection the Christian natives did .a great deal. They have, also, built a good house for the Native Teacher, and twelve improved houses for them- selves. The whole of the above has been done within two years. The Rev. David Hazlewood opened the chapel on the 24th of April. We had a large congregation, amongst which was a good sprinkling of Heathen. All parties seemed to enjoy the day, and to many it was one of much spiritual good.