Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/555

METJA. 517 other week, they set their nets without offering to their god, and returned without a turtle. They then propitiated their god, went again to the sea, and returned with a turtle ; thus they did four or .five days in succession ; and this they deemed decisive proof of the power of their god. Two nights ago, I urged the supreme right of Jehovah, before the head Fisherman and the priest. They were much excited, and the Chief said, ' Our gods give us turtle ; but we do not know that Jehovah gives us anything.' Next day the Christian Fishermen set their nets, and caught three turtles, which they quietly presented to the Christian Chief, who at once sent two of them to his heathen brother. The arguments of all the divines in the world would not convince, or silence, the Heathen so effectually as this occurrence. " I have often had cause to be thankful that a second Missionary was placed on this Circuit. Had I been left alone, the work must have been left undone, or I must have sunk under its exhausting demands." The toil to which Mr. Williams here refers, soon after began to tell upon him, and brought him into such a weak state as to render his removal necessary. He therefore took farewell of the affectionate people, who were very grateful for the good they had received from him. He had been the means of leading many out of the hard bondage of their superstition " into the glorious liberty of the children of God ; " while more commodious houses, and busy scenes of industry, bore witness to the care with which the Missionary had watched over all the welfare of his flock. Mr. Williams, afler thirteen years' service in Fiji, in three of its Circuits, left in July, 1853, for the Colonies, where, in connexion with the Australian Conference, he has since had the charge of important Circuits. Mr. Moore was thus left alone, and writes : — " Jiine, 1853. — I enter upon my work with much fear and trembling, — feeling the responsibility of my position. This is a crisis ; which my Superintendent felt. Here are a number of young men, (to whom Mr. Williams had paid special attention,) who have arrived at the age when they must be decided. It is impossible for them to remain neutral. Since the war has ceased, we have not had to mourn over dead todies, but we have over dead souls. Some who stood firm in the time of persecution, have in this time of peace made shipwreck of faith, and gone back to Heathenism; and we fear that the constant intercourse which now exists between the Christians and Heathen will be more likely to end in Tiarmio the professing Christians than in good to the Heathen. Of course we shall not sit down ; but shall set our shoulders to the wheels, and look to the All- sufficient for help, relying on the promise, * Lo ! I am with you always.' Thank God, we have felt the truth of this and many other promises during this year of trial ; and the review of the past shall encourage us still to trust for future help in time of need. " My acquaintance with the people in this Circuit, and with the state of the work, calls forth ' mingled feelings ' of gratitude to God for the triumphs of the Cross among such a people, and mourning over those who wilfully reject the light. The Mbua Cbief is a sensible man. He seems to have no trust in his gods. Like the young man in the