Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/557

MBTJA. 519 have scarcely been able to attend to my work. My family, also, has been much aflflicted. We have felt it very trying to be alone. My determination is not to leave Fiji at present, if possible ; but I question the prudence of my remaining, unless I gain more strength. " But m the midst of our trials, we rejoice to say, that the work of the Lord prospers. The Gospel is makifig rapid progress in this Circuit, as well as in other parts of the Dis- trict. We have now forty-three Christian towns in this department of the Fijian field. Two years ago we could only report six hundred attendants on public worship ; last year we reported one thousand. At the present time we have two thousand who bow the knee to the Saviour, and attend the preaching of God's word, when it can be minis- tered to them ; but as there are at least twenty more towns than can be supplied with Teachers, they cannot have regular religious instruction, and some are several weeks to- gether without hearing of the way that leadeth unto life. The harvest has far outstripped the labourers. Our native resources are exhausted : we have no Teacher to send to hundreds, who wonder why they cannot have some one to direct them in the way to heaven. We are glad to hear that more Missionaries are on their way to Fiji. We shall hail them with great pleasure. The time to favour Fiji is now ; and ought she not to be favoured ? Has this not proved to be a soil worthy of cultivation ? And there is every prospect that it will more than ever remunerate our toil, if it continues to be well at- tended to. A very pleasing and encouraging consideration with regard to the greater part of those who have embraced Christianity is, that they have done so with thank- fulness ; they receive the word with joy, and no doubt very many will be the subjects of its saving power. Several of our members who have died since we wrote our last report, have left an undoubted testimony behind them that they are gone to be with Jesus. " We held our Missionary Meeting on Wednesday last. The speaking part was performed in the forenoon, when the Chief, Hezekiah, (one of our best Native Preachers,) three of the Teachers, and Jethro, (a Manilla man, and old Local Preacher and convert from Popery,) delivered some very effective speeches. In the afternoon we made the collection. About one thousand Christians were present. They were highly pleased, and very cheerfully contributed as they could to the cause of God. The collecting plate was an area of the Mission-yard. Each town, arrayed in their best, marched slowly and stately towards it, chanting a Psalm, or another portion of God's word, or a hymn of their Teacher's composing ; bearing along in their hands or upon their shoulders their intended offering. Both the Mbua Chiefs were present, and by their own example taught their people to sacrifice to Jehovah and not to Baal. The scene was imposing and affecting, and highly gratifying to all. We have no doubt that it will prove a means of good to these people. Thirty persons have since embraced Christianity, and it is supposed they have done so through the influence of the Missionary Meeting. The collection from the natives contained 332 mats, 470 large yams, 73 gallons of cocoa-nut oil, three pounds of tortoise-shell, 3 small rolls of sinnet, 10 pieces sandal-wood, and some clubs and spears, — smallest value, £12. 55. ; being three or four pounds above the amount of last year. In addition to this collection, the quarterly contributions of the members and others have about equalled the quarterly payment of the Teachers." In August, 1855, Tui Mbua, who had long been undecided, openly professed Christianity, and his example was soon followed by several Chiefs and many of his people. Tui Mbua at once became very friendly with his brother Hezekiah, the Christian Chief of Tiliva, and their united efforts in favour of the lotu were successful. Mr. Malvern, after telling of several of the members who had lately died very happy in Christ, writes : " In most of the old Stations of this Circuit, there has been a considerable increase, and seven new ones have been added.