284: FIJI AND THE FIJIAl^S. as wished to become Christians might be allowed to do so without molestation. The Chiefs were assured that, so far from the converts failing in due respect, labour, or tribute, they would be instructed and required, as Christians, to pay full attention to their duty in all these matters. Both agreed that Christianity was " a very good thing," and promised to leave the people of Nasangkalu to worship God, if they saw fit. Cheered by the success of his interview, the Missionary set off next day to the town in question, when, on his way, he met two women, who told him that they had just been to Nasangkalu, by the King's order, to forbid the people to become Christians, and to order such as disobeyed to leave the town and seek shelter elsewhere. On his arrival, he found that the King's message had produced its effect, and the people refused to attend to his teaching. One man, however, followed the leading of his convictions rather than his fears, and, banished from home, cheerfully forsook all for Christ's sake, and, for safety, became servant to a Tongan, near the Mission-house, where he made good use of the instruction he received, and was sent, some time after, as Teacher to the distant island of Vatoa, where he laboured with fidelity and success, until his useful and consistent life was finished by a happy death. The islands round Lahemha were brought under the influence of the truth simultaneously with the spread and triumph of the Gospel in Ono. In the case of each there was the same opposition, and the same eventual yielding of error to truth. At Oneata, forty miles south-east from Lakemba, the efforts of a Fijian Teacher, with those of the old Tahitians already mentioned, to- gether with frequent visits from the Missionaries, had produced great good. Many gave every proof of genuine conversion. Some young men beame useful in prayer-meetings and schools, and a few as Exhort ers and Local Preachers. The principal Christian Chief, Josiah Tum- hola, was a kind and intelligent man, of great good-nature and simplic- ity of character. His piety was deep and earnest, and his efforts as a Local Preacher were acceptable. He held office as ambassador to La- kemba, and, when paying visits there in this capacity to bring tribute, exercised a good influence of restraint on the King and his brother. The converts at Oneata increased, until the majority were Chris- tians. Early in 1842, a new chapel was built, with great labour, and, as the Missionaries thought, far too large. But just then the King of Lakemba sent a message by a heathen Oneata priest, requesting that all would lotu^ as it was not desirable for so small an island to be divided.
