andoned white men, resident on neighbouring
islands, who dreaded, should the king turn Christian, that a stop would
be put to their own evil doings. They even went so far, when they
thought this possible, as to join the natives in carrying on war against
him; and so successful were they that on every side he found his power
decreasing. What force or persuasion could not effect, affliction
accomplished. During the time of his greatest distress he received a
letter from King George of Tonga, urging him to delay no longer, but to
turn to the God of the Christians. This letter seems to have decided
him.

"On the 30th April, 1854, at nine o'clock the death-drum was beaten--the
signal for assembling in the great `Strangers' House' for the
worshipping of the true God. Ten days before, its sound had called
people together to a cannibal feast. Three hundred persons were present
in the ample lotu dress, before whom stood Thakombau, the chief, with
his children and wives. The missionary, who had so long watched for
this event, was deeply moved, and could scarcely proceed with the
service. It was indeed a day to be remembered in the annals of Fiji.
After worship, the people crowded round the missionaries, to ask for
alphabets, and gathered in groups to learn forthwith to read. The king,
after this, caused the Sabbath to be observed. His deportment was
serious, and his own attendance at preaching and prayer-meetings was
regular. His little boy, about seven years old, had already learnt to
read, and he now became the instructor of his parents, who were both so
eager to acquire knowledge, that their young teacher would often fall
asleep in the midst of his lesson.

"Among the most implacable enemies of Thakombau was the king of Rewa.
Elijah Verani undertook a mission to that chief, in the hopes of
bringing about peace, when he and most of his companions were
traitorously murdered and eaten. Not long after this the king of Rewa
himself died, and his people sued for peace.

"Thakombau, the once cannibal and homicide, was not allowed to remain
quiet. He had enemies on every side; some of them he conquered in war,
but often his life was in danger from his own former associates and
relations. The effect, however, was good, as it made him turn more and
more to God for pardon through Jesus Christ and to the consolations of
religion. At length he triumphed, and his enemies were subdued under
him. He had from the first prohi