Fiji and the Fijians . preme Chief! Thus was this danger averted, at any rate,for the time. The present state of affairs had a good effect not only on Thakom-bau, but on his people as well. The straits to which they were put,and the perils which continually threatened them in their beleagueredisland, prepared them to receive the warnings and counsels of the Mis-sionary, so that privation and danger led the way to contrition of heartand anxiety for salvation. The city which, in its pride and power, hadshut out the Ministers of Christ and opposed their work, now, humbleand crippled, gladly recei
Fiji and the Fijians . preme Chief! Thus was this danger averted, at any rate,for the time. The present state of affairs had a good effect not only on Thakom-bau, but on his people as well. The straits to which they were put,and the perils which continually threatened them in their beleagueredisland, prepared them to receive the warnings and counsels of the Mis-sionary, so that privation and danger led the way to contrition of heartand anxiety for salvation. The city which, in its pride and power, hadshut out the Ministers of Christ and opposed their work, now, humbleand crippled, gladly received the hope and help of the Gospel. But,though brought to great extremity, Mbau, to the astonishment of itsenemies, still held out, until even the furious and boastful King of Rewabegan to feel that, after all, Thakombau might be delivered out of hishands by the God in whom he now trusted. He said, If Tliakombaube a hypocrite, his lotu will only add fuel to the fire : but if he be trulyChristian, we shall not get VIWA AICD MBATJ. 483 On the 26th of January, 1855, the whole course of events wasturned by the death of Ratu Nggara, this implacable King of Rewa,who was carried off by dysentery. At the time of death he was uncon-scious, and thus unable to leave those charges for the continuance ofwar, which the Fijians deem so sacredly binding on the at once sent an ambassador, asking for peace. Tell theRewa people, said he, to become Christian, and let us establisha peace that shall be lasting. If we fight, and one party conquers,thereby making peace, evil will remain and spring up. Let us allbecome Christian, and establish peace : then all will be likely to go onwell. 1 am Christian, not because I am weak or afraid, but because Iknow it to be true. 1 trust in God alone. The Chiefs received themessage favourably, and sent an ambassador to Mbau with a peace-offer-ing. Some, however, wished the war to continue; and it was theirvexation at the interference of
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