26 ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH SEAS 
“After a while, there were found among the Tongan sail- 
ors who visited Fiji, some who had become converted to 
Christianity at home; and these, on arriving in the strange 
land, zealously set about making known what they themselves 
knew of the gospel to their own relatives, and then to the 
Fijians. Thus was the Christian religion first introduced 
into the group.” 
It was about the year 1834 that the Holy Spirit began to 
witness with great power to the preaching of the gospel in 
Tonga. ‘Thousands then began to turn away from their 
abominable heathenism, and gave evidence that the work 
was truly of the heart. These newly converted people be- 
gan to pray that the way might be opened to send mission- 
aries to Fiji. 
“Tt was felt that the spreading work in Tonga required 
more than all the strength of the missionaries then out there. 
... But the hearts of these men were deeply moved by what 
they were constantly hearing from Fiji. There was much 
to induce them to stay where they were. The freshness of 
youth had passed from them. Their homes were established 
now, and their children gathered round them. They were 
beginning to reap the fruit of much toil, and suffering, and 
danger. But in that outcry of savage passion which reached 
them from the regions beyond, they heard only the wail of 
unresting sorrow and unending pain. The comfort and the 
cure were in their hands, and the voice of the Lord sounded 
to them as clearly now as ever, ‘Go ye into all the world, 
and preach the gospel to every creature.’ They heeded the 
charge, and counting all the cost, solemnly said, ‘Amen.’ ” 
They decided that two of their number should go to Fiji, 
and so Mr. William Cross and Mr. David Cargill were ap- 
pointed to begin mission work for the wild Fijians. 
In due time these two men, with their families, landed on 
Fijian soil, bearing to the king of Lakemba a message from 
the king of Tonga, urging that the missionaries be well re- 
ceived and respectfully treated. 
