VERANI OF VIVA 65 
Cross on a secure foundation, and others were to carry it 
onward to unusual success. 
Mr. Hunt was chosen to succeed Mr. Cross at Viwa, and 
he reached the station to carry on the work of his fallen com- 
rade only fifteen days after the death of Mr. Cross. It was 
not long after this that the missionary’s heart was greatly 
cheered by the sound conversion of Verani, the terrible chief 
of Viwa. 
“For some time he had been satisfied that Christianity was 
true, but was kept from avowing his belief by a wish to help 
the Mbau chief in war and the extension of his dominions. 
The more, however, he became persuaded of the importance 
of the truths he had heard, the more his uneasiness increased, 
until he always went forth in dread, fearing lest he should 
fall in battle and be lost forever. He still professed to be 
heathen, but often stole into the woods alone to pray to the 
one true God; and even on the battlefield he would fall down 
and call upon the Lord his maker. 
“His concern to learn yet more of the gospel increased, and 
some very devoted converts watched over him with great 
care. Contrary to custom, he had already learned to read, 
and when the name of Jesus occurred, he would reverently 
kiss the book with every sign of gratitude and joy. When 
mention was made of the death of Christ for sinners, he 
would say, ‘Jesus, why didst Thou suffer this for me? 
“All this time he was obliged to go to war; but his life 
was repeatedly and remarkably preserved,—a fact which he 
duly recognized and made cause of thanksgiving to God. 
“At last he laid the whole matter before his friend and 
chief, and asked permission to become a Christian. Thakom- 
bau, who dreaded the loss of so powerful an arm in war, 
persuaded him at any rate to wait some time longer. Verani 
loved the chief sincerely, and was anxious to serve him; but 
his anxiety about his own soul greatly troubled him, and 
though deterred from a decisive profession of Christianity, 
he continually made it the subject of conversation and in- 
5 
