242 The Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji. 
fore, valuable pioneers and helpers in the work of evan- 
gelizing, and teaching the benighted people of the isles, 
who for so long had " sat in darkness." Their temporary- 
residences were soon blown down by a hurricane, but were 
restored in a more substantial fashion. In addition to this, 
a chapel, capable of holding some two hundred hearers, was 
erected, and a regular congregation gathered, Sabbath by 
Sabbath. 
Not only were the stated services useful to the natives, 
but even the daily intercourse of the missionaries with the 
people became productive of good. Day by day they went 
to the mission station to barter fowls, fish, fruit, mats, and 
other useful or necessary articles for English productions. 
Many went out of curiosity, desiring to see the life and 
manners of the white people, and upon all, a favourable 
impression was produced. Then, seizing the opportunity, 
the missionaries would kindly and plainly inform their 
visitors of their aims and objects. These visitors would 
inform others, and so the good news spread throughout the 
island in a wonderfully short space of time. Within five 
months of their arrival, Messrs. Cross and Cargill had bap- 
tized about thirty adults, who manifested a large degree 
of acquaintance with Christian truth, and desired to lead 
Christian lives. 
But, persecution soon broke out among the little number. 
The priests began to miss the ofi"erings hitherto made at 
their temples ; for many who were not really Christians had 
learnt to attend Divine worship and to disregard the old 
superstitious notions. The authorities threatened the people 
with severe punishments if they did not resume their daily 
and weekly offerings at the shrine of the king's god ; but 
the influence of a Tongan chief who had espoused Chris- 
tianity, prevented any open outbreak. However, the priests 
