266 The Triumphs of the Gospd in Fiji. 
all that old cannibars steps. Years went on, and although 
one chief after another learnt to bow to the Christian's God, 
Thakombau still held out resolute against the doctrine. Mr. 
Hunt tells us that a plot was laid for the destruction of the 
Viwan Christians, by Thakombau and his warriors, in 1846. 
Rewa was conquered at this time, and, drunk with the 
blood of conquest, the king resolved to crush all who had 
ever differed from his ways. Thakombau, accompanied by 
his army, came to Viwa, and made his way straight to the 
mission-house. Mr. Hunt was out at the time ; Mrs. Hunt 
offered the chief, tea and bread. He drank the tea, but 
tossed the bread contemptuously at her. Mr. Hunt was 
sent for immediately, when the chief declared his intentions. 
The missionary took him aside, and for a long time pleaded 
with him to be m.erciful. The converted queen of Viwa, 
who was a cousin to the chief, also knelt down before him, 
and begged him to spare the people. She also entreated 
him with tears to join the lotu, telling him how happy it 
had made her. All this while, the forces of Mbau were 
filling the town, and rejoicing in prospect of the feast which 
awaited. The Christians were firm, quiet, and even happy 
in prospect of death. Two of them, happening to meet 
near the mission-house, shook hands affectionately, saying, 
as they did so, " Heaven is very near ! " Many others 
retired to the bush, and spent hours in prayer to that God, 
before whom, for aught they knew, they were so soon to 
appear. Yet some power seemed to restrain the hands of 
these Mbau heathen. They said to the missionaries, " Oh, 
if you missionaries would only go away ! It is your 
presence that prevents us from killing them ! If you would 
go away, before you could reach Moturiki, all these Viwa 
people would be 'in the ovens ! " But " the faithful God 
restrained their hands," and mysteriously influenced them. 
