How the Gospel was First Carried, 271 
now became that father's teacher, and taught him to read. 
The missionary records the fact in these touching words ; — 
" The little fellow now became the teacher of his parents, 
who were both so eager to acquire knowledge, that some- 
times their young instructor would fall asleep with fatigue, 
in the midst of a lesson, to resume it after a refreshing 
nap." 
From this time, the king's attendance at public worship, 
observance of the Sabbath, and family prayer, was most 
exemplary. He was as yet, however, very young in the 
faith, and indeed it seemed that his religion was one more 
of the head than of the heart. But this young and weak 
faith, as well as that of his people, was about to be tried 
rather severely. He had made many enemies by his fre- 
quent attacks and bloodthirsty forays upon the surrounding 
inhabitants of the country, and now these, thinking that 
Thakombau was reduced in national prowess and warlike 
possessions, determined to destroy him. The Rewa chief 
sent a messenger to Mr. Waterhouse to remove from Mbau, 
for he intended to destroy the city, together with its inhabi- 
tants and king. Mr. and Mrs. Waterhouse determined to 
remain at Mbau, in order to save the city, if possible. They 
foresaw nothing but anarchy and bloodshed, should it be 
destroyed. Mr. Calvert was stationed at Ovalau, among 
other enemies of Mbau, and suffered much persecution in 
consequence of his attachment to Thakombau. He, with 
Mr. Waterhouse, again and again made overtures for peace, 
but in vain. The destruction of Mbau seemed to be un- 
avoidable, but by the intervention of Providence. Mr.. 
Calvert tells us of one narrow escape from death, experienced 
at the hands of the savages. From his graphic story, one 
can realize the exposure to death and danger which must 
have been the lot of those servants of God in those troubled 
