2/4 The Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji, 
went on to the sea, they commenced their death-song, 
always sung as they drag along the bodies of their slain 
enemies. I feared that might increase their rage, and desired 
to stop it. It was most grating to my feelings, and I stood 
still and begged them to desist. After a short time they did 
so, and we proceeded towards the beach. Those who had 
run to destroy me, then departed towards their own town. 
During the whole of this attack on me, the Lord blessed me 
with great presence of mind, and considerable firmness to 
dispute with them, and protest against their taking away my 
life. It appeared to me very probable that my course and 
my ministry were both about to be ended. Yet I was com- 
forted by the assurance that * they could not yet devour my 
life, safe in the hollow of His hand.' While looking at the 
instruments of death which were held over, and levelled 
at me, I felt sure that my life was still in His hands, and 
could only be taken by His permission." 
Thakombau and his people were now put to great straits. 
They were surrounded by enemies all bent on their de- 
struction, and in the midst of these trials turned to the 
despised missionaries for succour and protection, seeing 
that their presence in Mbau, and firmness, constituted the 
truest safeguards against assassination and extermination. 
Little by little, the struggle between heathenism went 
on, both inwardly and outwardly; but in the end, truth 
and righteousness gained the victory, and Mbau became 
Christianized. 
