2/6 The Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji, 
tians, and establish peace, then all will be likely to go on 
well. I am a Christian, not because I am weak or afraid, 
but because I know it to be true, and my trust is in God 
alone." Most of the people received these overtures of 
peace favourably, although a few disaffected chiefs held 
aloof. Soon after this, King George of Tonga visited 
Thakombau, and finding war imminent with certain districts, 
assisted his friend, thereby doing him good service. As the 
result of the war, seventy towns returned to their allegiance 
to Thakombau, who manifested wonderful clemency toward 
the rebels, and freely forgave all who submitted to him. 
This had an extremely good effect upon the people, who 
well knew that twenty years previously, all prisoners of war 
would have been killed and eaten. After this, the king con- 
tinued on probation as a candidate for Christian Church- 
membership, and proved himself a most humble and satis- 
factory pupil. In January, 1857, Thakombau saw it to be 
clearly his duty to put away all his wives save one ; was 
married to that one, and publicly baptized, thus taking on 
himself the solemn vows of the Christian faith. Audi Lydia, 
his chosen wife, was also baptized. 
This Fijian stronghold of darkness having submitted to 
the Gospel rule, the wavering, flickering attachment of 
many of the natives now became more confirmed and pro- 
nounced. A large building called the " Strangers' House " 
was given up by the king, for the purpose of holding public 
worship. Usually, a thousand worshippers met there at the 
services, while many turned to the Lord with bitter re- 
pentance, and sincere allegiance. Chapels and meeting- 
places were built in many other towns subject to Mbau, 
and native teachers were supplied to conduct the services 
and instruct the people. Sometimes one of these native 
ministers had to attend to the spiritual necessities of five or 
