28o The Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji. 
real, while, as he had been forgiven much, he loved much. 
He was married to one wife, assisted the mission by placing 
his canoe at the service of the missionaries in their frequent 
journeys, and personally expostulated with many heathen, 
urging them to follow his example. He was especially 
noted for his power in prayer, and some specimens of his 
petitions, preserved in the records of the mission, prove 
how great was his gift in this direction. They were most 
touching, practical, and scriptural. At times, he would rise 
in an agony of entreaty, as when praying for the life of 
Mr. Hunt, who was in his last illness, Elijah Verani pleaded 
as follows : " O Lord, we know we are very bad, but spare 
Thy servant. If one must die, take me! Take ten of us, 
but spare Thy servant to preach Christ to the people." 
Mr. Hunt died, and was buried amidst the lamentations of 
the people, but on Elijah Verani, a double portion of God's 
Spirit seemed to have descended. He undertook long and 
perilous journeys in order to conciliate foes, spread the 
knowledge of the Gospel, and taught other chiefs to read. 
At last he was slain while on one of these peace-making 
expeditions. His loss was a very severe one to the mission. 
3. Lakemba. 
Mr. Calvert found his residence in Lakemba, in 1839, 
anything but pleasant. Christianity had been introduced 
there at that time about four years, and had won many 
adherents. Still, many of the people were far from honest, 
merciful, or Christian. The missionary and his people 
were subject to constant robbery. Kitchen utensils, stores, 
and tools were all stolen as opportunity offered ; and one 
night, a party of thieves cut through the reed wall of his 
house, and carried off about fifty articles of clothing. Con- 
quering his feelings of misgiving and anger, the missionary 
