Mr Bent had been waiting for my recovery to restore Alea to her father,
and to revisit the newly-established Christian community in her native
island. It was important to lose no time in doing this. Mary Bent
would have accompanied us; but as her father proposed being absent only
a short time, and as the inconveniences of voyaging in a native canoe
were very great, he wished her to remain at home. She was, however, not
alone; for the widow of a missionary resided with her, and shared her
onerous duties in instructing the native girls, an occupation in which
both ladies took the greatest delight. All the inhabitants of the
island now, it must be understood, professed Christianity, and might
justly be called thoroughly civilised. Many also were true and sincere
believers; so that these two English ladies, left alone on a small
island of the Pacific, felt as secure as they would have done in the
centre of civilised England.
As we drew near her father's island, Alea showed considerable
trepidation and anxiety as to the way in which she would be received.
She could not persuade herself that one from whom she had fled so short
a time before, and left a fierce, ignorant heathen, would be willing to
forgive her, and treat her with kindness. Might he not also, after all,
compel her to become the wife of the cannibal chief to whom she had been
betrothed? That was the most dreadful thought. Mr Bent used every
possible argument to calm her apprehensions. Although the poor girl had
felt the influence of grace in her own soul, she scarcely as yet
comprehended its power to change the heart of men. I had entertained a
sincere interest in the fate of the young princess from the day we had
found her and her perishing companions on board the canoe. I was now
able to exchange a few words with her, and there was one subject on
which she was never tired of dwelling,--the praise of Mary Bent,--in
which I could always join.
Believing that my future lot would be cast among the people of these
islands, I had begun seriously to study their language, and I took every
opportunity of practising myself in speaking it. We had two native
teachers on board, who were to be left among the new converts, and all
day long I was talking to them, so that I found myself making rapid
progress in their somewhat difficult language.
With a fair wind, the missionary flag flying from the mast-head, we
entered the harbour. The shore was crowded, and more and more people
came rushing down from all quarters. It was evident that they would not
receive us with indifference. Mr Bent had wished to prepare the king
for his daughter's return; but she was recognised before we reached the
beach, and several people hurried off to inform her father of her
arrival. As the vessel's keel touched the strand we saw the people
separating on either side, and between them appeared the old chief
hurrying down towards us. We instantly landed with Alea, and no sooner
did her father reach her than, contrary to all native customs, he folded
her in his arms, and kissing her brow, burst into tears?--but they were
tears of joy.
"Forgive you, daughter!" he answered to her petition. "It is I have to
be thankful that I could not succeed in ruining your soul and body as I
proposed. What agony should I now be feeling had I cast you into the
power of the child of Satan, to the destruction of your soul and body
alike!"
These words made Alea truly happy, and still more so when her father
gave her free permission to become the wife of Vihala. During their
first interview we stood aside; but now the king came forward, and
invited us to come up to his abode. He had evidently some reason for
wishing us to come at once. What was our surprise to see on the summit
of a hill a building beyond all comparison larger than had ever been
erected in the island. The king pointed it out to us with no slight
pride. It was a church built entirely by the natives, according to the
descriptions given them by Vihala, and the assistance of two or three of
them who had seen Christian places of worship during their visits to
other islands, though they were at the time themselves heathen. Often
have I since seen heathens sitting at the porch of a place of worship,
or standing outside the circle of eager listeners; and I have hoped, not
without reason, that those men were imbibing some portion of the seed
thus scattered, to bring forth fruit in due time. This fact alone is
encouraging; indeed there is every encouragement to persevere in
missionary labour throughout the Pacific. Where, indeed, is it not to
be found, if waited for with patience? The missionary, too, feels that
he goes not forth in his own strength,--that a far higher influence is
at work, and on that he places his confidence of success.
Nothing could be more satisfactory than the reception afforded us by the
chief; but I need not describe the number of hogs and fowls, of
bread-fruit, of taro, of the sweet potato, and of numerous other
articles of food which were collected to make a feast in honour of our
arrival. Mr Bent lost no time in carrying out the object of our visit,
in addressing the people, and in installing the teachers in their
office. One of our first works was to plan a school-room and houses for
the teachers, and to suggest certain alterations in the church to make
it more suitable for public worship. It had been arranged that we
should return before the next Sabbath; but as it was possible to
complete the building by that day, Mr Bent resolved to remain and open
it in due form, the natives redoubling their efforts, and working almost
day and night to effect that object. I lent a hand, and in sailor
fashion erected a pulpit, which, as there was no time to carve, I
covered with matting and native cloth, which had a novel, though not
unpleasing, appearance.
I did not before speak of my ship: I scarcely expected to find her here
on my arrival. Indeed the captain, I understood, thought that all on
board the boat had been lost. He had waited, however, day after day,
till losing all patience, he had sailed at length the very day we had
reached the missionary station. I was most concerned to hear that my
boat had not reached the island, though I had a hope that she had fallen
in with the _Golden Crown_, and been picked up. If, on the contrary,
she had been lost or captured by savages, I felt how grateful I should
be for having escaped destruction. Captain Buxton, fully believing that
I was lost, had left no message for me, so that I could not tell where
the ship had gone, nor what were his intentions.
I must now return to the subject of the church. The opening was one of
the most interesting sights I ever beheld. It was crowded at an early
hour with people, old and young, all clothed in native cloth, and with
their hair cut short,--signs that they had lotued, or become Christians;
while numbers were seen approaching from all directions, many of whom,
being unable to obtain seats inside, crowded round the doors and
windows. Mr Bent's address was most fervent, and, though I could
understand but little of it, yet, judging from the way in which the
attention of every one present was absorbed, it must have been deeply
interesting. Of course but comparatively a small number of those
present were really Christians, or understood even the great principles
of Christianity. They now required the instruction which man can give,
and the work of the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. I may here
remark, that I have often heard missionaries accused of over eagerness
to increase the number of their flocks; but I should say that Protestant
missionaries are never willing to consider those converted who are not
really so, and that no ministers of the gospel are more strict in the
tests they apply to ascertain the fitness of converts for baptism. Mr
Bent well knew the character of his congregation, and addressed them
accordingly; but surely it was glorious progress to have some hundreds
of persons, not long ago untamed savages, listening attentively to the
truths of the gospel. No work of man could thus have progressed,--no
mere civilising influence would have produced such an effect. When the
morning service was over, the people assembled on the hill-side and in
open spaces in the neighbourhood of the church, and there, while eating
the provisions they had brought with them, they eagerly discussed the
subject of the discourse they had just heard. The teachers I observed
went about among them, now sitting down with one group, now with
another, and were thus able to answer questions, to give information,
and to correct the erroneous notions which were likely to be
entertained. Alea scarcely ever left her father's side, and was
continually engaged in imparting to him the instruction which she had
received from Mr Bent and Mary; and it was interesting to observe the
avidity with which the old man received the truth from the lips of the
young girl.
I heard reports, however, that the heathen party, still numerous, were
mustering strongly in another part of the island. It had been
ascertained also that a canoe manned by heathens had left the island
some time back, but where they had gone was not known. These
circumstances I thought suspicious, and I feared foreboded evil. The
meeting at the service in the afternoon, of the natives professing
Christianity, was fully equal to that in the morning, but there were
fewer heathens. The service continued with prayer and songs of praise,
and an address full of instruction and exhortation from Mr Bent. It
was almost concluded, when a heathen chief, an old friend of the king, I
found, rushed breathless into the building, announcing that a large
fleet of double canoes was approaching the island,--that it was that of
the cannibal chief to whom Alea was betrothed, coming undoubtedly with
hostile intent.
"How far off are the canoes?" asked the king.
"Some distance as yet," was the answer.
"Then we will pray for protection from One mighty to save," exclaimed
the king. "We shall now judge which is the most powerful,--Jehovah,
whom we have lately learned to worship, or the false gods whom we have
cast away."
None of the people moved from their places. The missionary concluded
his discourse, and then offered up an earnest prayer for protection from
all dangers, to which every one present repeated a loud Amen. They then
moved in an orderly manner out of the church, when the greater number
hurried up the hill, whence they could see the approaching canoes. Of
these there were some fifteen or twenty of different sizes, but most of
them large enough to contain a hundred men at least. They were making
for a sandy point some way from the town or settlement, where we
concluded the enemy would land. I could see with my glass the warriors
dancing, and shaking their spears, and gesticulating violently, in a way
intended to insult those they had come to attack, and to strike terror
into their hearts. A council of war was now held. It was believed that
the enemy would not attempt to make an attack that night, but would wait
till the morning; still it was necessary to be prepared. The warriors
accordingly armed themselves, and assembled in strong bodies under their
different leaders. It was a difficult position for Mr Bent and me.
He, however, at once stated that he could not assist our friends except
by his advice and prayers, but he told me that I might act as I thought
fit. Should I fight, or should I not? There was a sore conflict within
me. My inclinations prompted me to fight, but my new-born principles
taught me to pray rather than to fight, where not called on positively
by duty to do so. In either case, my example might be of service. I
prayed (as all men in a difficulty should pray) to be guided aright. I
decided to remain with the missionary, and use every means to stay the
fight, or to mitigate its horrors should it take place.
"I am glad, my son, that you have so resolved," remarked Mr Bent, when
I told him of my determination. "Surely the prayers of a believing man
are of more avail than the strong arm of the bravest of warriors. It is
a trial of your faith, certainly; but oh, pray that your faith may not
waver."
While I had been consulting with Mr Bent, I found that a herald from
the enemy had arrived with a demand that the Princess Alea should be
forthwith delivered up to his master, and threatening the king and all
his adherents with utter destruction if he refused compliance.
"Tell your chief that once I was in the dark as he is. Then I thought
it no sin to give him my daughter; now I have light, and see my
wickedness and folly. When he has light, he likewise will see as I do.
My daughter cannot be his wife." This bold speech seemed to astonish
the herald, who, having repeated his threats, took his departure.
Active preparations were now commenced for the defence of the
settlement, and such fortifications as the natives use were thrown up on
all sides. Slight as they may appear, they are capable of offering a
considerable resistance, and on one occasion, in the island of
Tongatabu, a brave English naval officer and several of his men lost
their lives in an attack on one of them held by a rebel and heathen
chief who had set at defiance the authority of King George.
As evening drew on we could see the enemy on the sand-bank, dancing
round large fires which they had kindled, the sound of their war-shrieks
and shouts, and the blowing of their conch-shells reaching us through
the calm night air. Meantime the missionary repaired to the church,
which during the night was visited at intervals by the whole Christian
population. The king also sat frequently in council with his chiefs.
One of the youngest, who had, however, greatly distinguished himself,
arose and proposed leading a band of chosen warriors to attack the enemy
before they commenced their march in the morning.
"While they are singing and dancing, they will not keep a good watch,
and thus we may approach them without being discovered. Jehovah will
aid us. It is Satan fights for them. We will prove which is the
strongest."
All approved the words of the young chief, and he had no lack of
volunteers. About two hundred men were chosen and well armed; they at
once set out on their hazardous exploit. They had resolved to conquer
and save their brethren or die, and yet, perhaps, there was not one who
did not expect to be victorious. I had not seen Alea for some time.
While I was with the king, who was surrounded by several of his chiefs,
she unexpectedly made her appearance among us. She was weeping
bitterly.
"Father," she said, "I am the cause of all the bloodshed which is about
to occur. Let my life be sacrificed rather than that of so many of your
friends. Give me up to the chief. He can then have no cause to
complain. I will never be his wife. I may make my escape or I may die,
but the lives of you and your friends will be preserved."
On hearing this noble resolve, the chiefs to a man exclaimed that
nothing should induce them to abandon the princess. Prayers from all
sides were in the mean time offered up for the success of the band of
warriors who had gone forth to attack the enemy. No one, however,
slackened in their efforts to fortify the town, and all, from the king,
when not engaged in council, down to the slave taken in battle, carried
baskets of earth or posts for stockades, during the greater part of the
night, to those parts of the fortifications which required
strengthening. As the hours drew on we waited anxiously for the result
of the expedition. I could not help feeling how critical was our
position. I was not anxious, however, on my own account, but I could
not help reflecting on the sad condition to which Mary would be reduced
should her father and I be cut off, as we might too probably be if the
heathens gained the victory. Then came the blessed and consoling
thought that God cares for the orphans, especially of those who serve
Him; what strength and courage does it give those who rest on His sure
promises--a comfort which people of the world can never enjoy.
I went the rounds of the fortifications a short time before dawn, and
found all the warriors at their posts. I then rejoined Mr Bent, and
was conversing with him, when a loud shout from a distance reached our
ears, followed by a confused sound of shrieks and cries mingled with the
shouts, which continued without cessation for many minutes. Scouts were
sent out to ascertain the cause, but no one returned before day broke.
The light then revealed to us the fleet of the enemy shoving off from
the land. Some of the canoes had already got away, others were hoisting
their sails, while a body of the enemy were defending themselves on the
beach, hard pressed by our friends. On seeing this the warriors in the
town rushed from their trenches, but before they could reach the scene
of action not an enemy remained on their strand, with the exception of
three or four slain and some thirty or more taken prisoners. The rest
sailed away in hot haste, seized with an unusual, if not an
unaccountable panic. As their sails had become mere dots on the
horizon, the victors entered the town singing, not as before songs of
triumph in honour of their idols, but praises to Jehovah, to whom they
ascribed their victory. Mr Bent and I, with the women and children and
aged men who had not gone forth to the fight, met them, when the king,
in set form, recounted what had occurred. The first band had remained
concealed till near daylight, when the enemy appeared to be getting
drowsy after all their feasting and dancing. At a signal from their
leader they dashed forth on the foe, who, totally unprepared for them,
were seized with a sudden panic, and the greater number, leaving even
their arms, fled towards their canoes. The few who were killed had
refused to receive quarter, and as many as could be seized were taken
prisoners. These latter fully expected to be slaughtered immediately,
and to be offered up to idols, if not to be eaten. They had been
somewhat surprised in the first instance to see that their friends who
had been killed in the fight were decently interred where they fell,
instead of being dragged ignominiously by the heels to the town. They
only concluded that this was one of the new customs of the lotu people,
and had no expectation in consequence of escaping the common doom of
captives. Several of them were chiefs who had attempted to defend the
rear while their countrymen were embarking. They stood with downcast,
sullen looks, prepared for torture and death. The king now approached
them. "Why, O chiefs, did you come to attack my island and my people?"
he asked calmly. "We are now among those who wish to live at peace with
all men, to have enmity towards no one. Why did you desire to do us
harm?"
"We came against you because our king and master ordered us," answered
one of the prisoners, looking up with a fierce scowl of defiance on his
countenance. "Our object was to carry off your daughter to become our
king's wife; the rest of you we should have killed and eaten."
"And I, O chiefs, let you go free because my King and Master orders me
to be merciful, that I may obtain mercy," answered the king. "You, O
chiefs and people, are free to return to your own island, but before you
go you must learn something of the new religion which we have been
taught, that you may go back and speak of it to your people, or wherever
you may go."
The astonished captives could scarcely believe their senses, the
treatment was so unlike anything those they had known taken in war had
experienced. They consulted together and expressed their willingness to
accept the offer. They were completely overcome when the king promised
them a large canoe and ample provisions for their return. The people
having taken some refreshment, assembled at the church, where hearty
thanksgivings were offered up for the deliverance they had experienced.
The captives attended. I watched their countenances. They seemed lost
in amazement. All the sentiments were so new and strange. The reign of
the Prince of Peace was spoken of. They soon after came to the
missionary desiring that they might be allowed to serve so good a
Master. They never seemed tired of receiving instruction in the new
doctrine, and I was struck with its wonderful adaptability to
unsophisticated man, and its power of satisfying his heart yearnings,
from the avidity with which they seized each point as presented to them.
It was now time to return to the mission station. We bade an
affectionate farewell to Alea, promising to send her intended husband
back to the island as soon as possible. The now liberated captives
agreed to embark on the same day. Their chief entreaty was that a
missionary or a teacher might be sent them to instruct them in the way
of eternal life, that way which, by a wonderful combination of
circumstances, they were now anxious to follow. Thus the Almighty works
often, and thus He has thought fit in an especial manner to work
throughout the Pacific.
The difficulty was to obtain a teacher. Mr Bent had several under
training at the station, and he told the captives that if they would
accompany us he would endeavour to find one who would return with them
to their island. They were delighted with the proposal, and exhibited
an extraordinary eagerness to set forth. Their hurry was at the time
unaccountable, as they were evidently sincere in their expressions.
Anxious to please them, we accordingly had our canoe launched, taking
several of them on board, the remainder going in the canoe given by the
king. The wind being fair, we had a quick run till more than half way
across. Just then, through our glasses, we caught sight of a canoe,
which, on discovering us, as it seemed, paddled off at right angles to
avoid us--her people evidently mistrusting our character. We instantly
altered our course to cut her off, and approached her with our
missionary flag flying. No sooner was this discovered than the canoe
turned again towards us. She soon drew near, when we recognised the
people in her as belonging to the station. By their gestures and
countenances we had too much reason to believe that they brought us evil
tidings. "Haste! haste! haste!" they exclaimed, leaping on board. "A
heathen fleet has arrived at the island, and the chief threatens to
attack the station. Even now he may have begun the onslaught, for his
fury was great. Haste! haste! haste!"