absorbed in thought. During the day, the was despatched to the missionary station at natives were bartering their shells, fowls, and Waimea, with a letter to make arrangements vegetables upon the deck, for our knives, with Dwight Baldwin and Lorenzo Lyons, the handkerchiefs, needles, and fish-hooks. The resident missionaries, for collecting the people weather was very hot, and the incessant tum-together as early as might be, in order to exbling about of our little vessel, from the swell of pedite us on our way to Hilo, in Byron's Bay, the ocean unceasingly rolling into this exposed bay, contributed to render it very exhausting and fatiguing to attend to the wants of the natives; upon whose well-oiled skins the heat seemed to make no impression. The number assembled at the meeting yesterday was more than 2000; but many of them had come from the neighbourhood of Kalakakua Bay. A large stone building, for a place of worship, is nearly ready for roofing at Kailua : on my remarking the very great thickness of the walls, I was told, that unless this was the case it could not stand, on account of the violent shocks which earthquakes frequently occasion at times the tables and chairs rattle on the floors of the missionary dwelling. situated at the eastern extremity of the island of Hawaii; and that our vessel might be no longer exposed than was absolutely needful, to the risk of encountering, what are called by the islanders, Moomookoo. These are furious blasts which run between the two lofty mountains, with irresistible force, turning the surface of the sea into a white foam, and blowing a vessel entirely away from the coast; and though perhaps not producing any serious results, yet it may require several days to get her back into the place from whence she was driven. As the distance over the mountains from the coast to Waimea is more than fourteen miles, the return of our messenger cannot be looked for till to-morrow morn10th. Our deck again crowded with the ing. On reaching Kalakakua Bay, several natives. The missionary with his wife and days ago, we were informed that the station two children, accompanied by Kuakini, the of Waimea, near which we now are, was vagovernor of the island, paid us a visit in the cant, the missionaries having sailed away for forenoon, and stayed dinner on board. In their annual meeting; so that there seemed a the evening went on shore; and seeing no- probability we should have to pass by it: but thing to prevent our proceeding to the east- at Kairua we learned, that the vessel they ward, took leave of those we knew, and re- were in, had met with such boisterous weaturned on board after dark. Preparation being ther, that she was compelled to put back made for sailing, and the land-breeze springing again; and the indisposition of one of the up, we left the bay of Kailua about midnight, parties prevented their making a second atand stretched off under easy canvass, not tempt at that time. On inquiring of a native having the advantage of moon-light. In the morning of the 11th instant, the weather clear and hot, with light breezes, but not from a favourable quarter. Low in mind, but in the enjoyment of peaceful poverty, trusting in Him who only knoweth the extent of what is before me. My desire is, to be found in the way cast up for me, and that I may leave nothing undone, and no place unvisited where it is His will that the ever-blessed Truth, by the power of the Holy Spirit, should be proclaimed, though it be in weakness and in fear, by such an one as myself, frail indeed, and my days fast numbering to a close: but the strength of Israel is sufficient for all things required at our hands; and if we are faithful, I am persuaded, that as our day is, so shall our strength be. this morning through the pilot, this report was found correct; and that the two families, had again returned to their station at Waimea, and were now there. This evening the master of the Missionary Packet came on board, and said he was to proceed towards Hilo tomorrow, to bring away the missionaries: that he was to call here on his return for the two families at Waimea, and then to call at Kailua for the family resident there; but that he could not execute the order he had received, as there were five families at these places, and he had only accommodation for three. I told him, that if the missionaries at Waimea could stay to render me the needful assistance here, I should then proceed immediately to Hilo, and after I had visited the people of that place, we would then transport the two families from thence to 12th. From the lightness of the wind, and the island of Maui; from which place they the adverse set of the current, at sun-set last would have no difficulty in getting to Oahu, evening we had nearly drifted to the bay of as vessels are frequently passing to and fro Kailua. The wind having freshened and be- between those two islands. To-morrow it is come more favourable, we are this morning probable this matter will be decided; I desire in sight of Kowaihai Bay. In the forenoon we to stand resigned to whatever is the will of anchored as near the coast as seemed prudent, my heavenly Father, believing it will not be with a heavy swell setting into the bay. With required of me to go to any part, where there the help of Sugar-Cane,' our pilot, a native is no one capable of interpreting between my self and the natives. From what we have seen of the people here in the course of the day, they appear to be more haughty, and more exorbitant in their demands, than at either of the two bays we have previously anchored in; owing perhaps to their having had more intercourse with foreigners, and more frequent communication with Oahu. Charles and myself sat down together in the forenoon as heretofore, and I believe shared together in a long, heavy, lifeless season: but I humbly trust that I have, in some degree, learned in all states to be content, and desire to bear cheerfully every dispensation of the Divine will; a knowledge of a sufficient number came forward, and we which, when moving along in the counsel thereof, is at once the strength of my life, and food, administering consolation and comfort to the way worn traveller. pared to answer this demand; and as far as we could understand, the parties were determined not to proceed, without it was complied with: as the affair could not be adjusted, I left my seat again, expecting to have to return on board. A number of the natives by this time gathered round us, and amongst them was an American sailor; and finding that he understood a little of the language, I requested him to inquire whether any other persons then about us would undertake the work. After much debate some consented, and being informed that whatever the missionaries decided upon as their wages, they should be fully paid, CHAPTER XXVIII. soon began to move on in earnest. The sun by this time had become very hot, and the journey altogether extremely fatiguing, from the road passing over mountain after mountain with continual ascent nearly the whole distance of fourteen miles. I was desirous to lessen the labour of the people as much as Waimea-native meeting-sail for Koala-vol- was in my power; and walked perhaps more cano- -Byron's Bay-native meetings-sail than was prudent for a stranger in such a with the mission families for Maui—island of climate at noon day. It was late in the afterMaui-anchor at Lahaina-proceed to Wai- noon when we arrived at Waimea; and on ruku-school-meetings at Lahaina-school-reaching the mission-house were kindly resail for Oahu. ceived by Lorenzo Lyons, and Dwight Baldwin and their families. Feeling much exhaustFifth month 13th, 1836.-THE messenger ed with the heat and the harassing journey, I despatched yesterday to Waimea, returned at should have rejoiced if the meeting had been an early hour this morning, bringing a letter appointed for the next morning: but found on from Dwight Baldwin, (with whom we be- inquiry, that the people would soon begin to came acquainted when at the Georgian Islands collect, and that if postponed until to-morrow, last year,) which contained a welcome mes- but few persons would be able to attend, as sage, and stated that a horse was sent down they would necessarily be widely scattered in for my son Charles, and a sufficient number collecting food for the first-day of the week, of the natives to transport myself upon a sort so that they might have nothing to prevent of litter to the station; at the same time their attending the places of worship. I was informing us, that a meeting might be held informed, that on first-day the meeting would with the people in their district the same be larger if the weather proved fine; but if evening, if we left the coast in good time after wet, the people would not come. These things receiving the letter. This being ascertained, considered, it seemed best to take the opporwe hastened to the shore, taking with us 'Su-tunity which now presented, rather than by gar-Cane' the pilot, who, from his knowledge delay to run the risk of faring worse, or perof the neighbourhood, could point out a land- haps losing my labour altogether. After some ing place most free from the breaking surf. refreshment we repaired to the meeting, which Having accomplished our purpose in safety, proved quite as large as was expected. The we soon found the natives who had been en- senior missionary thought it unnecessary to gaged as burden-bearers, and there seemed do more than explain the nature of my certi every probability of our setting forward with-ficates, and this in a brief manner; but perout delay; but when all seemed ready and I haps sufficient for the understanding of the had taken my seat, some demur began to show people. When he had finished, I stood up in itself on the part of the natives; and we be- great weakness, desiring that we might engan to discover, that nothing would satisfy deavour to draw nigh unto the Lord in humble them but the sight of the cloth, which they reverence of soul. The people were very were to have as payment, and a knowledge of solid and attentive; and although I do not rethe quantity that each man was to receive for member having felt less ability to minister, or his labour. Supposing that these matters had having less matter in prospect, as I proceeded, been fully arranged for us by the missionaries strength sufficient was mercifully and timely as had been requested, we were quite unpre-afforded, to endeavour to turn them from dark MEMOIRS OF DANIEL WHEELER. ness to the light of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus in their own hearts, that they might know Him to be a Saviour indeed, to save them from their sins; that so He might be theirs, and they might be His, through the never-ending ages of eternity: it is He who bringeth unto God the Father, and raiseth up at the last day. I stood long among them, and though to myself the life never seemed to rise and spread, as at some favoured seasons, and my own exhausted state of body was sensibly felt, yet I afterwards found, from the testimony of others, that the power of the blessed Truth had been felt amongst them let the Lord be glorified and let them rejoice: but the feelings and the sentence of the unprofitable servant most certainly were mine. Spent an agreeable evening with the two families. From the vast quantity of rain which falls on this side the island of Hawaii, the dampness of every thing in and about the houses is extreme: the bed we lay on would have been very justly considered in England, not fit for those who have any regard for their health, but we had no alternative; and after using all the means we possessed to prevent being injured, we were favoured to witness no ill effects in the morning, though our clothing was as if it had been hung in the midst of steam during the night. We were, however, glad to see the light of the returning morning to liberate us from the consequences which threatened. [1836. weather, it is probable if we had remained at 15th, first-day.-From the state of the Waimea, but few of the people would have attended the meeting to-day. Twice in the course of the day our seamen were assembled for devotional purposes, as we had no communication with the shore; although I thought if an interpreter had been present some of the straggling natives might have been collected together. At sun-down got under weigh, and proceeded towards Koala with a light breeze; but on opening the mouth of the passage, between the islands, we found plenty of wind and sea. o'clock in the morning, and then stood to- vouring to beat through the passage formed Hawaii,-the weather rainy through the day; 17th.-Early in the morning stood in for at six o'clock P. M., stood off again for the night. Torrents of rain appeared to be fall14th.-Being desirous of returning to the twenty-six different cascades were counted at ing all the day upon the mountains of Hawaii: coast as soon as circumstances would allow, one time rushing towards the ocean down the we rose early in the morning, and after break-rocky cliffs: every part of the island which fast it was concluded by the missionaries who we have seen seems to consist of huge masses had the direction of the movements of the of volcanic substance, and the leeward side is Missionary Packet, that instead of proceeding truly dreary and barren in appearance. round the southern part of the island to Byron's Bay, where Hilo is situated, it should sail im- night, the weather became more gentle; but 18th. After beating to and fro through the mediately for Kairua and Kalakakua Bays, and the wind was so fickle that there seemed no return with the mission families from those sta- probability of our rounding the point that tions back again to Kowaihai Bay; when if forms one side of Byron's Bay, at the bottom the two families residing here were ready, they of which stands the village and missionary would accompany their brethren to the island station of Hilo. In the course of the day, of Oahu, to be in readiness for the approach-made several advantageous tacks close in with ing annual meeting of the whole mission about the shore, there being no appearance of broto take place. By this measure, the mission- ken water on the margin of the coast. ary families at Hilo were left entirely at our weather proved much more bright and favourdisposal, which at once removed every doubt able than we had anticipated: we heard a of being able to speak to the people. How well attested fact related by a missionary who bountifully are we dealt with by Him, who had formerly dwelt some years at Hilo, that openeth His hand and satisfieth the desire of every living thing." At nine A. M., taking leave of Waimea, we made the best of our way to the coast, expecting to put to sea the same evening; but the night proving rainy and rough, it seemed best for us to remain under the shelter at present afforded by the projecting land in the neighbourhood of Koala. The while residing at that station there were only six days wholly without rain during the space of two years, as by record duly kept of the weather. Fifty-six cascades of water pouring off the land into the sea were in sight at noon to-day. verty and weakness, I was reminded that this This evening, whilst under feeling of po day the yearly meeting of Friends at large a successful in-shore slant during the night, sat down in London. This brought afresh my at breakfast-time weathered the northern-most dear brethren and sisters, who are endeavour-point, and edged away for Byron's Bay, the ing to do the will of our heavenly Father, wind now shifting more and more in our favery near to me in the covenant of life and vour. At half-past two o'clock P. M., droppeace; and a belief that we ourselves shall ped an anchor in seven fathoms water, behind not be forgotten by some who compose that a small reef, which affords a good shelter from large assembly, when drawing nigh in spirit the swell occasioned by the usual trade-wind, to the footstool of mercy and love, is very which though constantly blowing in during precious and animating, though removed from the day, through the wonderful provision of them almost as far as the east is from the an all-wise Providence, never is permitted to west. But although thus outwardly severed blow hard for at least nine months out of the from each other, we have a never-failing twelve, which seasons are pretty well ascersource of comfort and consolation, in know- tained. During the intervals of unsettled weaing, that the one great and heavenly Parent ther, no vessel would be warranted in attemptof the universe is equally near unto us all,-ing to seek shelter here. In the afternoon, a that in Him we live, and move, and have our double canoe came off from the shore, and rebeing, and that His tender mercy is over all turned again loaded with stores, which our vesHis works; of which my only earthly trea- sel had received from the Missionary Packet at sure, and my all on the solitary Plains of Kowaihai Bay, and collected at other places Shoosharry, form a part. May the blessing of since leaving Oahu. Taking our pilot Suthe Most High be felt, through the power of gar-Cane' for a guide to that part of the strand the Holy Spirit, to rest richly upon us all; then the most free from surf, Charles and myself shall we be in that glorious unity, which in- landed and made our way towards the misherits life and that for evermore; from which sion-house, meeting with David B. Lyman nothing can separate, because it is in the love and Titus Coan before reaching their abode. of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.* Both the families assembled at David B. Lyman's, where we partook of some refreshment. 19th.-Towards midnight, the flashes from the great volcano illumined the atmosphere, and at times had the appearance of a stationary light on that part of the coast. At three o'clock A. M., it visibly spread and increased its light; but was eventually lost sight of in the beams of returning morning. Having made Having had of late a number of letters handed to us by way of introduction from one missionary to another, in order to procure the needful aid from station to station, I have thought it might afford satisfaction to others, to know how we stood in their estimation, after having sojourned nearly five months within their borders on the Sandwich Isles. As they are all of the same tenor, a copy of one may suffice for the whole. (Copy,) April 3rd, 1836. To Rev. David B. Lyman and Titus Coan. 20th. This morning the principal chief and his wife came on board to breakfast, and stayed our reading. This chief is descended from the late Tamehameha, and certainly, if bulk and weight can add dignity to high birth, his wife must also be a first-rate personage; and we are told, that her rank is considerably higher than that of her husband. On leaving us, she very uncourteously took to herself the power of proclaiming the Henry Freeling under Tabu, when the natives who had come on board with shells, eggs, &c., to barter, immediately sprung into their canoes, and pushed off from the vessel. Through the medium of Sugar-Cane,' we were made to understand that all traffic could now only be carried on at a sort of market upon the shore. Dear brethren, On inquiry made afterwards, it appeared that Allow me the pleasure of introducing to you this woman had not the power of preventing our friends, Daniel Wheeler, a minister of the the natives from trading; and that she had gospel, of the Society of Friends, and his son ventured to usurp this authority, in the hope Charles Wheeler, who, on an errand of benevo- of monopolizing the whole traffic herself. It lence to the dwellers on the isles of the Pacific, happened, however, that we were not in want have visited this quarter, to co-operate in the work of our Master, in turning men from darkness to of many supplies, as we were not intending light, and from the power of Satan unto God. I to recruit our stock of fuel at this island, on have had the pleasure of interpreting repeatedly account of the extra risk to the vessel which the warm, earnest, and evangelical appeals of Da- delay might incur in such an exposed roadniel Wheeler to our people, and presume you will stead. In the afternoon David B. Lyman and feel it a pleasure to assist him in a similar way, Titus Coan came on board; we returned with for the furtherance of his object, and otherwise them to the shore, and after a walk to an old facilitating their intercourse with the chiefs and the people, and cheering their toil in a long and crater not far distant, took tea at Titus Coan's, expensive voyage. Affectionately your brother, where the other family joined us. Honolulu, Island Oahu. HIRAM BINGHAM. Jo'clock in the evening, the flames of the vol At nine cano gave the atmosphere an unusually bright tinge of light. 22nd, first-day. This morning I felt as has uniformly been the case, when about to meet 21st. This morning the circumstance of for the first time a large body of the people the vessel being 'Tabued,' was fully ascer- at a fresh place; but I was comforted from tained to be enforced with a view to exclude believing that we should be remembered by the natives from a share in the traffic, and no some at a time and "place where prayer is other than an unauthorized violation of their wont to be made;" where the Lord is in the privileges; against which, we thought it right purified temple, the earthly nature silent, and to make a stand. A person who could speak a the heavenly Intercessor's only availing help little English came on board at an early hour, experienced. Attended the meeting at the with a present of a fowl and some potatoes time fixed: sat as one that had lost all strength, from the chiefess. I told him it was a pity until David B. Lyman had nearly finished she had been at the trouble of sending them reading the Morning meeting's certificate, off, as presents were things we did not ac- when I seemed ready, and only waiting the cept, and therefore must pay for what he had termination of the concluding paragraph to brought with him. This man was told to in- stand upon my feet, with my mind centred and form us, that if we accepted the present, it the fear of man banished far away. After would be considered that the chiefess was en- the people were requested to settle down in titled to furnish what supplies might be want- stillness, and endeavour to draw nigh unto ed; but if these terms were not acceded to, the Lord with humble reverence, I was and the present was declined, he was then to strengthened to declare amongst them the return to the shore to know its value, and the way of life and salvation, in the word of the price was to be sent off by a native then upon truth of the gospel, in the love of which my the deck, who was pointed out, that he might heart was greatly enlarged. Repentance tobe known again by us; word was soon brought ward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus that the price was a quarter dollar, which was Christ, the only way to obtain forgiveness of paid forthwith, to preserve peace and put an sins that are past, and freedom from the thralend to the matter. The man who brought off dom of sin in future, were largely pointed out, the present was highly gratified at our declin- and the light of the Holy Spirit of Christ ing the terms altogether; and there is no doubt Jesus, which shineth in every heart, as the but the affair soon gained publicity, as canoes only blessed medium by which this path is kept coming through the day with fowls, tur- made manifest; by reason of the darkness keys, cabbages, bread-fruit, pine-apples, wa- which prevaileth in man, while held in a carter-melons, &c., in an undisguised manner. nal, and unregenerate state, in bondage to the We afterwards fully ascertained that this ar- power of Satan, the prince of darkness. The bitrary proceeding was a violation of the laws burthen which rested upon my mind was, that of the island, no person whatever, but the they might be delivered from the power of governor John Adams, alias Kuakini, having darkness, and translated into the kingdom of the power of interfering with the traffic carried the dear Son of God, through the shedding of on by the inhabitants; yet such is the servile whose precious blood our redemption is sealstate of these poor people, having been trained ed, even forgiveness and remission of sins from infancy to view their chiefs as a race of that are past, and an interest mercifully grantbeings superior to themselves, that they would ed in that Holy Advocate, always present to patiently have borne this act of oppression, if plead with our heavenly Father, the weakness it had met with our sanction. Drank tea at and infirmity of our nature, for the time to David B. Lyman's, who has kindly underta-come, for all those who, in belief and obediken to accept the office of interpreter between myself and the people to-morrow. Notwithstanding I have now stood before so many thousands of these islanders on both sides the Equator; yet the prospect of to-morrow is formidable in my sight. If the weakness of human nature was not thus felt, there would, I believe, be a danger of our not sufficiently and devotedly seeking after, and imploring the strengthening influence of that power, without which "we can do nothing," but with it all things. May the Lord be our helper, and cause his own works to praise Him, to the glory of the riches of that grace, which came by Jesus Christ. ence, are willing to come unto God by Him. Such, and such only, are turned " from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." The meeting was not so large, we were told, as at some other times; but the people were very attentive, and bowed down under the mighty hand of Him whose power reigned over all. After the meeting broke up, we attended a school for Bible scholars, of all ages and both sexes. It commenced with a prayer by a native teacher, and finished with another from one of the missionaries. We partook of some dinner with Titus Coan and wife, as I felt an engagement to attend the native meeting again in the afternoon. |