MEMOIRS OF DANIEL WHEELER.

[1836.

interpreter. Hiram Bingham said an adjourned ing ourselves of it: at the same time, the unannual meeting was about to assemble, and it mortified part would gladly have been excused would afford a good opportunity of getting to altogether. know what had transpired on that subject. The bell soon rang, and we repaired to the meeting. At a vacant opportunity the subject was brought forward by Hiram Bingham, but nothing came of it, as several of the parties were absent. I was afterwards informed that one of the Hawaii missionaries was kindly disposed to accompany us, which I rather viewed with regret, from being aware that he would expect to be brought back again by our vessel. Our suspense was at last relieved by a proposition from one of the Tauai missionaries to go with us, and an assurance that he would be ready to depart before the final conclusion of the annual meeting. Although this might occasion ten or twelve days' delay, yet the saving of time would be considerable, when compared with the first offer, which would involve our having to return again to Oahu, against a relentless trade-wind, the effect of which had been fully tried. The circumstances of the case in all its bearings considered, it seemed prudent to take the Henry Freeling again into harbour, rather than risk her any longer outside the reefs. It is no small trial to be thus delayed; but as it is not to gratify self that we linger on the way, the Lord knoweth, I trust we shall yet be able to redeem this apparent loss of time, and be favoured to improve the future to his praise.

sionaries came on board to say, that he hoped 3rd. This morning, one of the Tauai misto have his business in such a state of for wardness, as to enable him to return to that island before the final conclusion of the general meeting. A light breeze having sprung up from the southward, soon after breakfast the Henry Freeling got under weigh, and made sail for the harbour; before ten o'clock she anchored off the fort of Honolulu. Being desirous of going to the mission-station at Eva next first-day, application was made to know whether a missionary would return thither to meet the natives on that day; but it appeared that the whole of them will remain here, on account of its being the usual time for the celebration of what is called the 'Lord's Supper.' We were informed that so few of the natives would remain within the compass of their own station, that a visit would be better deferred until next week. In the evening attended one of the general meetings, and had to wade through a painful season therein.

sel still continuing although considerably les4th. The leak before alluded to in our vessened since our getting her into still water, it should be well caulked, which were supposed was deemed prudent that such parts of her to be the cause of her requiring so much pumping; while at the same time the needful forward, in the expectation of again crossing repairs of the sails and rigging were going the Equator, when altogether clear of these islands.

the day with our own people. In the evening 5th, first-day.-Remained on board through repaired to the Mariners' place of worship, where a time of suffering was my lot.

Although the prospect which had been spread before the view of my mind, for some weeks previous to our return to Honolulu, of seeing the whole of the missionaries and their families when collected at their general meeting, still remained strongly with me; yet the time did not seem come for me to take any steps to accomplish the same, until we had ascertained that the whole of them had arrived. Those who were present at the opening of this general meeting, concluded I was detained until an interpreter was ready to accompany us to the island of Tauai, and in a very kind and brotherly manner invited us to attend the several sittings of that meeting. The manner in which the affairs of the mission to these islands is conducted, could not fail to excite much interest in our minds; and although well aware that in our attendance at the meetings we should be subjected to witness many things that we could not unite in, yet, as they had always allowed us to do that which was most easy to ourselves, without a single remonstrance or the slightest appearance of dissatisfaction on their part, I was not satisfied to let such an opportunity pass away, proceeded towards the Pearl river, at the head 11th. In the afternoon left the vessel and however painful it might prove, without avail- [of which lies the station of Eva; we were

pretty fully occupied in attending the different 10th. Since first-day my time has been sittings of the general meeting of the members of the mission, as they came in course, and in procuring the supplies needful for the vessel, in exchange for such articles of barter remaining in our possession, as were most in demand. Having deferred going to Eva last week, as no interpreter could be procured, to-day I went in search of the missionary belonging to that district, and found that he had procured a large canoe, with the intention of setting forward tomorrow morning at the proper time of the tide, to enable us to pass in safety over the shallow places near the shore, and thus preclude the necessity of our being exposed to the swell outside of the reef.

favoured to reach it in less than five hours, though our progress was for some time impeded by the giving way of the outrigger; but the natives soon sprung overboard and put it in order again. At this place, a prayer-meeting has been instituted among the natives, and sixteen of them collected in the evening at the house where we lodged: this station has been but recently organized.

hours elapsed before a suitable opportunity presented to spread the subject before the meeting; but when once understood, my request was immediately granted, and the next evening was fixed for us to meet together.

the missionary families had arrived to attend the general meeting in a small vessel from Wairûkû; and that the other family residing at Waimea, on the island of Hawaii, were prevented from attending by an increase of family since we were at their dwelling. The time was now fully come for me to request an opportunity with the whole of the members of the mission; and in the evening I stated 12th, first-day. Having retired early to my case to the senior missionary, who appearrest last evening, we were seated at the break-ed quite disposed to make way for it, by confast table by six o'clock this morning. The sulting his brethren at a meeting then about horn was blown in good time to collect the to collect, to which we repaired. Most of two people, and at ten o'clock we met about seven hundred of them in a shed open on every side, there being as yet no place of worship erected. I had largely to declare among them the glad tidings of the gospel, turning their attention, as ability was afforded, to the just witness for God in every heart. Although under feelings of great weakness as to myself, yet the deportment of the people afforded an encouraging evidence that the great Master was near to own the work. The afternoon meeting was not quite so numerously attended, but it proved even more solid than that in the morning. In this meeting I had to turn them from the teachings of men, to that power which alone can save. For "none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." But the Almighty Father of love and mercy hath amply provided for the salvation of all mankind by his Son Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save sinners; "he was made sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him;" who died to obtain for us the Holy Spirit, that we might live and come unto God by Him. The countenances of many of these dear people, spoke louder than words what they felt: weakness and poverty were my close companions; yet I was favoured with peaceful tranquillity of mind.

14th.-Employed on board through the day. In the evening, called upon Hiram Bingham who accompanied us to the meeting. I was shown into the moderator's seat, and the company was soon gathered together. After some time in silence, it was with me simply to state, that on leaving Honolulu a few weeks ago, I had no expectation of returning to it again; but some time afterwards I found that I should not be clear of these parts, without endeavouring to see the whole of the missionary establishment in its collected capacity. At that time it seemed difficult to comprehend how it would be brought about, but I felt a willingness and resignation on my part towards its accomplishment:-He that causeth his wind to blow, and the waters to flow, directed our steps and brought it pass. As it is probable, (I continued) that all are present who will be on the occasion, I would suggest that we now endeavour to sink down in humble reverence of soul before "the Judge of all the earth," to wait for the counsel of His will; and, if graciously favoured therewith, endeavour to do it, to his praise and to his glory. The meeting then settled down in silence and remained for a considerable time under a solemn covering; until I had to speak of the order in the church of Christ, and of the

We left Eva at three o'clock this morning, the 13th instant, and got well on our way an hour before day-light, through the narrow rushy channel, which in places is overhung preparation of heart which every member must by the spreading boughs of large trees. Although there was very little wind, we were annoyed by the swell of the Pacific; but were favoured to reach the Henry Freeling by eight o'clock. It had been to me a time of favour, and a day to be remembered among the memorable ones of my chequered life; and the more so, when on looking back, it was discovered according to the time of England, to be a date on which I had more than once had to record the tender-mercies of the Lord, for signal and crowning loving-kindness bestowed upon a poor unworthy creature. In the course of the day it was ascertained that the last of

pass through by the operation of the Holy Spirit, before he can become a part of this glorious body, which is without spot or wrinkle; and the necessity of our individually knowing for ourselves the hope of our high and holy calling. It was afterwards with me to state, the opportunity I had had of seeing them in their different, distant, solitary and secluded allotments, and of witnessing their patient endeavours to promote the work in which they were engaged. Having myself dwelt amongst those whose language I could not understand, I was the better able to feel for them on this account with brotherly sympathy; and I was no stran

o'clock we quitted the sheltering harbour of Honolulu and stretched well into the offing, in the hope of a permanent breeze at a good distance from the land. Having only ninetyfour miles to run, an expectation was raised of our being in the roads of Koloa by ten o'clock the next morning, but the wind forsook us before midnight, and the island of Tauai was not discovered until too late for its accomplishment.

and under feelings of great weakness amongst them; but after reminding them of the solemn purpose for which we were brought together, when the missionary had finished reading the translation of my certificates, the way was opened for me largely to declare the glad tidings of great joy to all that repent, believe, and obey the gospel; and to make a solemn appeal to the just witness for God in every heart. I felt an earnest engagement to turn 17th.-Got sight of the island at three the attention of these dear people to the Holy o'clock P. M., and at six o'clock, anchored in Spirit of the Lord Jesus, which would discothe open roadstead of Koloa, just in time to ver to them "all things that ever they did,” land our passengers before the night came would set their sins in order before them, and upon us. Our vessel being observed approach-save them from sin with an everlasting salvaing towards the roads, a large canoe belonging tion. The people were very attentive, and to the missionary, was sent from the shore; under a solemn feeling the meeting broke up; which, by making three journies to and fro, when they flocked round us in the usual mansucceeded in carrying the family, and the ma-ner. I found that on account of the weak jor part of the baggage, in safety to the land. state of the health of the missionary, no afPeter J. Gulick, with his wife and five chil- ternoon meeting was held; but the school was dren, remained on board, until their luggage largely attended: on this occasion, however, was sent off, and were at last placed in a ca- the people were again assembled for worship, noe, which, from the rolling of the vessel, and at three o'clock P. M. I felt little on my mind the incessant swells of the ocean, was no easy towards them, but was fearful of withholding task. The father having one of the young that little, and stood for a time under much children to care for, could not render his wife discouragement; strength was, however, in the slightest assistance: the child cried, and due time graciously afforded, and I was enahe seemed very anxious lest an accident should bled, to my admiration, to set before the peohappen: but his wife, (while hanging suspend-ple "life and death, good and evil," and to ed, watching for the right moment, when the encourage them not to be overcome of evil, canoe coming up, borne by the swell, should but to overcome evil with good. "Let every rise high enough for her to get foothold suffi- one that nameth the name of Christ depart cient to induce her to let go all hold of the from iniquity," and "live unto Him who died vessel,) calmly cried out to him, 'we must be for them, and rose again;" and who now by patient, my dear.' After two or three efforts the grace of His Holy Spirit, bringeth salvashe ventured, and was received in the arms of tion to all men, hath appeared unto all men, two of the natives, and placed in tolerable se- and teacheth all men, &c. Although the numcurity. The youngest child, which had for ber present was less than in the morning, yet some time been held by the rough grasp of the meeting was no less solemn. Returned one of our sailors, and unconscious of the risk on board before dark to lessen the risk of to which it was exposed, was now handed, with staving the boat against the vessel, as the consmiling face, over the side of our little reeling stant swell of the sea renders access and bark, in safety to its mother. Although this egress at all times difficult, but much less appeared a hazardous enterprise, demanding hazardous by day-light. the utmost care, yet I believed they were all safe, as in the hollow of the Divine hand.

18th.-Landed on the island of Tauai, and made our way to the missionary station. Having made the needful arrangements relative to meeting the people of this district to-morrow, I left my certificates with Peter J. Gulick, who kindly undertook to convene the natives. After visiting a sugar plantation in the neighbourhood conducted by Americans, returned on board.

19th, first-day.-Repaired in good time to the shore, having two miles to go to the native meeting in the heat of the sun. By nine o'clock, about eight hundred of the people were assembled in an open shed. I was poor,

21st. Yesterday and this morning pretty fully engaged in procuring vegetables, Indian corn, &c. In the afternoon went up to Koloa, to take leave of the missionary's family, he himself being about to accompany us to Hanarei, a station on the other side of the island. Towards evening the needful supplies were obtained, and Peter J. Gulick, Richard Charlton, (the Consul) with three or four natives were embarked. At seven o'clock we loosed from the roads, and stretched away into the offing for the night, with a fresh gale, but directly opposed to the course we were desirous of steering.

22nd,-On approaching the land again this morning, it was found that but little had been

gained through the night; and unless the wind veered a little in our favour, there seemed no probability of our rounding the headland which obstructed the passage to Hanarei. Employed in plying to windward all day, and by midnight our position was such, that daylight only was wanted to sanction our taking the advantage of the bending of the coast to steer for the entrance of the bay. But when our object was nearly accomplished, the wind died away, and a strong current set the vessel so rapidly to leeward, that for a time there seemed no prospect of our getting in at all: the breeze, however, rallied again, and helped us round the point of the reef; and by nine o'clock A. M., an anchor was dropped in ten fathoms water in the midst of heavy rain.

to obtain. At seven o'clock P. M., departed from the bay, and made sail to the eastward with a fair breeze, and heavy showers of rain falling.

mercy of God in Christ Jesus to the children of men; and the people were exhorted to turn to His light whilst the day of their visitation was extended, lest they should be overtaken by the night, wherein no man can work. Although the people were very attentive, and great solemnity prevailed on the occasion, yet after the meeting broke up, as was the case with those held at Koloa, the sentence of death in myself was my only portion: at its conclusion they flocked round us in the usual way,—many of them, I believe, with love in their hearts. At least one hundred and fifty accompanied us down to the strand, and saw us safely launched again into deep water. In the afternoon landed on the other side of the bay, and had full opportunity of witnessing the 23rd. As vessels seldom touch here, our very low state of these poor degraded people, arrival soon brought off a number of canoes, and the filthy abodes of several of them. I and a supply of fresh fish; butter and milk exchanged needles and fish-hooks for any were quickly furnished from the estate of thing they could furnish, even for broken Richard Charlton, who had sent an overland shells, as they seemed to have nothing to part messenger from Koloa, to keep a good look-with, to purchase such articles as they stood out for the vessel, and have these articles in in need of, and which they were very desirous readiness on our arrival. After breakfast, our kind interpreter Peter J. Gulick went on shore to examine into the state of the people, their own missionary and his family being absent at Oahu, attending the General meeting of the mission. Some of our people were employed on shore in the forenoon, slaughtering a bullock from the stock of Richard Charlton, kindly provided for our accommodation, in the expectation that the Henry Freeling would return towards the Equator before many days. 24th. Our missionary friend came off from the shore at an early hour, to inform us that the natives would be collected about half-past nine o'clock. We landed with him in a large canoe, conducted by skilful natives, which carried us comfortably through the surf. As we 26th, first-day.-Landed in good time to approached the strand, the people collected in attend the meeting. Richard Charlton undera body, and watching the return of the roller took to conduct us through the surf with the which bore the canoe a sufficient height for natives, having acquired their language from their purpose, it was placed in a few moments | long residence among these islands; we soon very safely out of the reach of the breakers met with Peter J. Gulick, and proceeded to upon dry ground. The conch-shells were im- the meeting together. By nine o'clock about mediately sounded; and after waiting some time one thousand persons were collected, who filled at the missionary-house, we proceeded to the every part of the house, except a narrow galmeeting. Here we found, perhaps, seven hun-lery intended for singers, at the lower end of dred people, all squatted upon the ground in it. I felt as one stripped of every thing but a stillness, (as no seats were provided,) waiting for the strangers. After a time my mind was opened to declare amongst them Christ Jesus the Lord; whose Holy Spirit visiteth every heart, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, and if believed in, and walked in, to restore man from a state of sin and death to holiness and newness of life. Strength and ability were richly afforded me, to testify the love and the

25th. In the course of this day, we were much baffled with variable winds and strong currents; towards sun-set we anchored in five fathoms water, in the road of Waimea, opposite a fort formed some years ago by the crew of a Russian vessel. Soon after arriving, Peter J. Gulick went on shore to arrange for a meeting with the people to morrow. In the evening, some milk was sent off from the missionary station; its occupants, Samuel Whitney and family, are now absent at Oahu, with the rest of the mission.

sense of utter weakness and inability, which has been the case for several seasons of late; and although the Lord was again pleased to try my faith, that my trust and confidence might be centred in Him alone, He again condescended to clothe me with strength and power, to declare amongst the people the unsearchable riches of Christ. Soon after Peter J. Gulick had read my certificates, I stood up; and having awakened their attention and