Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

AT the prayer meeting held in Park Street church, on the first Monday evening in April, the reading of the missionary journal was introduced by some observations, designed to place the natives of the Sandwich Islands, and the missionaries, before the eyes of the audience; and to fix their contemplations on the interesting moment, when a Christian mission was, for the first time, approaching a long neglected heathen people. Several respected friends have desired, that the substance of the obs vations alluded to might appear in the Herald. From the manner in which they were received at the time, it is supposed they may be acceptable to at least some of our readers.

It is to be borne in mind, that the reading commenced with the journal as published in our last number, p. 113. The remarks were substantially as follows:

"Let us contemplate, my brethren, the circumstances, in which this vessel was approaching these islands of the Great Pacific.

ago, a frequent and continually increasing intercourse with Europeans and Americans, may have occasioned the rigor of heathen observances to be in some measure relaxed: but still no light shone from heaven; there was no just knowledge of God, of Christ, and of salvation. Still the unvarying testimony of voyagers was; "These people are so addicted to their pagan customs, that they will never give them up. They will not abandon their taboos, and their sacrifices. You may attempt to teach them better, but you will never succeed." Thus reasoned the world. The Christian knew such reasoning to be unsound; but what Christian could have imagined, in his most sanguine moments, that such a change should have taken place, as the recent history of these islands discloses. In the forcible language of our missionaries, "by a single stroke of Jehovah's arm" the idols and the temples were crushed into the dust. The priesthood deserted their altars of abomination; and, in a single day, lost their proud and tyrannical preeminence. The spell of diabolical enchantment was broken; the inveterate customs of three thousand years were abolished. Still, at the close of these wonderful, unparalleled, unexplained transactions, all was darkness; all was ignorance of what it most concerns immortal beings to know. The prison walls were indeed levelled with the ground; and the manacles were knocked off: but how could the prisoners walk, when they were both lame and blind?

"Here was a people, numerous and in maBy respects interesting, on whom no ray of the Sun of Righteousness had yet fallen; but who had been groping their toilsome way, for unknown generations, probably from the very origin of idolatry among Noah's descendants, in all the darkness and gloom of a horrible superstition;-a superstition which, under various modifications, but always essentially the same, has enchained so great a proportion of the human race, and of which the prominent characteristics are impurity and blood.' || Here, from the days of the remotest tradition, human sacrifices have been offered. Here, the strange mummeries of idol-worship, which the worshippers themselves did not pretendings of God's love to a perishing world; to to understand, served only to perplex and terrify the darkling mind, without affording even a momentary comfort, or having the least tendency to restrain from sin. From the discovery of these islands, more than forty years VOL. XV11.

"At this conjuncture, a vessel heaves in sight. She has travelled 18,000 miles over a wide waste of waters, and has a select number of passengers, who have come on a peculiar errand. What is it? It is to proclaim the tid

offer salvation freely to all who repent and believe; to teach these benighted pagans the way to heaven. The heralds, who have cheerfully gone to make this divine proclamation, are our brethren. From the doors of this

17

an occasion, what would be the tone of feeling? Would not the whole assembly, as moved by one impulse, fall on their knees, and pray most importunately, that God would open an effectual door among the heathen, and give access to the princes and the people; that he would preserve this little band of pilgrims, and make their way prosperous; that he would glorify his own name, by the salvation of a countless multitude of souls, in the present generation, and through all succeeding ages.

sanctuary they commenced their voyage of || ed Palestine. In such a company, on such benevolence. With strong attachments to their native country; with prospects of usefulness, and respectability at home; with health and friends, and all that could make this life desirable; they deliberately renounced the whole, and counted all things but loss, if they might enjoy the privilege of preaching Christ to these perishing islanders. Even delicate females, educated in all the tenderness which distinguishes a Christian country, accustomed to polished and refined society, could willingly forego their enjoyments, bid adieu to their dearest friends, submit to the inconveniences and perils of a six months voyage, in a crowded vessel, with the single hope and aim, of settling among barbarians, enlightening their dark understandings, and communicating to them that Gospel, which is the power of God || and the wisdom of God to all them that believe

"Were you present, my brethren, at this point of time, what would be your feelings? Did you see the islands, with their perishing thousands on the one hand, and the little company of missionaries, their breasts heaving with the magnanimous, the high and holy purpose to which I have barely alluded, on the other; would you not wish them God speed?

"Suppose the living worthies, who have done most to meliorate the condition of man, and have given most evidence of their having partaken of the spirit of Christ, to be assembled for the purpose of beholding such a spectaele. Imagine the pious and philanthropic Wilberforce, and the venerable Scott, and the honored Teignmouth, and the laborious and beloved officers of the Missionary and Bible Societies in Great Britain, and the indefatigaLe Bogue, and the enraptured Chalmers, and Mys. More, elevated almost above the confines of mortality, and the aged Swiss Baron, with his equally venerable associate, and Marshman and Carey from presiding in their schools, and Morrison rising from his Chinese Bible, and Marsden the founder of Christian society in New Holland: nor would they disdain the presence of their younger brethren, and of those less known to the world, but be

longing to the same class, and delighting in the same employments. There you might see, mingled with other active laborers in the Gospel harvest, our own fall and Newell, and Richards, restored from the grave to witness so goodly a sight, and Kingsbury, forgetting his Indians for a season, and Fisk and Parsons with their eyes averted even from their belov

"Though the actual condition of man upon earth does not allow of such a meeting as this; and though continents and oceans here separate those, who are closely joined in purpose and affection; there is nothing in reason or Scripture to forbid the supposition, that the spirits of just men made perfect take a lively interest in the concerns of the church below; and that they may be the delighted spectators of those movements, which bring salvation to their kindred, or light and joy to the dark plaees of the world. With what rapture, then, would the departed members and friends of the Society, under whose auspices this mission was sent forth, hail the day, when the missionaries descried Owhyhee, and spread forth their hands to its inhabitants, in the attitude of invitation and intreaty, beseeching them to hear the message from heaven. With what holy exultation would the sanctified and glorified minds of Dwight, and Spring, and Huntington, the father and the son, and Mills, and Warren, and Harriet Newell, and Obookiah again visiting his birth-place, witness these overtures of mercy: and how would Elliot and Swartz, Brainerd and Martya, Vanderkemp and Thomas, with multitudes of others, possessing the same character, and having devoted their lives to the same ennobling employments, join in mutual congratulations, and in ascribing the most exalted praises to God and the Lamb.

"And what object would more naturally arrest the attention of ministering angels, on visits of kindness to the redeemed from among men; and with what accelerated flight would they return to the regions of celestial glory with the ravishing intelligence.

"But, to whatever inconceivable height of heavenly joy and sympathy created spirits, all in their several ranks and orders, may havebeen excited on the occasion, and however numer. ous the assembly of saints and angels, there was still a more august Witness of the scene;

and, we have reason to believe that He regarded the enterprise with infinite benignity and love. This glorious Personage said, and not one of his declarations shall fail of accomplishment, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd:" "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

"Let us then, my brethren, elevate our minds to the occasion, and learn to regard these transactions as they are regarded in heaven."¿

JOURNAL OF THE MISSION.

(Continued from p. 121.)

Arrival at Woahoo.

April 14, 1821. Early this morning, as we pass Morotoi and Ranai, the rude island of Woahoo presented to our view, first, its pointed mountains and forests; then, in succession, its extended plains, its verdant hills, and fertile vallies, its pleasant groves and streams, its grazing herds and flocks, thatched cottages and villages, its principal fort and harbor, and its sable inhabitants, far more worthy of our regard, than the richness of its soil, the luxuriance of its vegetation, or the inviting salubrity of its climate.

First Visit on shore,

We anchored outside of the harbor, and some of the brethren with capt. B. soon went on shore. They called on Mr. Marin, a Spanish settler, who is interpreter for the government. He received us with decent attention; served us with a glass of wine, produced from grapes which he had cultivated; and informed us, that Boka, the governor, was gone to another part of the island; but, as soon as he understood our business, he despatched two native servants on horseback with a message, giving notice of our arrival. Meantime, we paid our respects to the second in command at the fort, dined with capt. Pigot, an American trader from New York; surveyed this part of the island, called Hanaroorah; and returned to the brig highly gratified with our first excursion in this whitening field, where the Lord of the harvest seems evidently to have called us to labor.

nor.

could not do much business, on account of the continued absence of the goverDelivered Mr. Marin a letter from capt. Winship, which authorized him to put us in possession of capt. W.'s houses, until further orders.* whyhee, arrived to day, with a mesThe King's vessel, brig Neo, from Osenger, bringing the general orders of the government respecting us. G. P. Tamoree also, who left the Thaddeus at Owhyhee, arrived in the Neo. He informed us, that a native, who had stolen a piece of calico from the king at Kirooah, was there convicted, put on board the Neo in irons, and thrown overboard on the passage hither. Death is the penalty for stealing the king's property.

16. Sabbath. Enjoyed the privileges of public worship, probably for the last time, on board the Thaddeus. Boka arrived in port this afternoon; but we are told, that, through the effect of strong drink, he is now unfit for business. This is a stubborn foe with which we shall be obliged to contend, far more formidable than the guns of the fort, or all the weapons of war on the islands. And it is a grief to see, that most white men, who have intercourse with these

people, are in league with this enemy of all righteousness.

17. Obtained permission to enter the harbor, for which capt. B. pays eighty dollars, besides the pilot's fees. The governor came on board. He is a young chief, apparently mild and easy in his disposition, less sprightly than some of his countrymen, and distinguished for his moderation. He says but little; and appears by no means unfriendly to us or our object; but somewhat indifferent to the message from Owhyhee. As these people are naturally and habitually slow in their movements, we hope that he may yet exert himself with more efficiency to promote our design.

Preparations for landing,

18. This morning we entered the harbor in safety, and anchored within a few yards of the shore. Mr. Scovill, a temporary resident, and officer of capt. Lewis, now on the coast, has very politely offered us the use of capt. Lewis's house, which we shall find it

This letter was generously offered to the missionaries by captain Winship, at Boston,

15. Repeated our visit on shore; but just before the Thaddeus sailed.

Editor.

necessary to occupy. Capt. Adams, an English resident, and Mr. Navarro, an American, have each offered us the use of a house. Capt. Babcock, and Mr. Oliver, have both offered us the temporary use of their store-rooms for our effects. Thus the Lord raises up friends for us, at the moment when we have need of them. The females of the mismion went on shore this afternoon, to view the thatched habitations, which we intend to occupy for a season. They excited great curiosity, as they had done at Kirooah. As they walked along the plain, on which the village is built, they were surrounded by crowds of the inquisitive and wondering natives, running this way and that, and even placing themselves directly in the path before the strangers, to obtain a view of their faces, partly concealed by their bonnets. Here we saw the rude materials with which the house of the Lord is to be built; and felt desirous to be diligently employed in preparing them for their place in the spiritual temple. After a cursory examination of the houses offered, all returned to lodge once more in the sides of the ship, which for 25 weeks had been our home.

||

[ocr errors]

diately on our entering it this afternoon; probably by some of the natives who crowded around to gratify their curiosity, to learn who we are, and what we had brought with us that might please their fancy.

We mention as an instance of the kindness of some of our neighbors, that capt. Pigot and Mr. Green, anticipating our wants, provided for us a supper in American style, which we were unable at present to do for ourselves.

Erection of an Altar to the true God.

As soon as the bustle of landing was over, and our straw thatched cottages were comfortably fitted up, we erected an altar unto the Lord our God, and, agreeably to an arrangement made with our brethren, who landed the week before on Owhyhee, presented our united offerings of thanksgiving and praise to Jehovah, that he had preserved our lives, graciously delivered us from the perils of the sea, given us so prosperous a passage, and ministered unto us an entrance among the heathen; that, in answer to the prayers of his people, of our friends and patrons, he had wonderfully prepared the way before us, by destroying the temples of idols, and the institutions of idol-worHanaroorah, Woahoo, April 19. ship,abolishing the priesthood of superHaving at length succeeded, in mak-stition, overturning the altars of aboming the necessary arrangements; cast- ination, and bringing the taboos and ing ourselves again on the care of Di- sacrifices of the people into general vine Providence; and putting ourselves contempt, and that he had enabled us in the power and possession of pagans so early, and so peacefully, to set up our and strangers; on this interesting day banner in the name of our God. The we disembarked from that board, which Lord be praised forever,for his goodness, had borne us safely across the ocean and for his wonderful works to the chil18,000 miles from our native shores, dren of men. and here took up our abode in this uncivilized heathen land, the scene of our Jabors; probably the resting place of our bones, when our toils shall be finished and our pilgrimage ended.

Settlement of the Missionaries.

[ocr errors]

20. We rose this morning, for the first time, from our slumbers on heathen ground, and find ourselves in circumstances of real comfort, and under new obligations of gratitude to the Watchman of Israel, who has kept our dif-habitations in peace. The garrison at the fort, distant but a few rods, once an hour during the night rung a small bell, and gave a loud shout, partly in their native tongue, and partly in broken English.

With as much despatch as possible, our baggage was forwarded to the ferent places of deposit. Mr. Chamberlain and his family take their lodgings at captain Winship's house: Messrs. Bingham, Ruggles and Loomis, at capt. Lewis's, about 40 rods distant from the other; and Mr. Whitney, in a house between them, belonging to Mr. Navarro. Thus we are somewhat scattered for a temporary residence; but we have little apprehension of danger from the natives. As a specimen of what we are to expect from the slyness of our new neighbors, the key of capt. Lewis's house was stolen from the door, imme

21. Yesterday and to day have been principally employed in putting our effects in order, and in making ourselves comfortable in our new situation.

22. The governor does not yet step for ward to furnish us with houses of any kind, and we are a little embarrassed. Find some difficulty in procuring storerooms for all our baggage, because

those storehouses, which are safe, are generally occupied; and we fear to expose many articles, in what are generally termed "straw-houses;" as these are so liable to destruction by fire, and so easily broken open. Part we have deposited in a framed house of capt. Babcock, two stories high, inclosed in the governor's yard;-part in Mr. Oliver's mud-house;-part in Mr. Beckley's;-part in Mr. Marin's straw house; and the rest, in the different houses where we lodge.

First Sabbath on land.

23. Sabbath. To day, for the first time, we have public worship on land. A considerable audience of European and American residents, masters and other officers of vessels, chiefs, sailors, and common natives, assembled, in and about the house occupied by Mr. Bing ham, to hear the sound of the Gospel, for the first time on these long neglected heathen shores. The discourse was from Luke ii, 10. Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. The theme, the scene, the opening prospect, the dawning light of a brighter day, the incipient songs of Zion, conspired to animate our hearts, and to awaken an unusual joy in our souls, while we listened to the language of the messenger from heaven, and seemed to be favored with the special presence of Him, who was born in the city of David, a Savior, even Christ the Lord. Our singing, aided by the bass viol, on which G. P. Tamoree played, was pleasing to the natives, and will probably have a salutary influence in winning them to approve and to engage in Christian worship.

24. Opened trunks, boxes, &c. containing our effects. Every step we take brings to view something, which demands our gratitude. How many hearts and hands did the Lord open to contribute for our comfort and aid. [At the close of this examination it appeared, that most of the articles were in a good state of preservation; though some were damaged by various causes.]

Celebration of the late King's death.

26. To day the death of Tamahamaha is celebrated here, by a festival somewhat similar to that, which commemorates the birth of American Independence. The chiefs, on such occasions, take pride in dressing themselves,

||

eating, drinking, firing cannon, and displaying their banners from a lofty flag, like Americans and Europeans. Tamoree and Honoore were invited to the table of the governor, and treated with respect. Some of the white residents join the natives, in this singular mode of lamentation over the death of a great man. This is the twelfth feast, which they have had, in consequence of his death, and in honor of his memory. They intend henceforth, we believe, instead of a feast every moon, to have an annual celebration of this interesting

event.

30, Sabbath. The sermon was from 2 Tim. iii, 16-17. An attentive, and apparently interested, audience joined in the public worship of Jehovah. The songs of Zion drew tears from one of our countrymen, who had not heard them before for twenty years. The proclaim the unsearchable riches of thought is pleasing, that we may here

Jesus Christ to those, who were born in Christian lands, but who seem to have escaped from the influence of the Gospel, and from the voice of divine mercy; and to those, who, in the prosecution of their business, are led far from the dwellings of Zion, and who, for months and years, enjoy not the privileges of the sanctuary, or the comforts of home. Here we have the means of doing good to our own countrymen, and to others, who call or reside limited, yet we hope our influence may here. Though our exertions may be be salutary, and the consequences favorable to the cause of religion. So the missionary may help his brethren at home, by guarding the out-posts, without at all diminishing the strength at the citadel.

First Monthly Concert at the Sandwich Islands.

Monday, May 1. United in observing the monthly concert of prayer for the first time on heathen ground. Settled the question with respect to sending two of the brethren to Atooi, to accompany George, explore the island, and perform such business, as circumstances may require. Unitedly implored a blessing on their enterprise, and, commended them to the grace of God.

Departure of George to Atooi.

2. To day the Thaddeus left the harbor to touch at Atooi, and proceed

« ZurückWeiter »