March 30, 1820

March 30, 1820 - Let us thank God and take courage.  Early this morning the long looked for Owahyee and the cloud capt and snow spt Mauna Keah appear full in view to the joy of the animated multitude on board (11 o'clock A.M.) We are now coasting along the noth-east part of the Island, so near the shore as to see the numerous habitations, cultivated fields, smoke rising in different parts, fresh vegetation, rocks, rivulets, cascades, trees &c.  and with the help of glasses men and women,, immortal beings purchased with redeeming blood.  We are much pleased, not to say delighted with the scene and long to be on shore. (4 o'clock - P.M.) Pass Mowe on the right.  Having turned the Northern extremity of O. Capt. B. this afternoon sent off a boat to make inquiries respecting the king &c.  Mr. Hunnewell, a mate, Thos. Hopoo, J. Tamoree and others, went nearly to the shore and fell in with 10 or 12 native fishermen in their canoes, who readily gave the importatn information that the aged King Tameamaah is dead - that Reehoreeho his son succeeds him - that the images of his Gods are burned - that the men eat with the women in all the Islands, - that one chief only was killed in settling the affirs of government, and he for refusing to destroy his Gods. - that Reehoreeho the young king, and Kiimokoo the first chief, sometimes called Billy Pitt, both reside at Owhyhee.  If these are facts they are interesting facts, and seem to show that Christ is overturning in order to take possession and that these Isles are waiting for his law, while the old and decaying pillars of idolatry are falling to the ground.  The moment seems favorable for the introduction of Christianity and the customs of civilized life, and our hopes are strengthened that there will be welcome.  Whatever be the moral character and habits of the young king, we believe that these important particulars may with some confidence be rested on ; 1st that he is specially desirous for improvement in learning; 2nd that he has long been indifferent to Idol worship, that he is not unfriendly to the whites.  Our hearts do rejoice, though we are disappointed in not being allowed to preach Christ to that venerable Chief, - and tho' we believe we shall have trials enough to give exercise to faith and patience, yet our hearts do rejoice to hear the voices of one crying, "In the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for your God".

March 29, 1820

March 29, 1820 - no entry.

March 28, 1820

March 28, 1820 - Lat. 19° N., Lon. 150° West.  Within two or three days sail of Owhyhee.  We have thought it desirable to observe this day as a season of fasting and prayer, that we may be better prepared to enter on our work with proper feelings of heart; with confidence in God; with penitence for our own sins, with gratitude for the blessings of gospel, with compassion for the wretched children of superstition, and with benevolence toward all intelligent beings and with faith in the blood and promises of Christ with reference to the salvation of the heathen.

March 27, 1820

March 27, 1820 - it is with peculiar emotions of adoring grattitude that we acknowledge the distinguishing goodness of God seasonably interposed for our deliverance this day.  While Brother Whitney was assisting in painting the outside of the vessel, which he considered not only as pleasant and profitable, but needful exercise, the rope on which he held by one hand gave way and let him fall from a temporary scaffold into the sea.  His weight, and the force of the ship entirely broke his hold from the rope and left him astern calling for help.  Capt. B's orders were promptly executed, and the Brig, tho' under full sail at the rate of 6 or 7 knots an hour, was "hove to" in less than 5 minutes and stopped sailing.  In the meantime Br. W. whose perfect self-possessed skill in swimming enabled him successfully to buffet the waves after one or two had broken over him happily gained a small bench which had been providentially carried on deck a few minutes before, and was thrown overboard to serve him as a temporary buoy.  On this he was easily sustained after it had once or twice deceived him by rolling, tho' his strength was considerably exhausted.  Never before did the Mission family know how much they loved him.  In 5 minutes more the boat was cleared away and let down, and sent to his relief, which reached him in about 5 minutes at the distance perhaps of 1/6 of a mile.  Before the Boat set off, he raised his hat and waved it, lest his anxious wife should be too much distressed, and then composed himself in prayer; while many on board were, in this "soul-trying hour" lifted up to God in fervent petitions that he would spare his life for his appointed work among the gentiles.  Not far from 21 minutes after he fell, by the blessing of him who had said, "When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee", he was safely returned and joyfully received on board and welcomed with many tears, and with thanksgiving to our strong deliverer who saved the sinking Peter, and who was now equally present with his saving help.  Assembled this evening and presented our united thank offering to our covenant Father who is our "very present help in trouble", who can at once deliver those who trust in him, from the waves and from the monsters of the deep, and with equal care "from the floods of ungodly obligation".

We acknowledge too, our obligation to Capt. B. and others under him,  not only for the kind sympathies which they manifested but for the prompt and efficient aid which they extended to our brother in distress.  As the best return which we can make, may we be enabled to exhibit equal sympathy, promptitude, and efficiency in seeking their salvation.  We hope this interesting providence will do us all good, make us feel more deeply the importance of constant preparation for our unexpected summons, produce in us a more cheerful spirit of laborious diligence in the work which we believe God has designed for our brother and the rest of us to do among the heathen, who without aid must sink in endless perdition.

March 26, 1820

March 26, 1820 - Lord's Day. - We suppose the present to be the last Sabbath of our passage.  Brother Thurston preached on deck a seasonable discourse from Prov. 14, 9. "Fools make a mock at sin." May the Lord add his blessing.  Mr. Cooper, the officer before mentioned, gives some evidence of an important change in his feelings; his external reformation is very apparent, and his conversation agreeable.

March 25, 1820

March 25, 1820 - no entry.

March 24, 1820

March 24, 1820 - no entry.