December 23, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)
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December 23, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)
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December 24, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)
Dec. 24th. Our way continues prosperous. I have seldom ever enjoyed more uniform peace of mind than for some of the past days. May I give heed that my spiritual course be like our literal course;—while exempt from adverse gales, not experiencing a calm from want of ‘heavenly winds – so blow a prosperous gale of grace.’ (Sybil Bingham)
December 24. We are now in the Torrid Zone – warm days and nights moderated by fresh breezes. Suffer most during the night season, when we are obliged to be in the cabin. I am frequently obliged to get up in the night and go on deck to breathe the fresh air. Tomorrow is Christmas day. Purpose to have public services. Little did I think last Christmas of commemorating the next anniversary of the birth of our Savior upon the broad Atlantic. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)
Saturday, Christmas eve. The subject of this evening’s discourse was chosen from Luke, 2 Chap., 14 Y., “Glory to God in the highest” &c. An appropriate hymn was sung on the occasion, composed by one of the officers on board, Mr. Conant, a young man of liberal education, amiable deportment, and christian morals, an Episcopalian and a firm friend of Missions -the spirit of what is visible in his ode on Christmas, which I shall here copy.
The following hymn was composed by Wm. C. one evening during family prayers in the cabin, and presented by the Author to brother Samuel:
We have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
All hail the bright star that the east once illumined
And blest with its radiance the Shepherds & Seers,
When religion the emblem of Mercy Assumed
And Glory appeared in the Valley of tea.
2d It rose o’er the gloom that enshrouded the earth,
And announced as it burst from the portals of heaven.
That the Savior of sinners Divine in his birth.
The Conqueror of death to the world is now given.
3d On this day from the regions of Glory and love.
As the Type of Salvation and symbol of hope.
Gently down through its beams. see the pure heavenly Dove.
Appear to mankind. who in darkness now grope.
4th May religion’s bright star, as we traverse the Ocean,
Illumine our way and its comforts impart,
While our fond ling’ring thoughts we cast back with emotion
To the country that holds the dear friends of our hearts.
5th Jehovah! Assist in the soul-trying hour,
The Mission of peace to a far distant land,
And calm the rude. Main with thy All-saving power,
Be- love, grace & mercy the gifts of thy hand.
6th When at length on the Isles of the Gentiles they tread
We pray the rough waves may smoothe the rough way
By them may the heathen to Jesus be lead,
And receive with fond rapture the Gospel’s bright rays.
7th By them may the Priests, of Idolatry learn,
That their Mori’s [heiau] and Tarboo’s [kapu] and offrings are vain
Let the nation from Idols and Violence turn,
And the joy of salvation perpetual reign.
8th Now swell the loud Anthems of praise to the Lord,
From whom streams of mercy incessantly flow,
Be the Father, the Son, and Spirit adored
By all nations and kind reds and realms here below. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)
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December 25, 1819 – Christmas. – This day we pass under the vertical rays of the sun in the Tropic of Capricorn. This day we joyfully commemorate the rising of that SUN which is the Light of the world, far more glorious that the orb of day. We thought it desirable to devote the day to meditation upon that interesting event which was hailed with rapture by the hosts of heaven, and to the recollection and acknowledgement of our obligations to our condescending Savier. In the evening Bro. Bingham preached a sermon on the occasion from Luke 2. 14, in which the birth of the Saviour was considered, 1st, as a manifestation of the “good will toward men,” 2nd, as a means of promoting, “Peace on earth”, and 3rd, as an illustration of the glory of God. Concluding with four reflections, 1st, This event is worthy of the most grateful and joyful commemoration, 2nd, How widely different are the feelings and conduct of infidels and scoffers from those of angels, respecting this birth of a Savior, 3rd. The propagation of the gospel is the most desirable employment this side of heaven; 4th, This event will be an occasion of joy to the thousands of the Sandwich Isles, to the millions of the earth universally, and to the holy kingdom of Jehovah to all eternity.” The hymns sung were, “Angels song”, by Watts (10 of W’s select.”, “Epiphany” and an original humn from Matt. 2.2., composed for the occasion by W.G. Conant, a serious youth of liberal education, mate of the Brig Thaddeus and considerabley interested in the object of our mission.
This day is to us truly a joyful day and we cherish the hope that before another Christmas we shall be enabled to proclaim to the deluded worshipers of Akoah, “Behold we bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day a Saviour which is C. the Lord,” and that on each succeeding anniversary of this event many tongues which have long been employed in chanting vain orisons to dumb Idols, tuned by Divine grace to the song of angels, will with adoring gratitude respond, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Thaddeus Journal)
Dec. 25th, 1819, Christmas. Since it has pleased God in tender mercy, so far to recover my health as that I am able to write a little, I will joyfully embrace occasional opportunities, when it is not convenient for my dear Nancy, and note something for the perusal of our beloved friends in America. As the scenes through which we pass are various and as we know that every circumstance will be read with deep interest by our friends they will excuse us if we are not particular as to our manner & style. We will open our hearts fully, and relate occurrences as they happen. -When we experience mercies we will tell our dear Mother, brethren & sisters that they may rejoice and praise God with us: and when we are called to wade through trials and afflictions we will relate them also that they may sympathise with us and pray for us. Our friends may now look upon the map We entered the torrid zone on the 2nd inst. and have been only 23 days in passing through its sultry clime. To-day the sun is vertical. While you are seated by the side of a good fire, enjoying yourselves with a bowl of apples a minced pye or a good cup of tea, we are sweltering with the heat of summer trying in vain to find a cool place, with not so much as a cup of water that you would consider drinkable. But we are not destitute of enjoyments; we are far from being unhappy. Notwithstanding I am obliged to rise four or five times in the course of night with seasickness, still, I can eat a hearty breakfast of hash and onions, dine on sea pye, and sup on a pint of water gruel. The latter is a luxury to us all, it being the best way that we can make water palatable. We hope to reach cape Horn in three weeks; we dread that place but if we are carried safe around, we shall feel almost home. Samuel R.— (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
Dec. 25th. Christmas. Many things have conspired, to render this day peculiarly interesting. I would remark that on thanksgiving day we crossed the tropic of Cancer, and to-day which we celebrated as the anniversary of our Saviour’s birth we have passed that of Capricorn. You may perhaps wonder why we should observe Christmas; but we feel that a day on which our Saviour came into the world should be recognized with gratitude. It is a day too, (we have reason to believe) when many pious hearts expand with holy emotions to God, that we are bearing the news of that joyful event, to those who are sitting in darkness, and in the region and shadow of death. Brother B. preached this evening from Luke 2, 14. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will towards men.” (They sang a hymn composed by WG Conant, one of the officers on board, “We have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”) With what seraphic strains did the wise men of old saying “Glory to God in the highest,” when they found the Babe of Bethlehem, though wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And to us it is a source of much consolation, that we are permitted in the providence of God to carry the joyful news that a Savior is born to a nation perishing in ignorance and wretchedness. And have not you, my dear friends, occasion to rejoice, that the land in which you live is so highly distinguished from many nations of the earth and that you are permitted from sabbath to sabbath to sit under the droppings of the sanctuary” O how great are your obligations to live devoted to him from whom you have received these mercies. Need I tell you how it would rejoice the heart of your absent daughter to hear you were reconciled to God, and devoted lee engaged in promoting the cause of Christ? Surely I need not. While I was with you I felt anxious for your eternal welfare, and love you most tenderly; but never till since separated from you, did I know the strength of that affection which I felt for you. Never, no never while I live, can I cease to love and pray for you. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
25. – This day we have celebrated the anniversary of the saviors birth. Brother B. preached this evening and an appropriate hymn was sung, composed by one of the officers of the ship. Thanksgiving day we crossed the tropic of cancer, today (Christmas) that of Capricorn. I can hardly realize that my friends are pinched with cold, while we feel the burning rays of the summer sun. The heat in passing through the torrid zone has not been so oppressive as it was in New Haven last summer. While sailing along the coast of South America I often think of its vast population rushing to Hell through Romish superstition and pagan darkness. (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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December 26, 1819 – Sabbath. – We have entered the Southern Temperate zone, in which Christianity prevails to a very limited extent. As appropriate to the Sabbath succeeding Christmas and suited to follow the discourse on our Saviours birth, a sermon was preached by B. Bingham from I Tim. 1.14. “this is a faithful saying & c”, showing, 1st that we are great sinners,- 2nd, That Christ Jesus came to save great sinners, 3rd, That this doctrine is worthy of all acceptation.” We find by happy experience that the Sabbath of our Lord can be pleasant and interesting and we believe profitable at sea as well as in the dear Christian land of our fathers. The smiles of Providence as to the skies above, the waves beneath, the winds around, and health and peace and means of grace within our floating sanctuary, call forth our gratitude, cheer our prospects of usefulness, and cherish our hopes of glory. (Thaddeus Journal)
Dec. 26th. A pleasant sabbath. Preaching on deck, Mr. B— addressed us from these words, “It is a faithful saying, etc.” It is good to witness, from sabbath to sabbath, these immortals listening to truths, which, without this Mission accompanying them, would not, for a long time, sound in their ears. 0, that the holy Spirit would apply them I How unavailing unless the Lord command his blessing I Yesterday was noticed by us as the Anniversary of the blessed Saviour’s birth. Mr. B— preached from Luke 2, 14th. He enlarged upon the prominent ideas presented to our view in the passage. 1st. The birth of a Saviour is an event worthy of the most grateful and joyful commemoration. 2nd. A wide difference observed between the feelings of infidels and scoffers, and those of angels, in view of a Saviour’s birth. 3rd. To propagate the gospel is the most desirable employment this side heaven. It was peculiarly adapted both to the dsy and the circumstances of most of the hearers,—on our way, as we are, with the glorious news of this most glorious event, to heathen sinners. I would there was some strength imparted by it, to go with more alacrity.
The hymns sung were appropriate. Tho it was a favored season, yet, how far, far short did our feelings fall of what would seem our privilege on that most joyful commemoration! Lord, enter not into judgement with thy servants. (Sybil Bingham)
Dec. 26th. After a distressing seasick night, I awoke early this morning, hearing some one cry out “A heavy shower is rising in ‘the west”. I arose immediately took my tin cup and went on deck and. was so fortunate as to catch three pints of pure rain water as it ran off my umbrella. -This was indeed a prize, being so much better than our imported water; it will serve N. and myself two days.
The storm is over; the sun sheds his scorching beams upon us and we are obliged to seek refuge under the shadow of the sails.- We hope to enjoy a pleasant sabbath: we hope the sun of righteousness will visit our souls with His cheering rays, and inspire us with new zeal and activity in his service. – As usual we have a prayer meeting in the cabin this morning, in the afternoon public services on deck. Our Saviour can as easily be present with his humble followers, while tossing upon the mighty water, as when assembled in a house on land. We shall remember our American friends to-day and have the pleasure of believing that they are praying for us. – Yesterday was Christmas. We observed the day in a religious manner in commemoration of that divine Saviour whom we are going to proclaim to the perishing heathen. We have resolved ever to observe this day in-this manner. – An appropriate hymn was composed by Mr. Conant an Officer of the brig, and we trust a brother in Christ. We will transcribe and send a copy of it. – S. R. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
26. – This Sabbath has been nearly lost. I arose this morning with the headache, which has continued during the day. Brother B, preached from the words ‘Christ came into the world’ &c. (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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December 27, 1819 – Have entered upon the last week of the current year, and feel the need of divine aid in examining our hearts and reviewing the history of the year to see what needs to be deplored and corrected, and what should be sought and cherished. (Thaddeus Journal)
Dec. 27th. The sea, this morning, presented, to us, a new appearance. Hot a breath swelled the sails and the vast expanse of waters, like smooth glass, was unbroken. It brought with force into my mind, my favorite hymns-
“Whene’er becalm’d I lie
And all my storms subside,
Then to my succor fly
And keep me near thy side,
Par more the treach’rous calm I dread
Than tempests bursting o’er my head.”
Early on the morning of the 25th we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn and entered the southern temperate zone. The northern, the region of our birth, we shall probably never enter again. But, distant climates need not look strange to us, for if we are the children of GOD, and live near to Him, we can never be far from home. We were greatly favored in passing through the torrid zone— not becalmed an hour, and scorched under a burning sun, but wafted swiftly, by refreshing breezes directly on our way. (Sybil Bingham)
27th. A calm this morning the sun beats down upon us with such scorching beams, as renders it very difficult for us to be comfortable on deck or in our rooms. – I have just been into the water to bathe and find the exercise extremely fatiguing: I fear that I shall receive injury from it instead of obtaining relief. I have so little strength that I should consider it hazardous attempting again, unless I had a rope fastened to me. – We have been examining some of our provisions: find our vegetables nearly consumed. Several of our cheeses begin to spoil, and we shall have to give them to the sailors. When another mission comes out I should recommend that they bring old cheeses instead of new; these will keep sound without any trouble, but it is almost impossible to preserve the new through this sultry region. 3 o’clock P. M. A gentle breeze again which wafts us along at the rate of 4 knots an hour, and renders our situation more comfortable. 0 how I long to be free from seasickness that I may be able to write and walk about without being dizzy. When it is best I shall enjoy health; let me be satisfied that God knows and does what is best. Nancy has been blessed, with excellent health since a few of the first days. Dear Girl she has been severely tried with her sick husband, but I trust God has made his promise good unto her. “My grace shall be sufficient for thee”. – I cannot forbear to mention how greatly the Lord has favored, me in a companion. She is all and more than I could reasonably have asked. I cannot enough feel my obligations to God for the gift. 0 that a continual realizing sense of this expression of his kindness, may influence me to a closer walk with him, and to more faithfulness in his service. – I very much regret that I had. no more time to visit E. Windsor friends. I shall ever remember them with the tender feelings of a son and brother. – I am happy that I can speak of one there and call her mother. Farewell E. Windsor friends, farewell dear friends in Brookfield until another convenient season. Let us look forward with joyful anticipation, to the time when our labours on earth shall be finished; and let our life be such, that we may there meet again with the ransomed of the Lord on mount Zion. Yours &c. S. Ruggles.- (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
27th. Dear Mother, I trust you will be gratified to find the feelings of your absent children so happily blended as to dispose them to unite in their endeavors to afford you all the comfort in their power, by relating the daily occurrences of our lives. Though we frequently speak of things that would appear trifling to a stranger, we are confidant they will deeply interest the feelings of our dear Mother.
We are now in the southern temperate zone where the religion of Jesus, whose birth we have so lately commemerated, is not known or if it is only in a limited degree. 0 when will Christians duly realize their obligations to their God and Saviour. How just is the requisition, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”, yet how little is it regarded by the generality of those, who term themselves followers of him, who went about doing good. Very much land yet remains to be possessed, and blessed, be God, we have the gracious promise that the time will come, and. we believe the time is not far distant, when Jesus shall inherit every land, even unto the uttermost parts of the earth. 0 how slow of heart are we to believe all that the Prophets have spoken concerning the upbuilding of Zion, and thereby justly incur the admonition, “why stand ye here all the day idle”. If grief could find admittance into the heavenly world how would those hearts which are now filled with pure seraphic joy be grieved that they did so little for the promotion of the cause of Christ while on earth, 0 my mother, may we ever pray for . the peace of Jerusalem; and while your fervent supplications ascend for the cause in general I trust your children whom you have devoted to this best of causes will not be forgotten. Mr. B’s text for Christmas, Luke 2nd 14th Glory to God &c. In the first place was described the manifestations of the birth of Christ. 2nd the birth of Christ the means of promoting peace on earth. 3rd The birth of Christ is an illustration of the glory of God. The discourse was- very appropriate; the important object of our Mission was brought into consideration, which, with the circumstances of our present situation rendered the season peculiarly interesting. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
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