Images of Old Hawaiʻi

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Day 065 – December 26, 1819

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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Day 066 – December 27, 1819

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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Christianized Nation

“It is no small thing to say of the Missionaries of the American Board, that in less than forty years they have taught this whole people to read and to write, to cipher and to sew.”

“They have given them an alphabet, grammar, and dictionary; preserved their language from extinction; given it a literature, and translated into it the Bible and works of devotion, science and entertainment, etc., etc.”

“They have established schools, reared up native teachers, and so pressed their work that now the proportion of inhabitants who can read and write is greater than in New England …”

“… and whereas they found these islanders a nation of half-naked savages, living in the surf and on the sand, eating raw fish fighting among themselves, tyrannized over by feudal chiefs, and abandoned to sensuality …”

“… they now see them decently clothed, recognizing the law of marriage, knowing something of accounts, going to school and public worship with more regularity than the people do at home …”

“… and the more elevated of them taking part in conducting the affairs of the constitutional monarchy under which they live, holding seats on the judicial bench. and in the legislative chambers, and filling posts in the local magistracies.”

“”It is often objected against missionaries, that a people must be civilized before it can be Christianized; or at least that the two processes must go on together, and that the mere preacher, with his book under his arm, among a barbarous people, is an unprofitable laborer.”

“But the missionaries to the Sandwich Islands went out in families, and planted themselves in households, carrying with them, and exhibiting to the natives, the customs, manners, comforts, discipline, and order of civilized society.”

“Each house was a centre and source of civilizing influences; and the natives generally yielded to the superiority of our civilization, and copied its ways …”

“… for, unlike the Asiatics, they had no civilization of their own, and, unlike the North American Indians, they were capable of civilization.”

“Each missionary was obliged to qualify himself, to some extent, as a physician and surgeon, before leaving home; and each mission-house had its medicine-chest, and was the place of resort by the natives for medicines and medical advice and care.”

“Each missionary was a school-teacher to the natives in their own language; and the women of the missions, who were no less missionaries than their husbands, taught schools for women and children …”

“… instructing them not only in books, but in sewing, knitting, and ironing, in singing by note, and in the discipline of children.”

“These mission families, too, were planted as garrisons would have been planted by a military conqueror in places where there were no inducements of trade to carry families; …”

“…so that no large region, however difficult of access, or undesirable as a residence, is without its head-quarters of religion and civilization.”

“The women of the mission, too, can approach the native women and children in many ways not open to men – as in their sickness, and by the peculiar sympathies of sex – and thus exert the tenderest, which are often the most decisive, influences. …”

” The educational system of the Islands is the work of the missionaries and their supporters among the foreign residents, and one formerly of the mission is now Minister of Education.”

“In every district are free schools for natives. In these they are taught reading, writing, singing by note, arithmetic, grammar, and geography, by native teachers.”

“At Lahainaluna is the Normal School for natives, where the best scholars from the district schools are received and carried to an advanced stage of education, and those who desire it are fitted for the duties of teachers. This was originally a mission school, but is now partly a government institution.”

“Several of the missionaries, in small and remote stations, have schools for advanced studies, among which I visited several times that of Mr. Lyman, at Hilo, where there are nearly one hundred native lads; and all the under teachers are natives.
“

“These lads had an orchestra of ten or twelve flutes, which made very creditable music. At Honolulu there is a royal school for natives, and another middle school for whites and half-castes; for it has been found expedient generally to separate the races in education. Both these schools are in excellent condition.”

“But the special pride of the missionary efforts for education is the High School or College of Punahou. This was established for the education of the children of the mission families, and has been enlarged to receive the children of other foreign residents, and is now an incorporated college with some seventy scholars. …”

“Among the traders, shipmasters, and travellers who have visited these Islands, some have made disparaging statements, respecting the missionaries; and a good deal of imperfect information is carried home by persons who have visited only the half-Europeanized ports, where the worst view of the condition of the natives is presented.”

“I visited among all classes – the foreign merchants, traders, and shipmasters, foreign and native officials, and with the natives, from the king and several of the chiefs to the humblest poor, whom I saw without constraint in a tour I made alone over Hawaii, throwing myself upon their hospitality in their huts.”

“I sought information from all, foreign and native, friendly and unfriendly; and the conclusion to which I came is, that the best men, and those who are best acquainted with the history of things here, hold in high esteem the labors and conduct of the missionaries.”

“The mere seekers of pleasure, power, or gain, do not like their influence; and those persons who sympathized with that officer of the American navy who compelled the authorities to allow women to go off to his ship by opening his ports and threatening to bombard the town, naturally are hostile to the missions.”

“I do not mean, of course, that there is always unanimity among the best people, or perhaps among the missionaries themselves, on all questions; e. g., as to the toleration of Catholics, and on some minor points of social and police regulation.”

“But on the great question of their moral influence, the truth is that there has always been, and must ever be, in these Islands, a peculiar struggle between the influences for good and the influences for evil.”

“They are places of visit for the ships of all nations, and for the temporary residence of mostly unmarried traders; and at the height of the whaling season the number of transient seamen in the port of Honolulu equals half the population of the town.”

“The temptations arising from such a state of things, too much aided by the inherent weakness of the native character, are met by the ceaseless efforts of the best people, native and foreign, in the use of moral means and by legislative coercion.”

“It is a close struggle, and, in the large seaports, often discouraging and of doubtful issue j but it is a struggle of duty, and has never yet been relaxed. Doubtless the missionaries have largely influenced the legislation of the kingdom, and its police system; it is fortunate that they have done so.”

“Influence of some kind was the law of the native development. Had not the missionaries and their friends among the foreign merchants and professional men been in the ascendant, these Islands would have presented only the usual history of a handful of foreigners exacting everything from a people who denied their right to anything.”

“As it is, in no place in the world that I have visited are the rules which control vice and regulate amusements so strict, yet so reasonable, and so fairly enforced.”

“The government and the best citizens stand as a good genius between the natives and the besieging army.”

“As to the interior, it is well known that a man may travel alone, with money, through the wildest spots, unarmed. Having just come from the mountains of California, I was prepared with the usual and necessary belt and its appendages of that region, but was told that those defences were unheard of in Hawaii.”

“I found no hut without its Bible and hymn-book in the native tongue, and the practice of family prayer and grace before meat, though it be over no more than a calabash of poi and a few dried fish, and whether at home or on journeys, is as common as in New England a century ago.”

“It may be asked whether there is no. offset, no deduction to be made from this high estimate of the American missionaries.”

“As to their fidelity and industry in the worst of times, and their success up to the point they have now reached, I think of none.”

“As to the prospects for their system in the future, and the direction the native mind may take in its further progress, there are some considerations worthy of attention.” (Richard Dana, Boston, 1860)

In 1863, “The state of things at the Islands is peculiar. They have been Christianized. The missionaries have become citizens. In a technical sense they no longer are missionaries, but pastors, and as such on an official parity with the native pastors.” (Rufus Anderson)

Anderson wrote to inform Kamehameha IV of the Hawaiian Evangelical actions and dissolution of the mission in his July 6, 1863 letter noting, in part: “I may perhaps be permitted, in view of my peculiar relations to a very large body of the best friends and benefactors of this nation, not to leave without my most respectful aloha to both your Majesties.”

“The important steps lately taken in this direction are perhaps sufficiently indicated in the printed Address …. I am happy to inform your Majesty that the plan there indicated has since been adopted, and is now going into effect, — with the best influence, as I cannot doubt, upon the religious welfare of your people.”

“My visit to these Islands has impressed me, not only with the strength, but also with the beneficent and paternal character of your government. In no nation in Christendom is there greater security of person and property, or more of civil and religious liberty.”

“As to the progress of the nation in Christian civilization, I am persuaded, and shall confidently affirm on my return home, that the history of the Christian church and of nations affords nothing equal to it.”

“And now the Hawaiian Christian community is so far formed and matured, that the American Board ceases to act any longer as principal, and becomes an auxiliary,— merely affording grants in aid of the several departments of labor in building up the kingdom of Christ in these Islands, and also in the Islands of Micronesia.”

“Praying God to grant long life and prosperity to your Majesties, I am, with profound respect, Your Majesty’s obedient, humble servant, R. Anderson”

Later (October 1863), the ABCFM “Resolved, That, in taking this additional step toward the conclusion of our work in the Sandwich Islands, we record anew our grateful and adoring sense of the marvelous success, which our missionaries there have been enabled to achieve by the blessing of God, to whom be all the glory.”

“Resolved, That while we rejoice, with all our surviving missionaries, ill the results of which we and the world are witnesses, we offer our special congratulations to the two venerable fathers of the mission, the Rev. Hiram Bingham, and the Rev. Asa Thurston …”

“… who, having been consecrated and commended to the grace of God for that work by our predecessors, forty-four years ago, are still among the living, to praise God with us and with all the saints, for this great victory of the gospel, and to say, ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servants depart in peace, according to thy word, for our eyes have seen thy salvation.’” (Action of the Board; Proceedings of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association)

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  • Hiram Bingham I preaching to Queen at Waimea, Kauai, in 1826

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Day 067 – December 28, 1819

December 28, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Dec. 28th. Truly GOD is good to me, a sinner I This morning is witness for Him, that his tender mercies are more than I can reckon up. O, to praise Him in some little measure as his great goodness demands 1 But a little while deprived of winds, our course is again rapid. Health smiles upon us, and each one able to be employed in body and mind. Myself in far better health than was usual for me—a supply of things comfortable—the cheering voice, the approbating smile of my precious friend to comfort and encourage me—his petitions and his songs of praise to raise my heart to GOD; and what is more, the kindly influences of GOD’s Spirit, I would hope, to cause this heart, so often cold, to feel Some meltings. Through grace, my morning song is,
“He’s GOD with us We feel him ours
His comforts in our souls he pours.” (Sybil Bingham)

28th. Perhaps the particulars respecting our mission family may divert our dear mother a few moments some future day, while sitting by her fire side. We rise about 5 in the morning, family prayers at 7 when a portion of the scripture is read and a hymn sung, and the season closed, with a prayer; breakfast at 8, dine at 1, and sup at 5, on water gruel. Evening prayers at g after which we generally walk half an hour for exercise and then retire. – Tuesday evening we devote to singing Wednesday evening a meeting of the prudential committee to transact on secular concerns, and friday evening the sisters have a meeting by themselves; leaving the other evenings to the disposal of each individual. — Though there are trials and privations of a peculiar nature, attached to the lives of these who leave country and home, traverse the tempestuous deep, to spend their lives in a land of paganism, still If cheerfully complied with, at the call of providence, with a humble desire to Glorify God, there are joys too, which the world can neither give nor take away. Our situation is in many respects much pleasanter than I anticipated, and I think it is every day becoming more and more so, notwithstanding our many little inconveniences. We are denied the society of these dear kindred and friends, whom we so much love, but this makes our little family circle the more precious. The sisters are very dear to me. A few weeks since, and we were all, except in one instance, entire strangers, now the most tender love, and sisterly affection subsists between each of us. 0 may this affection continue to increase till we close our earthly pilgrimage and at length become perfect in endless felicity. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

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