Images of Old Hawaiʻi

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Day 058 – December 19, 1819

December 19, 1819 – Enjoyed a precious season at our prayer-meeting at 10 this morning, and at 12 were favored with a preached gospel. Br. B. addred us on deck from Isa. 5.45.
Lat. 3. 11. 24. Lon. 33. 28. (Thaddeus Journal)

Sabbath – 19th. Brother B’s text Isa. 5th, 4th. 1st, the obligations which result from what God has done for us. 2nd, it becomes us to inquire why what God hath done for us, has produced so little effect. 1st, we have relied on our privileges, with feeling our obligations. 2nd, the effect of divine truth is prevented by the manner which we receive it. 3rd, It loses its effect by grieving the holy spirit. 4th, by a false hope. Yours N. R. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

19. – God has blessed us with another pleasant sabbath. Social meeting as usual in the morning, preaching at 12 from Isaiah v. 4. Since meeting I have been conversing with one of the officers and found some evidence to believe that he has experienced a change of heart. Alas how few of that class of people know anything of experimental religion! (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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Day 059 – December 20, 1819

December 20 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Brig Thaddeus, Dec. 20, 1819. Dear Father, Brothers and Sisters: Soon after we put forth to sea, ere we lost sight of the American shores, sickness obliged me to repair to my couch. To this I was confined two days and nights. The rest of the family were in similar circumstances.
Chests, trunks, bundles, bags, &c., were piled into our little room six feet square, until no place was left on the floor for the sale of one’s foot. Two-thirds of the way they were built up considerably higher than the berth, and for a space they extended to the height of the room. With such narrow limits, and such confined air, it might well be compared to a dungeon. This was with me a gloomy season, in which I felt myself a pilgrim and a stranger.
The third day the whole family met on deck. Could you have beheld the scene exhibited, while you pitied, you must have smiled. Beside a boat, hogsheads, barrels, tubs, cables, &c., with which the deck abounded, there were to be seen a dog, cats, hens, ducks, pigs, and men, women and children. Our whole family, with the exception of the natives, were all under the horrors of seasickness, some thrown on their mattresses, others seated in clusters, hanging one upon another, while here and there individuals leaned on the railing, or supported themselves by hanging upon a rope.
When the hour for refreshment arrived, a container of soup was brought, and placed on deck. A circle gathered around it, and seated themselves like a group of children. Those at a distance were not neglected.
Look which way you would, and all were sipping broth or picking bones. In this rude manner we were obliged to eat several days. We had entered a new school. It was among the very first lessons taught us, that all ablutions, of whatever kind, must invariably be performed with salt water. Most of our number soon recovered, when we were introduced to a well regulated table.
We have family devotions in the cabin morning and evening; Sabbath forenoon, a religious service in the cabin, and at noon, when the weather allows, public worship on deck. The monthly concert of prayer is observed. The interesting situation in which we are placed, separated from the Christian world, and engaged in such a work, renders this a season doubly precious and animating.
In concert with our American friends, too, we observed Dec. 2nd, as a day of thanksgiving to God. At no time have I thought so much and so tenderly of my dear relatives. The idea that I could no more make one in your associated circles, produced in my mind sensations inexpressible. But though my place evermore remain vacant, yet you will affectionately remember, you will daily pray for your absent Lucy.
If it will be any gratification to you, I will tell you upon what we dined. We had not that rich variety which crowds the boards of our American friends on such occasions, but we had enough of that which was good, viz: roast pork, meat pie, biscuit and cheese.
Our little room is vacated of everything not essential to every day comfort. I have often thought, would that I could tell my dear friends that Lucy is contented and happy. I can reflect with satisfaction on the rugged pathway I have entered, viewing it as selected by my Heavenly Father. No trial or privation which I have experienced, or now anticipate, has ever caused me to cast a lingering look back to my native shores.
If I may best contribute to the happiness and usefulness of one of Christ’s own ministers, of assisting in giving civilization, the Bible, and letters, to one of the tribes of men in utter darkness,-it is enough that I bid farewell to everything my heart so late held dear in life, and subject myself to all the trials, privations and hardships of a missionary life. It is to me a source of no small consolation, that my present undertaking met the approbation of my father and friends. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

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Day 061 – December 22, 1819

December 22, 1819 – At a meeting of the brethren resolved unanimously that they deem it expedient to observe the anniversary of the Savior’s birth in a religious manner. (Thaddeus Journal)

Dec. 22nd. The three last have been peculiarly pleasant days—our progress both smooth and rapid; and tho near a vertical sun, experienced but little inconvenience from the heat. The mild beams of the moon glittering on the wide waters, give a charm to the evening, and what is better than all, while it is peace without, through the mercy of GOD, I can also add, it is peace within. But, 0, I long for more devout and holy aspirations to Him who did say, “My peace I leave with you.” The renewed health of my dear husband calls for a heart of praise. To-day has afforded some pleasant hours, in our little room, where we are now made comfortable, in being employed by his side, while he has been planning a sermon for Christmas. He has just read to me the plan. May the Divine Spirit lead, in the filling it out, to such thoughts as he will bless and set home upon the heart. Have this evening been engaged in conversation with Mr. C—, feel a peculiar interest in the state of that young man–am encouraged to strengthen those feelings from the hope that GOD, by his Spirit, is inclining our hearts, in a few instances, to make his case a subject of prayer. While conversing about him, to-day,
Mr. B— suggested the thought that it was not too much to ask of GOD so to cause divine truth to shine in his path,—so to incline his heart, that he should be led to relinquish the pursuit of wealth, join himself with us in the glorious work anticipated by us, of erecting the standard of the cross in those dark regions whither we go. It has been much in mind, to-day, that, it _is not a vain thing to call upon GOD. O, for that faith to which a promise is annexed. (Sybil Bingham)

21. – This has been a good day to my soul. Joy & gladness begin to break in upon me as light out of darkness. Spent much of my time in reading & writing. By the blessings of God I hope that this desultory course which I have so long followed has at length come to an end. I shall endeavour to fix upon some planned by which I may turn to some good account every moment of my life. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

December 22, 1819. Resolved That It is expedient to observe the anniversary of the birth of our Saviour. That Brothers Bingham, and Thurston be a committee to make arrangements for the celebration, and that they report in what manner the day shall be observed. (Minutes of the Prudential Meetings of the Mission Family)

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