reading concluded, my mouth was opened to turn the attention of the people to that Almighty power, which "is not far from every and in the afternoon went up to Neiafu, to endeavour to arrange for visiting the natives on the north shore. The weather sultry and rainy, making the clay soil, of which the neigh-one of us," dwelling in our hearts by his bourhood of the landing place is composed, almost impassable; and the steep descent down to the boat extremely difficult and unsafe. 27th.-Much rain during the night and this morning, which prevented my going on shore; Charles landed for a short time opposite the vessel, but was soon compelled to return. About nine o'clock this evening, a shock of an earthquake was sensibly felt on board by the trembling of the vessel; Captain Keen stepped upon one of the chain cables, by which we were riding at the time, when the shock was more evident, from the connection of the an-ness of the firmament, and with them that chor with the earth at the bottom of the sea. This is the fourth shock that has been felt since our arrival at Port Refuge. Would that the earthly nature in the hearts of all around us, yea the world over, were so shaken, that that only which cannot be shaken might remain, to the praise and glory of God. Holy Spirit, except we be reprobates; "in whom we live and move and have our being." He that abideth of old, with whom a thousand years are but as one day, and one day as a thousand years, from everlasting to everlasting he is God, and changeth not. My desire for this people was, that they might become wise in heart, by seeking after that knowledge which is life eternal, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, which shines in every heart; that they might inherit glory, and be numbered among those that shall shine as the bright 28th. Still rainy weather. John Hobbs called on board to-day, with whom an arrangement was made to visit a native meeting to-morrow afternoon, should the weather permit us to proceed and the people to collect. We learn from John Hobbs that the shock of the earthquake last evening, was the most severe he had known since his coming to these islands; it was felt on board the American ship Russel, quite as much as on board the Henry Freeling. turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. The gospel of the everlasting kingdom was freely preached to these dear people: it was a memorable season, and yielded peaceful relief to my mind. We reached our vessel soon after dark. What, indeed, can we render unto the Lord for all this! being nothing ourselves and possessing nothing, but what we have received from Him, the God of love and praise. Tenth month 1st.-Yesterday engaged on board most of the day, making ready for sailing for the Haabai. My attention has been drawn at times, in the course of yesterday and to-day, towards again attending the native meeting at Neiafu to-morrow; and John Thomas and Stephen Rabone calling on board this afternoon, afforded me an opportunity of 29th. In our solitary sitting this forenoon, mentioning the subject. John Thomas kindly we were favoured to witness a degree of agreed at once to make way for it, and offered strength sufficient for the day, to wrestle for his assistance as interpreter. Although so the blessing. Soon after three o'clock, John often a partaker of heavenly help and goodHobbs and ourselves set forward in our own ness, I am still imploring more; being increasboat, with six able natives to paddle; on ac-ingly sensible of the want of it, when looking count of the falling tide we landed at a place towards this meeting; that the name of the much more distant from the meeting to which Lord Jesus may be exalted, to the glory of we were going, than would otherwise have God the Father. been necessary. It was, however, much safer for the boat, with which it behoves us to use every precaution, to enable her to hold out to the end; she is now leaky and much worse for wear, and was not a thoroughly good one when new. Having now every prospect of bending our course towards Lifuka, I deemed it expedient to make an offer to convey as many of the missionary families as inclined to go to the congress; telling John Thomas, that if they were willing to put up with the want of accommodations to which they would be subjected in our small vessel, the whole of them might go with us. He expressed a fear that such a number would put us to great inconvenience; but I told him, it was themselves that would have to suffer the inconvenience, The heat of the afternoon made the extra walking very fatiguing; and the current of air to which I was afterwards exposed, occasioned considerable pain in my head: but such was the engagement of my mind, that this bodily annoyance was little regarded. After resting awhile at a house built for the special as they would have literally to stow thempurpose of accommodating the teachers, the meeting commenced; and although I was as an emptied vessel, while the translation of my certificates was read: yet shortly after the selves as they could upon the cabin sofas and floor; but, perhaps, we might not be out more than one or two nights, which would depend upon the wind. The distance is sometimes performed in a few hours, when the tradewind is strong and favourable. The shock of another earthquake was felt on the night of the 29th ultimo. 66 2nd, first-day. This morning I felt a very poor creature, both in body and mind; but knowing in whom I have believed," and unto whom all power in heaven and earth is given," I prepared to attend the native meeting at Neiafu. We reached the mission-house before the bell rung; and accompanied John Thomas to the meeting in due time. I sat for some time in a pew constructed for the missionaries; and when John Thomas had finished speaking, I went and stood in front of the people, upon the base on which the pulpit is erected. John Thomas then came down to me, and a general silence prevailed over the assembly, which was large, until broken by myself with the words;-"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.' The burden which rested upon my mind was, that these people might become the Lord's people, formed for himself, to show forth his praise, that they might become his children, and be taught of Him; for all the sons and daughters of men, which form His church, are taught of the Lord himself: in righteousness they are established, and great shall be their peace.-That they might indeed be sheep of the one fold, and of the one great and heavenly Shepherd, hear his voice, be known of him, and follow him; and thus be enabled individually to say, from blessed experience, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." But the sheep must first learn to know the voice of the great Shepherd, when they hear it, from the voice of a stranger; that so they may follow him with safety whithersoever he leadeth: those that are the sheep of his fold know him, and are known "My sheep," said Christ, "hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand: My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Thus, the security and blessedness of the Lord's children, which compose his church, are set forth by its holy Head, the Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep: and there is no other way for any of us to become of this happy number, but that of sitting under the teaching of His Holy Spirit, to learn of Him, to know His voice and be known of Him, and be His sheep and follow Him. He will teach us humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart. Such are formed for himself, do show forth His praise, and glorify Him before men, by producing the fruit of the Spirit in the sight of those around them; openly declaring by life and conversation, that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, even to those who beforetime were in darkness, hateful and hating one an other. I was largely opened among them; and if it was possible to recapitulate all that was uttered, words would still fall short, and fail to describe the heart-tendering solemnity which crowned the meeting. Towards the conclusion when about saying farewell to these dear people, as one never to see their faces again, that Almighty power which alone can soften the heart was eminently conspicuous; tears could not be restrained, but silently and undisguisedly rolled down the swarthy cheeks of the sons and daughters of this isle of the ocean. 3rd. Early in the morning the Henry Freeling unmoored, and prepared for sailing: by twelve o'clock the whole of the missionary families, with their servants and luggage being on board, we left the well-sheltered harbour of Port Refuge; and retracing our course through the maze of islands into the open ocean, stretched away from the shore of Vavau. A large number of the natives attended to the last, and hung round the sides of our vessel until compelled to let go their hold, evincing sincere regret at her departure. One of the chiefs of the island of Otea, named Noah, a noble man in person, with whom we were particularly acquainted, and whom we highly esteemed, wept aloud when he left us, and was heard when the canoe was a considerable distance. He was affected by the whole circumstance of parting with all his friends; but principally on account of losing an adopted daughter, who was leaving Vavau for Tongataboo: she had been for a long time an inmate of the mission-house. Our passengers consisted of John Thomas, Stephen Rabone, John Spinney, John Hobbs, (going to reside at Lifuka,) and William A. Brooks, with their families, in all eighteen persons, besides nine domestics. We had also William Bunubùnu, nephew of the late Finau the conqueror of these islands in former days, selected by King George, as our pilot for the Haabai group. Soon after getting fairly out to sea, the whole of our guests, except two of the youngest children, became sick; and some of them remained so the whole time. The wind became unfavourable in the night, and prevented our seeing the isle of Aano next morning as was calculated upon. 4th. When morning came, it was found that we had drifted towards the island of Kao, in appearance a lofty mountain of regular conic shape rising out of the sea, and evidently of volcanic origin. By ten o'clock A. M., the island of Toofoa was fairly opened, and the action of the volcano at the north end plainly to be seen, vomiting clouds of smoke into the atmosphere, which occasionally burst forth with increased strength. It was ascertained that getting to Lifuka by night, as before anticipated, was quite impracticable, as the wind continued to baffle us; but shifting two or three points after midnight, we fetched well to windward, and after making one short tack at the entrance of the reef, before ten o'clock were favoured safely to anchor off the the island of Lifuka, abreast of the settlement of Mua, in only three and a half fathoms water, on fourth-day the 5th instant. Any vessel less manageable than the Henry Freeling, might easily have got upon the reef, the entrance is so narrow and intricate, in the worst part of which she had to tack. It is probable that few vessels so large as ours ever anchored upon the same ground; and none, however small, ought to venture without a competent pilot on board. It is close to this spot that the Port au Prince was wrecked, perhaps thirty years ago: some of her remains are visible at this day, and are frequently dug out of the sand by the king's order, for the sake of the copper bolts, &c. Of recent date, the Snapper was cut off by the natives and lost upon an adjoining reef, not far from Mua. Soon after we had anchored, Charles Tucker, the resident missionary at this place came off, bringing with him James Watkin, who had arrived the preceding day from his station on the island of Tongataboo. A double canoe was procured, which took the whole of our passengers and luggage at once to the shore: they were safely landed by eleven o'clock, to their great relief. The natives soon began to visit us, well pleased to see a vessel at anchor off the island, as it is but seldom that such a circumstance occurs. boo, who had arrived here from that island. In the forenoon the weather became quite stormy, and the wind coming in from the westward, made it uneasy riding in the bay. Charles and myself sat down together as usual to wait upon the Lord, though in much poverty and weakness. At noon it threatened to blow strong; but shortly afterwards the atmosphere became more tranquil. There was not so much to be apprehended from the anchor and cables not holding the vessel, as from the danger of striking on the rocky bottom, had the swell from the ocean been permitted to come in upon us. The hurricanes which we are told occasionally occur here, are very awful, levelling with the earth houses, trees, &c., before their tremendous blast; and they generally, if not always, blow from the westward, the only quarter from which we have any thing to fear at this anchorage, as the land and the reefs are a shelter on every side, but this; but the Lord's power is the same here as in every other place,-"mighty to save and to deliver" out of every trouble and distress. 7th.-This morning the natives thronged our decks with trifling shells for barter; but the poor creatures have very little in their possession to offer. The last violent hurricane with which they were visited, destroyed their bread-fruit trees, &c., to considerable extent, and materially injured their yams, upon which they are usually supported; and from this serious calamity they have not yet recovered. Many of them are now subsisting upon the fern and tea-tree roots; but it is expected that in a few weeks' time, the present complaints of famine will be banished by an abundant supply of yams, sweet potatoes, &c. In the afternoon we visited the mission-house by invitation. While there it was with me to propose having an opportunity afforded of seeing the people, when collected at their morning meeting next first-day. On inquiring about some one to interpret what I might have to say to the people, James Watkin the missionary from Tongataboo, was proposed to undertake that part of the work, to which he kindly and readily assented. May the Lord be graIsland of Lifuka-native meeting-distribution ciously pleased to magnify his power, and of bibles, &c.—visit to the king-meeting with cause this stranger and myself to be faithful the missionaries—sail for Tongataboo-anchor to Him, in performing each his office; so that, off the settlement at Nukualofa-letter from "that life and immortality" which "are brought the Wesleyan missionaries-distribution of to light by the glorious gospel," may be declarclothing and medicines-visit to the heathened to the natives of Lifuka, and others assemsettlement at Mua-restraining influence of bled with them, to our Maker's praise. the missionaries-native meeting at Nukualofa. CHAPTER XXXII. Tenth month 6th.-THIS morning early, a turtle of prodigious size was sent on board as a present from Josiah Tubou, the king of Tongata 8th.-Engaged on board till late in the afternoon with the natives. It is probable that the meeting to-morrow will be very large, as the inhabitants from the different islands which compose the Haabai group, are now assembled at this place, besides a vast number from the Haafuluhau group, and Tongataboo. Oh! ment of "thanks be unto God for his unthat the Master of assemblies may be there. speakable gift;"-even the gift of His Son To Him, who only knoweth my motive for Jesus Christ, by whom came that grace which coming amongst them, I commend them and hath appeared unto all men; by which grace myself; humbly praying for help in the need-alone are we saved from sin and from the ful time, lest the cause of truth and righteousness should suffer in such weak and feeble hands. 9th, first-day.-Proceeded toward the shore at an early hour. We were met on landing by a swarm of young natives, who appeared to be on a look-out for us. In half an hour the first bell rung to assemble the people: this bell might have been spared, as the large meeting-house was filled, and a multitude still outside, when we passed by on our way from the boat to the mission-house: another extensive building was also filled, not far from the largest. The natives were indeed gathered together to an extent, which we have not before witnessed in the Friendly Islands. wrath to come, through faith, and that not of ourselves; for we have nothing, and are only sinners. It is through faith which cometh from the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us; who is also "the author and finisher" of that one true faith, which worketh by love, and purifieth the hearts of those who believe in its saving, cleansing power; which giveth the victory over the evil propensities of fallen nature, and over every temptation of the devil. The word of the Truth of the gospel flowed freely to these dear people; for whom my desire was, that they might not rest satisfied with making an empty profession of religion, but "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved." Although at the close of the meeting I felt as if my strength was renewed for the work, I should, without such sustaining help, have been dismayed at the burden which still rested upon my mind. After the meeting broke up many of the people flocked about us; amongst others, I shook hands with an aged female of rank, considered by the people higher than their king: king George himself was one of those who helped to carry her on their shoulders-she being unable to walk any considerable distance. Her placid countenance, and manner altogether, bespoke that she had good will in her heart toward us; and the remembrance of the interview, though short, always brings with it a feeling of peaceful tranquillity to my mind. James Watkin kindly conducted me through the concourse of people, into an enclosed place in front of the pulpit on a level with the floor: here I remained, until the interval arrived for me to take a station by the side of my interpreter, to be in readiness to minister to the people, as way should open. I felt no hesitation in going up into the pulpit, believing that even when the most advantageous position was chosen, but a small portion of the people in comparison with the whole collected about the house, would distinctly hear what was said; these buildings are open at the side, a circumstance which the nature of the climate requires, and which is a special advantage at these times, as before has been witnessed by us at Vavau. A general stillness now prevailed over this large assembly, which I 11th. Yesterday, engaged on board, barthought might be occasioned in the first place, tering for the commodities brought by the naby the novelty of two persons appearing in tives, not being willing to turn them back, the pulpit, both standing, and both silent. It although what they brought was often almost was not long however before I had to turn useless. In the afternoon landed and conveytheir attention to Him, unto whom the cattle ed to be deposited in the mission-house, twenon a thousand hills belong; before whom, the four English Testaments and six Bibles, six secret thoughts of every heart are laid open. Spanish Testaments, six French ditto, and six He seeth us as we really are, laden with ini- Portuguese ditto; one French Bible was given quity, helpless, and utterly unable of our-to Charles Simeon, a native of France, now selves to do any thing for ourselves; for, as settled here. Whaling vessels and others, not men and mortals, we possess nothing, and unfrequently at the present day, fall in among are as nothing; and yet such is the love the different groups of these islands; by some of God even to a guilty world, that of the on board such vessels, a copy of the Scripfulness of His Son Christ Jesus the Lord, tures is often prized, as we have experienced; "have we all received, and grace for grace." and individuals are here and there to be found, "God so loved the world that he gave his of different nations, whose lot has been cast only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth among the natives from a variety of causes; in him should not perish, but have everlasting some by shipwreck, others by sickness, left life." Who among us can contemplate the by the ships to return if they can, or remain wondrous mercy and unutterable love, where- the rest of their lives among the natives, with God so loved the world, without feeling wandering from island to island. Some mara desire to pour forth a grateful acknowledg-ry and bring up children among them. If such understand a handicraft business, as that pleasures for evermore. The desire and prayof blacksmith or carpenter, ship or boat build-er of my heart, and I believe it may be added, er, &c., and there is no ardent spirit to be my greatest delight also, is to be found laprocured, they generally fare well amongst bouring to exalt his great and adorable name, the islanders. To-day the natives have fur- and to promote the extension of the blessed nished a supply of hogs; but it is almost im- Saviour's kingdom in the hearts of mankind. possible to procure food, except the ninita, On returning to the boat in the evening, seve(papaw) which remains but for a short time ral of the missionaries were upon the beach, in a wholesome state. At present the poor when I told James Watkin that I could not people are very destitute of the vegetable food pass by Tongataboo, offering him a passage on which they are accustomed to subsist, and with us to his family at Nukualofa. Fearing frequently complain and make signs of being to let the members of the mission separate hungry; but it is out of our power to supply without requesting a select opportunity with their wants: they never think of killing a hog them, I told them that I should like us to have for themselves, they are mostly reared for an hour or so together, in the presence of the sale and for the use of the chiefs. In the Most High, before they separated; this proafternoon went on shore with a present for posal was accepted with openness, and every king George, consisting of a large chest of thing made to give way for bringing it about: tools, a cask of flooring nails, and a ship's to-morrow evening at six or seven o'clock was compass, with sundry articles for his queen mentioned as the probable time for our meetCharlotte. Some articles had already been ing together. When we got on board I told given to Josiah Tubou, the king of Tongata- Captain Keen, that as matters then stood with boo, when on boad the Henry Freeling. To- me, I saw nothing in the way to prevent our day we took with us some things considered going towards Tongataboo, and that the water suitable for his queen Mary, so that no pre- casks had better be filled up to-morrow, as the ference might appear on our side, more parti- beginning of the ensuing week might be lookcularly as Josiah Tubou is an older man, and ed to as the probable time of our leaving this much higher in rank. King George is how-place. It is expected that the Vavau missionever very assiduous in giving him the prefer-aries will return in two or three days from ence in every thing. this time. 13th. At two o'clock P. M. Charles Tucker, the resident missionary at Lifuka, and his wife, accompanied king George and his wife Charlotte on board to dinner. On taking our seats at the table, I told Charles Tucker that it was our practice to endeavour to feel a grateful tribute arise in our hearts to Him, from whom all our blessings come; they were of course left at liberty: when Charles Tucker called upon the king to ask a blessing, which he did in a serious manner. The parties were greatly amused with a set of William Darton's Scripture views, &c.; and I believe were pleased with their visit. We landed towards evening, and walked to the other side of the island for exercise; this part is wholly enclosed by a coral reef, which enables the people to procure fish in almost any weather. When looking towards visiting Lifuka, I thought as the principal part of the Tongataboo people, with their ruler, would be assembled here, that I might not have to proceed to the latter island; but I do not find that this will be sanction enough for me to stay away from it, as it has dwelt much upon my mind for several days past; I therefere believe it safest for me to go thither, however opposed to my own inclination: if the Lord's presence does but go with me, it is enough; for in His presence only there is life, and at His right hand durable riches and righteousness, yea VOL. VII.-No. 7. 14th.-Engaged on board bartering with the natives during the fore part of the day. A large canoe came alongside before dinner with a present from king George, viz.: six spears, two bundles of native cloth, a large floor mat, and two orange cowries, which in days past were considered the most valuable ornaments worn by the rulers of these islands, and are very rarely met with at present. The bearer of these articles is a Portugese, but understands English; he said that the king was desirous to obtain from me an English spelling-book. This token of the king's good will was verbally acknowledged, and the messenger himself presented with a Testament in the Portugese language. My mind in the midst of many interruptions attendant upon bartering with the natives and other duties, had to sustain a heavy load of exercise, in the prospect of meeting the missionaries and their families in the evening, which to my view was no small matter. Landed in the afternoon, and drank tea at the mission-house. About the time agreed upon, the whole of the families, except the wife and young children of John Hobbs, (whose numerous family could not be left alone,) assembled in a large room in Charles Tucker's house, and sat down together in silence. I endeavoured to keep my mind staid in humble dependence upon Him, who 32 |