only it can stand secure and prosper. This fear at once makes it safe and permanent, because it is clean, enduring for ever;" for where the true fear of God prevails over every other consideration, the heart is kept clean and watchful against every temptation to let selfinterest or partiality bear sway, either in the case of ourselves or others, when decrees or laws are made or enacted, or when judgment is called for between man and man. Impartiality is the life of justice, as justice is of government.

meek, and lowly, just, merciful, and full of love; yea, love itself personified, when among us, to teach what we should do when He was gone. But He is amongst us still, and in us too, an ever-living and perpetual preacher of the same grace by His Holy Spirit, in our consciences; and by this alone kings and others, whose province it is to rule over men, are qualified to promote amongst the people whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report; and where these are the fruit and works produced, such a govWhen every thing is conducted in this fear ernment and such a people must be lovely in the sight of God, divested of partiality and indeed to every beholder. But now let us every sinister motive, without feeling any examine whether our justice is complete in the painful sense or evidence of condemnation fear and love of God, and to our fellow-men, after a decision of importance is come to, (and lest we should be deceiving ourselves, and every case is important because it demands endangering the well-being of our immortal strict justice;) then have we confidence towards souls; while those we are ruling over, shall Him, inasmuch as our duty is performed to-be finally admitted, with Abraham, Isaac, and wards Him, and justice has assuredly pre- Jacob, into the kingdom of God, and ourselves vailed; and having done our duty towards thrust out: "For whosoever shall keep the God in this decision, it is done also to our whole law, and yet offend in one point, is selves and to the people. "But if our heart guilty of all:" in like manner, "he that is condemn us, "God, who knoweth all things, is unjust in a little," is at once upon a level with greater than our hearts;" and we may rest him who is unjust in much. And although assured, that such a decision is not in righteous we may be faithful and strictly just in the adjudgment: it hath not been come to in His ministration of the laws themselves, without fear, nor in that love which is first of all due partiality or respect of persons; yet, if these to Him, and then to our neighbour or brother, laws are such as to sanction covetousness on as unto ourselves. This love would not fail the part of rulers, and to allow them to grind to prompt us to do unto others, as we would the faces of the poor by unwarrantable opthat others should do unto us; and for want pression and extortion, or to uphold and supof this, an unjust decision has been made, for port themselves in vice, luxury, and extravawhich we are condemned by the Lord's holy gance; then this calculation may be safely and pure witness in our hearts; it has been made, that sooner or later the oppressed peomade contrary to the commandment in the old ple will take the reins of such a government law, and also to the benign principle and pre-into their own hands, and rule in their turn cept of the glorious gospel, both which are after the example of injustice and oppression, distinguished by the heaven-born characteristic which has been set before their eyes, and of love to God, and love to man. "God is under which they have so long groaned and love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in suffered, unheeded and unregarded; unless God, and God in him." Such are the excel- the merciful and righteous Lord should please, lent of the earth, and they compose the blessed in wonted compassion, to gather them to Himin heaven: they are come "to the spirits of self from the face of the earth, and permit just men made perfect," and are fit to rule strangers and foreigners to possess these fruitover men: their judgment is just and right- ful islands, who for want of firmness and juseous; they rule "in the fear of God." The tice on the part of the rulers, towards God, to religion of Jesus at once qualifies a man for themselves, and to the greatly injured aborigi every station of life, in which it pleases Al-nes of the soil, are rapidly establishing themmighty God to place him; but it is the ever-selves upon it, and prosecuting commerce, some blessed truth in possession, in the inward branches of which are obviously pernicious. parts, which alone can safely guide out of all Therefore, they who rule over men, must be error into all truth, and make us to know just, ruling in the fear of God: and where they wisdom. A mere profession only will avail are happily thus ruling, they will be truly us nothing, if we are destitute of the true fear and love of God, demonstrated by good works: and faith is the root of all, for without this we cannot please God; nor can we fear and love that, in which we do not believe. The Saviour of the world was holy, harmless, humble,

great, and their reign glorious; every act of injustice will be avoided: love, joy, peace, and comfort will prevail in the land; the popula tion, instead of diminishing, will increase and multiply abundantly, and the blessing of the Lord will rest upon it.

rulers; they can scarcely be worse off than they are. If their privileges as men and brethren be not consulted and respected, the profession of Christianity is but mockery; instruction only serves to show them, that their rulers are not just, nor ruling in the fear of God: and the pretensions of such rulers to religion are vain, more calculated to produce disgust and abhorrence at its restraints, than piety, virtue, and holiness.

"Happy those rulers,' said a wise man, who are great by justice, and that people which is free by obedience: and they who are just to the people in great things, and humour them oftentimes in small ones, are sure to have and keep them from all the world. The members of an obedient well-regulated family, treated with every act of affectionate kindness, never meet with any home so sweet as their own; besides, long experience and holy example tell us, that goodness raises a nobler Although much has been said, and might passion in the soul, and begets and gives a still be said, yet it all centres in one point at more exalted sense of duty, than cruelty, op- last;-"He that ruleth over men must be just, pression, and severity.' Sore and heavy judg- ruling in the fear of God." Such as are dements are denounced by the Most High, in the sirous of ruling in His fear, can only be adScriptures of truth, against oppression, and vised to take counsel of Him on every occasion, oppressors of the poor and of him that hath by invariably consulting the holy witness in no helper," He that oppresseth the poor is their own hearts, which will neither flatter a reproach to his Maker; but he that honour- nor deceive. If we are truly desirous of obeyeth Him hath mercy on the poor :" and the ing the royal law, of doing to others as we justice and mercy of rulers should shine con- would ourselves be done unto, let us endeaspicuously in all their actions. The wicked vour to place ourselves in the situation of and unjust man and his oppressor, have their others, and act for them as if acting for ourportion and inheritance appointed of the Lord, selves, in all cases and at all times, without and it is declared, "they shall receive it of the partiality, or respect of persons, whether rich Almighty: if his children be multiplied, it is or poor, high or low, bond or free, old or for the sword, and his offspring shall not be young, stranger or friend;—for the same jussatisfied with bread; those that remain of him tice is due to all. It would be as presumptushall be buried in death, and his widows shall ous and assuming, as it would be altogether not weep though he heap up silver as the in vain, for any individual to take upon himdust, and prepare raiment as the clay; he may self to advise in a matter, which involves so prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the great a responsibility as that of ruling over innocent shall divide the silver." The Israel- men ;-beyond simply referring all parties to ites were sorely oppressed in their day, but the righteous and only true and safe principle what was the result? the destruction of Pha- of justice in the fear of God. To fear God raoh and all his followers. If the poor peo- and keep his commandments, is the whole ple of this island and the surrounding ones duty of man in every station upon earth, from are grievously oppressed, either by burden- the loftiest prince to the humblest peasant; some claims or taxation, they that rule over and the way to fear Him is, for all of us to them cannot be just, ruling in the fear of God; bring every thought, word and deed, to the and however they may reconcile these things light of his Holy Spirit in the secret of the to their own consciences for a time, the Lord's soul; and to watch and pray, and wait in this righteous judgments will assuredly overtake light, to know His holy will, which would them: He will plead the cause of the poor clearly discover whether the action or transand of the oppressed with a mighty hand and action we are about to undertake or engage stretched out arm; and will rid them of their in, or decide upon, (whether we be rulers or oppressors, for His great name's sake. Now, people, for the question bears on all, and the that justice and judgment in which the Lord light shines in all,) is done or committed in delighteth, would at once loose the bands of the fear of God, and in obedience to His wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the commandments,-which are, that we should oppressed go free, and break every yoke of love Him above and before all, and our neighexaction and extortion. The people would bour as ourselves. If we do not act upon then enjoy the comforts and blessings, which these manifestations, in faithfulness and truth, the Lord in mercy hath bountifully showered our heart will condemn us; because what down upon them; they would then feel an in- we do, is not done in the fear of God, who terest in the welfare of their neighbours, and is greater than our heart, and knoweth all in their country at large: but if afflicted by things. But if our heart condemn us not, the pressure of heavy burdens, every feeling then have we confidence toward Him; and of sympathy and social interest is benumbed; whatsoever we ask we receive of Him, because they have nothing to lose and nothing to gain, we are walking in His fear, and keeping His and it matters little to them who are their commandments, and doing those things which VOL. VII.-No. 6. 26

are pleasing in His Divine sight. From the best observation I have been able to make, whilst hearing the sentiments of persons high in authority over these islands, in addition to an evidence upon my own mind abidingly sealed, I am thoroughly convinced by their own remarks upon things of the highest concernment, that they know [what is right] well enough: "for that which may be known of God is manifest in them, God hath showed it unto them," to the praise and glory of his grace. All that is wanting on their part, is a constant dwelling near to this precious gift of God in their own hearts, watching unto prayer; "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance." Then their councils and deliberations will be blessed: they will be qualified to judge righteous judgment at all times and in all cases, against every false tongue, even to the giving "the living child to its own mother;" and no weapon formed against them by Satan or his agents, shall be suffered to prosper; for the Lord Most High will be their "shield, and their exceeding great reward."

13th, first-day. Remained on board through the day with our own people. Strippedness and poverty of mind are my present portion, and perhaps, food of all others the most needful for me.

18th. It having been a subject of consideration, whether there would not be a propriety in our showing kind attention to the American mission, by inviting some of each family on board the Henry Freeling, as best suited their convenience, lest by an apparent nonintercourse of a social kind betwixt us, malicious reports might get circulated by the white residents, calculated to injure them in the estimation of the natives;-and also, in the hope of setting aside some false impressions detrimental to their interest, of which there had been already no slight indication; it was concluded to adopt such a measure: we therefore called yesterday evening upon the two oldest families, who readily accepted an invitation to visit us. When leaving the senior missionary's habitation, a newspaper was put into my hand, said to contain the great Missionary Question,' accompanied with a desire that our sentiments might be given on the subject. On examining the paragraph alluded to, when returned on board, I found this question had been propounded by the said missionary himself to the American board, in these words: We are often led to inquire (can you tell us?) why it is that so few who hear the gospel in Christian countries, and in the fields of missionary labour, are savingly converted to Christ?' querying, if the cause of this acknowledged and deplored evil arose from such and such circumstances as he enumerates at full length. Both, or parts of both families came on board the 19th instant, as invited. The weather boisterous, with frequent heavy

It is an evident sign of a corrupt and unchristian government, when any of its subjects are permitted to suffer persecution, either directly or indirectly, on the score of religious dissent from any particular established form, so long as the public peace is undisturbed; as the "sword of the magistrate should be a terror only to evil-doers, but for the praise of them that do well:"-" by their fruits ye shall know them." To persecute others, because they do not see or think as ourselves, is the sure and hateful mark, which can never be mistaken, of the false church, over which the devil presides in full power: but the true church, whose holy head is the Lord Jesus rains. Christ, never persecuted any; but "suffereth 22nd. Yesterday and to-day some of the long, and is kind; beareth all things; believ-members of the missions, both male and female, eth all things; hopeth all things; endureth all things; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the Truth," its sure and immoveable foundation love and mercy being the chief corner-stone, upon which no other principle shall ever be displayed, than that of "doing to others as we would that men should do unto us.'

Let none consider me an enemy, because I have spoken the truth. I pray that the foregoing hints may be accepted in a measure of the same love in which they are written, by one who desires the eternal salvation of all mankind.

DANIEL WHEELER.'

came on board, but the roughness of the weather necessarily shortened their visit. In the evening attempted to take exercise on shore, and although we reached the landing place, the rain fell so heavily, that we did not quit the boat, but returned to the vessel again. In the night heavy gusts of wind from the mountains; at one o'clock A. M., the brig Bolivar drove down upon us, but no injury was sustained. Two vessels from Boston are now at anchor outside the reef; this is the third day of their being in this exposed situation, and the wind is still so strongly opposed that they cannot enter the harbour.

26th. But little communication with the shore since the 22nd instant, owing to the state

'On board the Henry Freeling, in the harbour of Honolulu, of the weather. By a news-paper brought out

the 1st of Third month, 1836. Sandwich Isle, Oahu.'

by one of the vessels just arrived from Ame

23rd. In the afternoon the king came on board to take leave of us, being about to sail for the island of Maui, and his vessel at the time waiting with her canvass spread, in readiness to convey him away. He gave me a pressing invitation to visit him at Waiaruku on the other island: the shores were crowded with natives to witness the departure of their king. The artillery of the fort announced his final embarkation; whilst the shipping in the harbour, and his own brig, kept up an occasional firing, as she passed through the channel between the coral reefs. One hundred and fifty persons accompanied him as retinue. No exhibition equal to this, we are told, has occurred since the departure of Rio Rio for England.

rica, we are furnished with the Epistle of the they are in repute for their moral and orderly yearly meeting, held in London in 1835, of conduct, whilst most of the white residents which a present has been made to us in great are a disgrace to a skin of any colour, and kindness: it was a treat no less welcome for frequently have three or four native women not having been anticipated, and to myself as wives. Of course I do not include the particularly consoling, being replete with ex- mission families in these remarks. planation of the principles and views of our religious Society, as held by our worthy predecessors when they first came forth; and declaring them to remain unalterably the same at this day. I trust the pure mind will be stirred up in many of our members to a serious consideration, whether we are endeavouring to uphold them, in their original purity and simplicity, to the eyes of the world, and in faithfulness and gratitude to Him, who called and separated those ancient worthies from the many "Lo heres," and "Lo theres" of their day and generation, to be a people to His praise. We also obtained a copy of an article contained in a late Petersburg Journal of Agriculture, in which our own name is mentioned in connexion with the improvement of the lands in the neighbourhood of that capital, &c. To hear of my beloved family being still there, at least when the account was printed, which was much later than any tidings we had ourselves received, although nothing could possibly be gleaned of their present state and welfare, yielded a satisfaction, which those only can appreciate, who have been long and distantly separated from all most dear on earth to memory and life.

27th, first-day. The weather still very boisterous. Assembled the crew in the cabin twice in the day. In the forenoon it was a dull, heavy season; in the afternoon more lively. I have been much cast down of late by several discouraging circumstances. The continuance of heavy rain not only confines us more on board, but within the narrow limits of our little heated cabin below deck. In addition to this, I do not see my way clear for leaving the island of Oahu; while most persons around are impatient to be gone, and cannot exactly enter into my feelings. The Lord alone knoweth, and to Him I commit my cause, and desire to bow in humble resignation to His holy will: if only now and then favoured with a glimpse of His heavenly, life. giving presence, (however short, if certain,) it will be enough.

Fourth month 21st.-Received a visit today, by invitation, from a white resident and his wife; whom we were desirous of noticing, on account of the good example they hold forth to the other white residents, their neighbours his wife is a native of the island, and of good character. They have been regularly married, a very rare occurrence here in such cases; and what is still more rare,

24th, first-day.-In the morning wrote a note to John Deill, enclosing a written notice, which he was requested to read to the people at the breaking up of the forenoon meeting; that a public meeting for worship, after the manner of the Society of Friends, would be held in the Mariners' chapel that evening, at the usual hour; to which the company of all persons who inclined to attend was requested. Our captain delivered this note to John Deill, and no difficulty appearing on his part, notice was then personally given in such directions as seemed most likely to insure full publicity. Read portions of Scripture to our seamen twice in the course of the day. At the time appointed, landed to attend the meeting: it gathered slowly, but in the end was well attended. After sitting a while in silence, it was with me to point out the desirableness of our endeavouring to get into a quiet state of mind; that we might be sensible of the influence of the Holy Spirit, to solemnize our minds together, if He should be graciously pleased to lift up the light of His heavenly countenance upon us, and bless us therewith: we then settled down into silence before Him. After a time, one or two persons went out, but stillness generally prevailed over the company. When the time came for me to stand up, I told them that I had had no expectation of my voice being heard again among them; that my mouth had for several weeks been closed up, and that a heavy burden had rested upon my mind;-to what shall I compare it, but to "the roll that was written within and without, with lamentation, and mourning, and woe," for the inhabitants of that place; who are crucifying to themselves the Son of God

way of initiation into membership, with those whose names are written in heaven. Unless we witness this for ourselves, and know from heart-felt experience Christ Jesus to save us from our sins, He is no Saviour of ours: and if we die in our sins, where He is, we can never come.

I stood long among them: and although in the forepart of the time it seemed heavy getting on, yet towards the end, the life spread over us in an eminent manner, and reigned over all. The people seemed as if riveted to their seats, instead of rising up and hasting away, when I sat down. After this I had to appeal to themselves as witnesses of the power which prevailed over us. They still remained stationary after I again sat down, until inform

renewed goodness and mercy of Him, to His poor unworthy creatures: but He is "God over all, blessed for ever." Amen.

afresh, and by their example putting him to open shame, in the face of the benighted islanders among whom they dwell. It was probable that those who were the principal causes of this travail of soul, were not among that company; but I could do no less for the clearance of my own mind, than publicly advert to this lamentable state of things; lest I should be found short of doing my own duty, though the cause of suffering might not be removed but the disciples of Christ must be willing to suffer with their suffering Lord, and to fill up that which is behind,-that which remains of the afflictions of Christ in the flesh, for his body's sake, which is the church. Notwithstanding the extent to which sin and iniquity abound, such is the wondrous love of God to his creature man, that he willeth noted that the meeting was over. Such was the the death of a sinner, but that all should repent, return unto Him, and live for ever: for this, He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, 25th. The way seemed now clear for me but have everlasting life; and blessed are they to direct that the vessel should be completely that have not seen, and yet have believed in furnished with wood and water, and prepared the only begotten Son of God. I trusted that for sea. In the evening, I went to Hiram there were many such believers then before Bingham, to say that I wished to see the peome, who profess to be His followers; but a ple once again collected; at the same time bare profession only of Christ would do little querying, whether, if the meeting in the midfor any of us; nothing short of the possession dle of the week was held in the evening, there of the unspeakable gift of His Holy Spirit, would not be a fuller attendance, especially if will avail us. It is no matter under what de- the occasion was made known. He immedinomination of religion we are walking before ately proposed, that as their week-day meetmen, or to what outward and visible body of ing consisted principally of Church members professing Christians we may belong, if we only, they should come together as usual on are not members of the mystical body, of the fourth-day; and that he would then give which Christ Jesus is the holy Head and ever-notice of a meeting to be held on the fifth-day lasting High Priest,-the church triumphant, evening, at half-past seven o'clock. This prowhose names are written in heaven: and there posal was gratefully accepted on my part. is no other way of attaining to this, but by On observing the - of Boston preparing and through Christ Jesus,-by receiving Him for sea, our mate was despatched with a parin the way of his coming. We must be wil-cel of tracts, &c., for the use of the ship's ling to take His yoke upon us, and learn of company; when he got upon her deck, the Him meekness and lowliness; we must be chief mate came forward, and seeing what he willing to submit to the restraining yoke of had in his hand, said, 'We do not receive any His Holy Spirit upon us, and to bring our of those things; we are all infidels: we do deeds to its light, which will show us our sins, not want any thing connected with the Bible: and our exceeding sinfulness, and cause us to but if you will bring us any of the writings feel our miserable condition. As this yoke is of Voltaire, Tom Paine or Rousseau, we shall patiently abode under, the effect will be godly thank you for them: give Captain -'s comsorrow unto repentance, never to be repented pliments to Mr. Wheeler, and say we don't of the glories of eternity will be gradually want any thing of the kind; and if you peropened to our view, and we shall be permitted sist in leaving them, they shall be thrown to behold the blessedness of those, who have overboard.' Our mate returned on board found rest in Jesus. Our sins will be removed quite disconcerted, having never before met from us as far as the east is from the west, with such a reception in the Pacific. There and blotted out for ever for His sake; and is great reason to fear that there are many of we shall be numbered among those who have this description in these parts; but such an returned," and come to Zion, with songs and open avowal is rarely to be found. Upon ineverlasting joy upon their heads,"—ransomed quiry, it appeared that no sailors are admitted and redeemed from our sins by the blood of on board this ship, but such as deny the exJesus, the new and living way, and the only listence of an Almighty Being.