The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-06-08
Sandwich Islands.

forming and eleVatlng power Oh the Oospel, as Is
seen in the brief history of the Sandwich Islands
mission. Scarcely twenty years have elapsed since
the standard of the Cross was first raised amongst
that people by handful of devoted missionaries
from the United States. The moral condition of
the people at the commencement of missionary
labors was wretcbed beyond the power of descrip-
ton. Without a written language, devoted to
idolatry, they appeared wholly given up TO the
most degrading vices; the pail ofmoral death hung
over the miserable inhabitants of the entire group
The missionaries, however, addressed themselves
to their work with a zeal animated by faith in Cod
They invented language remarkable for its SIM
plicity and facility of acquisition, and soon called
TO their aid the power of the press. As early as
the year 1880, such was the demand for elemen-
tary books and tracts, that 600 reams of paper
were used in the printing department. About
the same time a periodical newspaper was COM
menced; and now, there are two weekly news
papers printed in the Hawaiian language, the me-
chanc,.l work being performed mainly by natives.
Our readers doubtless recollect the accounts
published some months since, of the signal revival
of religion at this mission. The missionary Her.
aid for June, brings us still further and truly
cheering intelligence. Rev. Mr.. CoAN, in let
ter dated Hawaii, Sept. 26, 1888, says
The great goodness of God this people induces me to
write you this time. Through the loving kindness and
tender mercy of God the day spring from high
hath visited us 10 the present is the year of the
right hand of the Most High, for he that mighty hath
done for great things, and holy is his name
On the 10th of March, wrote you somewhat full
of the work Gods Spirit among this people, Since
them it has advanced without interruption, and with
bated energy and while write the of saliva
ton roll deep and broad this field The Spirit of the
Highest breahes upon the slain. They breathe-they
ve-they stand up army to praise the Lord. Every
day gives fresh demonstrations that God has awaked
help, and that this is his work.
Since last you have been almost constantly en-
gagged in preaching, travelling among the people, and
aiming candidates for the church. usually preach from
to twenty times week, and the people are still
ger to hear large congregation be collected here
the shortest notice. and at almost any time day night
Our congregation at the station has sometimes sweed to
ve six and to thousand. Who are these that
fly cloud and doves to their windows" Christ rides
gloriousy in the chariot of salvation His arrows are in
the hearts Of his enemies There great quaking among
sinners through this field During tour through
filo and Puma, in which Mr.. w. accompanied me, the
ed described a former occasion. The gospel was
every where the power of God unto salvation 1t was
like the fire and the hammer The most hardened sinners
were melted and broken under it. Many, who for
mer tour remained in their houses hid themselves in
the jungle to avoid the light of truth, out of
their lurking places and submitted with tho Lord
Jesus.
In last wrote you that the first Sabbath in jan
1885, 1O4 received this church and that SOP
more w ire added the first Sabbath in March. On the
first Sabbath IN July 1905 baptized and received to
the communion and fellowship of the church This was
great and solemn and glorious day. never to be
forgotten alone with my family at the station at
that time my beloved associates Messrs L. and W. hav
ing gone Oahu. These ,7O5 baptized in afternoon
the occasion broke bread to about 400
muncants In selecting and examining that 1905 cand
dates spent much time and care, attended with many
prayers and met them all personally five six
times besides preaching them often collectively.
During tours which made in Eilo and Puma in the
months of July and August baptized and received to the
fellowship of the church ASP individuals These were
chiefly the aged the Sick and the nfrm who had for
considerable time given evidence of regeneration but who
feeble to the station. For the consola
ton of these and other aged and sick disciples admins
tered the Lords supper several different places through
which l passed. At communion the first
Sabbath of the present month, September) 6l9 indvid
uals added to the church, making in all 1881 souls
who have been received to this communion profession
of faith in the Lord Jesus since the first of January 1885
The whole number in communion with this church is
about $500. About four hundred Of these children
between five and fifteen years old.
Five hundred candidates stand propounded for our
next communion and l am spending about two days
every week in the selection and examination of hopeful
converts of whom there yet mutudes not brought in
the church. Truly Zion here is made to enlarge the
place of her tent, and to spread forth her curtains
CHARACTER OF THE CoNvERrs-CHANGEw WROUGHT
THEM.
But you will ASK How do the church and the young
wear? Thus far they stand fast and appear re-
markaby well, and have hope of their final saliva
on than have of that of the number of professors
in the American churches is true they ignorant
and without refinement, but believe that larger proper
ton of them possess simple and saving pey than of any
other community of Christians with whom acquainted
in any other land. Many of them pray far as can
judge from appearances have rarely perhaps should
say, have heard Christians pray my land.
With tears, with sou-meng fervor and with that earnest
importantly which takes denial, they often plead the
promises and receive what appear be the direct and
unequvoca answers to their prayers And the
obvious They take God his word, and with a simple
chdlike faith unspoled by tradition and vain philosophy
by nfdey and refined skepticsm they with boldness
the throne of grace Their confidence honos God and
God honors them How often have bushed and felt like
hiding my face in the dust, when have witnessed their
earnest wrestngs, and have how like princes they
have had power with God and have prevailed SurelyI
have often exclaimed-surey God hath chosen the weak
things of this world TO conound the things that mighty
and base things and things that are despsed, yea and
things that not hath God chosen bring to noupbt