Thu Jun 30, 1853

Fore part of the day employed in shoemaking. Latter part attended the funeral of Mr. George W. Stackpole, a native Boston, Massachusetts, USA. I neglected to go and see him while sick, and offer him the gospel of life and salvation, and I feel sorry for not going and seeing him and have set the truth before him. I feel to ask the Lord to enable me to not be so backward in calling upon men to repent of their sins and turn to God.

I have heard today that the French were on their way here to take these islands; some ten men-of-war, they say, are on their way. The Russians are out of the Baltic. The expedition to Japan is recalled, on account of the French and etc. Great rumors of war in all lands and so the signs of His coming appear fast. So may I improve the time and be ready to go out to meet Him.

Wed Jun 29, 1853

Awoke this morning with a heavy cold in my head and my body, other ways out of order, I added to my cold yesterday while speaking out of doors under a tree. Employed in copying Mrs. H.’s patriarchal blessing and etc. For the afternoon met with the branch, read a letter just arrived from Elder Uaua, Honolulu, stating the number of deaths by the smallpox down there to be 900, and he believes if they were all told there would be a 1000. Very few of the Saints that have been troubled with it, and those who have had it, all got well by administering to them with oil and prayer, except one who died. Had a good meeting, Brs. Green and Woodbury were present. Br. Woodbury spoke on the fulfillment of prophecy and etc. The native brethren also spoke well and appear to feel first rate.

The man-of-war is here yet and giving liberty to her men, they stayed hours on shore at a time.

Tue Jun 28, 1853

Met with the branch, confirmed the man that was baptised last night. Invited all the brethren this afternoon to go down in the neighbourhood of Br. Solomon’s house and invite all the people out to meeting that they may hear the word of the Lord. Wrote a letter to Br. George and sent 2 pairs of garments to Br. Reddin Allred. Last night, the U.S. sloop-of-war Portsmouth arrived off the harbour. She brought our governor from Oahu. She is bound to Hilo, Hawaii. She has come to anchor and wants to get recruits here of fresh provisions and etc, they feel afraid of the smallpox. Employed in copying off my patriarchal blessing. Afternoon we all went down into the lower part of the town and held meeting at Br. Solomon’s. The native priests went one way to invite the people to come and hear, and I went another. I found a little company willing to hear who had gathered together, and it being some way from the meeting place, I preached to them then for some 2 hours. They will, I think, many of them come into the church. Br. Woodbury took charge of the meeting at Br. Solomon’s and had a good time, quite a number of strangers out to hear the word.

The people are dreadfully frightened about the smallpox. Many of them, I fear, will be swept away with it before it is done here. May the Lord guide it.

Mon Jun 27, 1853

Attended meeting, Br. Maiola took charge of the meeting. Wrote a letter to Br. George. Had a talk with Austin the lawyer. Afternoon mended a headstall for a Mr. Everet. Also went down to see the man that had charge of the water to see about getting it onto our garden and etc. Saw many houses deserted on account of the smallpox; they are afraid of getting their houses burnt if they have the disease in them. About dark, Brs. Green and Woodbury arrived from Wailuku on their way to Molokai; also Br. Kahiki arrived this afternoon bound for the same place, he is a native priest. In the evening baptised one man named Napuunoa.

Sun Jun 26, 1853

Attended meeting this morning as usual, read and explained the 14th [chapter] of Matthew. About ½ 8 o’clock, priest Maiola arrived from Wailuku on his way to Molokai to help Br. Woodbury on that island. He came filled with the spirit of the Lord and of his mission. ½ 1 [o’clock] met again. I preached from Luke 24:45-47, had more of the spirit of preaching than I ever had before in this place. The Saints all rejoiced in the things which they heard. Priest Maiola bore his testimony, being filled with the spirit of the Lord. We were all rejoiced to see him with us. There was not a great many out, but their attention was riveted on the speaker. We look for Elder Woodbury to be here on the morrow early.

Afternoon met again, Br. Maiola preached from 1 Corinthians 12:5. I followed, telling them what Dr. Dow told me as I was on my way to the church; he told me to tell all the members of our church that if they did not go and get vaccinated that would all be put in the fort and etc. I believe it is a hatched up thing between him and Baldwin, the priest of Baal. Some of the brethren were for resisting the order. I told them to be cautious, and if they found that it was from the governor to be careful how they acted, for that was what they called us now, a set of rebels seeking to overthrow the government and etc. There is one real case of the smallpox and one case of the Vale Alloy pretty strong.

Sat Jun 25, 1853

Met again with the branch; read the rest of the 13th chapter of Matthew. Feel quite unwell today. Went among the whites a little this morning, but no spirit of enquiry manifested among them. Afternoon wrote a letter [to] Br. MacBride.

Fri Jun 24, 1853

Met with the branch, and read and explained a part of the 13th chapter of Matthew. Not feeling well today, did not go out among the people. Employed in reading “The Works of Chillingsworth” on Protestantism. Received a letter from Elder Lewis to Elder Cannon, the smallpox is still raging in Honolulu. They have burnt up two houses which they thought had the smallpox in this place.

Thu Jun 23, 1853

Attended meeting, read the 12th chapter of Matthew and explained it to the Saints. Cast lots to know which way to go, whether to the north, to the south, or labor among the whites. I drew the lot south and went accordingly, had a good time, truly the Lord was with me. I had first a good talk with some natives out of the church and some of them belong, I think, to the Calvins. They treated me with respect, gave me a good melon to eat. I left them feeling well. After that, I met a few of the members of the Calvin Church; they were full of the spirit of the devil and persecuting, ordered me away, told me to go to some place where they were ignorant and etc. I bore a strong testimony to them of the truth of this work; had much of the spirit, I never had it more powerful for a few moments, there was a weight resting on my head like a man’s hand. I went away rejoicing in the truth, but grieved at the ignorance and hardness of the heart of this people; I do not feel to blame them so much as I do their priests.

Afternoon drew the same lot over again to go south; I could not see where to go, but the spirit led me quite out of town among some people living in little out house, watching their crops. And as I had prayed to the Lord, so He had evidently prepared the people for His word, for I had not more than set down before they began to come together some, and 12 or 15 came. I set and taught them with a good flow of the spirit till near sundown, then set out for home near two miles distance. On my way, I found the people in great confusion, fearing and trembling for their lives on account of the smallpox which had just broke out near the large Calvin church, right in the neighborhood where the Lord set me to labor today. Saw priest Baldwin in great consternation, a running about among the natives’ houses trying to prevent its spreading, but the Lord can, and will do, His own work without any hindrance from the priests of Baal. He is able to save all who put their trust in Him and keep His commandments.

Wed Jun 22, 1853

Attended meeting, very few out, read and explained the 11th chapter of Matthew. Forenoon spent in visiting from house to house, was received well, found some that appeared to have been waiting for me. It is a work that tries one much, but the Lord has blessed me greatly thus far and I trust He will continue to do so if I am humble and faithful. Just before going out in the morning, I received a letter from Br. MacBride at Makawao. He writes that he has been unwell since conference but is now better. They have baptised 1 white man and rebaptised Davis. Also received a letter from Br. Lawson to be mailed for Scotland.

Afternoon held a meeting, had much of the spirit, told them if they did not make better improvement of the light they had received, it would be the means of bringing darkness upon them and they would suffer loss. Received a package of letters from Wailuku; one from Br. George and from Br. Lewis, and one from Br. Reddin A. Allred and one from Br. T. Karren, Kohala, Hawaii, he writes a first-rate letter. It caused my heart to rejoice unceasingly; they have baptised 45 since they landed, one high chief, a staunch member of Bond’s church in that place. They found a man there that I baptised last February, and told him to prepare the people and some elders would come by and by and etc. He says he never saw the hand of the Lord more visible in all his life than he has in their landing at that place. Their intention was to go to Kilo, the other side of the island, but a continual headwind would not let them go. I have never read a letter with more interest since I have been on these lands.

Br. Cannon perfectly agreed with me in regard to my views of spreading the truth in Lahaina (this place). His letter was very encouraging to me as is always his letters. Also [received] a number of letters to mail for Salt Lake City.

Tue Jun 21, 1853

Attended meeting, finished reading the 10th chapter of Matthew, taught the principle of giving to the servants of God in order to be blessed, to furnish them with food and raiment. Warned the teachers and deacons to magnify their offices or they would be taken away and given to those who would. After breakfast, went out again among the people, bearing my testimony and talking as the spirit directed. Talked with some who belong to the Catholic Church and some from the Calvin, and some who belong to no church at all; I was treated with respect by them all, some of them promised to come out to our meeting. I feel as if the spirit of the Lord is striving with the people and I believe He is well pleased with the course I am taking at present. In the afternoon went down in and through the other part of town, where I have an appointment for preaching every Tuesday. Talked with some dozen or more of the natives; most of them do not belong to any church, they seemed pleased with what I said to them and I believe that good was done. Prejudice began to give way and I believe, if I am faithful to my calling, the Lord will bless His church with a great increase [in] this place. Held my meeting as usual at Br. G’s, had some ½ dozen out to hear, more than we ever had before down there. They paid good attention and seemed interested. May the Lord bring them out if they are worthy.

Mon Jun 20, 1853

Attended meeting, read a part of the 10th chapter of Matthew, and explained it verse by verse as the spirit directed. Enjoyed the meeting much and so did the Saints. Sent a letter to Br. Cannon by one of the brethren present who was going to Wailuku, also sent him a letter from Br. Farrer, also two to Br. Woodbury from Honolulu. (I forgot to mention in yesterday’s work, my writing a letter to Br. Kipp and one to Br. Cannon, and my receiving a letter from Br. Farrer. He is well and just ready to start on a trip around the island, to visit the branches and strengthen them in the faith and etc.) Employed in repairing shoes and saddle bags, and reading Josephus until noon.

Afternoon went out to the farther end of the town towards Kaanapali, and commenced to visit again from house to house and bear my testimony. I commenced to do this once before last February, but the new elders arrived about that time, and since then I have been occupied with other matters. But with the help of the Lord, I will keep at it from this time until I have visited all the houses in this town if they do not turn out to hear us preach better than they have been doing long back. I find it one of the greatest trials that I can have to go among the people from house to house for I meet with all kinds of people, but those that belong to no church treat me the best. I was blessed in all the conversations I had. Two men promised to come and hear us preach; one of them was a member of the Calvin Church. Returned home about sundown, very tired but pleased with my trip.

Sun Jun 19, 1853

Attended meeting in the morning. At 9 a.m. met for public worship, preached on the setting up of the kingdom of God in the last days, did not make out very well. In the morning I felt as though I could preach first-rate, but when I commenced, I lost the spirit and it went off dragging. I believe it was the consequences of my choosing my subject beforehand, as I have always found that when I preached the best is when I got up without anything in particular to speak upon, then the Lord has blessed me most. I felt weak and humbled, being able to see my own weakness more plain than ever, and the Lord sees it is best for me to feel my weakness and then I will depend upon Him for strength.

3 o’clock met again, preached from the 28th chapter of Matthew. Did not feel much of the spirit, but done a little better than I did in the forenoon. Not many out; it seems very dull times on excitement among the people for inquiring about the truth.

Sat Jun 18, 1853

Attended meeting, spoke on the principle of obedience being the only way to enjoy the blessings of God, quoted the dealings of God with the Israelites in the wilderness and etc. Received two letters from Honolulu for Br. Woodbury; the work still goes ahead there, 22 baptised the other day, the smallpox still spreading. Employed in reading and mending shoes. My health is better, as is Mrs. H.’s. The children are tolerable well. The baby grows finely.

Fri Jun 17, 1853

Rather unwell today. Employed in reading Josephus. No smallpox as yet in this place. A good deal of talk about the late proceedings of the public court of this place; the judge, Mr. Marston, says he shall resign, which I think would be a wise course for him. The vaccination of our little ones does not appear to take very well; and I do not know as I can [do] but little about it. We are blessed greatly in our temporal affairs.

Thu Jun 16, 1853

Attended meeting this morning. Employed in writing letters to Brs. Cannon, MacBride, Snider, R.A. Allred and Winchester. Do not feel well today, my stomach is out of order; Mrs. H. complains the same way. Reading Josephus in the afternoon.

Evening attended the citizens’ meeting held at the American Hotel. The committee, which was appointed at the former meeting to draw up resolutions, read their resolutions. They were to this effect: that the late proceedings of the public court of Lahaina (this place) has been of such a nature as to cause distrust on the part of the citizens and has been conducted with a spirit of partiality and persecution; that the imprisonment of a Mr. Hubard, the late American Consul, was illegal and without precedent. Also the fining of a Mr. Jones in the sum of two hundred for selling liquor was not according to the evidence in the case, but commenced and carried through with a spirit of bitter persecution from the head missionary and his satellites in this place. So [it] stands about thus: the district attorney governs the judge, and the Reverend Mr. Baldwin governs the district attorney, yes and the governor also. We are ruled by bigotry, priestcraft and selfishness. The majority of the people are highly indignant at it and are determined to see redress. I made a few remarks, exhorted them to be cool about what they were doing for it was a solemn thing they were engaged in. I did not feel free to express my feelings as I am situated at present, for fear of raising an incitement against us, giving them an opportunity to say that we want to overturn the government as they have already said. I hope this will be the common cement of the downfall of Baldwin’s power from this place. May the Lord grant it.

Wed Jun 15, 1853

Attended meeting. Employed in shoemaking till 4 o’clock, then held meeting, had a good time. The brethren all spoke round. They seem to be on the gain, more willing to attend meetings; ordained Wahaone a deacon. This day being a fast day set apart by the king on account of the smallpox, the meeting of the citizens was postponed on account of the fast until tomorrow evening.

Tue Jun 14, 1853

Attended meetings, exhorted them to be diligent in acquiring knowledge for that was the road to exaltation and etc.

The doctor did not come last evening. I did not feel very well. Last Sunday I ate some pie which laid very hard on my stomach, and since then my breast bone and stomach has been quite sore, causes me pain to swallow. The feeling is like as if I had swallowed something that was too large and lodged about halfway down. From reports from Oahu, the smallpox is raging there to some extent, some 15 have died and a good many sick with it. The course which the authorities take is calculated to spread it fast. They take every native they find with it and send him to the hospital, and the natives are as afraid as death of such a place. So as soon as they discover anything the matter, they leave directly for the country for fear of the hospital and the doctors. But if they would just let it take it own course, it would not be near as hard on the natives. Attended a meeting in the evening called by the Isthecans for to investigate the proceedings of the public court.

About 10 o’clock, the doctor came and vaccinated our two boys for the Kinepox. One of them is two and a half years old; the other is about two months old. Employed in making a pair of shoes for Mr. Marble, who arrived this morning from Kahalui, bringing me a letter from Br. Cannon and one from Br. Winchester. The work at Hailuku is progressing, they baptized four there last Sunday the 12th instant.

Mon Jun 13, 1853

Wrote a letter to Elder Cannon, sent it together with the Deseret News of April 13, 1853 and a couple of letters from Honolulu by Elder Woodbury, who set out for Wailuku today; goes in a whale boat as far as Kahalia. Went and got little Tony, the boy that we are schooling vaccinated for the Kinepox. Also got some matter and vaccinated our two boys, but being unacquainted with the business did not get it done very well. Had it not been for the counsel from the brethren at Honolulu I should not, I think, have paid any attention to it, but trusted to the Lord entirely for Him to preserve us from pestilence and famine etc. Went and asked Dr. Dow to call and see the children, said he would call in the evening. Had some unpleasant feelings in my family; happy is the man that can rule his own house in righteousness.

Sun Jun 12, 1853

Attended meeting in the morning, advised them to get vaccinated according to the advice from Honolulu and to keep out of the water. 9 o’clock Br. Woodbury preached on the first principles, he spoke well. I bore my testimony and spoke some more on other subjects, had an attentive congregation although not a very large one.

At 4 p.m. met again. I preached from the first verses of Isaiah 24, had a good flow of the spirit and spoke with freedom for about ¾ of an hour. The congregation seemed much interested, some strangers present. Br. K. bore his testimony to the truth of what had been said and to the truth of the work and etc.

In the evening Mrs., myself and the children took a walk up to Mrs. S. Marston’s, got some grapes and etc. Messrs. Smith and Marston called and spent the evening with us; conversation, smallpox.

Sat Jun 11, 1853

Attended meeting in the morning, taught them to not pray to the Holy Ghost and to Jesus, but to the Father in the name of Jesus. Some of the old members which formerly belonged to the other church do still retain the habit of praying the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Wrote a letter to Br. Parley P. Pratt for counsel about going home by the way of New York and etc; also wrote one to Mother Dilworth. Received 2 letters for Br. George C. from Oahu; the smallpox is raging there to quite an alarming extent. The brethren have been vaccinated and recommend us to do the same and all the elders to do likewise. Br. Farrer is unwell and they do not know but what he has taken the smallpox as he, with the others, have been exposed. Br. Woodbury is still with us.