At 9 o’clock, I preached on the first principles to about 15 or 20 persons, about all of them Catholics or Calvins; had a good flow of the spirit and preached with ease. After preaching, baptised and confirmed 4, 2 men and 2 women; I believe they were all from the other churches. 3 p.m. preached again, showing them that there was only one way into the kingdom of God and that was by obeying His laws. They all seemed to believe the doctrine, but it is hard for them to see the difference between their churches and the church of God; they think they are safe inside of any church. There was none to fight against the truth and all seemed to believe it, but dare not obey it for fear of displeasing their old priests. The husband of the sister who was so kind to me was one of those baptised. O that the Lord would open their eyes to the see their condition, and courage to come out and embrace the truth and be saved in the kingdom of God, amen.
Sat Sep 24, 1853
Early this morning, I left Lahaina in a canoe with a teacher from Lanai to accompany him home to try and raise up a branch of the church on that island. About 7 o’clock, we left the harbour of Lahaina; had a very pleasant passage across the channel which is about 9 miles wide, when about midway the prospect was very fine. We could see the islands Molokai; Maui; Kawealaue, a desolate island; Molokini, the same; and Hawaii, the mother of them all (so says their traditions), lay away off to the south with the mountains “Mauna Kea” and “Mauna Loa” stretching their lofty heads far above the clouds, making quite a grand sight.
We arrived about 3 o’clock at Manele, a small village on the beach at the back of on open arm of sea, which forms an indifferent harbor for small craft only when the wind is from the south. The people were glad to see me. Found two sisters here and they were exceeding kind to me. I felt a good deal fatigued, had to sit about in one position all the way over and it made my bones ache very much. One of the sisters, Pooinene, she lumilumied [lomi lomi - a massage technique] me from head to foot and it helped me much. Her husband is a Catholic. I went out just at dark to a bye place for sacred prayer. I prayed the Lord to take the curse of from that island, and I dedicated it to the Lord and for the benefit of His Saints on these islands. I also prayed that no priest of Baal might be permitted to land there from that time forth to distract the people, but that they might all turn to the Lord. There are about 700 inhabitants on the island.
Fri Sep 23, 1853
Br. Woodbury was taken sick in the night with a violent fever, headache; administered to him. Br. MacBride is quite smart. Mr. James Humphreys brought his son, David, to school today. We take him by the year. He is about 12 years old. Br. Lawson arrived about dark from Wailuku to see Br. MacBride as he had heard he was very sick.
Thu Sep 22, 1853
Received two letters; ane from Br. Tanner, and one from Br. Uaua saying that he had not yet been to see the king about the land where our house stands, as he is sick. Br. Tanner speaks of introducing a plan at conference to set on foot the purchasing of a vessel to own for the good of the mission and etc. Employed in shoemaking until 4 o’clock. Brs. Woodbury and Green arrived about 12 noon from Molokai on their way to conference, they are both well; two native priests also came with them, Brs. Maiolo and Kahiki. There has been a good work done over there since the 24th of July last, some 60 or 70 have been baptised since the 24th. The work is in a prosperous state over there at present.
5 o’clock met at Nahakuela’s. Br. Woodbury spoke first on the fruits of spirit and etc. I then gave liberty for the native strangers to speak. Several spoke, and spoke well. I then made a few remarks and closed.
Wed Sep 21, 1853
Employed in shoemaking. Received a couple of the Deseret News of July 10, one for Br. MacBride and one for Br. Cannon; forwarded Br. C.’s today with a short note to him. 6 p.m. attended meeting at the bowery, preached from Matthew 5:18–16. Had a first rate flow of the spirit, and spoke with freedom and ease.; felt much edified; and the Saints rejoiced too. I showed them how men and women get in a spirit of apostasy; by losing the spirit of the Lord and giving away to sin a little at first and finally fall altogether. Cut off four, 1 man and 3 women for bad conduct, the man for getting drunk repeatedly and other sins, the women for adultery. I taught them a good deal on that principle; told them that the time would come when if a man or woman was caught in that transgression, he would pay the penalty with the forfeit of his head and etc. Br. MacBride is getting better. Francis A. Jr. knows most all of his letters. One new case of smallpox from Oahu; Mr. Smith came in the evening.
Tue Sep 20, 1853
Employed in shoemaking until 4 o’clock, then attended meeting at Solomon’s. Married a couple in meeting, the lady belonged to our church. I spoke on the law of marriage and etc. Wrote a letter for Antonio Silver to Br. Kipp, for him to come up and settle his business and etc. Yesterday while Br. Kaainunahi was fishing, there was a young man commenced to make game of him and of the Mormons, and finally took to baptising himself in mockery of our immersing the body, crying out as he did so some slang to annoy the brother. But at the second baptising of himself, his breath was taken away and he died immediately there and then, and was buried today. So the Lord is beginning to fight in behalf of the truth. May the day come, O Lord, when there shall be none left to fight against thee and thy truth, amen. Bought a bottle of wine for Br. MacBride, $2 for it; he is a little better. Four ships in port, not done well.
Mon Sep 19, 1853
Employed in shoemaking. Br. MacBride is getting better slowly. If he does not get a relapse, he will now soon be well. Little Thomas Neeves returned from his visit to Waikapu to see his friends; he will now go on and finish out the year, according to agreement. I hope the avail of the school will soon be enough to cancel all our liabilities in regard to our house and lot; then I will not confine myself at all to shoemaking, for I do not feel as if that was my calling at present, but a far better one and that is to preach the gospel of Jesus to the children of men. Yesterday, there was no one at all that came out to hear us preach in English. Last Sunday Br. MacBride gave out that he would preach on the Book of Mormon, and thus it is easy to say that the inhabitants of Lahaina are not more concerned about the truth. If they are caught, it will be when they can’t see the hook. They think they know too much to be Mormons. Landed and commenced to set alone a few days ago.
Sun Sep 18, 1853
Mr. S. Marston took the letters for the brethren this morning, he leaves them at Kahului. He gives me encouragement about the church at Keanae getting out sticks for our meetinghouse, and he offers to bring them a few at a time on his sloop till we get them all here. I feel very thankful to the Lord for all His goodness for me. Br. MacBride is no better this morning, slept poorly last night.
At 10 o’clock commenced our meeting. I preached from Luke 11:27 – 28. Felt a good deal depressed on account of the slowness of the work in Lahaina; the branch has been organized here near 12 months and has not yet got a meetinghouse to meet in that they can call their own. I scolded them a good deal and tried to show them that it was by obeying my teachings that they will be able to receive eternal life, on the counsel of the priesthood and etc. Afternoon preached on the second coming of Christ, had a good flow of the spirit and felt edified. The Saints rejoiced in the truth. Chose Brs. Kane, Nahakuela and Joane Kaaiapo for officers to gather the tithing of the branch to buy things for the sacrament and etc, Br. Kane treasurer. The branch seems to feel well in trying to live up to this law and I pray the Lord to enable them to live up to all their covenants. I feel to thank the Lord for His loving kindness to me since being upon these lands, praise His Holy name. I dreamed a few nights ago of setting a net and hauling it ashore, but did not catch a thing. I waited a little while and saw fish jumping and playing in the water. Set the net again and drew a fine lot of good fish to the shore; I had some native help about the net. I set the gospel net last week at Napili but caught only one, and now it remains for me to set it again and catch a fine lot. Br. MacBride is a little better, he eats poi now.
Sat Sep 17, 1853
Employed in shoemaking until noon, I should not shoemake if we were not in debt yet for the place. We owe Br. Dennis $50 and Mr. Hoffmeyer $50, and some of the children have been taken from the school on account of the smallpox. May the Lord help us to be free from every embarrassment by the end of the year. Received a lot of letters from the Valley for the elders; Brs. MacBride, Cannon, Snider, Lawson and the two Brs. Allred all received letters. Br. MacBride’s was from his wife and oldest son, they were very interesting. His son is only 12 years old and he writes like a little man. I was much affected while reading it, my eyes swam with tears to realize that the same spirit animated them in the Valley that did out here, I felt melted down. We received no letters this time, caused us to feel much hurt as we have many friends in the Valley that might write. Wrote a letter to Br. Cannon and to Br. Reddick. Received a letter from Br. Johnson. 400 baptised at Kauai. Books have come that we sent to Liverpool for, with 2 letters from Br. Grant Richards.
Fri Sep 16, 1853
Employed in shoemaking till about 4 p.m., then attended meeting at Solomon’s. Called on Br. Joane Kaiaaipo to preach, he spoke about 10 minutes; then a new brother from Kaupo spoke, he spoke quite well. He is going over to Lanai where he belongs. Br. Kaluau was very zealous to have him ordained a teacher. I told them that he was a stranger to us, not baptised in our branch, and it would perhaps be better to wait until some of us went over to Lanai. They are very forward about suggesting their ideas in regard to ordinations, but without any desire to do wrong, so I took the opportunity to teach Br. Kaluau the order of the priesthood in regard to ordaining and etc, told that this was a church order from the beginning to the end and etc.
Administered again to Br. MacBride; he is a little better I think today, has not quite much fever. It is called the Lahaina fever.
Thu Sep 15, 1853
Wrote a letter to Br. Uaua. Feel very tired and sore after my ride. In the afternoon I attended meeting at Nahakuela’s, preached from Hebrews 6:1-3, teaching them that it was by continued progress in all good works that we will be able to attain to the gift of eternal life, that we must be on the watch tower continually in order to not be deceived by the works of the devil, even his living wonders which he will bring forth to deceive the children of men in the last days and etc. Had much of the spirit of the Lord and felt to praise His holy name.
Br. MacBride is no better, I administered to him last night and he slept better than he did the night before, but he has a high fever yet and no appetite to eat. 2 ships in, both from Koniae, have not done very well this season. No new cases of smallpox in Lahaina, but raging on the east end of this island; some 200 have died over there.
Wed Sep 14, 1853
Left Wailuku at 9 o’clock for Lahaina; passed Brs. Allred and Snider on the road, they were bound on their mission till conference. My horse was very old and clumsy, but I took it quite easy, stopping by the way and feeding often. Stopped at Hononana and got dinner, all the men away to work on the roads and etc. Left there about 2 o’clock, arrived at home just at dark, very tired. Found Br. MacBride quite sick with the Lahaina fever. Mrs. H. and the children were all well, and very glad to see me.
Tue Sep 13, 1853
All day at Wailuku with the brethren. Afternoon Brs. Lawson, Snider, Allred and myself went out and took dinner with Br. Peaihe, as he had invited us to do so. He had a chicking [chicken] and poi prepared. Brs. Allred and Snider went from there to Waichu on their way out to preach in the regions beyond Waihee. Br. Lawson and I returned to Wailuku.
Mon Sep 12, 1853
Morning held meeting. I preached; they rejoiced. I ordained Kaoahaiea a teacher for Honokohau, first taking a vote of the branch. After breakfast, left in company with Brs. Pelelu and Kaui for Waichu; I arrived at Br. Rice’s about ½ 12 o’clock, found all well. Left there for Wailuku; arrived there about 2 o’clock; found Brs. Lawson and Snider there. Brs. Cannon and Allred had gone to Kula and Makawao. Br. C. had gone for his health, as he was quite poorly with a pain in his left side caused by sitting so steadily at the Book of Mormon.
About 3 p.m. Brs. Cannon and Reddin A. Allred arrived from Makawao. Well, I was glad to see Br. C. well; his side had improved his health much. The work is prospering on all east Maui.
Sun Sep 11, 1853
9 o’clock I commenced meeting to a house full of people, preached the first principles to them. I had good liberty in speaking. After meeting, gave out an invitation to any that might wish baptism. One man came forth out of all that listened, which were about 40; baptised him and confirmed him. The most of them then left for the other church, and I set out for Honokohau and etc. Kaluau returned to Lahaina, taking a note to Mrs. H. I arrived at Honokohau about 2 o’clock, found that the branch was holding their meeting at Hononana. I rested a little, took some dinner and then traveled on to Hononana, a small branch organized by Brs. Napela and Kaleohano. I arrived there about 5 o’clock, found Brs. Pelelu and Kaai there from Waichu attending to the meeting. They were all very glad to see me.
Sat Sep 10, 1853
Wrote or rather finished a letter for Brs. Woodbury and Green in answer to one I received from them, to Br. Reddin A. Allred, also a short one to Br. Cannon. Br. Kaai brought me his horse to ride out to Kaanapali, where I design preaching on the morrow if the Lord wills, and Br. MacBride will tend to the English meeting here on the morrow and etc.
Arrived at Napili about 11 o’clock, got permission to preach in a Calvin member’s house. Br. Kaluau was with me, I taught all who came to the house (which was a good many) the truth during the afternoon. The man of the house believed the doctrine, but said he was fast in the other church. They all seemed to believe what I taught them and the prospect, I thought, was good to baptise a good many on the morrow.
Fri Sep 9, 1853
Employed in writing letters; wrote to Brs. Johnson, Farrer, Bigler and to Uaua for him to ask the king for the piece of land that my house stands on, there is about a ½ acre of it. Afternoon I attended meeting at Br. Solomon’s, I took little Francis A. Jr. with me. Nohoka, a deacon, brought us a fine parcel of sweet potatoes and kalo, and a few small fish. The brethren are more attentive to our wants than they have been heretofore, I pray the Lord to bless them for it.
Thu Sep 8, 1853
Wrote a letter to Br. Reddick N. Allred for him to get the brethren at Keanae to get out some posts and rafters for our meetinghouse and etc; also a few lines in native to the church in regard to the matter; also a short letter to Mr. S. Marston to have him send the posts and rafters to us by his “sloop” which he has running between here and there. Received letters from Br. Johnson for the Brs. Allred and one for Br. Cannon; Br. MacBride also received one from him, nothing particular new. The smallpox is abating in Honolulu, but raging still in the country. Judd has been dismissed from office and Allen, the ex-American Consul, appointed in his place. No news in regard to Armstrong. A few nights ago a high chief called on Br. J., asking him our views and policies of government, saying the king had sent him to inquire and etc. Spiritual rappers are turning San Francisco mad with their doctrine, a first rate place for the seat of the “beast” for the present. Br. Kipp is just recovering from an attack of the “vallialoged” and Sis. Lewis is just coming down with it.
Brs. Johnson, Tanner and Karren called on Armstrong to have him adjust the difficulties the brethren had met with at Hawaii, but he would not hear to them, told them to commence a suit before the “circuit court” and etc, had something to say about polygamy and etc. Br. J. told him we were ready to discuss that or any other doctrine we advanced, in private or public.
Held meeting at Nahakuela’s, preached on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon from Isaiah 29. Received an invitation from Kaanapali to go out there and preach; I think of going next Sunday if the Lord is willing and try and open a door for the gospel to be preached in that neighborhood. It is just what I have been desiring, to raise up a branch for a long time. Do not feel very well.
Wed Sep 7,1853
Employed in shoemaking until 4 o’clock, then attended meeting at the bowery. Called on Kaainunahi to preach, he spoke on the difference between the true church which has now come and the church which came first, he said it was plain to be seen that they were after the money more than anything else and etc. Kane spoke next and bore down heavy on the Calvins. Kaluau spoke next, thought it best to follow the scriptures and not to speak evil of our neighbors, but to keep the spirit and speak by it and etc. A brother from Keanae spoke next. I then made a few closing remarks, teaching to speak by the spirit and then they would always teach and edify the church. They are slow to understand the movings of the spirit, so as to be led thereby. Br. MacBride is still complaining. A great excitement among the people concerning Judd and Armstrong, the two ministers.
Tue Sep 6, 1853
Employed in shoemaking until 5 p.m., then attended meeting down at Br. Solomon’s. Br. MacBride [is] still unwell. The citizens of Lahaina held a meeting today in the “Hale Pule” to get up measures in regard to Judd and Armstrong, two of the king’s ministers. The people of Oahu have petitioned the king to have them removed from office; the petition was signed by a multitude of both foreigners and natives. I have not learned how the meeting went off today, but I heard that the feeling ran high against the Ministers of Finance and of Public Instructions and etc. It is to be hoped for the good of the country, and also for the cause of truth, that they may be set aside. The people think that it is owing to their neglect or ignorance or something else that the smallpox was introduced at the islands; no new cases here, as I hear.
