Sat Jan 1, 1853

My hand trembles whilst I write the date of another new year. Many and varied are the thoughts that crowd themselves into my mind this morning, both in regard to the past year and the future. This year commenced with a lovely morning as ever need broke upon mortals, calm and serene, without a cloud to be seen in the sky. O that I may so spend the present year as not to have a cloud of sin to darken my horizon for one moment, but to have the light of eternal truth to shine constantly on my pathway. I can look back and see where I could have done better had I my present knowledge. I have often grieved the Holy Spirit and done wrong, but I pray the Lord to guide me the time to come from all error that I may go on towards perfection. This morning finds me and my family well, for which I thank the Lord, my Heavenly Father. Indeed we have been wonderfully blest through out the past year, have been fed and clothed, and been able to help many of our brethren to clothes, and they have been very kind to us. Employed in study. All well. No ships in the harbour, very dull time for business now.

Preserve This Book

Francis Asbury Hammond
(1822 – 1900)

I now pray God, my Heavenly Father, to preserve this book, yea even that my children’s children down to the latest generation may have the privilege of reading this my history. Grant, O Lord, that I may never have to record one unrighteous act of my own but preserve me, O Lord, from the wiles of the adversary and bless me with thy Holy Spirit continually that it may become a source of constant revelation unto thy servant. Yea, that he may be humble and pliable at all times in thy hands like clay in the hands of the potter, pliable and willing to be moulded into anything thou desirest. Help me, O Lord, to break my own stubborn will and be brought to bow humbly at thy commands, and to honor and respect those whom thou has called to counsel me in the affairs of the kingdom. This, O Lord, is the desire of my heart all the day long, to become just what thou wouldst have me to be. I dedicate this book unto thee, praying thee, O Lord, to preserve it that it be not be destroyed by accident or design, that my children’s children even down to the latest generation may have the privilege of reading the history of their father. Grant, O Lord, that I may never have to record one single unrighteous act against myself, but that I may have thy Holy Spirit to be and abide with me continually to preserve me from the snares of Satan. Help me, O Lord, to honor the holy priesthood whereunto I have been called, that I may never be left to bring disgrace upon myself or reproach on thy cause. Grant my humble prayer, O Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, thy Son, amen.

Wed Sep 1, 1852

This day held a fast. Brs. Hawkins and Kaleohano joined us about 10 o’clock; they are from Hana, the east end of this island. About 12 o’clock the governor held a meeting in our meetinghouse to settle some difficulties with the people in relation to their judges. After the governor was through, we commenced our meeting; had a good time in teaching the people their duty and etc. We had a good turnout and the people appeared to enjoy themselves much. In the evening, laid hands on Br. Bigler and he commenced to get better right away and seemed like another man among us. Last night dreamed a dream about a ship and a few left for sea.

Thu Feb 12, 1852

This morning held a meeting; preached a little on the door of the kingdom of God from the 10 chapter of John 4th verse. Employed in study. All well as usual. Mrs. H. some sore from the effects of the ride. Looking for Br. Cannon from Kaulua. Good weather and all well. The house not yet done.