wish to hear them when they talk to me. I would not wish to be in the room where they were; neither did I wish to come near to a Minister, for the reasou that he should talk to me about God, whom I hated to hear. I was told by them about heaven and hell, but I did not pay any attention to what they said; for I thought that I was just as happy as the other people, as those who do know about God much more than I do-But this thought, as I see to it now, was the most great and dangerous mistake.

""At the close of the year 1810, I left this place and went to Andover. I continued there for some time. Here my wicked heart began to see a little about the divine things; but the more I see to it, the more it appears to be impenetrability. I took much satisfaction in conversing with many students in the Institution. I spent a little time with some of them and in going to one room and to another to recite to them: for I was taken under their care." pp. 25, 26.

""My friend Mr. M. now thought it would be well for me to leave Andover and go to some school where I may improve my time much more than I could there. He said if I should go he would try to find some good people who would be willing to support me. This was a most kind offer, which I cannot feel any more than to be thankful for all this kindness to me. Mr. M. now sent me to Bradford Academy; and there I continued for some time at school. The people/ where I boarded at the house of Dea. H. were a most pious family. But while 1 was here in the school my serious feelings, which I had before, I lost all; and become very ignorant of religion by being among some unserious company, talking many foolish subjects. I thought now I shall never have any more such feelings as I had before-I thought that I must always be miserable here and hereafter. I become prayerless and thoughtless-no hope for mercy-never attempt ed to be alone, as I had done before. I sit and walked about all day-took no opportunity to be at the throne of grace, but rather to be stupid-from the morning until evening never thought of him who kept me alive; neither when I lay down upon my bed, nor when I rose up. I was in this situation for a long time, while I was at school. At the close of the school I went back to Andover. Mr. M, was not there. It was vacation. I staid until he returned. When he returned he inquired how I have been and how I was pleased with the school. I answered well. But I did not let him know what was my situation, and what trouble I had met with while I was there, but kept all these things in my own mind.

"In the spring season of the year 1811, I hired myself out for a mouth or two, on account of my health, with Mr. F. who lived about five miles from the college. Mr. F. one day sent me into the woods not far from the house to work. I took an axe and went and worked there till towards noon.-But here O! I come to myself again! many thoughts come into my mind that I was in a dangerous situation, I thought that if I should then die, I must certainly be cast off forever. While I was working it appeared as it was a voice saying "Cut it down, why cumbe:eth it the ground."-I worked no longer-but dropped my axe, and walked a few steps from the place (for the people in the house would soon send a lad after me, for it was noon.) I fell upon my knees and looked up to the Almighty Jehovah for help. I was not but an undone and hell-deserving sinner. I felt that it would be just that God should cast me off whithersoever he would-that he should do with my poor soul as it seemed to him fit. I spent some time here until I heard a boy calling for me-and I went. The people in the house asked of my sadness to which I gave but little answer. In the night my sleep was taken away from me. I kept awake almost the whole night. Many of my feelings and thoughts in past time came into remembrance and how I treated the mercy of God while I was at Bradford Academy. The next morning I rose up before the rest, and went to a place where I was alone by myself. Here I went both morning, night and noon. At this place I find some comfort. And when I go there I enjoy myself better all the day.

At the end of two months I returned to Andover. Many times Mr. M. asked me about my feelings, and I was neither willing to answer much, nor could I 'on account of my unfruitfulness and wickedness.

"I continued here a few days and then hired myself out again, and went to Jabor for Mr. A. a farmer, in haying time. Mr. A. was a good man and it was a religious family. I had here the same seriousness in my mind as before, bu never did meet with real change of heart yet.”

Pp. 27-30.

The following circumstances occurred in the year 1812 and 1818 while at Torringford, Con.

"During this residence at Mr. Mills's, be occasionally visited Litchfield, to see the person who had been his early friend at New Haven. As this was but a short period after his hopeful conversion his friend was anxious to ascertain what knowledge he possessed of experimental religion. To the questions that were asked him, he gave answers which clearly evinced that on this subject he had thought and felt for himself; and furnished much reason to hope that he had been savingly. instructed by the Holy Spirit. "How does your own heart appear to you?" was a question put to him.-To which he replied, "O black, very black." "But you hope you have a new heart, how did it appear to you before it was changed Mud," he said “all mud.”

"His conversation was at this time much upon the subject of religion, and he seemed for so young a Christian, to be in an uncommon degree heavenly minded He said, "When I at home-Torringford—out in the field I can't help think about heaven. I go in a meadow-work at the hay-my hands-but my thoughtno there.-In Heaven-all time-then I very happy."

"He had already acquired a very considerable knowledge of the Scriptures. He quoted passages appropriate to almost every subject of conversation. It was evident that his mind dwelt upon the truth of the Bible, and that he found much of his habitual pleasure in searching out the less obvious treasures which it contained. He manifested great inquisitiveness with regard to passages of Scripture whose meaning he did not entirely comprehend. Many passages were the subjects of inquiry. One only is recollected. "What our Savior mean" said he, "when he say, "In my father's house are many mansion-I go prepare a place for you." What he mean, "I go prepare a place."

"The readiness and propriety with which he quoted passages of Scripture on every occasion were particularly noticed by all, who conversed with him. In one of his visits he asked his friend, who was now in the study of Divinity, to go aside with him, as if he had something of importance which he wished to reveal. But it appeared that it was his object to converse with him upon the subject of accompanying him to Owhyhee. He plead with great earnestness that he would go and preach the Gospel to his poor country men. Not receiving so much encouragement as he desired, he suspected that his friend might be influenced, by the fear of the consequences of attempting to introduce a new religion amongst the Heathen. Upon which, though he had now just begun to lisp the language of the Scriptures, he said, "You fraid? You know our Savior say, 'He that will save his life shall lose it; and he that will lose his life for my sake, same shall save it."

"His own fearlessness and zeal on this subject he exhibited about the same time to an aged Minister who asked him why he wished to return to Owhyhee. He replied "to preach the Gospel to my countrymen." He was asked what he would say to them about their wooden gods. He answered, "Nothing." "But," said the Clergyman, "Suppose your countrymen should tell you that preaching Jesus Christ was blaspheming their gods, and should put you to death?" To this he replied with great emphasis, "If that be the will of God, I am ready, I am ready,” pp. 38-40.

"The summer of 1814 Henry spent at Torringford. "In the beginning of summer," he says, "My friend Mr. M. whom I loved, returned from his missionary tour. I received him with joyful salutation. Several times he asked me how my wicked heart get along while I was hoeing corn. But I was still fearful to tell whether my heart was changed or not,

"At this time Mr. M. wished me to go and live with the Rev. Mr. Harvey of Goshen. This was pleasing to me, and I went to live with Mr. H. and studied Geography and Mathematics. And a part of the time was trying to translate a few verses of the Scriptures into my own language: and in making a kind of Spelling-book; taking the English alphabet and giving different names and diffrent sounds-(for this language was not written language.)-I spent some buc in making a kind of Speiling-book, Dictionary, Grammar, &c,

***While I was in this place with Rev. Mr. H. I took more happiness upon my knees than I ever did before; having a good room to study, and being alone the greatest part of the time. Many happy and serious thoughts were coming into my mind while I was upon my bed in the night. Every thing appeared to be very clear to my own view. Many times the Lord Jesus appeared in my mind to be the most great grace and glorious. O what happy hours that I had in the night season! I thought sometimes before, that religion was a hard thing to get it-making many excuses for pray hour, and kept putting off from time to time, and thought that it would become easier some time at hand. But this kind of feeling led me far beyond all happiness. Many times I lived as a man that travels up to a hill and then down. But this was nothing that hindered me, but my own wicked heart, and because I did not repent of my sin.

**“I seeked for the Lord Jesus for a long time, but found him not. It was because I did not seek him in a right manner. But still I do think that I have found him upon my knees. The Lord was not in the wind,neither in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in still small voice.

****About this time I thought with myself tɔ join with some church. I wishe ed to give every thing up for the glory of God, to give up my whole soul to him, to do with me as he pleaseth. I made known these things to the Rev. Mr. H. and he thought it would be better for me to make'a profession of religion. He wished me to go and see the Rev. Mr. M. and the people whom I have been acquainted with, and talk the matter over with them; for I longed to be. I therefore went and conversed with my good friend and father M. concerning my case. All the matter seemed to him well. He wished me to come over on the next Sabbath and attend my examination. I staid at Goshen until the approaching of the Sabbath which was appointed, and then went over to Torringford. I thought while I was travelling, that I was going home to New Jerusalam-to the welcome gate. As I walked along I repeated these words "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee." I was received into the church of Christ in Torringford, on the ninth day of April, in the year 1815. The following is the text which the Rev. Mr. M. preached from: I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known."

"Previously to the time appointed for the admission of Obookiah into the church, he requested Mr. Mills to give him an opportunity, if he thought it proper, at the time of his admission, "to speak a few words to the people." Mr. Mills readily consented-but from some particular circumstances, he did not recollect, at the proper time, Henry's request, and it was neglected. After the public services were closed and Mr. Mills had retired to his study, Henry went to him with a broken heart, and said, "You no let me speak, sir-I sorry."-Mr. Mills was much affected, but there was no remedy. But, said he, "What did you wish to say, Henry?" He replied, "I want to ask the people-what they all waiting for?-they live in Gospel land-hear all about salvation-God ready-Christ ready-all ready-Why they don't come to follow Christ."" pp. 41-44.

The following is from his diary written in two or three of the last years of his life.

““March 5, 1816. This evening I attended a conference at the house of Dea. B. It was a very solemn time. Many appeared to be very serious and attentive; though I was in fear it was not so in the heart. Rev. Mr. P. made some observations from these words, "Why sit we here until we die?" By hearing these words my mind was much concerned, and I felt as though I was still enough in my own sin. "What shall I do?" said I to myself. The answer was, work faithfully with your own heart. With these thoughts coming into my mind, I found peace and joy. O that I might understand the work of my own heart.

6. "I have just now been thinking of the Prophet Elijah: how he prayed to his God, when he went up to the top of the Mount Carmel, and how he put his face between his knees and prayed to the God of heaven. O, how much better it is to spend time now in such a way of praying, than to wait until the time of

prayer may be over. What should hinder the heart from being busy in prayer to God secretly, while the hands are full of any business whatever?

8. "This day is very dark. My mind has been quite down by reason of my barrenness. But Christ has appeared as "chiefest among ten thousand and altogether lovely." In Christ have I found the light of comfort and joy. Whatever joy and comfort I receive from God, my heart is bound up with thanks; but at the other time, I become forgetful; as if I was carrying away by my own sin, as far as where it was not to be remembered what God has done for my soul. 9. "I have had this morning a solemn visit from two young gentlemen, (unknown before;) who were of the most pious and amiable characters. Their conversations were sweet to my soul. They continued with me in my room during the space of two hours; then we prayed together. Soon they bid me farewell and went. I then returned into my retirement and offered up thanks to God for such serious and solemn conversation. I prayed with a free and thankful heart. → what a glorious time it was! I never prayed to God with so full view of God's goodness as I did then. It seemed as if God was teaching my wicked heart how to pray. I felt so easy that I could not help crying, Lord, Lord, increase my faith. I continued thus for several days, then that dark hour came on; though not very dark, for I had a little spark of light-and that spark of light was given for an answer to such secret prayer as I offered up to God in my heart. O that I might continually watch in my heart that I may not enter into temptation and snare of the devil?" pp. 54, 55.

Two of his letters are given as specimens of his manner of writing. The first of these was written to his companions at South Farms, (Litchfield.)

"My dear Brethren,

"Amherst, Jan. 1, 1817.

"I long to see you all. You may perhaps be glad to hear from me and to know how I am. I hope you are doing well, both in your studies, and your religious exercises of the morning and the evening, which is the duty of prayer.

"I have seen one of our own countrymen at Enfield, about nine miles from this place. He has been in that place for ten years, and two years at Boston. Thus, he continued in this country just twelve years. He did come from Owhyhee and also his native place was Koihi, [well known such place.] From that place Capt. John took him on board the ship, and brought him over here, when he was not but fourteen years of age. His native name was Nahlemah-hownah. Since I saw him I could converse with him but little, for he has lost the greatest part of our language. But he could recollect the names of many things, as far as he was able to describe them to me. While I was with him he could not keep away his eyes from me, for wonder and gladness, to see such an one who come from his own country. I staid with him two days at Enfield not long since. I spended the whole of my time with him while I was there. The first that I did, I took him by my side, to converse with him upon the serious subjects. By his own words I judged him to be as one who was willing to accept of the free offer of mercy, though I fear he may in a time of temptation fall away, and all that which is sown in the heart. O my dear brethren and friends, he needed your prayers. Pray for him, that he may be brought to see the goodness of the Lord, and that he may be faithful to his own soul. Do not delay your prayers to the Almighty God for such an one, that is very dear to you. He now feels, as though he was one of the greatest sinners that ever lived. Do you not all feel anxious for the soul of your own countryman, here now in this country? O that he may devote himself to the service of his Creator! I observed many times while I prayed with him, he would deeply cry with such a dismal gloomy, as if the wrath of the Almighty was upon him. I have heard last sabbath noon, by a man who was well known to him, that this young man becomes more thoughtful ever since I come away. If this be the case I would humbly beg at the mercy seat for your prayers that they may not be hindered. I shall see him again before a long time. He longs to see you.*

May God be with you all."" pp. 86-89. · ·

This youth is now a member of the Foreign Mission School, and exhibits hopeful evidence of piety. The impressions made by the conversation of Obookiah were never lost.

"The following letter was written to A. S. Esq. of Amherst, dated

'My dear Friend, "Cornwal, August 15, 1817. "Your letter of late gave me a great satisfaction. And since I have received it, I do now think that I was in a fault for not giving you an answer for it sooner; but be so kind as excuse me. You know not what joy and pleasure I had since I received your letter. O what happy news! It gives me a suitable joy to hear that the Lord has visited Amherst once more, with the influences of his Holy Spirit, and that he has already plucked as brands from the burning, some of those who once had been destitute of the grace of God, and yet are now bowing down to the sceptre of King Jesus. O that the professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, be more and more lively in this most glorious work of our blessed Redeemer. Let every Christian be more and more deep sensible that the glory of every good work here below must come from God; as we read that he is the giver of every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above. We cannot expect to see a single soul coming out of the kingdom of Satan, into the kingdom of Christ, unless we see one or more faithful and numble Christians, running forward in spirit without any least of doubt, nor fail from doing whatever duty God required of them. O let us all entreat of the Lord that he would show unto us of his holy character a perfection, that we may be able to love and to serve him more and far better than we now do. Let us have a more realizing sense of our ingratitude and unfruitfulness in the eyes of the all seeing God; let us be faithful in our duty, and may the great grace of God be sufficient for us all.

"I have not heard any news since I came away from Amherst. The only information that I can give is the present situation of this Institution, under which we are placed. Our school is going on very regularly, and the scholars are making some progress in their studies. One of our members is become a born in Christ, since he has been here, and I trust there is no small degree of happiness. He is now rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God. () that the Lord would be pleased to bless this school. I humbly beg of your prayers for this school, that each member of it may become a member of the household of God. Please remember me to Mr. and Mrs. P. and family. Teil Mr. P. that 1 shall write to him as soon as I can, but I dare not make any promise to set a time when.

"Yours, H. OBUOKIAH.” pp. 98-100.

Persons living in a community where the Scriptures have been possessed for centuries, and studied by a considerable part of the population, where the civil institutions are formed in some sense on Christianity, can have no adequate conceptions of the wretchedness of paganism. Missionaries and travellers relate to us unquestionable facts. We place the fullest reliance on their descriptions, and fancy that we can bring before our minds a picture of the sottish stupidity, the unmingled baseness of idolatry in some measure corresponding to its true character. But after all, the most vivid imagination is too dull, and the most intense application of thought too feeble, to reach one haif the extent of the evil we deplore.

Let any one attempt to teach a native and perpetual resident of the torrid zone, the effects of cold in the polar regions. He may tell his pupil, that, in the climates in question, water assumes a solid form; that rivers are able to support the heaviest weight like firm ground; that instead of the gentle dews and showers, only, to which custom had familiarized him, a white substance, which covered the earth many months of the year, was the only moisture of the high northern latitudes, and that all vegetation withered at its approach. The hearer of such reports might give credit to the declarations of his instructor; but he must have a very imperfect notion of the atmosphere within the arctic circle, or of its operations on animal bodies. Nothing but a residence amidst the storms and frosts of winter, could give him the definite knowledge acquired through the medium of the senses.

VOL. XV.

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