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ANDOVER-HARVARD
THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY
Purchased with the
Income of the
Helen O. Storrow Fund
/
I «
MEMOIRS
OF
HENRY OBOOKIAH,
A NATIVE OF OWHYHEE,
AlVD A MEMBER OF
THE FOREIGN MISSION SCHOOL ;
\raO DIED AT CORNWALL, CONN. FEB. 17, 1818
AGED 26 YEARS.
EXTJSED BT THK OOMMTTTEB OF FUBUOATION.
AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
TBJLADZLPBIAi
No. 146 Chesnut Stuor.
1830.
^5 •■ \
AlfiSICAN SOARD OF COMMISSIOli
FOB
fOMlGH MISSIOHS UBBJURT
ZHftriet tf Cmntetiettf, w.
BE IT REMEMBERED, Tbat on the fifth day nf Septemt
in the forty-third year of tlie Independence of the United Sia
of America, LYMAN BEECHER and JOSEPH HARVEY
the said District, have deposited in this office the title of a bo
the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words
lowing, 40 wit:
'* MaoKrirs of Henry Ofcooldah, a native of Owhyhee, am
Member of the Foreign Mission School ; who died at Cornw
Conn. Feb. 17, 1818, aged 96 years.**
In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United Sta
entitled, '* An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by sec
ing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the Authors i
Proinrietors of such copies, during the times therein mentione
R. I. IN6ERS0LL.
CforJfc ff the District of OonneeHew
A true copy of Reeord, examined and scaled by me,
R. L INGERSOLL,
OEsrft ^ tke District ^f Connectiem
WORLD MINISTIIT-3 LILTJVi-Z
1>\/
3fc^0
^^^
O 3^
MEMOIRS
•l^3>c
OP
HENRY OBOOKIAH.
Hi^jfRi? Obookiah was a native of Owby-
l*«.e, the most important of the Sandwich
islands. He was horn ahout the year 1792.
His parents ranked with the common peo-
ple ; but his mother was distantly related to
the family of the king. Her name was
Kummoolah. The name of his father is
unknown. When Obookiah was at the age
of ten or twelve, both his parents were slain
before his eyes, ** in a war," to use his own
language, " made after the old king died, to
see who should be the greatest among them."
The only surviving member of the family,
besides nimself, was an infant brother two
or three months old. This little brother he
hoped to save from the fate of his parents,
and took him upon his back to €L^^ l\^\l^^ksL^
3
4 MEMOIRS OF
enemy ; but was overtaken, and the child
cruelly destroyed. The circumstances of
this interesting scene are so accurately stated
in a " Narrative" already before the public,
that that account will be here transcribed.
The facts were taken from the relation of
Obookiah.
*' Two parties were contending for the do-
minion of the island. The warriors met,
and a dreadful slaughter ensued. The party
to which the father of Obookiah belonged
was overpowered. The conquerors having
driven their antagonists from the field, next
turned their rage upon the villages and fa-
milies of the vanquished. The alarm was
given of their approach. The father, taking
his wife and two children, fled to the moun-
tains There he concealed himself for seve-
ral days with his family in a cave. But, at
length, being driven by thirst to leave their
retreat, they went in quest of water to a
neighbouring spring. Here they were sur-
prised by a party of the enemy while in the
act of quenching their thirst. The father,
obeying the first impulse of nature, fled, but
the cnes of his wife and children soor
brought him back again for their protection
But seeing the enemy near, again he fl(
The enemy seeing the affection of the fatl
for his family, having seized his wife a
children, put them to the torture, in or
to decoy him firom his retreat. The art'
HENRT OBOOKIAH. O
Succeeded. Unable to bear the piercing
cries of his family, again he appeared, and
fell into their hands, and with his wife was
cut in pieces. While this was going on,
Obookiah, being then a lad of about twelve
years, took his infant brother upon his back,
and attempted to make his escape. But he
was pursued, and his little brother pierced
through with a pahooa, or spear, while on
his back. He himself was saved alive, be-
cause he was not young enough to give
them trouble, nor old enough to excite their
fears."
Obookiah, being now a prisoner in the
hands of the enemy, was taken home to the
house of the very man who murdered his
parents. With him he remained, until he
was found by an uncle, who having obtained
the consent of his keeper, took him into his
own family and treated him as his child.
This uncle was a priest ; and had the rank
of high priest of the island. It was his de-
sign to educate Obookiah for the same ser-
vice. In pursuance of this purpose, he
taught him long prayers, and trained him to
the task of repeating them daily in the tem-
ple of the idol. This ceremony he some-
times commenced before sunrise in the morn-
ing, and at other times was employed in it
during the whole or the greater part of the
night. Parts of these prayers he often re-
b MEMOIRS OF
peated to gratify the curiosity of his friends^
after he came to this country.*
He continued with his uncle, and in this
employment, until he look his departure from
his native country, fjo go in quest of another,
where he hoped to find the happiness which
the death of his parents had taken from him,
and which nothing, now to he found in his
own country, C^uld at all supply.
His own feelings on this subject, with
some account of his situation while he re-
mained upon the island, of his departure
for America, and his reception in this coun-
try, are found in a history of his past life,
written by himself several years before his
death. As this, to all the readers of these
memoirs wiU doubtless be interesting, con-
sidered especially as the production of a
heathen youth, the greater part of it will be
inserted; with but few slight alterations.
His own ideas, and in generid, his own lan-
guage will be preserved.
The history commences at the time of his
parents' death.
" The same man," says he, '' which kill-
ed my &ther and mother took me home to
his own house. His wife was an amiable
woman, and very kind, and her husband
* The pnyen legaxded the weather, the general pror
perity of the iilaiiajits ^fenoe from enemies, an^ h«7
nally the hfe and hi^pineM of the king.
HBNRT OBOOKIAH. 7
also : yet on account of killing my parents I
did not feel contented. After I lived with
this man about a year or two, I found one
oi my uncles, who was a priest among them ;
but he knew not who I was, (for I was quite
small when he saw me at home with my pa-
rents.) He inquired the name of my pa-
rents — I told him. As soon as he heard the
name of my parents, tears burst out and he
weeped bitterly. He wished me not to go
back and live with that man which killed my
father and mother, but to live with him as
long as I live. I told him I must go back
and see that man, whether he was willing to
give me a release. This was done. I went
home, and told the man all what my uncle
had told me. But the saying seemed to him
very unpleasing. As soon as he had heard
all what I said to him, he was very torment-
ed with anger, as if he would look me in
pieces that moment. He would not let me
go, not till he die, or else he take my life
away. Not long after this, I went and told
my uncle what the man had told me, and he
would no more let me go back to the man's
house, until the man come after me, then he
would converse with him on this subject.
After I had lived with my uncle two or tnree
days, the man came to his house, to take
me home. Bat my uncle told him that I
was as his own child — that he would not let
me go back and live vrith YAxii^ ^sMb \^^^k^
8 MEMOIRS OF
take me, he should take both of
the man did say but little because
was a priest. But he told my urn
I should live with him, he must
care of me as what he has done,
him he would by all means. Wh
was done I lived with my uncle a i
years."
It was probably during this p(
before peace was entirely restore
island, that an event occurred in ^
hand of Providence was strikingly
rescuing Obookiah, from a second
to a violent and untimely death.
He, with an aunt, the only sun
ter of his father, had fallen into 1
sion of the enemy. On a certa
came to his knowledge that his ;
perhaps himself, was to be put t(
The first opportunity he could fi
tempted to make his escape. And
ing through a hole into a cellar,
out on the opposite side, he got av
served, and wandered off at a cc
distance from the house in whic
been kept. But it was not long
aunt was brought out, by a num
enemy, and taken to a precipice, fi
she was thrown and destroyed. H
—and now feeling -himself more
alone, as soon as the enemy had
ran toward the fatal spot, resolved
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 9
Himself over and die with this finend ; whom,
perhaps, he now considered as the last indi-
vidual of his kindred. But he was discover-
ed hy one of the chiefs, or head men of the
party, who ordered two men to pursue him
and bring him back. — He was overtaken just
before he reached the precipice, and carried
back to the quarters of the enemy. By a
kind interposition of Providence he was
saved for purposes which will appear in the
subsequent history.
"At the death of my parents," he says,
" I was with them ; I saw them killed with
a bayonet — and with them my little brother,
not more than two or three months old — so
that I was left alone without father and mo-
ther in this wilderness world. Poor boy,
thought I within myself, after they were
gone, are there any father or mother of mine
at home, that I may go and find them at
home ? No ; poor boy am I. And while I
was at play with other children — after we
had made an end of playing, they return to
their parents — ^but I was returned into tears ;
—for I have no home, neither father nor
mother. I was now brought away from my
home to a stranger place, and I thought of
nothing more but want of father or mother,
and to cry day and night.
" While I was with my uncle, for some
time I began to think about leaving that
country, to go to some other ^^st ^C \S&ft.
10 MEMOIRS OF
globe. I did not care where I sha
I thought to myself that if I sh
away, and go to some other count
bably I may find some comfort, m<
to live there, without father and hq
I thought it will be better for me to
to stay. About this time there wa
come fi'om New York; — Captain '.
the master of the ship. As soon
into the harbour, in the very place
lived, I thought of no more but to
best chance I had, and if the capt)
no objection, to take me as one of
servants and to obey his word,
as the ship anchored I went on boar
captain soon inquired whose boy
Yet I knew not what he says to i
could not speak the English languaj
there was a young man who could s
English language, and he told the
that I was the Minister's nephew —
nister of that place.) The captain
me to stay on board the ship that ni
the next day go home. This very i
tisfied me, and I consented to stay.
ing the captain invited me to ea
with him. And there sat another 1
118 who was to be my fellow-travc
name Thomas Hopoo— Thomas,
given him by the supercargo of t
After supper the captain made s
quiry to see if we were willing to
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 11
America; and soon I made a motion with
mj kead that I was willing to go. This man
was Y-erj agreeable, and his kindness was
much delighted in my heart, as if I was his
own son, and he was my own father. Thus
I still continue thankful for his kindness to-
wards me.
*' The next morning the captain wished
me to go shore and see my uncle, whether
he was willing to let me go with him or not
I then got into a canoe and went on shore
and found my uncle. He was at home.-— >
He asked me where was I been through all
that night before. I told him that I was on
board the ship and staid there all the night.
I t6Ld him what my object was, and all what
the captain invite me to. As soon as my
uncle heard that I was going to leave him, he
shut me up in a room, for he was not willing
to let me go. While I was in the room my
old grandmother coming in, asked me what
was my notion of leaving them, and go with
the people whom I know not. I told her it
is better for me to go than to stay there.
Sbe said if I should leave them I shall not
see them any more. I told her that I shall
come back in a few months if I live. Her
eyes were filled with tears. She said that I
was very fodish boy. This was all she said,
and she went out from the room. As soon
as she went out, I looked around, expecting
to fiad a hole that I might e^v^^ o>\\. ^1 ^^
13 MEMOIRS OF
house. And as soon as I saw a 1i
in the side of the house, I got th
and went on board the ship. Wher
cle heard that I was on board the
got into his canoe and came on board
inquiring after me. No sooner after
some inquirement I was there disco
one of our countrymen who had
of the ship, and was brought forth, s
to my uncle's house. He would nc
go unless I pay him a hog for 1
for I was taken under his care to
or a minister.)"
Here there is an interruption in
tory, and it does not appear whethei
acted price was or was not paid foi
charge, and permission to come to .
Permission, however, was soon obtai
" My uncle," he says, " would n<
me no longer, and I took my leave
and bid them farewell. My parti
them was disagreeable to them an<
but I was willing to leave all my i
friends and acquaintance; expecte
them no more in this world. We
on our journey towards the Seal Is
the N. W. part of America. C
islands the captain left twenty or th
for sealing business on his way to O
We found them safe. Among thes
found a very desirable young man,
Bussell Hubbard, a son of Gen, H. •
HSMRT OBOOKIAH. 13
Haven. This Mr. Hubbard was a member
of Yale College. He was a friend of Christ.
Christ was with him when I saw him, but I
knew it not — ' Happy is the man that put
his trust in God !' Mr. Hubbard was very
kind to me on our passage, and taught me the
letters in English spelling-book.
'/•We continued on these islands during
six months, then took eur course towards
Owhyhee. Two of my countrymen were
with me in the ship. One of them concluded
to stay at Owhyhee, and the other to pro-
ceed on the voyage. The ship delayed no
longer than a few days, and we set out for
China, on our direct course to America.-—
On our way towards China my poor friend
Thomas fell overboard. He was so careless,
not knowing what he was about, he went
outside of the ship and drew salt water to
wash plates with (for he was a cabin's boy.)
When the ship rolled he got in the water.
The captain calls all hands upon the deck,
and ordered to have all the sails pulled down
in order to let about. — While we were work-
ing upon our sails, my friend Thomas was
out of sight. While he was in the water he
pulls all off his clothes in order to be lighter
— We turned our ship and went back after
him We found him almost dead. He was
in the water during the space of two and a
half hours. how glad was I then to see
him — for he was already g^ou^.
B
14 MEMOIRS OF
" We took our direct course 'from hence as
it was before. Sood we landed at an island
belonging to that part of China, and in the
evening after the sun-down we anchored. On
the next morning we fired one of our cannon
for a pilot. When we had fired once oi
twice, there was another ship of war belong-
ing to the British, which stood about four oi
five miles apart from us.
'* As soon as they heard our cannon, they
sent one of their brigs. We were then ta-
ken by it for a while. They took our cap-
tain and he went on board the men of war's
ship. He was there for a number of days.
After this the Englishmen agreed to let us
go. We therefore leave that place, called
Mocow or Mockow, (Mocao) and directed
our course to the city of Canton. We were
there until we sold out all our seal-skins and
loaded our ship with other sort of goods ;
such as tea, cinnamon, nankeens and silk,
&c. At the end of six months we steered a
direct course to America. At the Cape of
Good Hope, or before it, our sailors on
board the ship began to terrify at us. — They
said that there was a man named Neptune
who lived in that place and his abiding place
was in the sea. In the evening the sailors
begun the act. — One of them took an old
great coat and put on him, and with a speak-
ing trumpet in his hand, and his head waa
covered with a sheep-skin ; and he went for
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 16
ward of the ship and making a great noise.
About this time friend Thomas and myself
were on the quarter-deck, hearing some of
them telling about Neptune's coming with
an iron canoe, and iron paddle. Friend
Thomas questioned whether the iron canoe
will not sink down in the water. ' No/
said some of them, ' he will make it light,
for he is a God.' While we were talking,
the first we heard the sound of trumpet as
follows, — * Ship hail ! from whence came
you ?' — The captain immediately giving an
answer in this manner : ' From Canton.'
' Have you got my boys ?' said the old Nep-
tune.—* Yes,' answered the captain. —
* How many boys have you ?' added the old
Neptune. 'Two,' said the captain, (that
is myself and friend Thomas.) As soon as
we both heard the captain says 'two,' we
both scared almost to death : and wished we
were at home. The old Neptune wished to
see us ; but we dare not come near at it.
He continued calling to us to come to him,
or else he would take both of us to be as his
servants. We therefore went up imme-
diately and shook our hands with him in
friendly manner. I thought that he was
quite an old age ; by seeing his long beards
iumI his head covered with gray hairs: for
his head was covered with a sheep-kin.
After our conversation with him he wished
iot drink. So that I went and filled two
16 MEMOIRS OF
pails full of salt-water, (as the sailors had
told us,) and I set them before him. Then
be took his speaking trumpet and put it in
my mouth for tunnel, in order to make me
drink that salt-water which I brought. But
while he stoops down to reach the pail of
water, I took hold of the speaking trumpet
and hold it one side of my cheek, so that I
may not drink a drop of salt water : did not
any body knew it for it was dark. But
friend Thomas he was so full of scare, he
took down a great deal of salt water. On
the next morning he was taken sick, and
puked from the morning until the evening.
" About this time our provision was almost
out We bad no bread, meat and water,
save only one biscuit a-day and one pint of
water ; only when the cook put in our tea.
We were looking out for a vessel for a long
time. Within a few days we come close to
a schooner going to the West Indies ; sailed
from Boston. We fired at her in order to
stop her. So did she. We got from them
as much provision as we wished, and this
lasted us until we got to New York.
" We landed at New York in the yeai
1809 ; continued there a few weeks, and af-
ter the captain sold out all the goods thai
are in the ship, we then parted with all oui
sailors ; every one to go to their own home,
But friend Thomas and myself continuer
with the captain. One evening two ge^
fiSMRT OBOOKIAH. 17
demen called on board the ship to see us.
After our conversation was made with them,
they wished us to go with them into a play-
bouse, to show the curiosity. We then
went with them into the playhouse and saw
a great number of peoples, as I ever saw be-
fore. We staid during the forepart of the
evening, then went on board the ship. The
next morning the same two gentlemen called
again and invited us to come to their house
that forenoon. So that we both went. I
thought while in the house of these two gen-
tlemen how strange to see females eat with
men.
''Within a few days we left our ship and
went home with Captain B. to New-Haven ;
the place where he lived. There I lived
with him for some time. In this place I
become acquainted with many students be-
longing to the College. By these pious stu-
dents 1 was told more about GU>d than what
I had heard before; but I was so ignorant
that I could not see into it whether it was
so. Many times I wished to hear more about
God, but find no body to interpret it to me.
I attended many meetings on the sabbath,
but find difficulty to understand the minis-
ter. I could understand or speak but very
little of the English language. Friend Tho-
mas went to school to one of the students inr
the college before I thought of going to
schooL I heard that a ship was ready to
b2
18 MEMOIRS OF
sail from New York within a few days foi
Owhyhee. The captain was willing that I
might take leave of this country and go home
if I wish. But this was disagreeable to my
mind. I wished to continue in this country
a little longer. I staid another week — saw
Mr. E. W. D. who first taught me to read
and write. The first time I saw him, he
inquired whether I was one who came ovei
with Thomas, (for Thomas was known among
many scholars in College.) I told him ]
was one who came over with Thomas. He
then asked me if I wished to learn to read
and write. I told him that I was. He wished
me to come to his room that night and he-
gin to learn. So that 1 went in the evening
and hegan to read in the spelling-hook. Mr.
D. wished me to come to his room at an^
time when it is agreeahle to the captain
with whom I then lived. I went home thai
night, and the next morning I mentioned all
this matter to the captain. He was pleased,
and he wished me to go to school to Mr. D.
Thus I continued in school with him foi
several months."
When Obookiah was first discovered at
New-Haven by the person of whom he
speaks, his appearance was unpromising
He was clothed in a rough sailor's suit, was
of a clumsy form, and his countenance dul
and heavy. His friend had almost deter
mined to pass him by, as one whom
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 19
would be in vain to notice and attempt to
instruct. But when the question was put
him, ''Do you wish to leam?" his counte-
nance began to brighten. And when the
proposal was made that he should come the
next day to the college for that purpose, he
served it with great eagerness.
It was not long after he began to study,
and had obtained some farther knowledge
of the English language, that he gave evi-
dence, that the dullness, which was thought
to be indicated by his countenance, formed
no part of his character. It soon appeared
that his eyes were open to every thing that
was passing around him, and that he had an
unusual degree of discernment with regard
to persons and things of every description
that came within his notice. The first exhi-
bition that was made of this trait in his cha-
racter, and indeed the first decisive evidence
he furnished that his mind was less inactive
than had been supposed, was in the following
incident.
When he began to read in words of one
or two syllables in the spelling-book, there
were certain sounds which he found it very
difficult to articulate. This was true, espe-
cially of syllables that contained the letter
iS : a letter which occasioned him more
trouble than all others. In pronouncing it,
he uniformly gave it the sound of L. At
every different reading an attempt was made
20 MEMOIRS or
to correct the pronunciation. The language
generally used on such occasions was, ** Dry,
Obookiah, it is very easy J* This was often
repeated. But it was soon perceived, that
whenever these words were used they ex-
cited a smile. And as patience began to be
tried by many unsuccessful attempts, and
the words to be used more in earnest, he was
observed to turn away his face for the pur-
pose of concealment, and seemed much di-
verted. As he was unable to express his
thoughts except by acts, no explanation was
made and none demanded. The reason was
scarcely perceived. But as the attempts to
correct the error were at last successful, the
circumstance was soon forgotten. A short
time after this, long enough, however, for
Obookiah to have made some improvement
in speaking the English, his instructor was
spending an evening pleasantly with him, in
making inquiries concerning some of the
habits and practices of his own country.
Among other things Obookiah mentioned
the manner in which his countrymen drank
from a spring, when out upon their hunting
excursions. The cup which they used was
their hands. It was made by clasping them
together, and so adjusting the thumb^, and
bending the hands, as to form a vessel which
would contain a considerable quantity. Of thi?
he gave an example ; and after preparing hit
hands, was abie, from the pliableness of hit
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 3i
anns, to raise them entirely to his month,
without turning them at all from their hori-
zontal position. The experiment was at-
tempted by his instructor: but he found
that before his hands were raised half the
distance to his mouth, they were so much
inverted, that their contents would have
been principally lost. He repeated the trial
until he began to be discouraged ; when
Obookiah, who had been much amused with
his efforts, with a very expressive counte-
nance said to him, ''TVy, Mr. D,, it is very
etuy." The former mystery was now un-
ravelled, and an important lesson taught with
respect to the ease or difficulty, with which
things are done by us, that are or are not na-
tural to us ; or to which we have or have not
been, from early life, accustomed.
About this time it was discovered that
Obookiah noticed with uncommon acuteness
and interest, every singularity in the speech
and manners of those around him. And in
the midst of his own awkwardness, to the
surprise of all who were conversant with
him, he suddenly began to show himself
dexterous as a mimic. He one day placed
himself upon the floor, drew up his sleeves
half way to the elbow, walked across the
room with a peculiar air, and said ** Who
dis?** The person intended was instantly
known by all that were present. He then
put himself in a different position, changed
22 KEMOIRS OF
his gait, and said again, ** Well, who di^ V'
This imitation also was so accurate, of
another of the memhers of college, that no
one doubted with regard to the original.
The extent of his own awkwardness at this
time may be learned from the effect which
an exhibition of it produced upon himself.
After he had completed his own efforts at
mimicry, his friend said to him, '* Well,
Obookiah, should you like to know how you
walk ?'' He seemed much pleased with the
suggestion, and the imitation 'was attempted.
He was greatly diverted, though almost in-
credulous, and said with earnestness— several
times repeating the question — " 3f e walk
$oV* Alter being assured that it was a re-
ality, he burst into a loud roar of laughter
and fell upon the floor, where he indulged
his mirth until he had exhausted his
strength.
The same trait of character was discover-
able in the manner in which he was affected
with respect to the idols of the heathen, upon
the first instruction given him concerning
the true God. He was at once very sensibly
impressed with the ludicrous nature of idol
worship. Smiling at its absurdity, he said,
"0 why bee gods! they wood, bum; Me go
home, put 'em in a fire, bum 'em up. They
no 8ee, no hear, no any thing" — then added,-—
'' We make themr^~Our God, (looking up) Bti
make us.*'
HENRY OBOOKIIH. 23
The history proceeds — " Now I wished
no more to live with captain any longer, but
rather wished to live somewhere else, where
I could have an opportunity to learn to writ«
and read. I went to my friend Mr. D., who
was to be my best and kind friend ; I made
known to him all my desire. I told him
that I wished to live where I could have an
opportunity to get in some school, and work
^ . I part of the time. He then wished me to
t^ five with President^Dwight. This satisfied
^ Jme ; I went with him to Dr. iD wight's house.
\ ^ 1 lived with this pious and good family for
some time, and went to school to the same
man as before. While I lived with these
good people I have more time to attend to
my book than I ever did before. Here was
the first time I meet with praying family
morning and evening. It was difficult f^
me to understand what was said in prayer,
but I doubt not this good people were pray-
ing for me while I was with them ; seeing
that I was ignorant of Grod and my Saviour.
I heard of God, as often as I lived with this
l&unily, and I believed but little. Whilst I
lived at Dr. Dwight's, I went up to my
school room one evening, and saw Mr.^Si J*
Mm a son of Rev. Mr. S. J. I., of Torring-
£ra, sitting with Mr. D. my instructor.
Mr. D. wished me to make acquaintance
with Mr. M. So did I — (and shook hands
with him.) Mr. M. continued in New-
fM MEMOIRS OF
Haven for several months. During thi
he wished me to go home with hii
says he has a good father, mother
ther and sister. This requesting wai
f)Ieasing to me — so that I consented,
eft New-Haven and went home wit]
M. I lived with this family in the
1810. These people were the most juc
and kindest people. I was treated hy
in the most affectionate manner — (y<
knowing who hrought me there, for
very ignorant of him who gave me so
good friends in this country.) It seeo
me as my own home. It was. And 1
made my home there frequently. I
say much of them, hut what more car
hut to rememher their kindness to war
While I was with them I continued my
in spelling, reading and writing, to I
F. M. a brother of Mr. M. whom I y<
quainted with at the first. Here I k
some sort of farming business : cutting
pulling flax, mowing, &c.^-only to 1(
the other and learn from them."
As Obookiah was to obtain, in pa
support at Mr. Mills's by his labour, \
immediately set about most kinds of
ness that pertain to a farm. And t
this was a new employment to him, 1
found to excel in every thing to whi
turned his hand. One glance at othi
an example waji all the instruction t
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 95
required, before he was ready to undertake,
and to perform skilfully, every kind of la-
bour.
The fdlowinig extract of a letter from the
Rev. Mr. Milb, sufficiently illustrates this
part of his character.
" There was something unusual in regard
to Obookiah. His attention to what passed
before him, and his talent at imitation, were
singular. He had never mown a clip until
he came to live with me. My son furnished
him with a scythe. He stood and looked on
to see the use he made of it, and at once fol-
lowed, to the surprise of those who saw him*
We had a spell at reaping. We furnished
him with a sickle. He stood and looked,
and followed on. It was afterwards observ-
ed by a person who was in the field, that
there were not two reapers there who ex-
celled him.
'' In these respects and others, he was
truly a remarkable youth."
While Obookiah remained in the family
of Mr. Mills, "every possible attention was
paid to the improvement of his mind, and
nis progress was such as to convince those
who instructed him that their labour was
not in vain. He soon acquired a knowledge
of the spelling-book, and in a few mouths
was able to read in the Tesl^LUifeiiV.. '^^ ^v
c
/
26 MEMOIRS OF
time he had also made considerable profi-
ciency in writing. It was observed that he
learned to talk English just as fast as he
learned to read it. When he became able to
communicate his ideas in a broken manner,
he would express a very tender concern for
his countrymen."*
Henry now made his first essay at letter-
writing. His first letter was written to his
friend Thomas at New-Haven, and the se-
cond to his former instructor. The last has
been preserved, and for reasons that will be
obvious, is here inserted. — The following is
an exact copy :
" Torringford, March 2, 1810.
** Mr. E. D., Sir,
" I here now — this place, Torringford—
I glad see you very much. I laugh Tom
Hoboo— he say — *Obooki write me that:
Me no write.* I want you tell Tom Mr. S.
Mills say if we be good boys we shall have
friends. One morning you know I come
into your room in college, and you tell me
— read — you say, whai c,a,p. spell? then I say
€M,p. pig. I spell four syllables now, and I
say wnat is the chief end of man. I like
you much. I like your brother, and your
Iriend Mr. Dean. I wear this great coat
• ** NanBtire of Heathen Youth."
HENRir OBOOXIAH. 27
you gave me to meeting every Sunday. I
wish you would write me a letter and tell me
what Tom do.
" This from
"Hbnry Obooki.*'
***Mr8. M. the wife of the Rev. Mr. M."
continues Ohookiah, ''was a very amiable
woman, and I was Seated by her as her own
child. She used me kindly, and learned me
to say the Catechism.
'' Many ministers called on the Rev. Mr.
M., and I was known by a great number of
ministers. But on account of my ignorance
of the true Grod, I do not 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
reason 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 say ; for I thought
that I was just as happy as the other people,
as those who do know about Grod much more
than I do. But this thought, as I see to it
now, was the most great and dangerous mis-
take.
" 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, tYie m<(>i^ Sx^Y^<^^^
28 MEMOIRS OF
to be impenetrability. I took nruch satisfac-
tion 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. Whenever I got a lesson
i had a right to go to any room in college
»o recite. While I was there for a long time,
my friend Mr. M. was there; one of my
kindest friends that I had, who took m<*
away from his father's house. This young
Mr. M. was studying divinity at the col-
lege where I was instructed by the stu-
dents."
It was at this time and with the friend
who has been mentioned, that Obookiah
made his first attempt to pray in the presence
of another. ^ *' His friend having knelt down
and prayed, turning to him before they rose,
said, *you may pray.' — When he delivered
himself, in substance, in the following
terms.*'
''Great and eternal God — make heaven
— make earth — make every thing — have
mercy on me — make me understand the Bi-
ble — make me good — great God have mercy
on Thomas — make him good — make Tho-
mas and me go back O why bee — tell folks in
Owhyhee, no more pray to stone god — make
some good man go with me to Owhyhee,
tell folks in Owhyhee about Heaven — aboul
Hell — God make all people good every
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 29
where— great Grod have mercy on college —
make all good — make Mr: Samuel good —
have mercy on Mr. Samuel's father, mother,
sister, hrother." — " Our father which art in
heaven,'* &c.
" 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 sup-
port 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-
con H. were a most pious £imily. But while
I was here in the school, my serious feelings,
which I had before, lost all ; and become
very ignorant of religion by being among
some unserious company, talking many fool-
ish subjects* I thought now I shall never
have any more such feelings as I had befora
— ^I thought that I must always be misera-
ble here and here^ter, I became prayerless
and thoughtless — no hope for mercy — never
attempted to be alone as I had done before.
I sit and walked about all day — took no op-
portunity to be at the throne of grace, but
rather to be stupid — from the morning until
evening never thought of hixii Y]ViQ>Lfo'^X\&fo
c2
(
30 MEMOIRS OF
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
:Iose of the school I went back to Audover.
Mr. M. was not there. It was vacation. I
*taid 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 month or two, on ac-
count 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
i*br ever. While I was working, it appear-
ed as it was a voice saying, * Cut it down,
why cumbereth 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 a^
looked up to the Almighty Jehovah for h'^
/ was not but aa undone «ad hell-deser
HENRY OBOOXIAH. 31
sinner. I felt that it would be just that God
should cast me off withersoever 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 Qod 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 little
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 unfmitfulness and wickedness.
" I continued here a few days and then
hired myself out again, and went to labour
for Mr. A. a farmer, in haying time. Mr. A.
was a good man, and it was a religious fa-
mily. I had here the same seriousness in
my mind as before, but never did meet with
reil change of heart yet"
During Obookiah's residence at Andover^
he lived two years in the {axmV} qI '^t* k
92 MEMOIRS OF
the steward of the Theological Instit
This family bears very favourable testi
to the excellence of his character,
speak of him with tears. Said Mrs.
a friend, " He was always pleasant. I
saw him angry. He used to come int
chamber and kneel down by me and
Mr. M. did not think he was a christi
that time, but he appeared to be thinki
nothing else but religion. He aften
told • me that there was a time whc
wanted to get religion into his head more
into his heart.**
In an absence of a month or two froi
familv, he wrote a letter to Mrs. A.
which the following is an extract :
" I sometimes think about my poor
and that which Grod hath done. I wi
unto Qod — ' What shall I do to be sa'
I know that Qod is able to take away
eyes and wicked heart. We must be
again and have a new spirit before w
As soon as we shall be dead, all we
stand before the judgment seat of C
Friend, perhaps yon have not done any
wicked, so that God can punish you. I
you have not. But if we are not his f
and followers he will cast us into he.
we shall be there for ever and ever. 1
you will think upon all these things.
tP yoQi ... " Hknrt OBor
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 33
Whilst at Andover Obookiah heard that
one of his countrymen resided in the vicini-
ty. He hastened to him and spent a part of
a day with him, and a night in which they
did not sleep. When he returned, a friend
said to him, " Well Henry, what news from
Owhyhee ?'* He replied, "/ did not think of
Owhykeef I h(id so much to say about Jesus
ChnstJ'
Henry had now become diligent in study-
ing the Scriptures, and made rapid progress
in religious knowledge. The following fact
is a specimen of what he had attained.
He was asked, ** How many miracles are
recorded of our Saviour?" He began with
the first, that of making water wine, and
mentioned them all.
In a letter from Andover, communicating
the preceding facts, it is observed, '• Mr. A.
the steward, says, Henry was very inquisi-
tive, and could never be satisfied until he
saw the whole of a subject. This was pecu-
liarly observable during an eclipse of the
sun, concerning which he asked many trou-
blesome questions: and also with regard to
many kinds of public business ; particularly
the mode of levying, collecting, and appro-
priating taxes.
** He was seen one morning very early
with a rule measuring the College buildings
and fences. He was asked why he did it. Ke.
smiled, and said, * So lYk^l \ ^^ V\i^^
34 MEMOIRS or
how to build when I go back to Owby-
hee.'
" When he heard a word," said Mr. A.
** which he did not understand or could not
speak, it was his constant habit to ask me
* How you spell? How you spell 7^ When I
told him he never forgot."
Henry now began to maintain a corres-
pondence with his absent friends: a prac-
tice in which he seemed to take unusual
pleasure through the whole of his future
life.
The two following letters, written at An-
dover, are taken from the " Narrative of
Heathen Youth." "They were exactly co-
pied from the original with a few corrections
in the punctuation."
" Andover, Dec. 16, 1812, •
" Dear Christian Friend^
"I improve this opportunib^ to write to
you. And I saw your beloved book which
you sent by Mr. 6. and that I very much
thank you for it I am great joy to God to
give me such a good friend in this land
where we hear the words of God — Grod is
kind to us and to the other — ^that is to every
body else. God will carry through his work
for us.
" I do not know what will God do with
my poor soul. I shall go before Gi>d and also
both Christ.
H£MRT OBOOKIAH. 35
"We must all try to get forward where
God wishes us to do. God is ahle to save
sinners if we have some feeling in him. Is
very great thing to have hope in him, and
do all the Christian graces. I hope the
Lord will send the gospel to the heathen
land where the words of the Saviour never
yet had been. Poor people worship the wood
and stone and shark, and almost every thing
their gods ; the Bible is not there, and Hea-
ven and Hell they do not know about. I yet
in this country and no father and no mother.
But Grod is friend if I will do his will and not
my own will/*
The following letter was written to the
Rev. Mr. Mills of Torringford.
" Andover, Jan. 27, 1813.
'* Very Dear Christian Friend,
" I improve this opportunity to write to
you a letter. I received your two letters
and I had broken the seals of both of them,
and, I have read those sweet words that
make my poor and wicked heart feel cold,
as like cold water. Lord how long shall I
continue in my own sins ? Lord wilt thou
hear my secret prayer ?
**Dear sir, I hope youi prayer for the
poor and blind immortal souls will be heard.
I thank you to pray for me beside my own
prayer. Pray to God that he miglit i^uc
36 HEMoTKs or
down his Holy Spirit upon gJI onr ionls. —
I do not know what will become of my poor
soul, when my time is full come hereafter.
But in my own feeling I wish his will, and
I am willing that God do what he please for
my poor soul. What are sweet things in
this world, sinners like better than their own
Bonis which are going down to the bottom-
less pit. O how wicked and sinful are we.
How shall we go to the path of life and of
his truth, and be with him in Heaven. No
way at all ; only we must give away ourselves
to him and leave all our sins behind. Some
think they know not how to pray ; but they
ought to know, for Christ hath taught us. f
went to Tyngebury last week to see a boy
who came from Owhyhee. He arrived last
June — (this is not Thomas who came with
me.) As the distance from this place was
small, I went to visit him. I hope the Lord
will have mercy upon his poor soul. He
knew nothing of the Saviour before I told
him. I first mentioned to him Genesis 1.,
&c. telling him that God made the world by
bis own power ; then he said, how foolish
we are to worship wood and stone gods ; we
give them hogs and cocoa nuts and banana,
but Ihey cannot eat. Yes, said I, it is fool-
ish. Then he asked me where that man was, .
that made every thing. I told him, he was
every where with us. Does he hear when
Toa and I talk ? says he. I told bim yet.
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 37
and you must believe in him if you would be
his friend. He said he did believe what [
told him. He has not learned to understand
English, but I spoke in why bee. I took
him with me to the minister's house on Sab-
bath evening, so I told him in Owhyhee
what Mr. Allen the minister said. He had
been before but could not understand what
was said. I told him what God did for him
in keeping him alive and bringing him to
this country. He said he liked that man
(meaning God) very much. He asked me
many questions again and again about God,
which I answered. After we went to bed he
said he would never forget what I had told
him. He said when he eat he would remem-
ber who gave him food. The people where
he lived said he might stay there as he would ;
and when he had learned English a little he
might go to school. He did cry when I left
him.
Irt the spring of the year 1812, Mr. Mills,
the particular patron of Obookiah, was ap-
pointed by the board of commissioners to
take a missionary tour through the western
and southern states. Soon after his depar-
ture Obookiah went to spend several months
at Hollis, in New Hampshire. — '* Here," he
says, " I lived with two good men, Dea. E.
and Dea. B. and with the Rev. Mr. S.
While I was in this place, I became more
thoughtful about myself. 1 ^\.\.«.\i^^^ \fiS6.\i^
of the youn;; people's meetings, and I wu
quite happy. But I was now taken nek of
a fever at the house of Dea.B. I was very
weak aad was not able to answer to the
questions of those who came to -visit roe.
Then thought I, where shall I go (or a phy-
sician, but unto thee ! Death bad but a littie
fear. I contiuued sick for five weeks. The
whole family of Dea. B. ^vere vefy kind. I
was treated with the most affectionate care
during the whole of my sickness. Doctor
C. was a very kind and friendly man. He
was a pious man and good Christian. Many
times he prayed with me while I was upon
my sick bed.
"One day Mrs. B. asked me whether I
■was willing to die and leave this world of
■sin and go to the better. To which I replied
that I should have no objection if God should
do with me as it seemed to him fit. She
«dded, 'Do you remember the goodness
and the kindness of God toward you ?' I
answered yes — For I have neither a fathei
nor a mother, nor a brother nor a sister in
this strange country but He. But ! am
I fit to call him my &ther P ' Whosoever
doeth his will the same is a child of God.'
So longer after my complaint was over I
began to experience hope in religion. I
thought often concerning the happiness of
Another world aod eternal realities. But
mj mind and my heart of wickedoeiB would
r
HENRY OBOOKIAH.
often turn back to this world : (if I dc
think about the serious things.) Many t
I . meet with dark hour. But the grc
part of the time I took much comfort
happiness, both in my secret prayer ai
serious conversation with others. I the
now with myself, that I have met wi
change of heart. It was so if I mistake
For the Lord. Jesqs did appear as chi
among tein thousand, and one altogi
lovely ; and hia mercy appeared to be
come to a sinner as I.''
In the fall, Henry left Hollis and retu
to Andover; where he remained until
sacceeding spring: when he took his
leave of that place, and went '' home" t
house of the Rev. Mr. Mills in Torring
[ . Here he passed the following summer.
During this residence at Mr. Mills's
occasionally visited Litchfield, to see
person who had been his early friend at J^
- Haven. As this was but a short perio<
^' ter his hopeful conversion, his friend
anxious to ascertain what knowledge he
sessed of experimental religion. To
questions that were asked him, he gave
flwers which clearly evinced that on
flubiect he had thought and felt for him
and furnished much reason to hope tha
had been savingly instructed by the J
Spirit. " How does your own heart ap
to you r* was a question put to Um.
I
/
40 MEMOIRS OF
which he replied, " bl<ick, very bla
"But you hope you have a new hear
did it appear to you before it was chai
" Mud,'* he said, ''all mud."
His conversation was at this time
upon the subject of religion, and he s<
for so young a christian, to be in an i
mon degree heavenly minded. He
" When I at home — at Torringford —
the field I can't help think about Heai
go in a meadow — work at the ha*
hands — but my thought — ^no there. — 1
ven — all time — ^then I very happy."
He had already acquired a very coi
able knowledge of the Scriptures. He
passages appropriate to almost every i
of conversation. It was evident th
mind dwelt upon the truth of the Bib]
that he found much of his habitual pi
in searching out the less obvious tn
which it contained. He manifested gi
quisitiveness with regard to passa^
Scripture whose meaning he did not e
comprehend. Many passages were th
ject of inquiry. One only is recol
** What our Saviour mean," said he, *
he say, ' In my father's house are man;
sions — I go prepare a place for you.'
he mean, '/ go prepare a place V "
The readiness and propriety with
he quoted passages of Scripture on
'eecBOoni were particularly noticed
/
HSNRT OBOOKIAH. 41
who conversed with him. In one of his visits
he asked his friend, who was now in the
study of Divinity, to go aside, 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 whyhee. He plead
with great earnestness that he would go and
preach the Gospel to his poor countrymen.
Not receiving so much encouragemeut as he
desired, he suspected that his friend might
be influenced by the fear of the consequences
of. attempting to introduce a new religion
among the heathen. Upon which, though
he had now just begun to lisp the language
of the scriptures, he said, '' You /raid?**
You know our Saviour say, '^ He that wiU
tave his life shall lose it ; and he thai will lose
bis life for my sake, same shall save it"
His own fearlessness and zeal on this sub-
ject he exhibited about the same time to an
aged Minister who asked him why he wish-
ed 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, / am ready , I am ready."
p2
">^^*\^ta^co«^^ concern^ Y.te
vi^"^*^" *^4 c\v«»rit5 .°\tc t»^fj
HSKRT OBOOKIAH. 43
covered a strong relish for the Bihle ; was
constant in reading it; and seldom would
any object or circumstances prevent his
reading daily some portion of the Scriptures.
Occasionally, when requested, he has prayed
and spoken in social religious meetings, and
always performed these services to the ac-
ceptance, and it is believed, to the edification
of those present.*
The summer of 1814, Henry spent at Tor-
ringford. ** In the beginning of summer,''
he says, " my friend Mr. M., whom I loved,
returned from his missionary tour. I re-
ceived 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 wheUier my heart was
changed or not.
" At this time Mr. M. wished me to go
and live with the Rev.. Mr. Harvey, of Go-
shen. 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 different sounds — (for this language was
oot written language.) I spent some time
♦ " Narrative oi Heathen Youth."
44 MEMOIRS OF
in making a kind of spelling-book, dicti*
grammar, &c.
" While I was in this place with Re^
H. I took more happiness upon my
than I ever did before ; having a good
to study, and being alone the greates
of the time. Many happy and s
thoughts were coming into my mind
I was upon my bed in the night,
thing appeared to be very clear to m;
view. Many times the Lord Jesus apj
in my mind to be the most great grac
glorious. O what happy hours that
in the night season! I thought som<
before, that religion was a hard th:
get it — ^making vibjoj excuses for praj^
and kept putting on from time to tim*
thought it would become easier some
at hand. But this kind of feeling led ]
beyond all happiness. Many times I
as a man that travels up to a hill and
down. But it was nothing that hinder
but my own wicked heart, and because
not repent for my sin.
*' I seeked for the Lord Jesus for e
time, but found him not It was bee
did not seek him in a right manner,
still I do think that I have found him
my knees. The Lord was not in the
neither in the earthquake, nor in the fire,
ettudl voice.
" About this time I thought with t
HINRY OBOOKIAH. 45
to join with some church. I wished 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 reli-
gion. He wished me to go and see the Rev.
Mr. M. and the people whom I have been
tCQuainted 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 Torring-
ford. I thought while I was travelling, that
I was going home to New Jerusalem — ^to the
welcome gate. As I walked along I repeat-
ed these words, ' Whom have I in heaven but
thee 1 and there is none upon earth that I desire
besides thee J 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 : ' / will bring the blind by a way that
they knew net ; 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. Milb to give him an o^^r-
46 MEMOIRS OF
tiinity, if he thought it proper, at the
of his admission, '' to speak a few won
the people/' Mr. Mills readily consent<
hut from some particular circumstances,
did not recollect, at the proper time, I
it's request, and it was neglected. 1
the puhlic services were closed, and
Mills had retired to his study, Henry i
to him with a hroken heart, and said, '<
no let me speak, sir — I sorry." Mr. 1
was much affected, hut there was no ri
dy. But, said he, " What did you wig
say, Henry ?" He replied, ** I want to
the people, what they all waiting for ? *
live in Grospel land — ^hear all ahout salvs
— God ready — Christ ready — all reac
Why they don't come to follow Christ?"
Although Henry hecame a member of
church at Torringford, he still continued
residence with the Rev. Mr. H. at Gos
" Here," he says, " I lived a little more
a year, and was treated with the most a
tionate and kindest treatment. I was
taken under the care of the board of c
missioners for foreign missions, with a ^
to my future employment to be as a miss
ary to my poor countrymen — who are
living in region and shadow of death — vi
out knowledge of the true God, and ignc
of the future world — have no Bible to
—-no Sabbath — and all these things are
known to them. With them I feel and
HENRY OBOOKIAH 47
pected to spend the remaiDder of my days in
the service of our glorious Redeemer, if the
Almighty should spare my life. I often
ieel for them in the night season concerning
the loss of their souls, and wish many times
Id be among them before I am fit to come to
tfaem — for I long to see them. O that the
Lord would pluck them from the everlasting
burning! and that the Lord may be their
€k>d, and may they be his people — and be
made partakers 6f the inheritance of the saints
in light. what a happy time I have now,
while my poor friends and relations at home
ire perishing with hunger, and thirsty, want-
ing of Divine mercy and water out of the
well of salvation. May the Lord Jesus dwell
in my heart and prepare me to go and spend
the remaining part of my life with them.
But not my tm//, O Lord, but thy will be done.
If ay I live with them as a stranger and pil-
^m upon the earth as long as I live : and
spend and be spent in the service of the ]le-
deemer. May the Lord teach me to live in
his fear, to do his will and to live devoted to
his service."
The following extracts are taken from a
letter written by Obookiah whilst residing at
Gk>shen : dated
"Apnl 24, 1815.
" , I knew not what was my bu-
siness when at first time I set o\it Ctom ^^lefiA
48 MEMOIRS OF
mly a boy's notion. Because I hav
father and no mother, I therefore thoug
it, I must go and see the world, anc
what I can find. I never heard any i
about Jesus, and heaven, and hell. ^
after I heard about these things, I 1
that Jesus was the Son of God, and thi
has came into the world to save sinners
evil spirit then coming into my mind
said that there was none neither he
nor hell. I could not believe it S
times when some good people talked
me on this subject, I was but just ha
hear it.
'* I hope that you and I may meet, th
at present unknown to each other, ii
eternal world; where many come fron
east and from the west, and from the i
and from the south, and sit down tog
in the kingdom of Christ. But I do s
times think often that I shall never see
holy and happy world. I am very ai
because I was a great enemy to God,
have fought against his grace and his lo
kindness towards me.
" Oh ! my dear friend, do not forg
pray for me before oiir heavenly Fa
when you are alone. Pray for me, an
my poor countrymen, and for others,
we may escape from the wrath to c
Those that have been faithful to the
Jesus Christ, the same shall be saved
b .
HENST OBOOKIAH. 49
those that have done evil shall come to the
resurrection of damnation.
" There is no great consequence wherever
we may be called, if we only keep our hearts
right before God. We are under peculiar
obligation to consecrate ourselves wholly to
the glory of God. But we know that our
deceitful hearts are apt to run down, even as
a clock or watch is. A good clock will keep
good time by winding it up ; but if we don'l,
it certainly will run down. For * this peo-
ple,' said our Saviour, 'draweth nigh unto
me with their mouth, and honoureth me with
their lips, but their heart is far from me.'
My wicked heart has been just as those
clocks which run down very often. But I
hope I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I am
willing to give up every thing, both my soul
and body, for time and eternity. God can
do all this. * I can do all things,' said the
apostle, ' through Christ,' &/C.
" My dear friend, do not forget to pray for
William — pray that he may ever have joy in
the holy presence of God, and may he be
made a good soldier of the cross of Christ.
There is reason to hope that his heart will
be changed, for God will have mercy on
whom he will. I wish that he could live
with me, so that I could do all what I can
for him. God, in his holy providence, has
brought him and me from the heathen land.
Because of the weakness of our faith and our
50 HEMOIRS OF
selfishness, the gold and silver are tempting
to the soul. ! can sinners expect to walk
the golden streets without a perfect heart ;
or how shall we live with him without heing
horn again.
*' There is no way I can see for sinners
but to go to Christ. * I am the way, the
truth, and the life. No man cometh unto
the Father but by me,' said the Saviour.
' At that day shall ye know that I am in
the Father, and ye in me, and I in you.'
The Lord Jesus is all ready and waiting for
sinners, and inviting them to come to him
immediately without delay.
*'May tne Lord direct you, and make
you a faithful labourer in the Lord's vine-
yard."
The following extracts are from a letter
written to the Rev. E. T. F., at New-Haven,
dated
"(JosHEN, June 4, 1815.
" My Dear Friend ,
** I received your kind letter which came
into my hand this day with great pleasure.
You desire me to let you know the present
state of my feelings. I have no objection,
but I have not much to say on this subject.
You know when I was at Andover, there I
was in full concern about my soul, and knew
then that I was but a dying worm of the
dust^ and I knew I was poor sinner. And
HBNRY OBOOKIAH. 51
iiiow I hope that the Lord Jesus will he my
eternal portion, and direct me evermore. I
have nothing to do hut to he thankful for all
the privileges and hlessings which I enjoy.
I know that God will have mercy on whom
he will — and with such promise, our souls
must rest in God.
*' O my dear friend, do not cease to pray
for me, and for Tennooe, and for the poor
ignorant people at Owhyhee : and pray for
the poor people in this country as well as
the heathen, for their hearts are not with
God, and their ears are much deafer than that
of the heathen — ^when they hear the word
of Grod on every Sahhath, and can read the
Holy Scriptures. O may the Lord hless us
all with an increase of his grace. I hope
you will never forget to write to me when
you can, and tell me what religious expe-
rience you know I am ignorant of.
" I want to see you ahout our Grammar ;*
I want to get through with it. I have heen
translating a few chapters of the Bihle into
the Owhyhee language. I found I could do
it very correctly.
" I hope that the great God will he gra-
cious to you, and make you a faithful minis-
ter of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ' Walk hy
faith, and not hy sight.' **
* An Owhyhean Grammar which he was empbyed in
.vaking with the aid of Mr. F.
52 MIMOIRS OF
Extracts from a letter to Mr. S. B. I., a
member of Yale College.
" Goshen, June 9, 1815.
" My Dear Friend^
" I improve this opportunity to write to you
a few lines. When you was up here last you
know that I was quite unwell then. On that
account I could not talk much with you when
you was speaking on the religious subjects.
" my friend, what is our rule ? Is not
the word of God, which is contained in the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament r
Certainly it is. But we are apt to hate to
put away sins, for they are sweeter than the
grace of God.
" O my dear friend, let us continue in the
hope of the glory of our Redeemer, with
true hearts, in full assurance of faith. Cea'ie
not to pray for the fatherless as I am. O
what a wonderful thing it is that the haid
of the Divine Providence has brought me
here, from that heathenish darkness wher^
the light of divine truth never had been.
And here have I found the name of the Lord
Jesus in the Holy Scriptures ; and have read
that his blood was shed for many. And I
remember his own words which he said
' Father forgive them, for they know not what
they do V
*' Do not forget to mention me and Ten-
Dooe before our heavenly Father when you
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 53
are alone by yourself, that we may not enter
into temptation, and that our souls may have
rest in God. I hope to hear from you be-
fore long. When you write to me, if agree-
able to you, I wish you to give me some in-
formation of religious experience, &c. and
how a Christian feels, &c. &c. I hope that
the Lord will be with you ; and may your
journey through this vale of tears be sweet-
ened by the precious religion of the blessed
Saviour. May He who is rich in mercy,
and abundant in grace and goodness, bless you
with an increase of his mercy, and make you
a faithful soldier of the cross of Christ.''
In another letter to one of his countrymen
residing at Boston, he says,
'' I doubt not that you have seen some
people in this country, as much as 10, 20,
30, 40, 50, and 60 years of age, still neglect-
ing religion from year to year ; and adding
gin to sin as long as they live. This will not
do : for Grod hath said, ' My Spirit shall
not always strive with man.' But, alas,
sin is a lovely friend to a sinner. He will
not get away from his sins for a thousand
worlds. * O,' sinner, ' taste and see thai the
Lord is goodJ
"Do write me a long letter without delay,
and tell me how did God appear to you at first,
and tell me what is your first object if you
akould return home," &c.
e2
54 MEMOIRS OF
The letter which follows was taken from
the " Vermont Adviser," and was written to
a young gentleman in Middlehury. To what
extent the language was altered before it was
inserted in the ^' Adviser/' is unknown.
" Goshen, Sept. 26, 1814.
" Dear Friendj
'* It is long since I saw you when you had
kept Mr. B.'s store at Torringford : you are
by no means forgotten. I conclude that you
are probably in the best place. I am con-
tented. Undoubtedly your present situation
affords the best opportunity to pursue your
studies; and is hoped that you have also
good religious instructions and cautions. I
hope you remember that the true friends of
Grod may have pleasure wherever they are,
if they make it their chief concern to glorify,
love, and please him : but those who do not,
have no right to expect pleasure any where.
In whatever place we are, we have much
that we can and ought to do for Grod. Our
first care should be to keep our own thoughts
right. We should think much on that great
and holy Being, that formed us ; on his ho-
liness and abhorrence of every sin ; on our
constant dependence upon him ; how many
blessings he is conferring upon us, and how
little we deserve them^ and how undone and
unthankful we are for them ; or our deserv-
ing evil instead of good ; and how abomina*
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 56
ble we are in his sight, whenever we do evil.
We should think often on death and our ap-
pearing before the eternal Saviour in judg-
ment. We ought not only to read the Bible
often, but to pray often that we may know
of the salvation, and understand and be as-
sisted to live according to it ; and this would
aid us very much in keeping our thoughts.
If we exercise sufficient care over our
thoughts, our outward conduct also will be
good. But if we employ our minds, one
moment, on foolish or useless things, we
shall not only offend God by that, but we
shall be liable to fall into outward sins, and
so endanger our own souls, and encourage
other in the same evil ; and their wickedness
will encourage other, and so on. We can-
not conceive the dreadful consequences of
one sin, and we are very apt to forget how
prone we are to fall into sin. We are very
apt likewise to satisfy ourselves with what
we intend to do hereafter, and to forget our
present duty. The truth is, all our time is
made up of present time, and all we need to
care is, that we may all the time do the best
we can for our great Creator, this present
minute. All that we can possibly do is but
a little; for all we have and all we are is
Grod's, and we can never atone for one of
all our sins, but we must trust altogether in
the merits of Christ. But now my dear
friend I hope you will strive to improve all
56 MEMOIRS OF
your time well ; and that may the God will
be gracious to you ; and make you faithful
and useful as long as you live here in the
world.
** I wish you would write to me as soon
as you can, w^hen you can. I concluded to
be here with Mr. Harvey this winter ; and
whenever you come this way, I should be
glad to see you here. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey,
they are very ajp-eeable and kind, I was very
much pleased with them. I saw your father
at Torringford some time ago ; he wished
me to write to you when I could, I told him
I would.
** One thing I must mention to you, that
is, we must always continue in our pray erg
before our heavenly Father, that we may all
become followers of those, who through
faith and patience inherit the promises. But
now I must close this subject.
" Your affectionate friend,
"Henry Obookiah."
In October, 1815, Obookiah left Goshen,
and went to reside in the family of the Rev.
Mr. Prentice of Canaan. At this period the
history of his past life terminates. He com-
menced writing it soon after he removed to
Canaan, at the request of his instructor, as
a daily exercise. It was completed in the
beginning of the succeeding year. In March
he commences a Diary ; which he continued
.rfi^^rtAlia^
HENRY OBOO^IAH. 57
till the close of the summer : when he chang-
ed again his place of residence, went to
South Farms, and soon afterward to Am-
herst in Massachusetts. From this time the
nature of his employment was such that the
Diary was either suspended, or continued
only at intervals, and not preserved.
The following extracts are from the
Diary.
March 5, 1816. — This evening I attended
a conference at the house of Dea. B. It was
a very solemn time. Many appeared to he
very serious and attentive ; though I was in
fear it was not so in the heart. Rev. Mr.
P. made some ohservations 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. that I might understand
the work of my own heart.
6th. — I have just now been thinking of
the prophet Elijah : how he prayed to his
Grod, when he went up to the top of the
Mount Carmel, and how he put his face be-
tween his knees and prayed to the Grod of
Heaven. 0, how much better it is to spend
time now in such a way of praying, than to
58 MEMOIRS OF
wait until the time of prayer may be over.
What should hinder the heart from being
busy in prayer to Grod secretly, while their
hands are full of any business whatever ?
8th. — This day is very dark. My mind
has been quite down by reason of my bar-
renness. But Christ has appeared as " chief-
est 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 re-
membered what God had done for my souL
9th. — 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 re-
turned 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 Grod'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 iny
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 59
(aiih. 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 ! that I might continually watch
in my heart that I might not enter into temp-
tation and snare of the Devil.
10th. — ^To-day I rejoiced greatly to hear
many glorious news from almost every quar*
ter and town in the state, that many sinners
were hrought to bow to Jesus, and many were
inquiring for what they should do to be
saved.
19*^. — I attended this evening a very so-
lemn meeting as ever I attended. A sermon
was preached by the Rev. Mr. H. from these
words : " The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit," &c. Many appeared with a thought-
ful and serious look. But ! may they not
be as those hearers who hear the words, and
after all hide them from their hearts, as I do
fear there are many.
No doubt but many young people attend
frequently such meetings, for the purpose
of seeing others: their looks, dress, &c.—
by these their minds are drawn away. !
how many thoughtless and careless are there
in the world ! Sinners,
"You live devoid of peace^
A thousand stings witoin your breas^
Deprive your souk ^ eaM,^^
60 MEMOIRS OF
23(f. — This morning my friend Thoi
come to me with a sad countenance, ;
wished that we might pray together in
own language. I told him that I had
objection — that I would willingly do it
We then prayed to that Almighty God ^
was able to help us ; and I believe that
prayers were graciously answered. We
fered up two prayers in our tongue — the :
time that we ever prayed in this man]
And the Lord was with us.
April ht, — This evening my friend T
mas and myself conversed about what
would do first at our return to our c
country ; and how we should begin to te
our poor brethren about the religion of
sus Christ, &/C. and many other kinds
conversation that we thought of. And
both thought that we must first go to
king ; or else we must keep a school to c
cate the children, and get them to have s(
knowledge of the Scriptures, and then
must give to them some idea of God.
these thoughts seemed to be blind on s(
accounts — not knowing how to do be
without God's direction. The most thou
that come to my mind, was to leave alj
the hands of the Almighty God as he sc
fit. The means may easily be done by
and ail other duties which God comraai
but to make all others believe in the rea
of religion, no one could do it, to open bl
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 61
eyes of sinners, but God only. He is able
*' to bring the blind by a way that they know
not, and he will lead them in paths which
they have not known."
2J. — As I was just rising up this morning
and looked out of my bed room's window,
I saw the sun rising in the east, (Sabbath)
and I wondered that my life should be kept
so safely during the night past, and that I
was brought to see another day of the Son
of man. A soon as I went to bed my eyes
were wide open during the whole night. I
thought how many unready lives were taken
before the morning comes. This made my
heart cry Lord, prepare me, prepare me
for death. I spent the greater part of the
night in secret prayers in my bed, and found
sweet communion with my God. *' Commune
with your own heart upon your bed and be
still.'* that the grace of God may be suffi-
cient for me ! Lord, fill my hungry soul with
spiritual food.
3d, — This day I set apart for secret pray-
er, and the Lord was graciously with me,
and has given me some spirit to pray. It
seemed as if I could not enjoy myself better
in any worldly conversations than I did in
prayer. I can say as I trust, that the spirit
of God has been with me this day. God
appears to be gracious and lovely. Holy
thou art, Lord God of Hosts ! Lord !
look down with a pitying eye upon this thy
r
62 MEMOIRS OF
servant, whom thou hast brought from a hea-
then land ! Be gracious to all the rest of my
heathen brethren who are now in this country.
Do now, Lord, hear my call. Let not the
Lord remember former sins which were
known to thee.
7th. — This afternoon I attended the fune-
ral of an aged person. Many people attend-
ed, and many tears were shed upon almost
every cheek for the loss of their friend. But
weepers, weep for yourselves, (he was a
friend of Christ it is hoped) for he has gone
in peace.
I thought with great astonishment how
little idea we have of death and eternity.
Who can stop the approaching of death ?
May the Lord teach me to know the number
of my days ! Oh ! that the everlasting arm
may raise my soul from deepest hell; and
direct my step toward the peaceful shore of
blessed eternity !
dth, — To-day is my first year since I made
a profession of religion. I set apart this
day for prayer, and returned thanks to God
for his wonderful grace and kindness towards
me as a lost sinner. Though how little have
1 done towards him ! how little have I done
for his glory ! Shall I live to see the end of
another year ? Lord, increase my faith.
l^th, — To-day the Lord turned me to look
into my heart, to see whether there be any
ho^liness in me. But I found nothing but
RENRT OBOOKIAH. 63
*' wounds and bruises and putrefying sores."
I saw my sins were very great, and never
were known before. I had seen my own sin
before, but the Lord never show me so much
as I recollect, to make the soul sink in deep
sorrow for sin, as he did this day. But it
was my own blindness too. When I con-
sidered my former life, and looked into it,
nothing but a heavy bundle of sin was upon
me. I pray the Lord that he may not re-
member my past sin. O may not the Grod
of Isaac and Jacob hide from the tears of
such dying sinner as L
I enjoyed myself much this day in fasting,
and prayer, and supplication.
— . "I have been thinking this day to
know what is the state of man; whether
they are pure from all sin : — ^for last evening
I had a dispute with a young man. — He ask-
ed me whether I do believe that we sin by
words, thoughts and deeds. I answered him
Yes. Certainly we do, unless we take heed
to our ways — as David speaks for himself in
Ps. 39. " mortal man," says he, "do we
then always sin?" Yes, I answered. The
Apostle speaks, ** If we say we have no sin
we deceive ourselves."
how many ways that a creature can be
deceived !
Idth. — I attended a prayer meeting this
afternoon, and a number have been examined
to be brought forward to Ihfi Ck^t^W ^
64 MEMOIRS OF
have thought a great deal this day about m
unfaithfulDess and barrenness since I made
profession of religion : — how my wickc
heart has turned away from Gk>d in a ma
evil and unkind manner. But when I coi
sider that I sin against my Maker, I alwa]
feel sorry ; and all sins which I commit rail
my tears from my eyes : as I have this a
ternoon been weeping very deeply becatu
of my sins. Many times I am apt to ft
into sin; but if God hears my crying f<
forgiveness, I shall still live devoted to hio
Is there any thing that we can be cleanse
by from our sins but the blood of the Lain
of God ? No, in no wise.
2lst. — what a solemn meeting to-day i
the house of Dea. B. It was a serious an
joyful time. It beemed to me that the Loi
was with us. I took notice that almo
every person in the room appeared very jo]
ful. Many persons kept their heads dowi
wards with tears on their faces. We hf
then neither sermon nor any discourse di
livered, but many prayers were offered x
for those who were rolling sin as a swe
morsel under their tongue. A number <
pious men tried to speak, but they could nc
For the fear of the Lord had fell upon then
that they could not finish their discours
but to weep. O how myself felt then,
saw that it was the Lord's work, who hti
power to make sinners feel, and to sho'
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 65
himself that he is God alone. that the
Lord may carry on his work !
May 5. — This day I have attended the sa-
crament of the Lord's supper. I felt guilty
of my unfruitfulness, and had but little faith
in him whose blood is drink indeed and
whose flesh is meat indeed. I could not help
weeping whilst the minister addressed those
who were to be admitted into the Church —
warning them to be faithful. On account of
this warning I could not put a stop to mj
weeping eye. — For I felt that I had had a
stupid and cold heart, wanting of divine
grace.
Qth, — I have been reading this morning
the history of pious women, and I was very
much pleased to see and to know how
Christians feel. Their employment every
day was to address their heavenly Father m
secret, and to read some portion of the holy
Scriptures.
\hth. — This day I took a walk for exer-
cise at the distance of two or three miles.
On my way home Kmet an aged man, un*
known before, who I judge to be about sixty
years of age. He was travelling on the same
way that I was, and I thought in myself
that I would take this opportunity to con-
verse with him upon religious subjects: as
it was my duty, (and as I have done with
many other unacquainted persons before.)
As we were walking, '' What bad ^oia^ vk
f2
66 HBH0IR8 or
this !" said he, '* I have never knowi
time as this." With this ohservation I
thus — Ought we not to he thankful
Maker for such a season as this, as i
we do for the finest weather ? " O v<
I think we ought to," says he, ** tnc
do not feel thankful as I ought.*' Wi
saying, I then asked him to know w
he was one that was horn again of th<
Spirit. To which he replied, "O 1
so ; though I was one of the sheep th
almost gone, for ever lost, yet I hope
am found." I asked him whether h
met with any difficulty or trouble
mind. He answered, "0 yes, great de
when I meet with any trouble, I wisl
alone, and pray to God, and ask h;
such comfort as I need. Before
brought into light I thought many
that the religion of Jesus, was hard t1
seek for — ^but it was nothing else but n
wicked heart When I came to it
own heart, I found no holiness at all,
manner of evils, are lodged in it."
Soon we parted from each othe
we both wished to be remembered
prayers.
June 1. — ^This morning I have been
iog out for some secret duty. As 1 1
through the field alone, lo! I hea
sweet songs of many birds, singing
the branches; for it was a beautifi:
RENRT OBOOKIAH. 67
bath morniDg. While I thus hearked, this
part of a Psalm came into my soul very
sweetly —
" Sweet is the mem'ry of thjr graoe^
My God, my heavenly King,
Let age to age thy righteousness,
In sounds of glory sing," &c
I thought of Christians as soon as I heard
these birds tuning their joyful songs around
the tree. Christians as soon as they leave
their fleshly songs, with their bodies, in the
silent tomb, will be at rest beyond all pain,
death, sorrow and trouble ; and come around
their King of glory, and tune their golden
harps to Immanuel's praise. And then say
one to another,
" Come let our voices join to raise,
A sacred song of solemn praise," &c.
16th. — This evening I attended some se*-
nous exercises of prayer with a few young
men of pious character. Five pious young
men came to our room for this purpose.
They appeared to be very much engaged in
the cause of the great Redeemer. We spent
our time in solemn prayer for two or three
hours. I found comfort myself easy in every
doty which I was commanded by my Grod
to do.
68 MEMOIRS or
23(J. — I was visited this morning by a
pious and good Rev. Mr. H. of L. who in-
structed me in a most affectionate and tender
manner; and has given me some of the
clearest views of Christian character, such
as I needed.
I was intreated by this friend of Christ
concerning my future happiness, and was
warned to live above this world with hum-
ble and tender heart. But ! who can
know my own unfruitfulness and vileness,
but He who ** searcheth the heart and tri-
eth the reins of the children of men." I
felt in my own heart that I needed the teach-
ing of all the people of Grod. Many times
I have thought of myself being deceived,
because many evil thoughts came into my
mind and put me out of the right way ; but
in my secret prayers I have alwavs found
happy rest to my poor and immortal soul, as
if I was in the right path. that the Lord
Jesus, who doth '' bring the blind by a way
that they know not" may be the director of
such blind as I.
24fA. — We have heard to-day much good
news from every quarter of the country. A
work of grace has been begun in many
places, and there are hundreds of hopeful
converts, or newly born by the influences of
the Holy Spirit how great and how won-
derful is the arm of the Lord! reaching
RENRT OBOOKIAH. 69
taking tbem in his bosom of lore. But are
there not many sinners yet in the ^all of bit-
terness and in bonds of iniquity, rejecting
the free offer of salvation ? Are not many
opposers yet set against the truth of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ ? O when shall these
never-dying souls find rest! It is very
strange to me that so many careless and stu-
pid sinners never think or have any concern
for the worth of their immortal souls. O
Lord, I intreat thee to look down with com-
passion upon such dying sinners as are here
in this land of the Gospel light! O save
them, O Lord Gk>d of Hosts, save them!
Glorify the riches of thy free grace in mak-
ing them the heirs of thy holy kingdom. O
glorious Jesus, thou son of the Most High,
have mercy on the never-dying souls of men.
Thou canst do the helpless sinner good ; for
all homage, honour, glory, and worship are
due to thee ; the true promised Messiah and
Redeemer of the world. Thou canst work
among sinners, and none can hinder thee.
Lord save us or we perish. I am a sin-
ner as well as other ; I feel myself an un-
fruitful creature : and yet [ choose the Lord
Jesus for my everlasting portion. I have
nothing of my own to recommend myself to
his holy favour. All the present that I can
make unto Jesus is myself. He seeks not
mine, but me only.
25^A. — Last evening I attended a ^ira^er
70 KKM0IR8 OV
meeting, and enjoyed great comfort t«
soul. I thought how Christians all ag^
their feelings toward each other, in 1
manner. I once thought while we W€
the room, in sueh a little circle, and en;
ourselves in conversing after the mann
the flesh, how much happiness will he 1
at the great court of the Almighty, whc
the children of God are gathered togc
from the east and the west, and are set c
in the kingdom of Heaven. What a h
time will it be for Christians !
July 3d. — My health being weak, I m
to walk, and at the place to which I c
I found a sick woman lying upon a sick
She had been in that case for eight j
When she heard of my being in the t
she wished to see me. I conversed witl
concerning her case ; and though she
weak in her body and mind she could an
whatever question I put to her. I aske<
whether she was willing to leave this v
of sin, and to be present with her loveh
8US. She replied " O yes, O yes, I ho
shall reach that peaceful shore where I
have neither sickness nor pain, as I
now.'' Before I was about to leave her
wished me to pray with her, and this
done. She took hold of my hand and be,
me to remember her, thus — " O my firj
do not forget me in your prayers, and if
HENHY OBOOKIAH. 71
see you again in this life, I shall in better
than this."
7th, — I have just returned from a visit to
friends. As I was walking through the
ids I came to a house which stood at
e distance from the town. As soon as
as come near the house, I found an old
^-headed man, next to the road hoeing
I. I saw he was very aged man, and
lOUght it was my duty to converse with
u I stood by the fence and asked him
r he did. He answered, " Well." I
sd him whether he was well within also.
he did not understand what I mean,
is old man was about ninety years of
, and had been living without hope and
bout God in the world.) Immediately I
it to the old man, and spoke to him in a
jdly manner, thus — My friend, said I tc
, you are a stranger to me, and I unto
; and I see that your head is full of gray
8, and no doubt your days will soon be
r. "I know that," said the aged man,
every one has got to be as I am."
U, said I, what do you think of the great
of judgment? are you ready for that
? "0, I don't know," said he, ** I do
etimes think that I am too far off for
day." Why do you not now begin to
:e your peace with Grod, before deafli
lake you ? said I to the old man ; repent
believe in the Son of God, "B^X ^^.^^
m^^^^^^a^imm
7^ MEMOIRS OF
man seemed to be very careless and stap
I talked to him but he kept hoeing his coi
and I followed him to the end of the fie
pursuing my discourse. But he seemed
be unwilling to hear me any farther, an*
returned thanks to the Almighty God for t
opportunity which I had wiUi this poor
man, and bid him farewell.
Sabbath afternoorij .August 6th. — To-da;
felt more anxious for prayer than I ever d
After I returned from meeting, I entered
my retirement, where I always find comi
and joy in my secret prayer and suppli
tions before the great Jehovah. I now wi
ed to see my friend Thomas, who livec
little apart from me, and I set out to m
together in prayer for our own good. I w
and found him reading the Bible. I ur(
him to go up to his room with me and
there a little while ; and we took a Bible f
went up. We spent some time together
prayer till the sun was down. " O h
good and pleasant it is for brethren to d^
together in unity." We both united
prayers, two of each. We cried to God
help in the language of good old Dai;
*' Search us, God, and know our hea
and try us and know our thoughts, and
if there be any wicked way in us, and h
us in the way everlasting." May the Li
be pleased to lead us both in the right w
and not in the ** way which seemeth rij
HEKRT OBOOKIAH. 73
uiito a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death." We cried to God farther, that
he would teach us his way, in order to walk
in his truth ; and to unite our hearts both to
fear his holy name.
I told my friend Thomas how I felt that
day, and how much I longed to be with him
together in prayer for our poor countrymen,
as well as for ourselves; We both wished
to have our little meeting kept up until we
should be separated far from each other.
We wished to have no one know it, but to
look to God whenever we both come to-
gether.
The Diary of Obookiah may not have
been discontinued here. A considerable part
of what has been transcribed was found
upon detached pieces of paper; and other
similar pieces may have been mislaid. The
whole he had begun to copy, but had not
completed it.
The following is a selecfion of passages of
Scripture made by Obookiah while he lived
at Canaan, the first letters of which spell
his name. It is a specimen of his ingenuity
as well as his acquaintance with the Scrip-
tures.
" Ho ! every one that thirsteth, come ye to
the waters, and he that hath no money ;
come, buy wine and milk without moneys
and without price." — Isa. Iv.
74 MEMOIRS OV '
'' Except a man be born again, he cannot^ see
the kingdom of Gk>d." — John iii. «
-' Not every one that saith unto me, Lord !
Lord ! shall enter into the kingdom of hea^
yen, but he that doeth the will of my Fa-,
ther which is in heaven."— Matt vii.
'* Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed
of David, was raised from the dead ac-
cording to my Gk)spel."-^2 Tim. ii.
''Young men likewise exhort to be sober-
minded.'' — Tit. ii.
'' O magnify the Lord with me, and let us
exalt his name together.''— Psalm xxxiy.
*" But speak thou the things that become
sound doctrine."— Tit. ii.
"" Only let your conversation be such as be-
cometh the Grospel of Christ" — Phil. i.
-*' O that men would praise the Lord for his
goodness, and for his wonderful works tt
the children of men." — Psalm cvii.
**' Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out
■ of it are the issues of life."— Prov. iv.
" I must work the works of him that sent
me while it is day : the night cometh in
which no man can work." — John ix.
'** And they went out and preached every
where that man should repent."— Mark
' vi.
'' He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
-—Matt. xi.
HeNRT OBOOKIAH.U.
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 79
Tills was found among his papers, and the
original is in his own hand writing.
The following extracts are from his letters
written whilst residing at Canaan.
'* Canaan, Dec. 1816.
" My Dear Friend,
" Your letter I have received, dated the
tenth of September. It was with great plea-
sure. I shall take your advice in the all-im-
portant things which belong to me to attend
t6 as a professor of religion. I know the
'eyes of the Lord are upon me day and night,
and beholding all my wicked actions and
motions in every thing which I do. O that
the Lord would be my help ? Am I yet in
the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of ini-
quity ? I neither do justly, nor love mercy
as much as I ought, nor walk humbly with
my God.
" The work of grace in the town of S. is
still going on very powerfully. By the last
account which I have heard, about one hun-
dred and forty are in a hopeful state. They
are now rejoicing in the hope of the glory
of Gk>d. And many others are inquiring the
way to Zion, crying, ' Men and brethren,
what shall we do ?' In this place also, many
are in deepest concern about their soub. O
where have siuners been so long since they
had discovered the name oC \\ife ^viSsipqx
76 MEMOIRS or
who was crucified upon the cross, i
they have not come to him until now
have known their Master's will, h
have not done it. They are wise to
hut to do good they have no knowlec
wretched sinners will you come to
of the cross at this very moment, f
forgiveness of sins ? Hark and hear tl
of him that knocketh at the door o
sinner's heart ! ' Behold I stand at th
^.c. Christ the Saviour is knockii
ing, '* Open to me, my sister, my 1<
dove, my undefiled, for my head
with dew, and my locks with the d
the night." I cannot help weepin|
tears are running down for joy to h*
see sinners flocking to the Almight]
vah. that all sinners may c<
Christ !
" Stop, poor nnners, stop and think,
Before yoa figiither go I
Will you sport upon ue brink
Of everlasting wo 1"
'* O that we may stop and think wl
are, and upon what ground we are at
whether it he holy or whether it be
or whether it be our duty to do the
God or not. We now live here uf
t'arth, and how long we shall live w
not Death will soon overtake us,
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 77
lie not &r from it. My dear friend, I intreat
you to be much engaged in prayer for thought-
less and stupid sinners, both in this country as
well as in other.
" I would thank you to present my humble
respects to all your family. I hope I shall
see them, though at present unknown to
each other, in the eternal world; if I do not
in this present world. May God be gra-
cious to you all. Remember me in your
sweet sacrifice of prayer before our heavenly
Father.
" Your affectionate friend."
The preceding letter was written to Dea.
H. of Dan by, in the state of New- York ; an
elderly gentleman wi^o had taken a very deep
interest in the welfare of Obookiah, and had
written to him a letter of advice soon after he
made a profession of religion.
That which follows was addressed to Mr.
E. B— — , in the state of New- York.
" Canaan, May 1816.
** Having received your most kind and
affectionate letter a few days ago, it much
satisfied me. Notwithstanding that you are
ever so far from me, yet I expect to meet
you at the bar of God. how glad am I to-
hear from you, Ephraim. I am glad to hear
that your mind has been more engaged in.
regard to the subject of te\\gvo\i, VSmai nrV^^
a2
78 MKM0IB8 or
we lived together. If it is so, mj friend
that you have such thoughts in your mind,
I urge you to be careful, for it is an awful
thing to be deceived. Set your heart to-
ward Christ, and in him you may find help.
Our sins are very great and reach over our
heads, and there is nothing which can make
them smaller or stop them, but the precious
blood of the Lamb of God, who has all
power to take away sin from the world.
The Lord Jesus expressed himself thus —
* I that speak in righteousness mighty to
save.'
" You mentioned in your letter that the
religion of Jesus Christ is glorious privilege.
O my friend, it is so. We can say or think
that his religion is a very important thing,
if any one should have it, but we are not
willing to seek for it. If the Lord has been
pleased to operate on your mind by the in-
duences of his Holy Spirit, as you trust he
has, I hope the Lord will still continue his
work in you through life. But let me in-
treat you to put your whole trust in Grod ;
make him sure as your own friend, and
Above all, give yourself entirely into the
hands of your Saviour ; who came to seek
^and to save that which was lost. When you
write to me let me know all about your feel-
ings. I long to see you, my friend, and all
your father's family. I remember all your
father and mother's kindness while I ww
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 79
with them ; though I am in fear that I do
not feel thankful enough to God for it.
"If you should ever come to Connecticut
do take some pains to find me where I am,
for I long to see you with brotherly love.
" I would desire your solemn prayer be-
fore your heavenly Father for
" Your affectionate friend.'*
To Mr. E. W. of Torringford.
" August 5, 1816.
*' My Dear Friend,
" I hope you will not think it strange that
such an one as I should write to you ; for I
am full of concern for the souls of others.
that the Lord would direct you in the
right path. — May the Lord teach me what
1 ought to write this day. I have heard that
your sickness is still continuing. But O,
how is it with you now? Look now, my
dear Elijah, and see whether you are pre-
pared or unprepared, or whether you are fit
to die or unfit — whether you are the Lord's
or not. my friend, consider how many
are there who have been wheeled down to
endless torments, in the chariots of earthly
pleasures ; while others have been whipped
to Heaven by the rod of affliction. O how
good had it been for some of them if they
had never known the way of life by the cru-
cified Saviour. We have great reason to
tremble when the Holy Scripture teajchea ^^
but few shall uc ^
* Many are called, but few ciiu»c...
think of you, my dear friend Elijah, sii
heard of your sickness. You perhaps s
times think about dying— and what mui
your end — and how you have misimpr
your best opportunities, &c. O wh
dreadful thing it is to die in a sinful s
My friend, how do you expect to find
and peace in Heaven if you should d
your sin ? How have you neglected the
offer of salvation, which is offered to
' without money and without price !* I
O my poor friend, and get up out of
sleep of sin and death, and the Lord
Chnst will give you life, comfort,
and strength— For there is none but
can do a helpless sinner good. Now
fore, my firiend, haste to look to Chr
faith, and ask for mercy and forgiv
'-* T feel for you my dear fir
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 81
sickness, I fear, will take you away from the
world into a solemn and silent grave.
Elijah, Elijah W. where are vou ? Are you
willing to leave this world of sin and death
and be at rest? Are you willing to die now ?
In time of sickness we ought to keep our
hearts right towards God, in order to be
cheerfully willing to die. For * death is
harmless to the people of Gk)d.' — * The right-
eous hath hope in his death, but the wicked
is driven away in his wickedness.' Follow
not, my dear friend, after the example of
mankind, but after Christ's — make no kind
of excuse, turn unto God and live. Be not
offended because I have taken this opportu-
nity to write to you in such a manner. Let
all be taken into serious consideration. It
cannot hurt you my earthly friend. And it
may keep your heart from shrinking back
to consider that death is necessary to fit you
for the full enjoyment of God. Whether
you are willing to die or not, there certainly
is no other way to complete the happiness
of your soul. The happiness of the eternal
world of heaven commences immediately af-
ter death. Now can you, my dear Elijah,
say, ' I will arise and go to my Father, and
say, Father I have sinned,' &c. why are
you so unwilling to accept the free offer of
mercy? And why will you still shut Christ
oat of the door of your heart ; when he still
is knocking, and saying, * O^^n V> xix^ \s£^
82 VSH0IB8 or
sister, my love/ d&c O poor friend of mine
I do not speak of your oeing poor in body,
but your soul is poor : wanting of the bread
of life. This is why I need to speak of your
being poor : — for without the love of God in
the heart of a man, that man is poor*
"If you are a friend of Christ, be not
afraid of death and eternity ; for death can-
not hurt you, nor your soul. Why then are
vou afraid that your sickness is unto death ?
tf you were to die in sin — ^if death were to
reign over you ' as a tyrant — to feed upon
you as a lion doth upon his prey' — if death
were to you to be the prison of hell, then you
might reasonably startle and shrink back
from it, with horror and dismay. But if
your sin has been blotted out of the Bbok of
God's remembrance ; or if the Saviour hath
begun his good work in you, why should yon
be afraid of being taken away from the
world? and why not bid welcome to the
King of terrors ? My dear Elijah, our lives
are shorty and they, like the smoke of the
fire, are hastening away.
, * Well, if our days must flj.
We'll keep their end in sight,' &c
" Remember, my dear Elijah, that I am
not the teacher of the heart, nor the judge
of it. The Lord Jesus is your teacher — He
can make you feel. He can make the blind
HENET OBOOKUJC. 83<
to tee— -and the lame to walk — and the sick
to be healed— and above all, He can make
yon and I happy or miserable in eternity.
AJl what I have said to you, my friend, will
be remembered in the day of God's wrath.
Yon and I shall both render our account to
that God who hath made us, at the day of
judgment, for what deeds we have done in
the body. Whether we have done every
thing right in the sight of Jehovah, or
whether we have not. May the Lord Grod
of Hosts bless you. May Jesus make you
faithful unto death, and that you may have
at last the crown of life in the eternal world
of glory.
** You, O piitrents of Elijah, you have the
means of doing good to your own souls — ^to
improve your time in the service of God.
Where then shall you be after the return-
ing of your bodies to the dust — when your,
twdies shall become food for the worms of
the earth ?
" Brothers and sisters of the sick man —
Your days will soon be over ; and the road
apon which you are all riding towards eter-
oity soon will be ended. Remember, O my
friends, that the eyes of the Lord are upon
fou all, beholding the evil and the good.
Your souls are worth a thousand and mil-
lion times more than such a world as this.
Be careful lest they be lost in the snares
and temptations of Satan: foi Ilia's ^\%
84 MEMOIRS or
many and ready to carry away your i
into darkness and despair. O that the ]
would smile upon you in pity and com
sion, and save you from eternal death. I
up now, my friends, to Christ — which is '
life."
The following letter was written to
W. C. now a member of Yale College.
"Canaan, Sept 7, 181
* My Dear Friend,
" Our interview yesterday was but si
and our short conversation with each o
was sweet to my soul. You reque
me to write to you, for which I am
taking my pen to begin our corresp<
ence: not because I am destitute of (
panions here, but for our everlasting g
There is one of the best friends wh(
above all earthly friends; even Christ
sus the Lord. But we are all by na
the greatest and strongest enemies to 1
* All have sinned and come short of
glory of God.' We are naturally opp(
to God, and to the holiness of his nal
and unable to accept of his mercy whic
offered to us * without money and wit]
price. *
** I have reason to bless Jesus Christ
he hath wonderfully turned my feet 1
the path that leadeth down to an en(
wo. There is nothing more that I cai
HENRY OBOOKULH. 85'
ibr him, for his great and wonderfal work
m the soul of such an one as I, than to be
thankful for all which I now enjoy. But
this is not all — ' Give me thine heart, and
let thine eyes observe my ways/ — I hope
that the God of all grace has been gracious
to you, as he has to me. that we both
may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full
of glory here and hereafter. The religion of
Jesus which we now have embraced (as we
hope we are passed from death unto life) is
a strong helper of the soul, to help us on the
peaceful shore.
" I wish I could express my weak feel-
ings to you, but alas ! I cannot. It is a dif-
ficult thing to tell you that I love my Ma-
ker more than I do any thing else. Truly
I do not love him enough. I have faith in
him but a little — ^but I am sure I wish to
love him more and serve him better than I
now do. O what a stupid wretch and hard-
hearted sinner am I ! Why should I have
been spared so long, while many of my fel-
low mortals are gone over the other side of
the gloomy graves; and I am yet on this
side of eternity. O where are those now
who have gone before me ? Remembrr, my
dear friend, that we will soon return 1o the
dost, and leave this world of perplexity and
trouble, and all the useless pleasures in it,
and be for ever miserable, or happy in the
presence of the King of gyoi'j . O >^^^ \s»:%-
H
86 nmoiRs of
P7 it will be for Chrigtian souls to meet
gether and uniting their hearts in love at i
time.
When shall I roach that happy place^
And he for ever hlest 7
When shall I see my Father's faoe^
And in his hosom rest V
* It is no matter however long or si
the lives of Christians are, if their best
ments are well improved, in order to n
their lovely Jesus in peace whenever t
are called for. . Let us live, my dear jfiric
as a stranger, and pilgrims on earth—
us feel lively in the faith of the Son of (
— let us both seek for a better country t
this — ^let us be faithful and humble beli
ers of Jesus. I think I can truly say to
Lord, Lord my body and soul are in tli
hands, do with them according to thy h
will. Thy will be done and not mine. ^
happiness of this world is nothing bu
dream. It will soon pass away as the w
that bloweth. We must give up all
Heaven, lest we perish at the presence
the Judge. The best present that we on
to make to Christ, is to give our 'Wl
hearts to him — and not ' gold and franl
cense and myrrh' as wise men of the 1
did.
Do remember, my friend, those that-
4<
HBNRT QBOOKIAH. 87
iround you whose sins are unpardoned. Do
pray for them. Remember my poor coun-
trymen, who know not the way of life by a
Redeemer. Do not forget to pray for your
affectionate friend,
''Henry Obookiah."
Towards the close of the year 1816, Hen-
ry went to Amherst in Massachusetts, for
tne purpose of accompanying the Rev. Mr.
Perkins, an agent of the Board of Commis-
sioners for Foreign Missions, in a tour
. through that section of the country, to soli-
. eit donations for the benefit of the Foreign
Mission School. The success of the solici-
tations was greatly promoted by the pre-
sence of Obookiah. Contributions were
highly liberal, and often drawn from sources
not before accustomed to yield any aid to
purposes of charity.
The interest which he had excited to-
wards himself personally is expressed in a
letter from Mr. Perkins, written soon after
nis death. ** He was much beloved,** he
says, ''by all who knew him in this region.
He had awakened a lively interest in his
welfare among them ; and his death has cast
ft gloom over them which will not soon be
dispelled. His recall to the world of spi-
rits is one of those deep things of Providence
which we cannot fathom.**
A letter since receWed fccnn Wi^ imss^x^^
.68 KEM0IR8 OF
spected source, contains several facts and
oDservations which illustrate his character,
and evince the peculiar acceptableness and
influence of his visit in that quarter.
" I have rarely, if ever, (says Mr. Perkins,)
seen a person who seemed to set so high a
value on time as Obookiah. What others
would call leisure hours, would be busy
hours with him. When alone, he was de-
lighted in his literary studies. When in
company, improvement was his object — and
if the conversation was not immediately in-
teresting to him, he would take his Pocket
Testament and read, or repair to his study
and his books.
'* At a little circle of friends one even-
ing, he said to me in a whisper, ' Time is
precious, here are a few souls going to eter-
nity, 'tis a good opportunity to improve.'
Just as we were about to retire at the dose
of the evening, he addressed two youth in
the room for a few minutes, on the subject
of religion, with great apparent effect. —
Whether the alarm of conscience, which he
was instrumental of exciting, proved lasting
or not, I have never known. So valuable
was time in his estimation, that if he had
passed a day or an hour unprofltably, he
would speak of it with deep regret
** His humility deserves our notice.— One
fact will illustrate this feature in his religious
character.
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 89
** In visiting different towns, it was my
practice to gratify the people, by calling on
Obookiah to address them on the subject of
Christianity. He was always appropriate,
solemn, and interesting. Many flattering
remarks were frequently made to him on
that account. But though this was calcu-
lated to foster pride, and inspire him with
unbecoming confidence, yet it actually pro-
duced the opposite — humility and self-dis-
trust. A. circumstance took place which
justifies this observation.
" At a village of considerable magnitude,
after the Missionary service had been per-
formed, the Rev. Pastor of the Church ap-
pointed an evening meeting. Just before
the meeting, it was observed to Obookiah,
that some remarks would be expected from
him. He modestly declined. The subject
was urged. He said, ' Fm a poor heathen,
I don't know enough to teach people who
live in Christian land.' Being under my
care, he applied to me to excuse him from
the service. I replied to him, that I be-
lieved it to be his duty. The people had
contributed generously. They were anx-
ious to hear him speak on the subject of re-
ligion. You have always succeeded well.
And what you shall say may prove a savour
of life to some soul. Soon after, as we were
passing to the meeting-house, observing his
extreme reluctance, I asked the Rev. Mr,
h2
90 MEMOIRS OF
B. to urge and encourage him. Many things
were said to persuade him, hut his reluc-
tance appeared to be invincible. As we ar-
rived at the door, he again fled to me foi
refuge. Said he, *Do excuse me — I can't
say any thing — You can preach — ^it will do
more good.' I told him 1 could not, as the
people would be greatly disappointed. Bu/
when I said this, such had been his anxiety
and such his manner of expressing his fed
ings, that tears instantly started in my eyes
and gladly would I have preached for his
relief. When the proper time came, he
was called upon to address the meeting. He
deliberately rose, and addressed the people
with his usual propriety and seriousness.
At the close of the service, I passed by his
pew, and invited him to walk with me. He
was bathed in tears. I did not hesitate
about the cause. — I tried much to sooth
his feelings, but it was to no purpose. Mr.
B. perceiving them, made an attempt to pa-
cify him, but was unsuccessful. His soul
seemed to refuse comfort. This was on
our way to our lodgings. When we arrived
at the house, I mentioned his feelings to
the kind family where we were to lodge
Every expedient was tried to restore him to
his wonted cheerfulness. But all our efforts
were unavailing. After about an hour, one
of the finmily took a seat near him, with a
view to divert his mind. This attempt was
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 91
successful, — and the first sentence he utter-
ed, was, * Fm a poor unworthy sinner — I
feel as though I was lost.' His customary
cheerfulness soon returned, and many in the
little circle, who sat a long time sorrowing,
had their sorrow turned into joy.
** The Bible was his best and constan
companion. He always carried in his
pocket a Testament, which was presented to
him by a friend, who is now a Missionary
to the heathen. At a certain time he went
»about ten miles to visit one of his country-
men. — In changing his clothes, he left his
Pocket Testament On his return, he plea-
santly said to me, ' Blind man don't walk
very safely without his staff.'
*' Obookiah's visit to this part of the coun-
try was of essential service to the cause of
Foreign Missions. It has silenced the weak
but common objection against attempting to
enlighten the Heathen, that they are too
ignorant to be taught. This sentiment has
prevented much exertion. It had a wicked
origin. We have first enslaved our fellow
beings, then degraded them by every me-
nial service, deprived them of itxe means of
mental improvement, and almost of human
intercourse ; and because, under these cir-
cumstances, people of colour are devoid of
knowledge, we have hastened to the irra^
tional conclusion, that all the Heathen are a
ncQ of idiots* Adopting ihia coiifdbs&v^^
92 MEMOIRS OF
multitudes are utterly opposed to making
any attempt to turn them from darkness to
light. Influenced by this opinion, ground-
less as it is, no reasonings, or arguments, or
motives, which can be offered, are of any
avail. But the appearance of Obookiah has
done much in this region to wipe off this
disgrace thrown upon the Heathen, and to
remove the objection so often made. The
proof he gave of talents, as well as of piety,
carried conviction to many that the Heathen
had souls as well as we, and were as capa-
ble of being enlightened and christianized.
Acknowledgments to this effect have fre-
quently been made to me ; and now in the
circle of his travels, there is no occasion to
combat this objection.
" Another effect produced by his visit tb
this region is, that it has roused the slum-
bering energies of those who have hitherto
done nothing in the missionary cause. Many
have become interested for the benighted
Heathen, and satisfied that the conversion
of them to Christianity is practicable. And
though they have never before lifted a fin-
ger, or contributed a mite, have now been
prevailed on to do something. In several
instances, dollars were handed me by per-
sons who confessed that they had never done
any thing before. This is an effect produc-
ed, which is not of a transient nature, but
permanent A feeling in the cause of mis*
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 98
nous has been excited, which will not soon
subside.
" His visit moreover has enkindled a spirit*
of prayer and benevolence in the bosoms of
God's children, which was very much need-
ed. Coldness and a circumscribed charity
were too apparent. Especially were these
visible with respect to the Heathen. But
now there is evidently an increase of ferven-
cy and holy wrestlings in the addresses of
Christians to the throne of grace. They
intercede for the unevangelized nations as
though it was their heart's desire that they
might be saved. Their benevolent efforts
are more numerous, and more liberal. They
not only exert themselves in this glorious
cause, but they use their influence to induce
others to come and do likewise. They re-
fer them to Obookiah as an instance of the
propriety and practicability of missionary ex
rtion. While this instance encourages theii
wn efforts, it greatly emboldens them in
rging upon others the necessity and expe-
ency of constant exertion in the cause ot
e Heathen.
*' Such have been the effects of Obookiah 's
ir in this region. And since such are
effects, and such was his character, it
lot surprising that his death is so much
ented. Many flattering hopes were ex-
1 in the breasts of his friends here, but
;hteous Providence haa «e^ii €ii \i^ Vjaa^
&i MEMOIRS OF
them — But we have a foundation for our
hopes that cannot he shaken. On this we
may rest the heathen cause, and feel secure,
while human means and promising agents
are swept away."
The following letter was written hy Ohoo-
kiah whilst at Amherst, to his companions at
South Farms, (Litchfield.)
** Amherst, Jan. 1, 1817«
*' My Dear Brethren j
'* I long to see you aU. 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 Kolhi, (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 Nablemah-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
' saiDes of many things, as far as he was able
HENRY OBOOKIA^. 95 '
to describe them to me. While I was with
him he could not keep his eyes away from
me for wonder and gladness, to see such a
one who came 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 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. 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 a 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
ttnce I come away. If tbia \>e \\i^ c^s^V
00 MEMOIRS OF
would humbly beg at the mercy seat for
your prayers, that they may not be hindered.
1 shall see him again before a long time.
He longs to see you.*
" May God be with you all."
Henry returned from Amherst in April to
South Farms. Here he remained with his
countrymen, until the first of May ; when
the school was removed to Cornwall, the
place of its permanent location.
He now had his mind bent upon becom-
ing prepared, as soon as practicable, to
preach the Gospel. He paid particular at«
tention to preaching, and made many remarks
upon the subjects of sermons, and the man-
ner of preaching them.
Some observations upon a common defect
in preaching are well recollected. He com-
plained of the practice of those ministers,
who used such language in their sermons
as was unintelligible to most of their hear-
ers. Ministers, he said, preached to per-
sons of every description; almost all were
ignorant, very few had learning, and if they
preach to all the people, they ought to preach
so that all can understand. They ought to
♦ This youth is now a memher of the Forriijn M]»-
Bon School, and exhibits hopeful evidence of piety. The
impvetsions made by the conversation of Obookiah warn
jitrarlcMt.
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 97
*Mse plain language. If not, he said, ** as
well might preach in unknown tongue."
Every word, he thought, should be pfain,
for " people/' said he, " can't carry dictionary
to meeting.' ^
As Obookiah, at the time of his entrance
into the school at Cornwall, had arrived at
an age of considerable maturity, it may be
proper that a more particular description
should now be given of his person and cha-
racter.
He was considerably above the ordinary
size : but little less than six feet in height,
and in his limbs and body proportionably
large. His form, which at sixteen was awk-
ward and unshapen, had become erect, grace-
ful, and dignified. His countenance had lost
every mark of dulness; and was, in an un-
usual degree, sprightly, and intelligent. His
features were strongly marked. They were
expressive of a sound and penetrating mind.
He had a piercing eye, a prominent Roman
lose, and a projecting chin.
His complexion was olive, varied equally
from the blackness of the African, and the
redness of the Indian. His hair was black,
worn short, and dressed after the manner of
the Americans.
In his disposition he was amiable and af>
fectionate. His temper was mild. Passion
was not easily excited, nor long retained
Revenge, or resentment, it i& ^x^s>\\SkKA^
I
98 MEMOIRS OF
was never known to be cherished in
■
'heart.
He loved his friends, and was grateful for
the favours which he received from them.
Id his journal and letters are found frequeifi
expressions of affection and gratitude to
those who had been his benefactors. To
families in which he had lived, or to indivi-
duals who had been his particular patrons^
he felt an ardent attachment. One of the
latter, who had been separated from him for
a considerable time, he met with great de-
light; and after the first customary saluta-
tions, said to him, '' I want to see you greftt
while: you don't know how jou seem to me:
you seem like father , mother , brother, cUL*'
In his understanding, Obookiah excelled
ordinary young men. His mind was not of
a common cast. It ^as «uch, that, with
proper culture, it might have become a
mind of the first order. Its distinguishing
traits were sound common sense, keen d]»-
cernment, aod an inquisitiveness or enter-
prise which disposed him to look as far as
his mind could reach into every subject that
was presented to his attention.
By his good sense he was accustomed to
view subjects of every kind in their proper
light; to see things as they are. He seldom
misconceived or misjudged. By his com-
panions his counsel was sought, and regard-.
ed as decisive. He had that clear sense at
BE!fRT OBOOKIAH*. 99
propriety with regard to his own conduct
and the conduct of others, which always
commands the respect or excites the fear
of those who hehold it. Had he heen dis-
posed to cultivate a talent for this purpose, he
would have hecome one of the severest of
eritics upon the manners and conduct of those
around him.
Few persons have a deeper insight into
the characters of men, or have the power of
forming a more just estimate of them, by
their words and actions, than he had. Few
are more capable of perceiving the exact
import of language^ or are less liable to be
deceived as to its real meaning, by a design-
ed ambiguity of terms.
His inquisitiveness existed in relation to>
idl subjects of interest, and disposed him to-
make himself acquainted with every thing-
that was known by others, and to- discover
whatever was within hn reach. The trait
was exhibited, especially, in bis character as^
a scholar.
His inquisitive mind was not satisfied with
pursuing the usual round of study, but he
was disposed to understand critically every,
branch of knowledge to which he attended
For this reason, his progress in his studies
was not rapid — ^but as a scholar he was in
dustrious, ingenious and thorough. ETit
mind was also inventive. After having ae
100 MEMOIRS OF
quired some slight knowledge of the English
language in its grammatical construction, he
entered upon the project of reducing to sys-
tem his own native language. As it was not
a written language, but lay in its chaotic
state, every thing was to be done. With
some assistance he had made considerable
progress towards completing a grammar, a
dictionary, and a spelling-book.
He had also translated into his native lan-
guage the whole of the book of Genesis.
These specimens of his industry and inge-
nuity, when seeUf administer severe reproof
to the sloth and dulness of most persons of
much greater age, and of advantages far su-
perior to his own.*
When Obookiah became a member of the
Foreign Mission School, he had attended to
all the common branches of English educa-
tion. In reading, writing, and spelling, he
was perhaps as perfect as most young men
* In accomplishing this labour, Obookiah receivod the
•nistance of the Rev. Mr. F. now Profcasor of Divinity
in Yale College. He had some assistance also fiom
others. The manuscripts, however, are all Ms own
hand writing : and considered merely as proofs of appli-
eation, are greatly to the credit of the industry and enter-
prise of one so young, and uninstructerl. They could
nave cost him no less than the constant labour of many
months.
These manuscripts, though now im])eTfect, will afiord
mneh aid to futuie translators and Missionariea.
HENRT OBOOK1AH.
101
of our country, of the same age and with
common opportunities. He wrote a legible,
manly hand, and acquired the habit of writ-
ing with considerable rapidity. He had at
this time studied the English Grammar so far
as to be able to parse most sentences with rea-
diness. He understood the important rules in
common Arithmetic, and had obtained consi-
derable knowledge of Greography. He had
studied also one book of Euclid's Elements
of Geometry, and of his own accord, with-
out a regular instructer, he had acquired such
knowledge of the Hebrew, that he had been
able to read several chapters m the Hebrew
Bible, and had translated a few passages
into his native language. He had a peculiar
relish for the Hebrew language, and from its
resemblance to his own, acquired it with great
facility.*
The winter before he came to the school
he commenced the study of Latin. This, be
pursued principally after he became a member
of the Institution.
In his manners, Obookiah was habitually
grave and reserved. In the presence of his
friends, however, his conversation was often
sprightly, and rendered particularly enter-
* In consequence of tbis resemblance in the stractum
of the two languages, Obookiah found it much less diffi-
cult to translate toe Hebrew, than the English, into hii
native tongue.
i2
fc
102 MSMOIR8 OF
tuning, by a fondness for humour, for which
he was distinguished. This he oftener ex-
hibited by a quick perception and relish foi
it in others, than by actually displaying it in
himself. Yet he sometimes gave evidence
in his own remarks, of possessing no small
degree of genuine wit. When conversing
-with his companions in their native language,
he frequently afforded them much amusement
by the pleasant and humorous cast of his
conversation.
The customary deportment of Obookiah,
however, was serious, and dignity striking*
ly characterized his manners. Few young
men, it is presumed, command so much
respect from persons of every age and cha-
racter. Notwithstanding the familiarity
which he used with his companions, he
maintained an influence over them, becom-
ing the relation of an elder brother, or even
that of a respected parent. In his inter-
course with them the dignity of his charac-
ter was peculiarly visible. A motion of his
head often made known to them his will,
and obtained the compliance which he de-
sired.
His manners had become in a considera-
ble degree refined. A gentleman of respec-
tability who visited Cornwall, and had a
particular interview with him, observed,
that he had met with but few persons of any
country, more gentlemanly in their manners,
HSNRT OBOOKIAH. IM
NT* intelligent and interesting in their conver«>
lation.
Obookiah was a decided and consistent
^ristian. His conduct was habitually un-
ler the influence of principles of piety. He
nanifested a strong interest in the general
prosperity of religion, and expressed in his
:onversation, as well as his letters and diary,
irdent desires for the salvation of his fellow-
nen ; and especially of his countrymen, f<H*
Nrhona he fervently prayed, and in whose be-
lalf he often requested the earnest prayers
>f his friends.
In his writings, satisfactory evidence is
urnished of his own personal experience of
he power of divine grace. In these may
e seen, his convictions concerning the cha-
icter of his unrenewed heart ; his views of
e grace and glory of the Saviour ; his en-
e reliance upon the merits of Christ for
tification, and the employments and duties
which he found his only happiness through
whole course of his Christian life.
Asides this evidence, and that which was
ished by his exemplary conduct, the fol-
ng facts will aflbrd additional proof of
rdent piety.
hile a member of the Institution at
ivall, he was in the habit of attending a
ly meeting with his companions on Sa-
' evening ; in which, in addition to the
104 MEMOIRS OF
usual exercises of a religions meeting, b
questioned them individually concerning th
state of their minds, and addressed to thei
such observations as the particular sitnatio
of each seemed to demand. Others in a fe^
instances have been present, and have bee
greatly surprised both at the ability whie
he possessed of eliciting the feelings of hi
companions, and at the pertinency and wii
dom of his remarks.
He once observed to a friend, whilst i
health, '' I have many timet so much enjoj
ment in the night I cannot sleep."
At another time, *' When I have done wrong
I am always sorry — lam so sorry!"
He excelled and delighted in prayer. I
a letter from the Rev. Mr. Perkins, wh
often witnessed his performance of tlfis dot
in public assemblies, and had also a favoni
able opportunity of becoming acquainte
with his secret devotions, it is observec
" Prayer seemed to be his daily and nigbtf
business : in this duty he not only appeare
to take great delight, but he was pertinem
copious, and fervent It was almost impoi
sible to hear him pray and not be draw
into a devotional frame. I have repeatedl
witnessed great numbers in a meeting mell
ed into weeping, and in one instance th
greater part of the assembly, and seven
sobbing, while he stood before the throne o
HENRY OBOOKIAH. 10^
Grod, filling his mouth with arguments and
pleading for Christian and Heathen nations.
*' He remarked to me one morning as we
were journeying, that the night previous he
had spent chiefly in prayer for a youth who
happetied to reside in the family where we
had been kindly entertained."
He was once requested by a clergyman to
attend a religious meeting with him, and
make such observations as he thought pro-
per to the people. Previously to the hour
appointed for the meeting, he proposed to
the minister that they should retire, and
spend a short time in supplicating the bless-
ing of God upon the duties they were about
to perform.
Obookiah considered it as his duty, and
made it his habitual practice, to converse,
as he had opportunity, with persons whom
he supposed to be destitute of grace, and
urge upon them the necessity of immediate
repentance. In several instances his con-
versation has made impressions which have
terminated in an apparent conversion of the
soul to God.
After Henry's return from Massachusetts
he maintained a correspondence with seve-
ral persons of respectability, residing in the
different parts of the country which he had
visited. A very few only of his letters have
been obtained ; and parts of these are of so
local and private a nature as to preveat
106 MEMOIRS OF
their being inserted with propriety in this
Tolume.
Extracts from two of them will ibllow. —
The first was addressed to S. W. Esq. of
Greenfield.
'< Cornwall^ Jane 16, 1817.
" My Dear Svr,
** Again I take my pen to embrace this
opportunity in writing. Indeed, on this
yery day I received a most affectionate let-
ter; and when I come to nnseal it, lol it
was from my dear beloved friend, Mr. S.
W.! How, or what an answer can I give
for it ? My dear friend, I received your let-
ter with a thankful heart I rejoice to hear
that you have still a lively thought concern-
ing the great things of eternity. O that mat
thoughts and hearts may be united together
in the fear of C^, and in love of the Lord
Jesus — whom you spoke well of. Indeed,
my dearest friend, we are in a great debt,
both to Grod and to his Son Jesus Christ
We have owed them ten thousands of talents !
and alas ! how would we repay for all ? No^
withstanding the greatness of our due U
God for all his goodness and kindness to-
wards us, yet we can repay it, by giving uf
ourselves to him : for he does not wish fin
ours, but us : for thus it is written, * My
son give me thine heart, and let thine era
observe my ways. Your observations whid
HSNRT OBOOKIAH. 107
joa observed in this your letter, are just as
the thoughts of a true and humble believer
in God — and as one that fears God. Surely
it is as you say, that the supreme love and
affection must we give to him, who is the
Lord over all and blessed for ever. Pray that
these thoughts may not be mislaid in our hearts.
" Since I received your letter, my com-
panions had the curiosity for knowing the
person from whom the letter was sent. I told
them from one of my friends at the pl&ce
where I was kindly treated by them. They
were very much pleased with the letter-
supposed that you was a friend of Christ,
and a true believer in God, by what you
spoke well, both of Christ and his character.
To whom I answered that I had a strong
love for you, and hope that you may be a
fellow-traveller through the journey of this
wilderness world. that we both may meet
in the presence of God in the eternal world
above, where sin will never enter there. Let
18 not neglect the duty which we owe to
jrod to love him with our hearts, souls and
trength — and let us pray without ceanng*
" With this I must leave you, my dear
lend, in the hand of God. Look to him to
ceive instruction and to know his holy cha-
pter.''
The following letter was written to A. S
|. of Amherst^ dated
106 KEMOIRS 07
" Cornwall, Aug. 15, 1817.
*' My Dear Friend ^
*^ Your letter of late gave me a great satis-
faction. 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 Am-
herst 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 be-
low 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 king-
dom of Satan, into the kingdom of Christ
unless we see one or more faithful and hum-
ble Christians, running forward in spirit
without any least of doubt, nor fail from
doing whatever duty God required of them.
O let us all intreat of the Lord that he would
show unto us of his holy character a per
HENRT OBOOKIAH. 109
fectioD, 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 oar
ingratitude and unfruitfulness in the eyes of
the all-seeing Gk>d ; let us be faithful in our
duty, and may the great grace of Qod be suffi-
cient 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 faistitution, 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
bom 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. O 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 to remember me to Mr.
vid Mrs. P. and family. Tell Mr. P. that
I shall write to him as soon as I can, but I
dare not make any promise to set a tiioe
when. Yours,
« H. Obookiar."
About the commencement of the year
1818, Obookiah became seriouslv indispos-
ed, and was obliged wholly to abandon his
studies. A physician waa called^ %3dA %\^«^
110 MEMOIRS OF
attention paid to his complaints. It
soon found that his disease was the ij
fever; and a thorough course of mcHJ
was commenced, which after one or
weeks appeared to check the progrei
the disorder, and confident expects
were entertained of his recovery. ]
continued to be cherished until it be
evident that his strength was wasting,
that his constitution, naturally strong,
giving way to the violence of the dii
which had taken fast hold of him, and
not been essentially removed. Noti
standing the unremitted care and the
of his attending physician, and the co
of others called to consult with him,
kindest and most judicious attentions oi
family into which he had fallen, and the
versal solicitude of his surrounding frit
he continued to decline until the nigl
the 17th of February ; when his happy i
was released, and his joyful anticipa
realized, that he shoidd soon reach his hea
Father's house.
In this last lingering sickness, the c
tian character of Obookiah was advi
geously exhibited. His patience, chei
ness, resignation to the will of Gk>d, grati
for the kindness of his friends, and
nevolence, were particular subjects of
tice and conversation to those who atte
him during this interesting period. His ;
'.
^
HENRY OBOOKIAH. Ill
aician said of him that " he was the first
patient whom he had ever attended through
a long course of fever, that had not in some
instances manifested a greater or less degree
of peevishness and impatience."
Mrs. S. in whose family he was confined,
and who devoted her attention exclusively
to the care of him, observed, that '' this had
been one of the happiest and most profitable
periods of her life — that she had been more
than rewarded for her cares and watchings
by day and night, in being permitted to wit^
ness his excellent example, and to hear his
godly conversation."
By this Mend a part of his * observations
and answers, particularly within a few of the
last' days of his sickness, were committed to
writing ; and are as follows :
To one of his countrymen, as he entered
the room in the morning, after he had pass-
ed a night of suflfering, he said, *\I almost
died last night It is a good thing to be
sidk, . S , we must all die — and 'tis no
matter where we are." Being asked by
another ** Are you afraid to die ?" he an-
swered, ** No, I am not." A friend said
to him, " I am sorry to find you so very
sick" — he replied, '' Let God do as he
pleases"
Mrs. S. frequently inquired of him if he
would hear a few verses in the Bible. '* O
yet.'" washisanswer, ***li$JCPod;" andafter
112 MSM0IR8 OF
beanng, be would tarn his eyes to Heap
▼en, apparently in prayer. After a seasoq
of great distress, he broke out in an audible
voice, and said, " If we put our trust in God,
we need not fear." Frequently, when free
frcmi pain, he inquired for some one to pray
with him ; but often before he could be gra-
tified his F^ns returned, and he forgot his
request. The person whom he most fre-
quently called upon to pray with him was
his friend Thomas. They often prayed to-
gether, alone : — as they had done for yean.
In the language of his female friend, " Their
souls appeared to knit together like those of
David and Jonathan. Henry always appear-
ed composed and apparently very happy, af-
ter a season of prayer with Thomas. In a
season of fainting I left the room for a mo-
ment, to get some water, returned and found
them weeping in great distress, supposing
the time of separation had now come*''
Upon his inquiring for the Doctor, to whom
he app^red greatly attached, Mrs. S. said
to him, ** Henry, do you depend upon your
physician?" ''Oh! you don't know," said
he, " how much I depend upon the great
Physician of the soul." He inquired, "Does
the Doctor say I shall get well ?" It was
answered, " He thinks it is uncertain :" to
which he said, '* God will do what is right
•-God will take care of me." He observed
ImMmA, "It is a fine pleasant moming.'
*«' ra*," '"' f". .//,•■ 2l iff,'';"-
?«™ lS", "^kM yS ^'r"*?
I" *.ed Jl^-'^-Ph, .0/°" ""S" 'o be
114 MEMOIRS OF
done a great deal for me. But they must be
good for themselves too."
He appeared very affectionate to all, es*
pecially his countrymen. He insisted on
some one of them being with him continual*
ly ; would call very earnestly for them if they
were out of his sight ; and would be satisfied
only with this, that they were gone to eat or
to rest To one of them he said, " W ,
I thank you for all you have done for me ;
you have done a great deal ; but you will not
h^ve to wait on me much more, I shall not
live." To another, ** My dear friend S— ^
you have been very kind to me ; I think of
you often ; I thank you ; but I must die,
G , and so must you. Think of Ood,
G - , never fail." To another, " You
must stay ; perhaps I finish off this fore-
noon. How much God has done for me
and for you !"
The day before he died, "after a dis*
tressing night, and a bewildered state of
mind, he appeared to have his reason per-
fectly, and requested that his countrymen
might be called." After they came in he
inquired several times for one of them who
was absejit, and for whom he had no hope ;
and said, " I have not seen him much— I
shan't see him— I want to talk to him."—
When the rest had seated themselves around
his bed, he addressed them most feelingly in
Ilia native language, as long as his strength
BERRY OBOOKIAH. 110
would permit. As much of the address u
could be recollected, was afterwitrds wiitlen
in E)itE;libli by one of his couDtrymen, and
was essentially as follows; —
'■My dear countrymen, I wish to Bay
something to yoii all — you have been very
kind to me — I feel my ohiigation to you — 1
thank you. And now, my dear friends, 1
must beseech you to remember that you
have got to follow rae. Above all things,
make your peace with God — you must make
Christ your friend — you are in a strange
land — you have no father — no mother to
take care of you when you are sick — but
God will be your friend if you put your trust
in him — He has raised up friends here, for
you and for me — i have strong faith in God
— I am willing to die when the voice of my
Saviour call rae hence — I am willing, if God
design to take me. But I cannot leave you
without calling upon the mercy of God to
flanctifv your soiils and fit you for Heaven.
When" we meet there we shall part no more.
Remember, my friends, that you are poor —
it is by the mercy of God that you have com-
fortable clothes, and that you are so kindly
supported. You must love God — I want to
have you make your peace with God. Can't
you see how good God is to you ? God hiw
done great deal for you and for me. Re-
member that you have got to love God, or
else you perish for ever. God \i»a ^v>|i«i\o.»-
116 MBNoiBs or
Sod to die for you — I want to haTe yoa Iotc
Grod verjr much. I want to talk with you bj
and by — ^my strength iaib— I can't now—)
want to say more"
This is probably but a part of what was
spoken, and that imperfectly translated.—
The address, under the circumstances in
which it was made, was affectinir bcnrond
description. The weakness of Obookiah,
which was such that it was with difficulty
that he could utter an audible sound; the
peculiarly affectionaie and earnest tones of his
voice, the voice occasionally faltering in
death; his companions sitting around him,
with broken hearts — some of them almost
unable to support their grief— the address
being continued until his strength was en«
tirely exhausted, rendered the scene literally
overwhelming— Loud sobbing was beard
throughout the room ; and from persons littk
accustomed even to weep.
After Henry had ceased to speak, one of
his countrymen at his request, communicated
in English, to those of his companions who
were not able to understand the Owhyhee Ian*
guage, such things as Henry had previously
committed to him for that purpose*
An hour or two after this, when Obookiali
had obtained a little rest, his countrvmaiL
who had been absent during the acidre«i
coming in, he said to him, "Sit dowB«
0*7— > I have been talking with the othta
HEWRT OBOOKIAH. IIT
boys— They have been very kind to me*-<*
I can't pay them — ^but the Lord Jesas hii
enough and to spared—not money nor wine^
he will reward them. You, G ' , as w^
as I, are a poor boy ; you have no fether nor
mother here. Grod has given ns good friends^
and you must love him and serve him, G ;
and when w^e be departed here, we may
S raise Gtod for ever. We must all die.
doctor C. cannot save us when we are nek
unto death. You and I are sinners. May the
Lord Jesus have mercy on our poor soius^-*!
must rest."
To a son of the Rev. Mr. S. who came to
his bed-side, and after looking at him, was
about to withdraw, he said, ** Wait — ^walt
—I wish to speak to you. P ■ , yon h«vc
got to be a great boy-^you have been to
school a great deal. Remember you will be
examined at the Day of Judgment^ for yonr
mprovement." To a friend, he said,* ** My
lith holds out." To another, <' How soon
lall I be taken away ?" It was answdred,
pretty soon." He was asked, <*If yoQ
uld have your choice, would yon choose t6
e or to die?" He replied, *' I do not
ow ; I wish to live to do good ; if it were
for this, I do not w»h to live another
ment." And added, with mneh apparent
f, ** Pve lost my time — Pve lo9t my Itme."
another friend, he said, ** J haee no^
to /ioe, if I ca» m^mf (iU preavMe of '
118 MEMOIRS OF
and go where Christ is.'* Looking down at
his feet, which hore evident marks of ap-
proaching death, he cried out, "Oh! Mor*
talUyr* His physician requested him to
take some medicine which was di*«agreeahle
to him ; he said, " Wait, wait, Sir, till to-
morrow;" hut soon consented, and said
" Perhaps there will be no to-morrow."
The evening before his death, the Rev. M n
Mills, whom he always called <' Father,"
came in to see him. He looked at him very
wishfully, and said, " Will you pray. Sir,
before we part ?" He listened to the prayei
with fixed attention, and when it was closed^
said, as he had done in every instance be*
fore, " i thank you, Sir^* — and this with a
sweetness of voice, and an expression of coun-
tenance, which none can conceive but those
who witnessed.
As death seemed to approach, Mrs. S. said
to him', " Henry, do you think you are dying?"
He answered, " Yes, ma'am" — and then said.
'' Mrs. S. 1 thank you for your kindness**
She said, " I wish we might meet hereafter."
He replied, " I hope we shall" — ^and taking
her hand, affectionately bid her farewell.
Another friend taking his hand, told him that
he " must die soon." He heard it without
emotion, and with a heavenly smile bade him
his last adieu.
He shook hands with all his companions
prcBent, and with perfect comporare ad
HBRKT OBOOIAaH. flO
dresaed to them the pitrticg Galutation of his
native language, "Ailoah o'e." — My love be
toilh you.
But a few minuteB before he breathed hit
last, his physician said to him, "How do
you feel now, Heqry ?" He answered, " F«-
ry well — / am not lick — / have no pain — I /eel
well." The expression of his countenance
was that of perfect peace. He now seemed
a little reviyed, and ky in a composed and
quiet state for several minutes. Most of
those who were present, not apprehending"
an immediate change, had seated themselves
hy the fire. No alarm waa given, until one
of his countrymen who was standing by his
bed-side, exclaimed, "Obookiah'i gone." All
sprang to the bed. The spirit had departed
— but a smile, such as none present had ever
beheld — an expression of the final triumph
of his soul, remaiaed upon his countenance.
-!*VI
. I
I2(r MEMOIRS OF
EXTRACT FROM A SERMON
Preached at the Funeral of Ohookiah^ Feh.
18, 1818, hy Lyman Beecher, D. D. then
Pastor of a Church in Litchfield, Conn,
from Psalm xcvii. v, I &4%
T%e Lord reigneth let the earth rejoice, let the
multitude of the Ules be glad thereof. CUmd»
and darkness are round about him : righte'
ousness and judgment are the hMtation oj
bis throne.
The death of Henry Ohookiah, is one of
those ways of Qod, aoout which are clouds
and darkness.
We did not expect it, and we should not
have ordered events thus, to glorify Grod,
and extend his cause.
We thought surely this is he who shall
comfort Owhyhee. We saw so plainly the
hand of God, in bringing him hither ; in his
instruction, his conversion, talents, and mis-
sionary zeal, that like Samuel, when he saw
the eldest son of Jesse, we were prepared
undoubtedly to say, ''This is the Lord^s
anointed." But all our hopes of his agency,
in the Owhyhee Mission, are dashed. His
work is done: those feet will not traverse
the shores of Owhyhee, that tongue will not
publish saNttion to those, for whom it ut-
HXITST OBaOEUK. 12}
tered so many supplications. We behoM the
end of hia race, and bury with his dust in
the grave oil our high raised hopes of his
future activity in the cause of Christ.
Aod to Bome it may seem, aa if God were
frowning upon this Institution,* and were
warning us, after so much needless expense,
and labour lost in the education of this
youth, to cease from our vain expectations
of sending the Gospel to Owhyhee, and give
up our labour of love.
But we do not thus interpret the voice of
his Providence which speaks to us this day,
but ntber hear him saying to us, more audi-
bly than ever, "Go forward."
It must be confessed that we bare had
fears, unbelieving fears, doubtless in part,
and such in part as resulted necessarily from
the novelty of the undertaking; and bad we
suitably regarded the analogy of Providence
we might have had fears from our uninter-
rupted and uncommon prosperity, whether
our work was the Lord's, and would be own-
ed by him, and blessed. But from this dark-
ness we hear the voice of our God saying
Bnto us, " Be not afraid, for 1 am with you
— he not afraid, it is I." And we are not
ftfraid. Instead of his frown, we behold in
thi» his Providence, cheering evidence, that
122 MEMOIRS OF
this institution is taken under bis protection
as his own, and that he will by tnals so dis-
cipline ns, and the members of this school,
for future usefulness, that himself shall not
be robbed, nor we be destroyed, by the sal-
vation of Owhyhee.
Nor do we feel as if our labour had been
lost, did our work terminate this day. If
any are disposed to think so, let them behold
the dying scene of Henry Obookiah ; witness
his heavenly smile ; trace his bright piith to
glory; behold his immaculate spirit before
the throne of God — ^his astonishment at the
Providence which brought him from Owhy-
hee, to fit him for heaven, and his rapture
at the glory revealed in him. Behold his hu-
mility, while he veils his face, and casts his
crown at the feet of Jesus ; his rapture while
he cries amid the myriads of glory," Wor-
thy is the Lamb that was slain.'' Let them
calculate the amount of moral evil prevented
by his sanctification, and of natural evil, by
his exemption from the plagues of sin and
the wrath of God. — Let theni think of his
growing knowledge and expanding mind;
his increasing holiness, and nis joy, destin*
ed to increase for ever, and then decide,
whether they would recall the prayers, and
the substance given to him, if by doing so it
would recall his spirit from Heaven, renew
in his heart the reign of sin, and send him
back to weep unheeded, where he once wept
HERKY OBOOXIAH. H3
" because no one would give him lekhiing;,"
and at last to go ba^ to the darknen of
Owhyhee, and die unsatisfied among the
heath eu.
Who would dare to stop the song whidk
he sings, to extinguish the rapture which he
feels, to eclipse bjr his removal from Hearen
the glory of Ood, which hia redemption 3r
lostrates, or rob angels of their jaj at Ui
conversion, tad their angmented joy at hit
arrival in glory.
Who does not rejoice laither, that God hia
incltned and enatded him to bear a part in ■•
glorious an achievemeati as is now conwutif
mated by his redemptios ? ,
If the charchea oTNewk-Englasd, knowing
the purpo«e of Ood Doaceming Obookiah,
had chartered & iship and sent it to Owhyhce,
on purpose to biiH 1^™ ^ Christ, and fit
him for heaven ; it would have been a che^i
purchase of hlessedueM to man, and glory
to Ood : and were Uiere no expedients now
to rescue his poor countrymen, for whom be
prayed, the end would justify the constant
employment of such means, to bring the sons
and daughlers of Owhyhee, to glory. But
besides hia redemption, God by his Provi-
dence towards him, has illustrated his go-
vernment of the moral world, and added new '
evidence to the truth of the declaration,
>' All that the Father hath given unto me shall
124 MEMOIRS OF
He is in the deep darkness of Owhyhee,
and how shall he believe on him of whom
he has not heard, or how shall he hear with*
out a preacher, or be blessed with the privi-
leges, when the time has not come to send
that Gospel to that isle of the sea.
Behold the wonder-working hand of God !
He is in the proscribed family of his fathei;
til of whom are cut off. He flies with his
brother on his back, whom the fatal arrow
pierced, leaving Obookiah untouched— ^He
is dedicated by his surviving uncle to the
priesthood — But his tender spirit^ grieved
at the loss of his parents, could not bear the
associations of Owhyhee. Other children
had parents to return to, after playing, but
this ** poor boy*' .could jiot forget that he had
none, and left his native land. >k>lunjarily,
and eagerly, that he might eease'froin the
constant, painful, rememembrance of joys de-
parted never to return.
He came to this land, and heard of Him
on whom without hearing, he could- not be-
lieve, and by the mouth of those, who could
never have spoken to him in Owhyhee.
He heard, and God who commanded the
light to shine out of darkness, caused the
light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ, to illumine his
heart
Nor does the salvation of Obookiah fill up
the measure of good, by which the Moiit
High is pleased to reward our labour fbr
him. By means of his conversion, numbers
of his brethren, wandering like lost sheep ja
our land, have been brought also to the know*
ledge of his truth, and by the remote instru-
mentality of the same event, this Institution,
the hope of Owhyhee, and other heathen
lands, has been established. Nor are we
compelled to believe, that this usefulness will
terminate with his life, or that the immediate
consequences of his death, will be calamitous.
His death will give^ notoriety to this institu-
tion — will awaken a tender sympathy for
Owhyhee, and give it an interest in the
prayers and charities of thousands who other-
wise had ^othe0d o( this establishment, or
been i&ter^sted in its prosperity.
Let there be no despondency, then, in-
dulged by the members of this agency, or the
board under whose patronage we act, or hy
the churches of our Lord, who favour this
institution. These clouds, and this darkness,
announce the presence, but not the displea-
sure, of our God.
Had no disappointments intervened, our
work had lacked the immemorial testimony
of the Divine approbation. Instead of being
appalled by the darkness, we are cheered hj.
196 XKNOIRS OF HENRY OBOOKIAH.
it ; instead of fainting under the stroke, we
are animated by it, to double confidence in
(irod, and double dUigence in this work, fyr-
asmuch as we know, that our labour is nlM
▼ain in the Lord.
THB BNP. ^
/
•
IBIiTED crtuncH BOAim ^OB
lOBLD kIUISiTiI£S LIBE&fiX
JiMEMCAN BOABD OF COMMISSIONH
Fcr. . -
FOUnGti WSSA.OV& UbsJekiSl.
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av3aM.H4033 itae
3 2044 077 967 438
I, Edwin Welles:
Irs of Henry
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3680
33
1830
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