Mission life in Hawaii; memoir of Rev. William P. Alexander

Preface

The missionary Fathers who, through God's blessing, changed Hawaii's pagan night to day, have nearly all gone to their eternal rest; and now it is becoming a matter of increasing interest to save the records of their character and work. Every letter and manuscript of theirs, every reminiscence and memorial of them, is becoming very precious to their relatives and those interested in the mission cause.

It is with a view to save some of these priceless relics, that this memorial volume of Rev. William P. Alexander is published for his children and particular friends. There are writings by him and of him, which they feel they cannot afford to lose; there are narratives of his experience, the influence of which they need; there are tributes of afiection, which they desire to weave as a wreath of immortelles about his memory and the mission cause.

In accordance with what is known of his unassuming disposition it is not desired to claim for him more regard than for the other missionary Fathers, but to show what divine grace may accomplish in excellence and beauty of character and in self-sacrificing labor to the glory of God.

I have been assisted by my brother, Prof. Wm. D. Alexander, in collecting the materials for this volume, and by other members of the family in its publication, to all of whom it has been a labor of love and of interest in the mission cause.

Since the above was written the death of Mrs. Mary Alexander, the widow of Rev. Wm. P. Alexander, has occurred. Another chapter is added, giving an. account of her sickness and death, and tributes to her memory.

(iii) J. M. A.

Contents

Page.

I. Ancestry and Early Life, 7

11. 'J'heological Education and Mlssionary

Chapter I. Ancestry And Early Life

THE lineage of Rev. William Alexander can be traced with considerable certainty to several brothers of the name of Alexander, who, about the year 1734, emigrated from Scotland to America.

There is a legend that seven brothers of that name agreed together to remove to the New World, and that at the last moment, when about to embark, they sent for a clergyman to baptize their bairns. As this clergyman did not belong to the Established Church of Scotland, he was arrested by the civil authorities for administering the ordinance of baptism. The brothers looked for advice in this dilemma to their mother, whom, according to the Scottish customs, they implicitly obeyed even in mature age. She, with their families on board of the vessel, prayed over the matter all day, and at evening said, " Gang ye awa men, and tak our minister and bring him on boord. We will tak him to America with us." They therefore took him out of jail in the night, and with him put to sea. When the next morning the magistrates sought for him for trial, he was far away on his voyage to the land of liberty. He remained with these brothers the rest of his lif^?, ministering to their families as their pastor.

One of this family had previously emigrated to Londonderry, in the North of Ireland, and three of his sons removed to America and settled in the neighborhood of the above-mentioned brothers.

These families were generally well educated, as is shown by the books they transmitted to their children, and they had the means of living in comfort, as is shown by the houses they built. They settled chiefly in the vicinity of Frederickstown, Maryland, and thence emigrated in various directions. Prof. Archibald Alexander, of Princeton Seminary, was one of their descendants, as also Prof William Alexander, of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of San Francisco.

In one of these families Patrick Alexander was born in Frederickstown, Maryland, in the year 1740. His third son, James Alexander, born September 25, 1770, removed to Virginia, and there married Mrs. Mary Rose Depuy, December 26, 1793. In 1800 he removed to Kentucky, and made a home near Paris in Bourbon County.

This James Alexander is said to have been " a wise and godly Presbyterian elder." It was his custom to gather his family together Sabbath evenings to repeat at one sitting the whole *' Shorter Catechism," and at other times to give Bible proof texts for all its doctrines. In this way a foundation was laid for a knowledge of theology, that was of great service to three of his sons, Thomas, Samuel, and William, who became ministers of the gospel. He died suddenly at Cincinnati, October 3, 1 82 1, aged fifty-one years. His sixth son, William Patterson Alexander, is the subject of this narrative.

Of the early life of William P. Alexander about all that is known is contained in brief records written by him for his own benefit, extracts from which are here piven : —

^'Princeton, N. /., February 10, i82g. — I now undertake to write a short account of my life, that hereafter I may more easily refer to God's deah'ngs with me, and that by reviewing what is pa^t I may acquire a greater knowledge of my own character. ... I was born the 25th of July, 1805, at the waters of Stoner, about two miles soutlieast of Paris, Kentucky. ... At five } ears of age I was sent to school to John T. Edgar, at Paris, Kentucky, one mile and a quarter from home, during which time I had the measles. After this I went to a country school near Col. Henry Clay's, half a mile from home, to a succession of teachers, till icS2i, viz., Sterman, Mourning, Henry, Moffit, and David Dunlap. At these schools I learned almost nothing, except with Henry and Dunlap. The former waked me up to seek for a reason for everything I did in aritlimetic; the latter was my teacher in geometry, algebra, surveying, and astronomw"

This awaking to inquire for reasons for mathematical

processes was evidently the beginning of a new era in

• his life. His diary was intended as a private record of

his inner religious life, and as such it is a precious relic.

But his outward life was that of other boys \\\ those early days, among the sons of pioneer hunters and Indian fighters of Kentucky, and he entered with keen zest into the stirring life of the period. In later }'cars his character was deeply imbued with the chivalrous traits that honorably distinguished the Kentucky gentleman of " the old school."

It appears that through the influence of his pious parents his mind was profoundly occupied from his earliest da}s with the subject of religion. Of this we finel the following accounts in his diary: —

" During the time I was at scliool, the pious exhortations of my father caused me to frequently set about reform; often did I endeavor to work out a legal righteousness by abstaining from the more gross violations of God's law, by praying, so far as form was concerned, two or three times a day; but finding that I remained the same, I at length gave up the effort. . . . But so frequently did the light of God's truth penetrate my mind, that about every month after I was twelve years of age, I made efforts after holiness, though as often convinced that they were unavailing."

He has mentioned that during this time he once plead with his brother John, whom he observed anxious on the subject of religion, not to defer seeking an interest in Christ, a remarkable procedure for one not himself a Christian.

"In 1821," he records, "my father died. All his warnings now rushed upon my mind like a flood; and with more vigor than ever, I set about self-reformation. My efforts proving unavailing, I gave myself up to the power of sin, restrained only by pride of character. ^

" Being left by my father's death more at my own disposal, I commenced the study of Latin with Ebenezer Sharpe, at Bourbon Academy. I read the usual course, and made some proficiency in Greek. In the spring of 1824, I received a call to take charge of the mathematical department in Centre College. This at first appeared to be a situation just adapted to my wishes."

It is interesting to note that at so early an age as nineteen years old he was called to such a position.

•* While at Danville, my brother Samuel, who was then at college, told me of his hope, that he h;id fled for refuge to the Lord Jesus, and had been accepted of him,

REV. WM. P. ALEXANDER. ii

and of his intention of making a profession of religion the first opportunity. This very much affected me, and caused me to again seek reformation. I tried to get from under the power of sin, in order that I might witli more face apply to the Saviour for help ; for still my proud heart was unwilling to renounce everything, and to receive salvation without a price."

Desiring to resume his studies with E. Sharpe, he returned to Paris, and continued six months more under his instruction.

"Rev. John MacFarland," the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Paris, "about this time delivered a course of lectures on the Holy Spirit. In the course of these lectures I saw plainly that if ever I was saved it must be by sovereign grace. I saw that I had sinned against a holy God, and was filthy in his sight. Utterly despairing of help in myself, and being convinced that there was plenteous redemption in Christ, I endeavored to cast myself on his mercy. I abhorred myself on account of sin, and the truth that the 'blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin' was very precious to me. I recognized God as my Father, reconciled through his dear Son. I delighted to pour out my soul in secret to him, though often a sense of m\' un worthiness was such as to make me doubt whether God would regard me with mercy. Yet the reflection that Christ was my righteousness would revive my confidence."

About this time, the 1st of January, 1825, he drew up a form of dedication of himself to God, which, thougli almost too sacred for publication, is here given, for the light it throws on his subsequent character and life.

"Having for some time desired to commit to writing the dedication of myself to God, I shall now endeavor to do it acceptably through his grace abounding in Christ Jesus.

"Lord God, who alone art Jehovah, grant through the mercies of thy well-beloved Son, to pour out thy Holy Spirit upon me, that I may proceed in dedicating myself to thee in an acceptable manner.

"I am a rebellious sinner, by nature alienated from thee. My heart is a sink of corruption, diseased with the leprosy and corroding ulcers of sin; it verily merits thy holy indignation and hatred. But thanks and praise to thy holy name, although I am thus vile and filthy, there is a fountain opened in the house of David for sin and unclean ness. Jesus Christ has suffered in the room and stead of sinners, he has borne the sins of a rebellious world in his own body on the cross, and now gives the assurance of a God, that all who come believing on him, shall be saved.

" O God, I would plead thy promises, made to thy church and its offspring. I have been given to thee in baptism, and thou hast promised to ratify in Heaven whatever is done in thy name on earth. Give me, O God, the blessings of thy Holy Spirit, signified by this ordinance. Thou hast promised to be a Father to such as fear thy name, and to their children. Oh, give me the spirit of adoption, that I may really recognize thee as my Father, Enable me, when pleading these promises, really to believe that thou art a faithful and performing God.

" Now, Jehovah, I give myself to thee, body and soul, and all that thou hast given me. I place all in thy hands, as in the hands of a faithful Creator. Help me ever to act for thee, not for myself.

'T would take thee for my Father, my Saviour, my Sanctifier. Oh, enable me in deed and truth to say, I am thine and thou art mine. O Lord, wilt thou ratify this dedication. Father, accept me, as thou regardest the death and sufferings of thy dear Son. I trust in his allprevailing name.

" Let all that is in Heaven and earth praise the Lord;

for his mercy endureth forever. O my soul, bless his holy name. And to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, the only wise God, be honor, and glory, and power, and dominion forever. Amen.

"Give me humility, whilst I subscribe my worthless name, Wm. P. Alexander.

^^ July 6y 1826. — This day, O Lord God, help me renewedly to dedicate myself to thee ; and mourning over my past failures, I would beg thy sustaining power, to preserve me from backsliding from thee. w. P. A.

^' Princeion^ N.J.,Jan /, iSzg. — Four years have passed since I wrote this dedication ; but I have here in form given myself to God, and in reality have served myself. O Father, who hast borne with me, forgive my hateful departures from thee, and through Jesus Christ, my Saviour, enable me henceforth to live for thee.

"W. P. Alexander."

The experience described by this dedication was pivotal in his life. It determined his subsequent character and career. It naturally resulted from it that he united with the church, that he entered a theological seminary to study for the ministry, that he consecrated himself to the cause of foreign missions, and that he performed all the labors, and achieved all the success, of his missionary career.

The diary continues to great length, with records of events, and touching accounts of religious experience, a {^w quotations from which will suffice for illustrating his religious growth. After mentioning the fact of his joining the Presbyterian Church of Paris, the Sabbath after writing his dedication, he writes: —

"For one or two months I enjoyed much of God's presence; but I soon found the life of a Christian was a warfare; fori soon had to pas through many severe spiritual conflicts, but never was so far overcome that I doubted the sufficiency of my Saviour. Yet he was continually with me, doing me good.

"The summer of 1825 I taught school on Cooper's Run, five miles from Paris, to raise money to go to college. ... In November I went to Maysville, to assist J. T. Edgar in teaching school. . . . In the fall of 1826 I went to Centre College to complete my education. (God had recently poured out his spirit there in a remarkable manner, and was pleased to revive me in some measure. ... I lived along at Danville, sometimes engaged in the battle, sometimes yielding the conflict; and I certainly would have forever wandered from God, but in great mercy he would not let me go, but drew me with cords of loving- kindness, and showed me that my help was still in him.)

"In November, 1827, I joined a theological class, to study Hebrew and the Greek Testament, etc. In December, and subsequently through the winter, the Lord in a remarkable manner visited his church in Paris, as he had visited many other churches in the State. During this time my soul was somewhat refreshed, and I sometimes was able to plead with God for sinners, and to praise him for his wonderful works. In April (twenty-two years of age) I was chosen an elder in the church, and in May I was ordained."

Here are recorded strong expressions of regret that he did not accomplish more in the office of elder.

CHAPTER II. THEOLOGICzVL EDUCATION AND MISSIONARY CONSECRA- TION

THE theological class which Mr. Alexander had joined was broken up in the latter part of July, 1828, by the death of Mr. MacFarland. Mr. Alexander was now kindly assisted by his brother Thomas to take a course in Princeton Seminary.

"I set out for Princeton," he says, '=the 6th of October, 1828, accompanied by Brethren McRoberts and Lilly, and Mrs. MacFarland. I reached Princeton the 1st of November, and blessed God for bringing mc hither. Even within these consecrated walls I found a proneness to forget God, a proneness to let social prayer suffice for secret, especially as I found it difficult to be alone. With Brother McRoberts, my dear chum, feeling the need of being at times alone with God, 1 made arrangements, by which we have an opportunity for secret prayer three times a day. Since then I have reason to bless God. I have had more longings for holiness than heretofore.

"About this time my attention was turned particularly to the perishing condition of the heathen ; and I have since endeavored to inquire of the Lord whether I might carry the gospel to some of them. I feel on the whole more desirous to go than to remain in the United States. It was my choice to go to Palestine; accordingly I commenced the study of Syriac."

Among his papers are found copies of Syriac grammars, written by him at this time.

"On the loth of January, 1829, I joined with Brethren McRoberts, Lindly, Condit, Granger, and Harrison, in a covenant to spend every Saturday in fasting and prayer for growth in grace. We meet Saturday evenings, to recount God's deahngs with us during the preceding week, and to pray for growth in grace. I bless God for this association. I think my soul has been enriched by means of it, and hope yet to have many dehghtful seasons with these dear brethren."

A voluminous diary follows of his religious experience day by day through this period of his life, from which his thoughts in regard to undertaking the foreign mission enterprise are here quoted : —

"Read a short history of the South Sea islanders, and cannot but be amazed at the transforming power of the gospel. That I may be permitted to carry it to some dark corner of the earth is my daily prayer. This evening I took a dismission from the ' South and West Society,' believing that, with my present views, I cannot conscientiously remain a member. For if the Lord will not shut up my way, I feel bound in spirit to carry the gospel to some of the millions in pagan darkness. O Father, be my guide.

" April 6y i82g. — For several days past I have frequently inquired of the Lord whether I shall give my name to the American Board of Foreign Missions. I still hesitate in determining what is duty. O Lord, direct my steps, and help me to glorify thy name. .

''April 8, 182^. — This evening in conversation with Mr. Evarts, Secretary of the American Board, I felt aroused on the subject of missions, and inclined to hope

REV. WM. P. ALEXANDER. i;

that I would be allowed to serve God on heathen ground. O Father, direct me, as though a voice behind me were saying, * This is the way, walk ye in it' . . .

" April 9. — I bless the Lord, for he has been precious to my soul to-day ; and a consideration of his presence and love has kept me in a melting mood. I had another interview with Mr. Evarts to-day, told him all my feelings on the subject of missions, and promised to write to him soon. I trust the Lord will grant me the grace to preach the gospel among the heathen. O God, I am thine; guide me in the path of duty. . . .

''June II, i82g. — This morning I received a most affectionate letter from my dear sister Ann. Oh, she is dear to my heart, and in the most tender way she weaves those ties which bind me to my native land; but I hope the ties which bind me to my blessed Saviour are stronger; and if he will bid me, and give me strength, I will sunder all filial and fraternal bonds, and go to the ends of the earth. O Lord, thou art my portion be thou my guide. . . .

" November 11, i8jo. — A letter has come to hand from Jeremiah Evarts, informing me that I am appointed a missionary of the American Board. It produces very solemn reflections. Now unless God prevent by his providence, I am going to the heathen to spend my life in telling them of Jesus (a thing for which I have often prayed). It will be a trial to leave my friends and country; but '[{ any man love father or mother more than me, he is not worthy of me.' I do love them, but I feel in my heart I can gladly bid them farewell. I may meet with sore trials on pagan ground ; the rude barbarian may imbrue his hands in my blood; but no sufferings of this life are worthy to be compared with the glory which is to be revealed. Furthermore, they get near the throne in glory 'who come out of great tribulation,' and 'their robes are washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.' It is a privilege, it is an honor, to suffer for Christ; and I now feel as if I could count it all joy, to be found worthy to suffer for his sake. The sore trial after all lies deeper than this; it lies in myself Oh, it is this load of sin, which I bear about me; I am so prone to wander from God. ... I trust in him, and seek him with my whole heart, and realize his blessing. . . .

" April /f, i8ji. — Yesterday I was down at Millstone. Three of my Sabbath-school teachers are anxiously inquiring the way to Jesus. I trust the Holy Spirit has commenced a good work in their souls. Conversed awhile with a colored scholar. ... I proceeded to explain to her how Jesus Christ came into the world, and suffered and died in the place of sinners. This was a doctrine entirely new to her. She wept profusely as I explained it to her. ... I felt as though I were explaining the way of salvation to a poor heathen. I hope it will prove life to her soul. . .

'' Augtist 2, i8ji. — To-day I have been examined by the Presbytery of New Brunswick on theology, church history, church government, the sacraments, and Hebrew, and have been licensed to preach the gospel of Christ. High and holy calling! An angel might seek it, and an angel might tremble in view of its responsibilities ! How unworthy and unfit am I for the work ! Much heavenly wisdom is needed. Oh, grant it, Lord, that thy Son may be glorified and sinners rescued from perdition. But how little do I know of the love of

Christ! How poorly qualified am I to direct souls unto him! I will look to him for grace and strength, and, using all diligence, will trust in him, that he will keep me from disgracing the holy office. Gracious Redeemer, I would now covenant anew to be thine. Oh, make me wise to win souls to thee; and if thou dost grant me the grace to preach among the heathen thine unsearchable riches, oh, may I be faithful unto death. Oh, guide my feet, uphold my goings, and deliver me from sin. Grant me the anointing of the Holy Spirit for thy mercy's sake. Amen.

''August 7, i8j;i. — Yesterday I received a letter from Rev. R. Anderson, informing me that Brother Armstrong and myself are designated for the mission in the Pacific. To this field my heart inclined me, and I trust it has been of the Holy Spirit. I rejoice in the prospect of starting to the field next November. I rejoice that I may so soon have the high privilege of telling poor dying heathen of Jesus Christ. I rejoice in having my dear Brother Armstrong for my companion. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for he has dealt bountifully with thee. I would have been glad to have enjoyed the company of Brethren Forbes, Thomson, and Boggs. Perhaps Forbes may yet go with us. The Lord direct, and to his will I wish to say from the heart, Amen. . . .

"I was ordained by the Presbytery of Cincinnati, October 12, 1 83 1, at the same time with Rev. \V. O. Thomson" (who wrote "The Land and the Book").

The following accounts of the action of that Presbytery are found among his papers.

" Extracts from the minutes of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, October 12, 1 83 1.

"Presbytery satisfied with the examination of both the candidates for ordination, agreed to ordain them this evening, the exercises to commence at seven o'clock. At which time Rev. John Thomson preached the sermon, and the Rev. James Gallaher presided, and gave the charge. And William P. Alexander and William M. Thomson were, according to the rules of our church government, solemnly ordained to the holy ministry, as evangelists, appointed to foreign missions, by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. And the Stated Clerk was directed to furnish the newly ordained evangelists with the necessary testimonials.

"A true copy, John Thomson, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

"This is to certify, that the bearer, the Rev. Wm. P. Alexander, who is appointed by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, a missionary to the Sandwich Islands, is a member of the Presbytery of Cincinnati in good standing; and being about to set out for his field of labor, he is hereby affectionately recommended to the Christian sympathies and fellowship of his missionary brethren, or any other people of God, among whom he may travel or sojourn. Certified at Cincinnati in the State of Ohio, on the 13th day of October, A. D. 1 83 1, and signed on behalf, and by order of, said Presbytery. By John Thomson, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Cincinnati."

During visits with Rev. Wm. Dewitt, D. D., at Harrisburg, Pa., on his journeys to and from Princeton, Mr. Alexander made the acquaintance of Miss Mary Ann McKinney, whom he first met while she was engaged in city mission work, and to whom he was married, at Harrisburg, October 25, 183 1.

Chapter III. Voyage To The Hawaiian Islands

["For his name's sake they went forth." 3 John 7.]

THE fourth re-inforcemcnt of missionaries for the Hawaiian Islands met in Boston, previous to embarkincf, to receive instructions from the Pi udential Committee of the American Board. On this occasion Dr. Anderson asked Messrs. Alexander and Armstrong and their wives whether they would be willing to undertake a new mission to the Marquesas Islands, provided arrangements could be made for it with the London Mission Society. They assented. Thiis re-inforcement consisted of nineteen persons. They were: Rev. Messrs. Alexander, Armstrong, Lyman, Emerson, Forbes, Hitchcock, Lyons, Spaulding, and their wives, Dr. Chapin and his wife, and Mr. Rogers, a printer. They embarked at New Bedford, November 26, 1831, on the ship ^iT'^/vr/^, Captain Swain. A journal of Mr. Alexander's and reminiscences, written by his wife and others, disclose to us many pictures of their voyage. We quote as follows: —

''At sea, on board ship Averick, Monday evening, November 2S, iSji. — Day before yesterday, Saturday, November 26, we cmbaiked at New Bedford, Mass. The wharf was crowded with friends, who assembled to bid us adieu. They united with us in singing, ' Blest be the tic that binds our hearts in mutual love,' after w^hich Mr. Green, Assistant Secretary of the Board, led in prayer. As the sloop, bearing us to the ship, left the shore, \vc sang, 'Shall we whose souls are lighted,' etc., — words which seemed to have a new meaning, sung by so large a company, bound on such an errand. Our first business on board was putting our state-rooms in order, and preparing for seasickness, which we did none too soon. Mrs. Hitchcock was the first sick; all the rest soon followed her example. I was not much sick till bed-time."

Some of the other passengers have recorded their view, that it was a mistake for so large a company to have been sent on a vessel with the inadequate accommodations of this. Four berths in the cabin, suitable for single persons, had to be used as double beds, and the rest of the passengers were stowed away in temporary berths on the sides of the after cabin, a dark and dismal place, crowded with boxes, casks, and kegs, in utter confusion.

"Before retiring for the night. Brother Emerson asked permission of the captain to have prayers in the cabin, to which he gave his hearty approbation. I read the 1 2 1st psalm, 'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, etc.,' and we sang one verse of the hymn, ' Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,' after which I made a short prayer. The captain attended.

"During the night a severe gale of wind arose, and made us all very sick. Sabbath morning none of us were well enough to attend prayers. The captain showed great kindness in every particular. He seemed to watch for opportunities to confer favors. . . . Sabbath night the gale was still more violent; the sea broke over the deck, and swept away some chickens and provisions, given us by friends. This morning I hastened to the deck. The sea ran very high. All the sails were furled. The fresh air restored me. In the midst of our seasickness we have many things for which we ought to be thankful, the kindness of the captain and other officers, and particularly of the steward and cook, the comforts of our large state-room, and the fact that I have not been so sick but that I could attend to the wants of my dear wife. Here in the wide Atlantic I erect my Ebenezer hitherto the Lord hath helped me.