with but one church and one school-house in the district, and almost without printed books or knowledge of reading.  They flocked to hear the Gospel.  Thousands removed from a distance to Hilo, where, in their rapid way, they built up a large town, and kept up surely the strangest “protracted meeting” ever held; and going back to their homes after many months, they took with them knowledge and zeal to build up Christian churches and schools of their own.

Over these Dr. Coan has presided these many years; not only preaching regularly on Sundays and during the week in the large native church at Hilo, and in two or three neighboring churches, but visiting the more distant churches at intervals to examine and instruct the members, and keep them all on the right track.  He has seen a region very populous when he first came to it decrease until it has now many more deserted and ruined house-places than inhabited dwellings; but, also, he has seen a great population turned from darkness to light, a considerable part of it following his own blameless and loving life as an example, and very many living to old age steadfast and zealous Christians.

On your first Sunday at Honolulu you will probably attend one or other of the native churches.  They are commodious buildings, well furnished; and a good organ, well played, will surprise you.  Sunday is a very quiet day in the Islands:  they are a church-going people, and the empty seats in the Honolulu native churches give you notice of the great decrease in population since these were built.

[Illustration:  Bethel church.]

If you go to hear preaching in your own language, it will probably be to the Seamen’s Chapel where the Rev. Mr. Damon preaches—­one of the oldest and one of the best-known residents of Honolulu.  This little chapel was brought around Cape Horn in pieces, in a whale-ship many years ago, and was, I believe, the first American church set up in these islands.  It is a curious old relic, and has seen many changes.  Mr. Damon has lived here since 1846 a most zealous and useful life as seamen’s chaplain.  He is, in his own field, a true and untiring missionary, and to his care the port owes a clean and roomy Seamen’s Home, a valuable little paper, The Friend, which was for many years the chief reading of the whalemen who formerly crowded the ports of Hawaii; and help in distress, and fatherly advice, and unceasing kindness at all times to a multitude of seamen during nearly thirty years.  The sailors, who quickly recognize a genuine man, have dubbed him “Father Damon;” and he deserves, what he has long had, their confidence and affection.

[Illustration:  Dr. Damon.]

The charitable and penal institutions of Honolulu are quickly seen, and deserve a visit.  They show the care with which the Government has looked after the welfare of the people.  The Queen’s Hospital is an admirably kept house.  At the Reform School you will see a number of boys trained and educated in right ways.  The prison not only deserves a visit for itself, but from its roof you obtain, as I said before, one of the best views of Honolulu and the adjacent country and ocean.