Polynesian., 1850-03-09

hign privilege Of honoring the gospel by
performing the simple act of Justice of sus.
taInmg their pastor, and labOring in other
ways, for the spread of the gospel of God
/ what can tend more powerfully 10 insn;re
them with self-respect, than thus obeyinp the
PLAIN commands Of the bible-the iniunctions
joi Christ and of his Apostles I? will you
not help them to do this, by ceasioo to draw
your support from foreign sources and bv
casting yourself on the people for SUPPORT
2. BY assuming this attitude. Pastors
would create IN the bosoms of their people a
become effective co-workers with the ch,roh
es of other lands, in sending the eospel to
the unevangelzed
NO one doubts that the ascending COM
mand Of the Great Redeemer, "Go We into
all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature, is as much binding, other things
being equal. upon Hawaiian, as upon Amer
lean christians At the present time the
churches in the United States are not only
sustaining their own literary and religious
institutions, but they are toiling with great
Idisinterestedness and zeal, for the destitute
Of other lands. They do this cheerfuIy. |
trust, and great will be their reward. Still,
they desire auxliaries in this good work
They desire to have converts from among
heather nations aid, as early as possible. in
sustaining their own teachers, and laboring
in behalf of the destitute Of other lands, be-
cause they know that GO it is more blessed to
give than to receive" They desire it. be-
cause they mistrust the character of the pi-
ETY. which has not this type. They know
who hath said, elf any man have not the
spirit of Christ, he is none of His They
desire It also, because so rich is the harvest
and SO wide that they cannot reap it. Their
Joy, therefore, is exceedingly great on the
accession of fellow laborers TO their ranks
Christians have turned the eye of expecta-
ton hither-have watched with much inter
est, the growth of the church at these is
lands, and have little doubt that they cal
culate on receiving considerable aid from
these churches in the work Of extending the
cOnquests of the cross; aid which shall equal
at least, the amount Of funds, which for the
few last years, have been sent hither for the
support of missionaries among this people.
And while admit that the churches have
done something for the support of their Pas
tors, and for the propagation of the gospel
in other lands, still it is true that some thirty
thousand dollars have been sent hither every
year for long time, and that nearly that
sum is allowed for the year 1850. Now this
ought not so to be. The Hawaiian churches
are abundantIy able, taking them on an av-
erage, the strong aiding the weak, to sustain
their own pastors. Some of them feel that
they are able. They desire to do so; and
to my certain knowledge, individuals often
express deep regret and modification in liv-
L. L 4
ity of their christian brethren of the United
States. All would feel so, am persuaded,
were they faithfully instructed in relation to
their duty and privilege; and five years
would not elapse ere the more wealthy
churches among us would fully support their
pastors, and in addition would organize
themselves into a Foreign and Home mission
AIRY Society, in which capacity they would
aid their weaker brethren, and do something
for the spread Of the gospel in other and more
benighted lands.
What an honor, fellow-laborers. NV
heart diiates with joy at the thought! To
raise up churches on these recently heather
shores, which shall cooperate with the
churches of the United States and Europe in
the noble, God-like work of sustaining
christian institutions. Will you not allow
them to stand erect in conscious independ-
ence, and thus address the churches of the
United States: Cease, brethren, to send
hither the means Of sustaining our teachers.
The work is ours. Justice, gratitude, the
love of God, all demand that we perform it.
While we thank you for all you have done
more benighted lands. Carry to them the
boon which is enriching us for time and eter-
nity, and allow US to aid you to the extent of
our ability, in the precious work of enlight-
ening this dark, and saving this dying
world" cannot but think that encourage.
ment from their Pastors to become co-work-
ers with the great and good of other lands,
would do much to inspire this people with
the feeling of self-respect, which would re-
suit in making them industrious, intelligent,
and prosperous. Will not each Hawaiian
Pastor try the experiment? So hope.
/ am we'll aware that objections to Pastors
casting themselves upon their people, can be
urged. have myself felt their force. And
| believe that they will increase in number,
and become more and more formidable in the
minds Of those who urge them, while they
refuse manfuly to grapple with the work,
and while they continue 10 receive regular
and full support from their patrons at home.
To him who has been carried over a smooth
level road, in covered, well lighted and
cushioned vehicle, the idea of walking up a.
steep ascent on stony path. will at first be
painful one But who does not know that
difficulties not unfrequentIy appear of giant
dimensions when seen at distance, which
dwindle 6dwarls on being encountered with
resolure spirit. Were it the object of this
communication, ] could show in various par
ticulars, the happy effects upon the pastor
and his children, of the course which l have
recommended. But as | design to speak
only Of the influence on the Hawaiians,
chiefs and people. conclude by expressing
nv earnest desire that each of my fellow la
borers may have wisdom and fidelity to do
his whole duty; and may we all have the
happiness of seeing our efforts crowned with
complete success.