The Hawaiian gazette., 1869-05-26

TEsTIMoNIAL.-0n Tuesday the 4th inst,
an elegant silver Urn was presented to Arch
deacon Mason, by his congregation, and
other friends in Lahaina, along with the fol-
lowing address "Rev. and Dear sir; you
have been invited to meet US this evening,
for the purpose of receiving an assurance of
our love and esteem for you, as our clergy
man and friend We are of one mind in ac-
knowledging the zeal and fidelity with
which you have discharged the duties of
your sacred calling, and We have also reason
to congratulate ourselves, that, in the ordi-
nary intercourse of lite, We have found in
our Pastor, the man of education and the
gentleman. Of these our sentiments you
are probably aware, but We have thought
that more enduring expression might be
given to them, than can be conveyed by
words alone, and we therefore beg your &C
ceptance OF this little offering, in the hope
that in after life, when, perhaps you shall
see US no more, it may recall US to your re-
membrance, and suggest to you, that our
best wishes are ever with you" In reply
Mr.. Mason spoke nearly as follows: Ladies
and Gentlemen; / feel somewhat like that
man l have read of in eastern story, who,
having been, all his life, accustomed to
poverty, awoke one morning in q palace,
surrounded by oriental magnifcence. But
he was only Knocked by a transitory change
of circumstances; it was all unreal. On the
contrary, however, this is no unreality TO
me, for your valued expressions of regard are
accompanied with this substantial and Gle
giant gift, yet, still, like the poor man, l
must wonder what it is all for, what have
done that could induce you to shew me such
unexpected kindness? That you approve
of the manner in which have endeayoured
to fulfil my sacred duties, is very gratifying
to me; but l am deeply conscious that
have to answer for their faithful discharge,
to higher tribunal than that of man, and,
were it not that trust in the Great and Good
Shepherd as my advocate there, l could not
even contemplate, without shame, the pros
pect of rendering an account of my work
done here, during the past five years. The
event of this evening has strengthened my
conviction, that it is possible to hold and ex-
press strong and decided opinions on religious
subjects, and yet, so to hold, them as TO bear
with the different views of others, trying TO
persuade, rather than to give needless offense.
Moreover, that as society is at present con-
stituted, it is the duty Of Christ's Ministers
to endeavOr to instil pure and sincere princi-
Piles of action, even though they may be una
BILE to convince many of the truth of particu-
lar theological dogmas. 1t also reminds me
that we ought not to despise the day of
small things. We live in small community,
in small kindom; but am bound to say
that l have met in this lite society, during
these years, men of most loving spirits, pure
and upright lives-aye, and of refined man
ners and scholar-like attainments; men, in
fact, who would be ornaments TO far more
important spheres. In conclusion, what
ever may be my future, l think l shall scarcely
find, even in my own dear native land, a
more tranquil spot, where l might wish to
end my days; and this present, for which
return you my most sincere thanks, shall
ever recall to me the happy memories of our
social intercourse in Lahaina"
Refreshments were then handed round,
and the guests enjoyed themselves till a late
hour with music and dancing The Urn was
ordered, through our respected townsman
Mr.. Flitner, from the house of Vanderslice
& Co., of San Francisco, who have displayed
foafa hash In re cfarf,o III orr
mentation.
As Archdeacon Mason stands deservedly
high in the public opinion of Honolulu, we
have much pleasure in recording this proof
of the esteem, in which he is held, by those
who are more Immediately connected with
him.