The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1882-09-16
An Evidence of Christianity.

Mr.. EDITOR:-The above caption has
nothing to do with Paley's great work, but
is simply the history of a matter of fact in
cident experienced by me during my morn
ing's walk, and as you know I am a con-
firmed grumbler you will wonder what Y
can be taking exception to now.
Sauntering on King street in the vicinity
of the Palace and Government House, /
observed a quaint venerable looking struc-
ture which reminded me of one of our old
village churches, so much-So indeed, that
L made up my mind there and then to look
over it.
gained admission to the grounds through
an imposing entrance, and was much
pleased with the grand memorial to the
late King LunalilO, as also with the marble
tablet to the memory of the learned Doug
last, who sacrificed and devoted his life to
the Interest of science. Ascending a flight
of coral rock steps, of which material the
church is built, a door stood invitingly
open which / entered and in a few moments
found myself in the body of the church.
I cannot describe to you how disappointed
/ felt at the wretched sight that presented
itself to me. Can it be possible, [ asked
of mysell that this is a Christian church?
Perhaps it's use as a church is abandoned
still here is a programme dated. Septem-
Der 3, of a service held here, and there is
a Bible on the altar, and hymn books in the
choir. There is also the dirty white walls,
the dirtier floors, the faded tapestry, strip of
carpet, and ragged mating, the worm-eaten
SlCClDSS, WIFI uldldpludUeu CUSHIONS partly
covering some of them. Are these evidences
of Christianity? If the congregation do not
chew the cud of repentance they make up
for it by chewing tobacco, and in the alb
sence of any other decoration, bespatter the
fronts of their pews with the spittle of to-
bacco juice. L turned to cave utterly dis
gusted and on looking at the walls of the
vestibule / found (what was decidedly not
an violence of Christianity they were de-
corated with pencil sketches and amorous
ranlarES SOnla Of 6pprQ6Q1 and nhc0ana do
'seFiptiOn.
I Who is responsible for this scandal ia our
midst? Who are the managers of his
church?
mark of Christianity in these Islands a
standing and living disgrace to you. Pow
erty is no excuse for filth, if you congrega-
ton cannot afford new fittings, let each of
them use u bucket of water and some ell
bow grease and scrub he floors and sittings
clean, remove the stains of tobacco juice
whose only virtue is to kill some of the
fieas which the filth .engenders-and try
to MAKE the place look as if una beings
used the edifice to worship God in-remem-
Der that 'cleanlinesS is next to Goodness"
Now, you, who ever raise your voices to
the nations afar, and tell them what you
have lone and are doing for the heather,
and for whom so many dear little ones at
home collect their dimes, and send them
to aid you-dip your hands in you pockets
and answer this true charge by removing
the cause. If your purse is empty ask of
those that have, come to me, / will give
you a dollar for the privilege you have
given me to relieve a grOwl. A little color
wash of a neutral tint on your walls, the
removal OF the faded drapery carpet, rotten
mats and torn cushions, the wood work re-
paired and a couple of coats of paint, would
prove to your converts by good example
the value of cleanliness.
1 challenge you to find the equal in dis
order and filth of this place of worship on
God's earth.
Get up a fancy fete and fair; the crews of
the American and British war ships in port
will help you if asked for a good object.
They would show their prowess in friendly
rivalry in an assault at arms, at foot races,
etc, you can have amateur performances,
mock auctions, fancy and refreshment
stalls 1.-THE latter strictly temeperate) pre-
sided over by the beauty of your city who
would sell good things in Swiss caps and
aprons at unheard of ~prices-who would re-
sist the appeal of a fairy who solicited you
to nave a shy at "Aunt Sally or even re-
fuse to follow the fortunes of the "nimble
pea,'' when manipulated by one of the
many of our local handles.
Thousands of dollars are collected in this
manner at home for good objects, and why
not here-I merely suggest this course, but
whether it is adopted or not, you must re-
move the impurities from this church, and
if you do not the thoughtful stranger with
in your gates will tell you that you are
neglecting your duty to God and man. Y.