The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1901-08-07

inevitable the Immediately following po- :
litical evolution, in which the serfs were
freed and endowed with lands, just laws
were enacted, Royal power, limited. by a
liberal Constitution, and Representative
Government established. All this was
accomplished by the cordial, co operation
of Monarch and Chiefs, within less than
ten years after the great Revival. That
was the turning point in Hawaiian his
tory. Having been effectually Christian
lied by their great Pentecost, and imbued
with pervading and reverent moral SEN
timent the Hawaiians spontaneously pro
ceeded to seek organization under civil
lied law and order The great religious
Awakening of 1883 was thus the de-
cisive shaping of Hawaiian political life.
1t rendered Hawaii thenceforward the
bright center of Christian civilization in
the mid Pacific. That civilization had
vitality and strength that surmounted
! the efforts of later degraded monarchs
to resuscitate the old heather idolatry
!and despotism.
In closing these "reminiscences of my
days of childhood, mention needs to be
tmade of the remarkable concentration Of
spiritual force which witnessed in the
General Meetings." which We're held
yearly in Honolulu, to which all the mis-
sion families gathered. Their daily ses-
sions were held during from four to six
weeks in the year in the old school
house which still stands in the rear of
/ kawaiahao Church. Often some forty
or more of the missionaries besides their
wives were present, as well as many OF
the older children. AS a boy was often
present in those meetings. with deep in
terest in many of the discussions. Much
business was transacted relating to the
Mission. New missionaries were to be
located and older ones transferred. Elk
penditures upon schools printing dwell
lings, etc. were decided on. Assignments
l. rof work were made In franslating, reyis
ing and writing books. Annual reports
to the American Board were agreed up
: on including advice upon changes of pol
icy and management.
g + While serious differences OF opinion
would arise, and warmth of discussion
; occasionally appear, think 1t never grew
to bitterness. There always prevailed a
spirit not only of forbearance and har-
mony, but of very warm fraternal affee-
ton. Such Is my recollection of what !
t iheard and saw The general impression
continues very deep upon my memory, of
. a lofty and profound spiritual enthusiasm
j which pervaded all the conference and
counsellings of this noble band They
4 were ardent believers In the conversion
of the heather to Christ. They felt a
g great courage in witnessing the wonder
They had a very fervent faith IN a com
ing triumph of the Gospel in all heather
lands. The business of their Lord and
3 His Gospel stood supreme in all their
thoughts. In the expectation of His VIC
tory they were hopeful. joyful ardent
and feryent in spirit.
The old school house witnessed many
rare hours and days of most consecrated
7 and blessed conference, which deeply
! stirred even our childish minds and spir-
its. Memory has doubtless retained chief
ly what was best and highest. 1t is re-
membered as living realization of the
:, hymn:
2 ITO each the soul of each how dear;
Y What tender love, what holy fear
: Their ardent prayers together rise,
i Like mingling flames in sacrifice"
In November. 1899. at the age of near
ly thirteen, / left this scene of high mis-
. sionary activity, TO embark on the whaler
William Lee for the voyage of six
: months to the United States, where I re
!, smained twelve years, taking college and
seminary courses, and returning agair
: laround the Cape to Honolulu with my
- wife after more than thirteen years alb
. sence. We hope to celebrate our golden
: wedding ten months hence.