https://hmha.missionhouses.org/files/original/ec9640c926217382de07226bb0691331.pdf a4f8334efadfd0d094abdd56c3aeae48 PDF Text Text - U N P U B L I S H E D - "Minutes of General Meetings of the Mission” 1. May 16 - June 20, 1825, [Honolulu] 2. Sept. 23 - Oct. 20, 1826,[Kailua] 3 . Apr. 23 - May 3, 1828, [Honolulu] Copied from Original found in Archives, Hawaiian Board. Nov. 1909. �[Kailua, Sept. 23-0ct. 20, 1826] Proceedings of a General Meeting of the Sandwich Island Mission held at Kailua Sept. 23rd 1826. Present the Rev. Messrs. Bingham, Thurston, Richards, Bishop & Ely, Mr. Joseph Goodrich and Levi Chamberlain. After prayer by the Rev. Mr. Bingham, the brethren pro­ ceeded to organize the meeting by choosing a Moderator and Scribe. The Rev. Asa Thurston, Moderator Levi Chamberlain, Scribe. On motion that a committee of overtures be appointed, voted that a Committee of three be chosen to arrange & present to the meeting subjects for their consideration & future deliberations. Made choice of the Rev. Messrs. Bingham, Richards & Ely. The Committee having had leave to retire, returned & presented the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted. 1. Resolved that we consider our services as missionaries pledged to the Church for life, and that we consider it irreg­ ular for any member of the mission to take any steps towards a removal from his post, until he have the approbation of his brethren. 2. Resolved that in order to justify the Mission in approving of the return of any member from this field to the Board they shall be able to assign reasons for it which in their opinion will be satisfactory to the American Board & the candid Christian public. �11826] p. 24 The following letter from Dr. Blatchely was read. Honolulu, Oahu, Sep. 11 1826. Dear Brethren, It is now more than a year since I became apprehensive from the state of my health that it would not be safe for me to remain in this climate a great while longer. I have since been quite convinced of the fact, and continue to be daily worried of the danger of deferring my departure for higher latitudes. Was it not for the desire to continue to discharge the duty for which I came hither towards those who are more particularly needing medical advice at the present time, I should without delay consider it expedient to improve a good opportunity that now exists to embark for the U. S. A. You are doubltess aware of the delicacy of that trying situation in which a decision of this nature in ones own case so reverts back upon himself, as to depend chiefly upon the expression of his own opinion. Mr. Loomis' case was the third respecting which I have been called upon to give my opinion respecting others; and I now give it respecting myself and ask for your united consid­ eration & opinion respecting the propriety or necessity and the time of my going. — Were I to go this season and by the present opportun­ ity Kalalmoku would need operating upon just before my embark­ ation, and when he would need it again the Peacock or Blossom would probably be here. The next operation he might need would not be needed probably under seven months from this time or nearly as soon we will hope that another physician will arrive �[1826] from America*. p« 25 For Mrs* Thurston I do not think I should be able to do more than others in the Mission could do to balance the hazard to my self of remaining here many months longer* As to Mr* Loomis, if he goes to the U. S. A. he will doubtless go soon and I shall not be needed here for him. Others may need a Physician, but you will recollect that my own health is now exceedingly poor, my constitution much impaired by the climate and when brought low I have no physician to administer to me, that I have a companion whom I hope never to leave in such a place as this. The uncertainty of an opportunity of a passage next spring makes me fear to delay, believing to spend another warm season at the islands will be exceeding dangerous. Yours respectfully Abm. Blatchely. P. S. If I knew that I should live noflonger for going than by staying here, I should still in my present state of health consider it my duty to go on Mrs. B.’s account. Upon the proposition, what order shall the mission take respecting Dr. Blatchely's communication, after considerable discussion of the subject and much consideration the following vote was passed: Voted that we adviee Dr. Blatchely to delay his sailing for the United Stdtes of America till some future opportunity and that the following letter be forwarded to him immediately. Kailua, Sept. 23rd 1826. Dear Brother Blatchely, We have the pleasure to inform you that the members �[1826] p. 26 of the mission first assembled at this place this morning for the transaction of business. We took the earliest opportunity therefore afforded us to consider the application made to us by you and handed to the meetihg by Mr. Chamberlain. The subject has occupied our attention ihe greater part of the day and as a vessel is to sail this evening to Lahaina we take the earliest opportunity to make our reply. In deliberating upon a subject of a nature so deli­ cate and yet so Important not only to ourselves but also to the interests of our patrons and the cause of missions in general, as well as to yourself and Mrs. Blatchely in particular, we trust we have brought our minds to the subject entirely divested of personal feeling, and deeply desirous of discharging our^duty to yourself and us and at the same time of satisfying the minds of the Christian public with the reasons of your return to your native land. -And here it is not improper for us to express the satisfaction which we feel in acknowledging your medical ser­ vices to us as a mission family during the three and a half years past. We trust that we are not insensible of the kind­ ness and prompt attention manifested by you in the capacity of physician to those of our number who have been afflicted with sickness since your embarkation at New Haven for these islands. It is our prayer to the God of all mercies that you may meet with a gracious reward, not only in this life with many and happy days enlivened and cheered by the smiles of His counten­ ance, but also with a crown of immortality in the end. — Your dear companion also shares in our fraternal �r [1826] confidence and love. p. 27 We regard her as a dear slater In Christ, to whom we are all abound by the tenderest ties of affection, t and from whom, (if the event should become necessary) 'we shall part with the liveliest emotions of regret and sorrow. We shall not cease to hope and pray for the fullest restoration of her health, & for a long and prosperous course of usefulness whereever her lot may be cast. These are the feelings, dear Sir, and these are the predominent sentiments of our minds with which we have taken up the consideration of the subject of your letter. As far as the facts relative to your case have been developed before us, [p.25] we have come to the unanimous opinion "that it would be better to defer your departure from these islands for the present.”. In expressing this opinion we have kept fully In sight the delicate state of your health as well as the desirableness that every proper measure should be taken for its restoration. But we do not despair as yet of a restoration at these islands; at least, if such measures be taken as appear to be practicable, of the return of such a comfortable state of health as will enable you to dwell with us another year, or If possible until the arrival of another physician from America. — In giving this opinion we also pledge ourselves to use such means as are prac­ ticable to render your situation more comforatble and healthy. Should you be disposed to tarry a while longer with us and make the proposed experiment, we hope to feel ourselves ready at any time hereafter when It shall become expedient for your return to give our entire approbation of the measure to our patrons in America, and recommend you to their favor and to the fellowship �[1826] p. 28 of the churches. But on the other hand, if with the enfeebled health of many members of the mission, as well as the condition of Kalaimoku before you, you shall still deem it necessary to depart immediately for your native land, and that upon your own responsibility, we here assure you that we will put no imped­ iments in your way, to prevent a favorable reception from the Board or the Christian public. — strate We will not only not remon­ upon the step, but we will further give to the Board in full such reasons for your departure as we have In our possession. Signed in behalf of the brethren of the S. I. Mission A.Thurston, Moderator. Adjourned to Monday morning 9 o’clk. Monday Sept. 25. Met according to adjournment, prayer by Mr. Richards. The meeting having been opened the following system of rules for the regulation of business at this and at future general meetings of the Sandwich Island Mission was unanimously adopted. — 1st. Resolved. When the members assembled for the general meeting of the Mission are ready to attend to business the old moderator or If absent the missionary at whose house they are convened shall call them to order, call for, receive and count the ballots for a Moderator & declare the person chosen. �r [1826] 2nd. p. 29 The moderator shall take the chair and call for the ballots for a Scribe. 3. The meeting shall then be opened by prayer by the moder­ ator, and daily opened and closed during the Sessions by him or some person at his request. [p.27] 4. It shall be the duty of the Scribe to take minutes of the proceedings of the meetings, to ready them when called for by the meeting, to record them for preservation; and during the interval between one general meeting and another, he shall, at the request of any two members, receive the votes of the members on any subject they may deem necessary to be decided before a general meeting can be conveniently assembled. 5* All elections shall be by ballot. 6. As soon as the meeting is organized and opened, a committee of overtures shall be chosen to prepare business for the meeting. 7. If any member shall be tardy at an adjourned meeting the moderator shall be at liberty to call for the reason of his delay. 8. The general practice, in deliberative bodies of addressing the moderator, shall be observed, but the moderator may address the meeting on the merits of any question. 9* Every motion except for adjournment shall be reduced to writing, if the moderator or any two members require it. 10* When a question is under debate no motion shall be made except for amendment — or the previous question — — The previous question is shall the main or for adjournment. to postpone question now be put. Ip.28] 11, No motion except for reconsideration shall be acted upon �[1826] p. 30 \ until seconded. A communication was read from Mr. Loomis, stating his inabil­ ity to superintend the printing business; and submitting an inquiry, whether it will not be for the interest of the mission, under existing circumstances, that he should make a voyage to the United States for the double purpose of benefitting his health, and of correcting the proof sheets of such publications as may be thought expedient to print immediately in the Hawaiian language. This letter of Mr. Loomis was accompanied by the following from Dr. Blatchely. (Copy) Honolulu, Oahu, Sept. 11 1826. Dear Sir, I have always considered your professional services, while the only printer In the field as an Indispensable branch of the operations of this mission. And I have for a considerable length of time anticipated with no small degree of solicitude what has already taken place; viz. a suspension of your labors in consequence of ill health. For several months after the first appearance of this I watched you in silence without communicating to you my opinion, that I might the more correctly judge of your symptoms and the progress of disease upon you while unaffected by any apprehensions of your [p.29] own. And since the state of your health has become a source of anxiety to yourself and subject of conversation with others, I am no less confirmed in the opinion which I expressed concerning it in a letter to the corresponding Secretary seven weeks ago, that you would never be able here even to superintend the printing L �[1826] p. 31 of one of the Gospels, Respecting your contemplated removal to Waiakea, It may perhaps refresh you to reside there a season free from care, but I have little or no confidence in its restoring you so completely as to supercede the necessity and advantage of some other measure. Should you go soon to the United States your health, in my opinion, might be quite restored. Yours respectfully, Abraham Blatchely Mr. E. Loomis. Upon the subject of Mr. Loomis communication the following order was taken. In consideration of the feeble and declining health of Mr. Loomis, and the little prospect we have of publishing one of the Gospels or any similar work here until another printer shall arrive, Voted that we deem it expedient for him with his family to undertake a voyage to the U. S. A. for the double purpose of benefitting his health and superintending the printing of books / for this mission under the direction of the A. B. C. F. M. Adjourned to 2 o'clock P. M. Having assembled according to adjournment it was unanimously resolved that a translation of the Gospel of Matthew be prepared with all possible despatch for publication. Voted that a committee of four be appointed to devise a plan for carrying the above resolution into effect. Made choice of the Rev. Messrs. Bingham, Thurston, Richards �[1826] p« 32 The committee having had leave to retire, returned after a short recess of the general business, and presented the following propositions which were accepted. 1st. Resolved that the establishment of the orthography of the foreign words adopted in the translation, the phraseology of certain phrases that frequently occur, and the terms for chapter, verse, faith, throne, tempt, genealogy etc. and the method of translating the compound greek characters Theta, Phi, Chi be referred to ftiose who have completed a translation of Matthew, to be agreed on before they leave this place including as far as may be the translation of the most difficult passages in the work. 2nd. Resolved that a Committee of two be appointed to pre­ pare a copy for the press and submit it to the approval of all the members of the mission who shall be present when prepared. Ballots being taken the Rev. Messrs. Bingham & Richards received a plurality & were chosen. In consequence of the kindness, liberality and cooperation of most of the principal chiefs in promoting the objects of the mission: Voted that the thanks of the mission be presented to Kaahumanu, Kauikeaouli, Nahienaena, Kalaimoku, Naihe, Kaplolanl, Hoapili, Hoapili-wahine, & Kapule for their liberality to the missionaries and their steady and efficient patronage of the cause of the mission. Voted that Mr. Bingham communicate the sense of the tabove vote to the persons therein named. Voted that Mr* Thurston express to Gov. Adams the thanks of the mission for his commendable conduct in causing to be erected �[1826] p. 33 at Kailua a large and commodious building for the public worship of God. Adjourned to 7 o’ck in the evening. [p.32] Met according to adjournment. The subject relating to the prosecution of translation in general with a view to put successive portions of scripture into the hands of the people till they shall receive the Bible entire, was held in discussion and it was voted that a committee of three be appointed to propose an assignment of the three Gospels Mark, Luke and JohPand other portions of Scripture to different members of the mission to be translated as fast as may be practicable. Chose the Rev. Messrs. Bingham, Richards and Bishop. Voted that a committee of three be appointed to report on the question What notice ought the Mission to take of calumny and opposition. , Made^choice of the Rev. Messrs. Bingham, Richards & Levi Chamberlain. Voted that a committee of three be appoihted to report on the question "How far may the missionaries properly advise the chiefs as to their duty in commercial, political & civil affairs?" Made choice of Rev. Messrs. Bishop, Ely & Goodrich. Adjourned to 9 o'ck tomorrow morning. Tuesday Sept. 26th. Met according to adjournment. Meeting opened by prayer by the Scribe* 0 [p*33] The following proposition was offered for consideration* "What measures ought the mission to take to provide for the future �[18263 p . 34 support,*education & well being of the children of the mission­ aries?" The subject excited much feeling and furnished occasion for a good deal of discussion and it was dismissed for the present by the following vote. "Deeply impressed with the difficulty of giving our children a proper education at the islands on account of the low state of society, the extreme pressure of missionary labors and a sacred regard to an economical appropriation of the funds of the Eoard: Voted that a committee of three be appointed to address our patrons on the subject of sending the children of the missionaries to our native land." Chose the Rev. Messrs. Richards Sc Bishop and Levi Chamberlain. Voted that a committee of two be appointed to report on the question. "In what manner may the more intelligent natives, members of the church the hopefully pious or seriously disposed chiefs and teachers be employed so as best to subserve the cause of instruction & godliness?" Chose for the committee Messrs. Ely Sc Ruggles. Adjourned to 3 o'ck P. M. Met according to adjournment & voted to adjourn till called together by the moderator. Having been called to business by the moderator at 7 o’ck in the evening the following report was presented & accepted. The Committee appointed to report on thd question "In what maimer may the more intelligent natives, members of the church etc. be employed so as best to subserve the cause of instruction & godliness?" beg leave to suggest the following resolutions. �[1826] 1st. p. 35 Resolved that we deem It expedient and very desirable in the present weak state of the mission that they avail them­ selves of the aid of the more intelligent, pious & seriously disposed chiefs and natives in teaching schools, visiting and addressing the people on religious subjects and in the correction of translations & religious tracts or other books for publication. 2nd. Resolved that every native teacher who is now employed, or shall hereefter be employed in teaching school shall be exam­ ined by the missionary within whose limits he is to teach & obtain from him a written certificate approving his qualifications and assigning him his work; and if he vioMte the instructions o f his missionary his certificate shall be forfeit. 3rd. Resolved that not native be allowed to convene a congregation and conduct a religious meeting till such person, shall have obtained the approbation of the missionary within whose limits he resides. Adjourned to Wednesday eve. 7. o'ck. " xS Wednesday Sept. 27. Met according to adjournment. Voted that Committee of one be appointed to draft three forms of certificates to be given to such persons respectively as are or may be from tiue to time employed by the mission as teachers or catechists. Chose the Rev. Mr. Richards. Adjourned to 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. �[1826] p. 36 Thursday Sept* 28th. Met for business at 12 o'ck A* M* Meeting opened by prayer by the moderator. The three foias of certificates referred to a committee of one to be drawn up were presented and being approved were ordered to be printed. Adjourned to 2 o'ck afternoon. The committee appointed to report on the question "How far may the missionaries properly advise the chiefs as to their duty in commercial, political & civil affairs", presented the follow­ ing report which was unanimously accepted. "The Committee appointed to report on the question, "How far may the missionaries properly advise the chiefs as to their duty In commercial, political and civil affairs?" request leave to state, that they have examined the subject and now lay before the brethren the following Report. 1st. Resolved that we consider ourselves required by our instructions as well as by the nature of our office as ChristianMissionaries to abstain like our Divine master from all inter­ meddling and interference with the political & party concerns of the nation. In the instructions delivered by Dr. Worcester to Messrs. B. T. & their associates they are enjoined: "As the kingdom of Christ to which you have the felicity to belong, and the Interests of which only you are to seek, is not of this world: like him you will withold yourselves entirely from all interference and intermeddling with the political affairs & party concerns of the nation or people among whom you reside, paying all proper respect �E&-5Z [1826] to the powers that be & rendering to all their dues. Again (Miss. Her. p. 108. Vol. 19 Inst, to reenforct.) You are to abstain from ell interference with the local and political views of the people.” The kingdom of Christ is not of this world, and it behooves a missionary to stand aloof from the private and and transient interests of chiefs & rulers. Inculcate the duties of justice, moderation & forbearance, truth & universal kindness. Do all in your power to make men of every class good wise & happy.” Let ifa be apparent that you have nothing to do with traffic or gain, that far nobler objects brought you from your native land, that you regard all the world has to offer as of very little value compared with the salvation of a single soul.” Perhaps little can be said by way of comment on the above, as these instructions ation. are so explicit as to require no explan­ We are in duty bound to our patrons and by the sacred character of our office not to assume even the appearance of any temporal authority or to act as magistrates in any case, or to intermeddle with the party concerns of chiefs & people, which have no relation to the Interest of religion. The choice of rulers & magistrates the levying & collecting of taxes, the apportioning out of the lands the buying & selling of chiefs & people either with foreigners or with each other and the manner of administering the government of the islands, together with the customs and usages of the country that are not in direct varience with the spirit and precepts of the Gospel are things with which we are not to interfere and over which we are not to attempt to exercise control. These are affairs which do not affect us as missionaries, nor are we to advise concerning them �[1826] p. 38 or of anything else except requested, when they do not interfere with the Gospel of the progress of civilization. 2nd. Resolved that we are moreover bound by our instructions and the nature of our office, to make known the whole word of God, especially its prohibitions and requirements, which effect the conscience or the well being of the soul, however opposed these prohibitions and requirements may be to the former customs & present practices of the people. "Your views" say the Prud. Com. "are not to be limited to a low or narrow scale, but you are to open your hearts wide, and set your mark high. You are to aim at nothing short of covering these islands with fruitful fields and pleasant dwellings and schools & churches and raising up the whole people to an elevated state of Christian civilization." Again, To obtain an adequate knowledge of the language of the people, to make them acquainted with letters, to give them the Bible with skill to read it; to turn them from their barbarous courses & habits, to introduce & get into extended operation & influence among them, the arts & instructions and usuages of civilized life and society; above all to convert them from their idolatries superstitions and vices to the living & redeeming God; his truth his laws, his ways of life, of virtue & glory." To effect this we are to preach the whole word of God and to keep back no part of it. Ezek. 3. 17. "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me". This and the four following verses enjoin in the strongest terms the duty of ministers of the Gospel to be faithful in preaching the word of God without disguise or concealment, and �[1826] p. 39 declare the high & fearful responsibility of those who fail to discharge this high trust. The blood of souls lost through their unfaithfulness will be required at their hands. The example of Christ and his Apostles is the model upon which we are to form our manner of preaching. They hesitated not to declare in full [sic] the truth of God Before kings & rulers, to "reason of^temperance righteousness and a judgement [sic] to come", and to exhort them to repentance & amendment of life in order to obtain the Salvation of Christ. We are to specify the particular vices which are con­ demned by the law of God and enforce the necessity of forsaking them, both by precept and example. How deeply rooted soever may be the prejudice in favor of their vices, however interwoven they may be with their government, however sanctioned by antiquity we are not to cease lifting up our voices against them as the destroyers both of temporal peace and eternal happiness. At the same time our instructions are to go no father than exhortaion and advice. This must be done in the spirit of meekness and fiffectionate concern for the welfare of those whom we address. 3rd. Resolved that in perfect consistency with our instruct­ ions and the maintenance of our proper characters as Christian teachers we may give information end advice with respect to the "arts and institutions & usuages of eivililized life and society", and may use our influence to dlscountenaace every vice, and * encourage every virtue. It has been declared our instructions already quoted that a prominent object of our enterprise is to raise this people from their present degredation to a state of Christian civilization. �[1826] p. 40 In order to effect this purpose we are to encourage the intro­ duction of the civil and domestic arts and virtues. We are to teach them justice, prudence, humanity, and diligence in business, to inforce our instructions by setting before them proper motives and sanctions, and to illustrate our principles by practical and familiar examples. Whenever we are called upon by those in authority for Instruction or advice of a civil or political nature, then we may give it, showing our disinterestedness in so doing. In giving advice to chiefs and others asking it, a good and perfectly safe rule is, to adhere strictly to the word of God as authority, in all instances where it is applicable to the case, and where it is not explicit on the point of inquiry, it is proper to cite the usuages of Christian nations as authority for our opinions. Nor ought we to conceal from others what are our motives and designs. Viz, to produce an entire change in the former state of things in these islands and to aim at nothing short of raising up the whole people to an elevated state of Christian civilization. At the same time let it be distinctly known, that we seek not theirs but them: — that we wish not for their property or their lands or their kingdom. Let it be known that our object is solely to Instruct the people to give their hearts to God, and to submit cheerfully to the obedience of his laws. In regard to the preparing and establishing a code of laws for the regulation and government of these islands, the committee are of the opinion that we ought not to be indifferent to the kind & nature of the laws about to be promulgated. As members of the community, as teachers of the chiefs & people it will be our �[1826] p.41 duty to give information and advice as far as is necessary when asked so to do by the proper authorities. It will doubtless be the wish of the rulers of the nation to make their laws accord with and be founded upon the word and laws of God. Such being the case, it will be expected that we shall make known to them the laws of God, as well as the nature of those codes of laws that are adopted by Christian nations. The part then in our opinion that we are to take in regard to to a code of laws for this nation, is not^dictate what shall and what shall not be enacted but rather to explain the principles & designs of laws. We may also translate if necessary for their use such of the laws of foreign nations as may be applicable to the condition of this people, and to render them any other such assistance when requested as shall be consistent with our pro­ fession as Christian teachers. At the same time we are to leave entirely to the Rulers to adopt or reject such as they choose without our reference or attempt to procure the adoption of any law or set of laws. All which is respectfully submitted A. Bishop J. Goodrich James Ely.” Adjourned to 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Friday Sept. 29. Met at 10 o’elk A. M. prayer by Mr. Bishop. Voted to adjourn till 7 o'clock in the evening. Met according to adjournment. �[18263 p. 42 Voted that a Committee of one be appointed to revise the hymns for republication in America under the direction of the Board. Appointed Mr. Bingham. Voted that a Committee of one b£ appointed to revise the Tracts 1, 2, 3, & 4, and that they be sent to America to be printed under the direction of the Board. Chose the Rev. Asa Thurston. The Committee appointed to propose an assignment of the three Gospels of Mark, Luke 3c John and other portions of the sacred Scriptures to be translated, reported the following arrangement. 1st. A translation of the account of the creation, of the flood and other important facts in the book of Genesis, be assigned to Messrs. Thurston and Bishop to be prepared in the form of a tract. 2nd. The story of Joseph to Mr. Ely for a tract. 3rd. The whole book of Genesis to Messrs. Thurston, Bishop & Ely. 4th. A sketch of Scripture history to Mr. Bingham to be prepared for a tract. 5th. Mark to Mr. Richards. 6th. John to Messrs. Thurston, Bishop & Ely. 7th. Luke to Messrs. Blnghm Sc Whitney. 8th. The Epistles of John to Mr. Goodrich. 9th. The prominent parts of Christ's sermon to be selected from the evangelist to Mr. Richards for a tract. Upon the subject of supplying the place of Mr. Loomis in the printing department the following motion was offered. �[182611 P » 45 Motioned that this mission will approve the voluntary offer of service on the part of any individual member to fill the vacancy in the printing department which Mr. Loomis’ removal from the islands will occasion. Adjourned to 9 o'ci tomorrow morning. Saturday Sept. 30th. Met according to adjournment; prayer by Mr. Richards. On resuming the subject of supplying Mr. Loomis' place in the print­ ing department of the mission the following resolution was pro­ posed and unanimously adopted. Resolved that our present arrangement for supplying Mr. Loomis' place as a printer be limited to the time of his return or to the arrival of another printer. Voted that the further discussion and the decision of this subject be deferred till Monday morning. Voted that a committee of four be chosen to report upon the proportion of Hawaiian books proper to be assigned to each station and the method of disposing of them to the people. The Committee chosen were the following: Messrs. Richards, Thurston, Ruggles and Chamberlain. After much discussion of the subject of marriage among the natives the following order was taken. Voted to appoint a committee of two to report on the question "What ground ought the missionaries to take respecting marriage among the natives?" Chose the Rev. Messrs. Bingham & Richards. Mr. Bingham having been requested to communicate some facts �[1826] P » 44 respecting the riot at Honolulu headed by the crew of the U. S. Schooner Dolphin read a history of that affair. Adjourned to 2 o’eft P. M. Met according to adjournment. Considerable time having been taken up in conversation on general subjects the Committee for apportioning the books for the differ­ ent stations and for fixing on a general method of disposing of them to the people, presented the following resolutions which were adopted. 1« Resolved that for a present arrangement Kauai be allowed one tenth of all the books printed except the First; Oahu, three tenths; Maui, two tenths; and Hawaii, four tenths. 2. Resolved that the new schools may be supplied gratuitously with the First book at the discretion of the missionary super­ intending them. 3rd. Resolved that we deem it expedient to exchange our other books for any of the produce of the islands that we can turn to good account, regulating the prices according to the value of the articles at the station where exchanged. Adjourned till monday morning 9 o ’ck. Monday October 2nd. Met according to adjournment. Resumed the subject of supplying Mr. Loomis' place as a printer, and Voted in order to forward the business of printing, the mission decidedly approve of Mr. Goodrich's removing from his present station to Honolulu: but if he shall not feel it proper to remove Immediately, Voted that we approve of his removal at �[1826] p. 45 some future period when other provision shall be made for Kilo or some of his present objections be removed. Adjourned to 2 o ’ck P. M. Met according to adjournment. Speht most of the afternoon in conversation respecting the propriety of selling books and other articles for Cash; the following vote was introduced but was not passed as it was thought the first part of it related to a principle which the mission have ever acted upon, and the second part was too restricted for some of the stations: Viz. Voted that the mission be at liberty to exchange with the natives or foreigners such articles as they may have at their disposal for any article of support which they need: but that it is not expedient at present to sell articles for cash except in peculiar cases. Adjourned to Wednesday morning, 9 o'ck. Wednesday, Octr. 4th. Met according to adjournment. The meeting having been opened by prayer by Mr. Bishop, the Committee appointed to report upon the question, "What notice ought the mission to take of calumny & opposition," presented a draft of their report which was read; and permission granted to defer the acceptance of it till a future meeting. Adjourned to 7 o'ck in the evening. Met according to adjournment. The evening was spent in conversation upon the question — "What ground ought the missionaries to take respecting marriages among the people." This subject having been referred to a �[1826] p. 46 committee, and that Committee not being prepared to report, the further consideration of it was deferred for the present. Adjourned to tomorrow 9 o'ck A, M. Thursday October 5th. Met according to adjournment, — prayer by the Scribe. The Committee appointed to report on the question, "What notice ought the mission to take of calumny & opposition," proposed the following resolution which were unanimously accepted. 1st. Resolved that every missionary ought studiously to avoid a personal controversy with any opposer, and to show the spirit of kindness and forbearance which the Gospel recommends in case of abuse in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves. 2nd. Resolved that in case of an attack particular or general, we will, in the exercise of the unalienable rights of self defense, aim to magnify our office, and vindicate the cause of God rather than to gain any personal advantage. 3rd. Resolved that while each conforms to the general principles of the mission, the cause of each shall be the cause of all, and as personal controversy should be avoided and the cause of the Gospel nott surrendered, it will be specially important that one support another. 4th. Resolved that in case our characters, our principles or practice be misrepresented in a manner calculated materially to injure, if not corrected the cause of Christianity, it will be our duty of course to plead that cause by a carefiul statement of facts, and by setting truth in the plainest possible light, especially before the chiefs and others interedted in the welfare �[1826] p. 47 of the nation. 5th. Resolved that a fair history of the opposition to the mission as well as of its labors and progress be transmitted to our patrons for their information and for the benefit of the common cause. 6th. Resolved that a circular be printed embracing the prominent facts relating to the principles, practice & progress of the mission for the Information of strangers and others particularly interested in the cause of improvement* Voted that we deem the enmity, insult, opposition & violence, recently exercised towards Mr. Bingham, as originating from enmity to our common cause, and therefore directed towards all our number; and with great pleasure tender him our sympathies, and pledge ourselves to defend him to the greatest extent of our ability from so ungrounded abuse. Voted that a Committee of one be appointed to prepare a joint letter to the Board embracing all the particulars on which we wish to address them. Chose Mr. Bingham. Voted an adjournment till called together by the moderator. Saturday October 7th. Met, and after addressing the throne of grace by prayer, the committee appointed to report upon the subject of solemnizing marriage among the people, presented the following report which was accepted. [p*49] The Committee appointed to report on the question, what ground ought the missionary to take respecting marriages among the people beg leave to propose the following brief resolutions not so much to display any new views as to secure a uniformity �[1826] p* 48 of practice. 1. Resolved that we make it a point of special concern to explain & enforce the marriage duties among the people; and when applied to by proper persons, to assist in solemnizing marriage with the consent of some chief either expressed in person or implied by a law regulating marriage* 2. Resolved that no marriage should be solemnized within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden by the word of God. 3. Resolved that it is not conformable with the Gospel for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time* 4. Resolved that marriages contracted in a state of heathenism, and not now repugnant ot scripture rules, are of perpetual obligation without a new or formal ratification; but an acknowledgment from the parties that they consider themselves bound by Gospel rules, shall be required before either of the parties can be eligible for church membership. 5. Resolved In case one of the contracting parties was not a heathen, either Christian marriage or some good evidence of honorable marriage equivalent at least to a declaration from the parties that they have been truly bound by the marriage contract shall be required before their living together can be approved by the missionaries as regular, and before either of the parties can be eligible for church membership. 6. Resolved that marriages contracted between parties professing to follow the word of God in order to be approved as regular must be solemnized by some chief or missionary or by both �[1826] p. 49 In connexion & in presence of a competent number of witnesses. But if in violation of this rule the marriage be contracted according to the former custom of this country, it shall be con­ sidered binding unless Inconsistent with scripture rules: but if the parties desire a formal ratification, they may declare them­ selves to be man and wife before a missionary and witnesses, which declaration shall be recorded. This shall always be required before either of the parties is held up to public notice by the missionaries. 7th. Resolved that an aggrieved party Justly complaining of adultery or wilful desertion such as neither private instruct­ ion, the voice of the church, nor the civil authority can remedy, may by the consent of the proper authorties be married to another. 8. Resolved that the deserting cannot contract a new marriage conformable with the word of God untill the deserted be known to be fairly divorced. The committee appointed to address our patrons on the subject of sending the children of the missionaries to our native land reported the following address which was accepted. "We wish here to call the attention of our patrons to a subject which in our bosoms awakens the liveliest feelings and the tenderest anxieties. Those who are patents will pardon us if while writing we should for a moment seem to forget some of our other duties and fix our minds on the awful responsibilities of parents, responsibilities from which we can never be released by the fulfilment of any other duties however sacred, however Important or however binding they may be. The time has arrived with some of our children, when the �[1826] p. 50 foundation must be laid for their education, on which must depend all their future prospects, both for this world and the next. The common privilege of parents to select a suitable employment for their children, by which they may procure a livelihood and render themselves respectable and useful in society and then order the particulars of their education with reference to that employment; — this privilege is not ours. specially anxious that it should be. Neither do we feel We can with confidence & satisfaction recommend our children to the parental direction of those through whose faithfulness and provident care we have received all that we ourselves enjoy* To recommend them to your guardianship & direction is the object we now have in view. We do this that we may receive direction and advice from you as to the course we are to adopt respecting them. We know it would be your wish and ardent prayer that they should all become teachers and preachers to the heathen, and ornaments to the missionary character. We need not tell you that this would be the highest wish of our hearts; and could we see them in circumstances by which we might rationally expect they would be well prepared for the work, our warmest desires would be gratified, and we should be saved the painful necessity of addressing you on so delicate a subject. not But these are^the clrcvimstances of our children. Many of them have no associates unless we permit them to associate with the heathen, which indeed we cannot always prevent. Those who know the constant calls and interruptions & duties of the mission­ ary will not expect that they shall be every hour under their parents care. They are therefore from the moment they begin to �[1826] p. 51 prattle exposed to the contaminating influences of heathenish habits & vices, and for these they must almost as a matter of course contract a relish notwithstanding the utmost vigilence of the parents* Who does not know that the children of the same neighborhood and circle have the same general habits, manners, taste & language, even though there may be a difference in the characters of their parents. What good father does not charge his children to shun the society of the vicious as a mortal enemy? And no parent expects to succeed in training up his children in the right way unless he can secure for them good associates. A volume could not fully represent to our patrons the degrading influence which the habits of this people are calculated to exert, and which they really have over hundreds & hundreds who visit these islands from civil­ ized lands. But our fears do not end here. Where are the schools for and who shall be the teachers of our children? If it should be said we ought to teach them ourselves, we would enquire what parents in America are the teachers of their own children, and is it to be supposed that the missionary is of all men the most free from care and labor? But even could they receive a good education and escape the contaminating influence of the society, where is the sphere In which they are to act in after life? They cannot engage in mer­ cantile persuits [sic] as they will not be fitted for them nor enjoy advantages in that respect; they will have no encouragement to settle down on the soil as agriculturists, and if they should become mariners, where are their prospects? They will therefore �« [1826] P. 52 be in danger of sinking to a level with the natives, or what is worse to the condition of some of those who from enlightened lands have taken up a residence upon these shores. And then instead of being a blessing to the nation they will be a curse, — a grief & sorrow of heart to their parents and a reproach to the missionary name. Should it be urged that the establishment of a school at these islands would obviate the difficulties above mentioned, it taay still be asked, after all the expense of en­ dowing and supporting such an establishment, what is to become of the children when they shall have passed through the institution and entered upon the new and untried scenes of the world? In what business of life shall they engage to procure a support for them­ selves & be useful to society? If it be answered let them engage in the work of instructing the people, We reply, those whose hearts incline them to the work may properly enter upon it: but they will unavoidably be ignorant of many of the liberal arts and will not be as well qualified for extensive usefulness as persons educated in civilized lands. But it cannot be expected that £^1 will feel disposed to devote like their parents their lives & their all to the service of the heathen. There appear to us many objections to a seminary in this land; and not the least, the expense it would involve. To answer the design of such an institution, buildings must be erected for the purpose constructed & furnished differently from any other establishment in the islands. The most healthy situation must be chosen and the premises guarded by suitable enclosures, and the whole placed under the direction of a competent person whose time and attention must be exclusively devoted to the Instruction of �[1826] p. 53 the pupils in the institution. Such darkness hangs over the whole subject therefore while we see our children confined to these shores that we are com­ pelled to enquire whether they cannot be furnished with a home in the land of their fathers, not Were^our feelings strong on this subject, you will not suppose that we should seek the painful sacrifice of sundering those bonds by which our children are bound to our hearts. Some of us have friends who would gladly educate our children, others would render considerable assistance, but others must trust to the benevolence of strangers, — all however must be under the general direction of the Board. But we leave the subject with you, requesting that as soon as you have duly considered it, you would give your advice & direction.” ”Voted that we approve of Mr. Ruggles leaving Kauai in consequence of declining health and of joining the station at Waiakea whenever his health and other circumstances require it.” The following resolution was next proposed and accepted. Resolved that in consequence of the present weak state of the mission and the ill health of Mr. Whitney’s- family and his being left single handed, the mission decidedly approve of Mr. Whitney’s removal for a season to some of the other stations, if that should be agreeable to his views of duty. Voted to adjourn till call together by the moderator. Friday October 20th. Meeting was again called by the Moderator and opened with prayer by Mr. Ely. �r [1826] P» 54 Mr. Bishop was chosen Scribe Pro. tem. Mr. Richards stated to the meeting that circumstances would render it necessary for him to return to Lahaina early the next week and begged leave to resign his office as one of the committee to prepare a copy of the Gospel of Matthew for the press. His resignation was accepted and Messrs. Thurston & Bishop were appointed in his stead* Voted,that in case Dr. Blatchely should return to America before the next general meeting of the Mission the Moderator & standing Scribe be instructed to prepare a statement of Dr. B's case to be transmitted to the Board: the statement to embrace an account of the Dr’s illness his application to the brethren for their approbation of his proposed return, our vote upon the sub­ ject and such other reasons as may be in our possession that induced the Dr. to return at this time. [p.56] Voted also that by and with the advice of any two Brethren of different stations the Scribe be instructed to give information to the Brethren of the different stations of the place and time of our next meeting, and as far as possible the principal objects for which we shall meet after the first of June next. Adjourned to meet again at Oahu in June of next year. Concluded with prayer by Mr. Bishop. Asa Thurston Levi Chamberlain, Secretary. Moderator � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Sandwich Islands Mission Meeting Minutes Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Sandwich Islands Mission Meeting Minutes - 1826 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1826