(Cheers.) I urge you all to persevere
in the right, to forsake the ignorant ways of the olden time. There
is but one God, whom it is our duty to obey. Let us forsake every
kind of idolatry.
"In the year 1820 Rev. Messrs. Bingham, Thurston, and others came to
these Islands and proclaimed the Word of God. It is their teachings
which have enabled you to be what you are to-day. Now they have all
gone to that spirit land, and only Mrs. Thurston remains. We are
greatly indebted to them. (Cheers.) There are also among us here
(alluding to Revs. Coan and Lyman) old and grey-haired fathers,
whose examples we should endeavour to imitate, and obey their
teachings.
"I am very glad to see the young men of the present time so well
instructed in knowledge - perhaps some of them are your children.
You must persevere in your search of wisdom and in habits of
morality. Do not be indolent. (Cheers.) Those who have striven
hard after knowledge and good character, are the ones who deserve
and shall receive places of trust hereafter under the government.
"At the present time I have four foreigners as my ministerial
advisers. But if, among these young men now standing before me, and
under this flag, there are any who shall qualify themselves to fill
these positions, then I will select them to fill their places.
(Loud cheers.) Aloha to you all."
His manner as a speaker was extremely good, with sufficient
gesticulation for the emphasis of particular points.
