J 1
.
V
I'.t
if,
O 1
'it
154
fr ii i: p o l y n i: sian,
fKr.iinfARY,
mcnts punished religious error. with tem
poral penalties. But it so happened, in the
actual condition of society, every error, or
heterodox opinion in religion, became a crime
against the State: and it is equally true, that,
for the most part, the advocates of new doc
trines, in those ages, trusted not a little to
their swords for the propagation or main
tenance of their faith. Thus the Donatists,
in the fourth century, are assailed by the
State; but not till after they had thrown the
provinces of Africa into confusion by their
violence. In the same century, some of the
Priscillians, in Spain, were put to death.
The most celebrated bishops of the Church,
however, in that age such as St. Martin and
St. Ambrose pronounced titer anathemas
against the authors of these executions. In
fact they were directed by the avarice of the
tyrant Maximus, in order to possess himself
of their property.
"In the filth century Pclagianism, another
heterodox system of religion, passed without,
however, exciting bloodshed or civil discord.
The Iconoclasts, of the eighth century, in
stead of being persecuted, became them
selves persecutors. The Albigenses, in the
twelfth century appear to have been the
objects of the most severe laws and measures
recorded in the annals of those ages. Cotcm
porary writers describe them as persons who
could not be tolerated, even at the present
day, by any civilized government in tin; world.
They were entirely distinct in their doctrines,
and in their history, from the Waldenses
who appear to have been ot a simple, patient
and tranquil character. All this, however.
THE POLYNESIAN.
OFFICIAL JOVllSAL OF Tilt: UAWAtlAS
i FHSWFST.
HONOLULU, SATUKDAY, Ffcb. 8, 181a"
It must appear evident to every one upon
cool reflection, that the disconnected, point
less, and ever-changing character of the
opposition which is here manifested towards
the government by some foreigners, can occa
sion it no essential injury. It may obstruct to
some extent the harmonious execution of
certain acts; it mav create a few slight
impediments where none need have existed;
and it may also temporarily blind the eves
of superlieial observers. Put beyond this,
what will the bilfe rness of individual pens
and speech, with all the mistaken sympa
thy they may create, effect ? Their coin-
plaints having no solid foundation, the super
structure speedily falls, and they may es
teem themselves most fortunate, if they
escape without a fatal blow from the crum
bling wall of their own erection.
Put have our opponents nothing to lose by
a factious course r We may be deemed
reprehensible for using strong language, but
those to whom it does not apply and there
are such will not identity themselves with
those to whom it does. We do not write
.. , , ' "'ii it ,it.-i. y v uu noi wine
did not save them from the intolerant spirit ,,.,.,,1..; ..ii . i i i- -.i ,
ri .i i . . . 1 unadvisedly, and in dealing with naked facts
ol the age. 1 he fifteenth and sixteenth con- . " 0 u iucis
turies are more distinguished for the wars becomes expedient to use plain truth.
iyiucii wuiu uari iuu on uuuer pretence oi wi jjnniiimuui is arm nas UCOIl
religion, but which, it may be salVly suspec- to promote the vital welfare of the kingdom:
ted, had their origin more in the prospect of i. rKi -ill i:. .. m i i
ii.0 -.i or all who live within its borders
political advantages on either side, than m L, , ,
the love of truth, or the. pure zeal for its i .als ot whol,,!,om 1 'id just re
triumph. The Struggle appears to have been, j st,"liUts: to mould this heterogenous popu
between Catholics and Protestants, who j lation into an orderly, industrious, patriotic
should persecute the most; for as I remarked ; society: to encourage commerce,' developc
betorc, the mixture ot civil and ecclesiastical I. , h1 r
power which, in the early ages, was, as I ( ,S"cull"rap. create wealth, promote true
conceive, the result of circumstances or ne-j ,e',,on' 1,1 "ae, to raise up on this group
cessity, has been kept up in all the modern j a flourishing, enterprising race, devoted to
governments of Europe, of every religions j the best interests of civilization, and worthy
name, down to the present dav. I i i . ... , .
-Ifthe Catholics have sinned on this sub- 01 g-.iero.,! Ino.i.lsh.p ol the powerful
ject, as I am ready to concede, it cannot be i lcC(,,llsors ot Hawaiian national indepen-
1 .1 .1 ..... .1 MM .i
uenieu, on uic oilier Hand, that, in their re- U( CL- i nesc are tiio objects the govcrn-
gard, the iniquities of their fathers have
been visited on the children to the third and
fourth generation. There is certainly no
denomination of Christians that has so little
reason to be in love with Church-and-State-unions,
as the Catholics. In most Catholic
countries themselves, that union holds their
religion in a species of degrading bondage.
In Protestant Governments, they are grate
ful for the privilege of worshipping God according-
to the faith of their lathers; but the
good things of the state are not for them.
Hut other denominations have been, equally,
made to feel the oppressions of this system.
And it may have been a special providence
of God, that this g reat unpeopled hemisphere
should have been discovered, precisely at a
period when it could serve as a refuge and
an asylum for the persecuted of every name,
and of every creed. It was this system
of, Church-and-State-union, which caused
the Puritan pilgrims to seek a landing place
on the rock of Plymouth, in Massachusetts.
It was this, which caused the tranquil waters
of St. Mary's river, in Marvland, to be dis
turbed by the bark of the Catholic pil
grims; and from that period to the pre
sent, wherever civil or religious libertv has
been rudely invaded throughout the civilized
world, the eyes of the sufferer have wistfully
turned toward the home of conscience and
of freedom in tho West."
How Scuolaks ark Madi:. Costly ap
paratus and splendid cabinets have no magi
cal power to make scholars. In all circum
stances, as a man is, under (tod, the master
of his own fortune so is he the maker of his
own mind. The Creator has su constituted the
human intellect, thut it can grow only by its
i mid its own action it most cer
tainly and necessarily grows. Kvery man
must, therefore, in an important sense, educate
himself. His books and teachers are but
helps; the work is his. A man is not educated
until he has tho ability to summon, in case of
emergency, all his mental power in vigorous
exercise to effect his proposed object. It
is not tho man who has seen most, or who
has read most, who can do this; such an
one is in danger of being borne down, like a
beast of burden, by on overloaded mass of
other mens' thoughts. Nor is it the man
that can boast merely of native vigor and ca
pacity. The greatest nf all the warriors that
went to the siege of Troy had not the pre
eminence because nature had given him
ment proposes to itself. Put they are not to
be accomplished in one day, nor one year,
nor perhaps one century. The foundation
may however be commenced, and it is
worthy of consideration on the part of
those whose influence, wittingly or not,
is employed in counteracting these objects,
whether the world will in the end judge
favorably of either their cause or labors.
It has already placed the black seal of its
verdict upon the efforts of their prede
cessors. The alliance may be indignantly
repudiated; nevertheless there is but one
broad line of demarcation. It divides those
whoso deeds and influence tend to the estab
lishment of order and national prosperity,
from those whose acts inevitably result in
an opposite tendency. For their countries'
sakes, for their own sakes, and for their
posterity, it behooves them to be cautious
how their reputations become involved in
the latter category.
Providence has predestined these islands
to purposes worthy of its beneficent crea
tion. Amid all their dangers, trials, and the
machinations of cunning and untiring foes,
their course towards a prosperous and per
manent independence has been steadily on
ward. The very obstacles cast in their way
have been turned to their advancement, and
their growth in consequence has been of a
healthful and durable nature. A nation
great in number, nor perhaps in wealth, may
never exist here. Palaces of Parian marble
never crown our hills, nor halls of Syba
ritic luxury crowd our towns. Put it is in
the course of nature that an honest, indus
trious, self-respecting nation, fearing God
and serving man, shall arise on these shores.
Like the mixed multitude of the United
States, men of all races are already resort
ing hither, and blending themselves into one
national existence. They bring with them
the treasures of trades, professions, and pro
ductions of their respective climes, and they
go heartily to work for the welfare of this
young kingdom. The effects are now scarce
attend their labors. Evils will also appear,
but it is the province of soul-enlarged men
to meet and overcome them.
To the present time, the aggregate ad
vance has been greatly on the side of virtue,
and order, and it is now going forward with
an increasing ratio, which inspires confi
dence for tho future.
W hat is there in such a condition, for
citizens of the United States, or subjects of
France, England and other governments to
regret? Why not hail the auspicious pro
gress, with the pleasure worthy of generous
and sympathising minds,. and worthy of the
glorious reputations of their respective coun
tries! Though they may have no disposition
to incorporate themselves with this nation,
they cannot but be benefitted by its progress
in civilization. The prestige it may acquire
by a steady adherence to good faith, and
international law, and the high character it
may secure by a wise administration of in
ternal affairs, cannot but be of advantage
to them. Its rrnutiifion will I tfWMlll' 111
I Villi III
part theirs.
It may be urged that a particular act or
policy is to them inexpedient. That the
government has in this case or that manifest
ed too warm feeling. That such a step
bears upon a certain interest, and the thou
sand and one objections which are pressed
against governments in general. Even ad
mitting the truth of some statements, or the
impolicy of some measures, arc they a suffi
cient reason to call forth the strength of
many for the destruction of the gd name, if
not the entire demolition of government?
Some individuals in it may be obnoxious to
others out of it. Poing men, it is to be pre
sumed, that however praiseworthy their in-
tentions, or laborious their lives, a portion I
ol their acts will partake of the infirmities
incident to human nature. Hut the char
acter of a government should be judged by
its general results. It should be seen wheth
er its acts as a whole promote the real
interests of society, and are true to their
legitimate ends. It is ungenerous to select
tho weakest portions and exhibit them and
them only, as a specimen of the whole-
There is no man whose character has not
some assailable points. The are the her
itage of the forfeiture of Eden. In the Ha
waiian Government the brunt of labor de
volves upon a few, owing to temporary want
of ofliccrs. A multiplicity of interests and
objects are crowded upon them, and jealous
eyes and suspicious ears are ever on the
alert to find cause of calumniation. Although
so many are to bo found ready to condemn,
or volunteer advice, there are few who
would undertake the labors and responsi
bilities ol their situations, the more es
For the Folyncsian.
Mn. Editor:
Sir, Although I have been opposed
myself to taking the oath of allegiance, it
is with no little surprise that 1 learn many
Americans are also. I had always supposed
that Americans favored the policy which
has proved .so conducive to, the growth of
their country, while England upheld the
contrary piinciplo; each country advoca
ting, as was to be expected, the doctrine
most congenial to its own interests. For
my own part, 1 rejoice to sec this country
improving under the aid of those individuals
who have consented to sacrifice strong na
tional feelings that they might be of service
here. Although Mich an act may be con
tiary to my early instilled sentiments, which
at my time of life often become prejudices,
1 can appreciate it in others, and I am glad
to see that there are men who arc thus
willing to identify themselves with this
young and deserving nation, for I believe
that in no other way can it advance so fast
towards civilization.
Respectfully y'rs,
Anumcus.
Honolulu, Feb. (.
cially when any amount of pecuniary emol
ument is not to be derived lrom them
The subject of allegi nice has been so
thoroughly discussed, that any further al
lusion to it at this period seems altogether
unnecessary. Yet the communication of
Anglicus shows that the public mind is still
awake upon the subject. We shall there
fore take this occasion to say a few words
upon it, in a light which it has not as yet
been touched upon, but which is suggested
by the tenor of the communication of An
glicus. Our own personal views were fully
given in No. V2 of this paper, in our re
marks upon the celebration 31st July.
We would now merely add, that without
discussing the motives which may have led
individuals to become naturalized here, and
which can be of no concern but to them
selves, and of the propriety of which they
are their own judges, it cannot be question
ed by any reasonable person, that it is per
fectly honorable and proper for one nation
to seek to incorporate within itself, the ad
vantages of the free institutions and enlight
ened polity, which may be enjoyed by its
neighbors. And this cannot better be effect
ed than by enlisting in its services the best
abilities which can be procured, cither in
political life, or the common cvery-day avo
cations of commerce and agriculture. It is
no derogation from moral worth for any indi
vidual to transfer to another nation the ad
vantages which he has received fiom his
mother land, the more especially when it is
done from the strong towards the weak, the
learned towards tho ignorant. P,y such an
act mankind universally is benefitted, and
in every instance where a person has in so
doing, earned an honorable fame, his nativn
""j country has always been proud to hail him
as her son. J he endeavor to impart knowl-
i ... .I . i .
This Government heimr , v.t ii,a 11,0 lmn,mo tV('r laudable, and
cy, in oruer to developc principles of ac
t
tion it seems necessary to discuss many
points and refer to many topics which would
be altogether superfluous in an older and
more thoroughly established community.
It has also the delicate task of reconciling
the claims and interests of subjects scarce
ly emerged from barbarism, with those of
naturalized and resident foreigners derived
from the most polished and enlightened
countries. The extremes of civilization may
be said here to meet. Whatever course
the Government assumes, it will be with due
deliberation, and adhered to with consistent
firmness. Aliens by their enterprise have
already conferred great benefits upon the
country, and the Government while it will
endeavor to give them all the facilities which
candid men can desire, desires nothing more
ill be sanctioned by the approval of tho
moral sense of mankind. Neither is it de
rogatory to moral independence for an indi
vidual to change his nation, even for tho
more improvement of his private fortunes.
The United States have drawn deeply in this
respect from all other nations. To a great
extent it is composed of individuals who have
renounced their allegiance to their native
countries. Albert Gallatin, one of its most
distinguished statesmen, and for many years
minister to France and England, is a Swiss
by birth; so also Hasslor, the surveyor; Rob
ert Owen, M. C. from Indiana, is an English
man; Capts. Head, Bolton and Page of the
navy, are born Englishmen. Examples with
out number might be multiplied, both in the
present generation and among their fathers,
but enough has been said to show what the
sentiment of citizens of tho U, S. is in this
on their part than just judgments and a ! " ' .r T" ' lhU' S
disposition to promote the public weal i ' V ' ' niaiives in this place
1 .. h:ivf ovottr.,1 KA:.. n
" niuucnce 10 encourage it
here, rightly judging, we suppose, that its
effects upon this nation must be highly favor
able and will ultimately reflect credit upon
their own.
strencth. and ho carried (lie lnrr,.i i.,..
buMiccauso self-discipline had taught him ly noticeable. Put it requires no prophetic
now lo nenri it Umnr nhsf,r . .i r i i i- n 1
,,(.; ' f i" reeogni.e the God-speed which will
Our information was wrong in regard to
the appointment of Mr. II. Sea, as given in
our last, to tho vice-consulship of the south
ern groups. It was so currently rcnnrtrrl
at Tahiti when the Inez sailed, but we be-! tr - .
licvcMr. Pritchard has received that ap-1 A Tux or I,4ir" U' i '
hnt lav if oyer ibe dasher of W