Finished up my shoemaking and repaired Br. Hawkins’ [shoes], and begin to get ready for our mission around the island. After breakfast Br. John left us for Makawao, paid me for his shoes and made me a present of a couple of dollars, for which I pray the Lord to bless him much and prosper him in all his undertakings in righteousness. The prospect is good for us to get the money to pay the balance on our place. The Lord has blessed us much and still continues to bless us from day to day, and I feel to praise His holy name and pray that I may ever be kept faithful and humble in His kingdom.
Latter part held a meeting with the branch. I preached on the spread of the gospel from Romans 10:14,15. Br. Napela followed on the same subject and others also. I then proposed that Br. Kane be, and act as, presiding elder while I am away. Br. Napela seconded the motion. All the brethren and sisters voted for him (Br. Kane), except Br. Kaluau (a teacher). He opposed on the ground of Br. Kane not being as old in the church and as old in the priesthood, saying that he was the oldest and it ought to be his privilege to preside in my absence etc. Br. Napela replied to his remarks first and then I replied, telling him that I admired his independence in telling his mind but that he erred in judgment, that a special appointment wasn’t ahead of age. Explained the principle at some length; Br. Hawkins followed and pointed to the same thing having been done before in the church often times and etc. After which, Br. Kaluau acknowledged his error and said he was ignorant of the order of the church, but had no bad feelings on the subject, none whatever.
Called Br. Kane and blessed him; Brs. Hawkins, Napela, Kaluau and myself laying on hands to bless and set him apart to preside in my absence. I was mouth, did not feel as much of the spirit as I do sometimes, but felt divided in my spirit, but believe it is all [well]. At any rate, it gave a good opportunity to explain that principle. While in meeting received a letter from Mr. J.L. Mitchell, stating that Br. Rice had not done as he agreed to in relation to some tools which he agreed to purchase for him at Oahu and etc.
