| 663 an interest in the work, and a Bible-class was started in the office of the native lawyer, above referred to. Though these meetings were only poorly attended, they nevertheless helped to increase the interest in our teachings of those who attended, and they in turn advertised to their friends the advent of what they regarded as a new faith; so that by the end of the year our work was fairly well known to the Hawaiian population in and around Honolulu, and the way seemed to be opening for its establishment amongst some of them.
The expense of opening the work there was met by Elder G. J. Waller principally from his personal means.
September 20 George A. Blakeslee, Presiding Bishop of the church, died at his home in Galien, Michigan. For further particulars see his biography.
Joseph Smith and W. W. Blair, of the First Presidency, directed that E. L. Kelley, counselor to Bishop Blakeslee, should have charge of the affairs of that department until a successor to Bishop Blakeslee should be chosen; and on September 30 Acting Bishop Kelley issued an epistle entitled, "The Hour of Duty," directing that the Bishop's agents should continue to act as before, and giving other instruction concerning the department under his care. 1
1 To the Saints: In the work of the Bishopric our chief help has been called away; the place for a short time to vacant; but the inspiration which the example of a wise and courageous labor imparts, has been fully committed to us, and should awaken action among the lovers of the kingdom of Christ throughout the world.
Bishop George A. Blakeslee has closed the work of this earthly trust, but the cause which he faithfully served and with his brethren devotedly loved fully survives, and extends an open hand to the household of faith in every land and clime, saying, "The hour of duty." What shall our answer be? We trust it will be unitedly and one-to aid while we may, the faithful army. It is the Master's summons, and he knows our work.
The duty relating to my position as the surviving member of the Bishopric in the emergency, is pointed out in the law.
In the wisdom of the Presidency of the church I have been asked to proceed with all necessary work in the department until a successor to the Bishop is chosen. The spirit of truth so directs, and responding to this demand to move forward in the work, I feel confident that I may rightly claim the aid of my brethren who are equally attached to the cause of Christ as myself, and who have sustained it in necessitous [necessary] hours in the past.
The unerring hand of our chief Bishop, Christ, still directs, and we may well expect that with our respective duties faithfully performed the steps taken will not be backward.
Bishop's agents throughout the world are duly authorized to administer in their respective offices as heretofore, and in this hour of need it is hoped with a special care and diligence not equalled [equaled] by efforts of the past.
As members in the household of faith, we fulfill the obligations of duty in carrying out the law of Christ.
His religion is inseparable from the acts of life. By the law our acts are justified in that which is spiritual and we gain by compliance spiritual light and knowledge; and by
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