Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47318

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47318

[Hawaiiana]. Heman Humphrey. The Promised Land. A Sermon, Delivered at Goshen, (Conn.) at the Ordination of the Rev. Messrs. Hiram Bingham & Asa Thurston, as Missionaries to the Sandwich Islands, Sept. 29, 1819. Boston: Samuel T. Armstong, 1819. 8vo. Printed self-wrappers, sewn. 40 pages. Contains the sermon delivered by Hiram Bingham and Asa Thurston, as well as "Instructions From the Prudential Committee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions..." in the rear.

In 1820, Bingham and Thurston were among the first American missionaries to bring Christianity to the Kingdom of Hawaii. They soon gained the confidence of Queen Ka'ahumanu, who requested baptism in 1823 and subsequently began incorporating Christian principles into Hawaiian law. Beyond their political influence, Bingham and Thurston also worked to reshape education on the islands, establishing churches and schools, and working on the development of a written Hawaiian language. After nearly twenty-one years in Hawaii, Bingham was recalled to New England in late 1840 by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, who felt he had overstepped in Hawaiian politics. Thurston remained in Hawaii until his death in 1868.

Condition: Age-toned with some staining and foxing throughout. Spine perished, with a few small remnants remaining. Most edges uncut with chipping, not affecting text. Pencil annotation on front wrapper.

Reference: Shaw and Shoemaker 48291.

Include Thumbnail(s)