RLDS Church History Search

Chapter Context

RLDS History Context Results

Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 3 Page: 98

Read Previous Page / Next Page

98 three hundred miles south of this. The circumstance of our making that island was one quite unexpected, and one which the captain had tried to avoid, but unsuccessfully. His object being to recruit the ship, however, before arriving at Tahiti he thought he would send a boat on shore and learn if it afforded anything he wanted, the result of which was he could obtain everything he wanted. This gave us an opportunity of going on shore, which we gladly embraced after being shut up on board our ship for almost seven months. We found the natives very friendly and very religiously disposed, although there was no white missionary on the island, neither had there been for a great length of time. As soon as they learned that we were missionaries they were very anxious to have one or more of us stay with them. There were a number of very respectable American mechanics residing on the island, who were also anxious to have one of us stay. There being an effectual door opened for us, it was thought prudent for one to do so. The lot fell upon Bro. Pratt by his own choice. After a short stay we bade him adieu, and sailed for Tahiti, where we arrived on the 14th of May. Circumstances certainly looked very unfavorable when we arrived, but we could do no better than stay, as there was no way open for us to go anywhere else.

"The circumstances, which we will briefly state, were as follows: The French, as no doubt you are already aware, had taken possession of the islands, dispossessing Queen Pomare, and established their own government here; which indeed has been a most fortunate thing for us, for had the native government been in full force when we arrived, most likely the missionaries (who hitherto have been mighty men in this kingdom) would have so influenced the natives against us as to prevent us from landing. But thank the Lord, their greatness has had a downfall, and a mighty one too, in this land. There had been one battle fought when we arrived, and the natives were still under arms, threatening daily to come down upon the French and annihilate them. Under these circumstances it was that we obtained permission from the French government to land as missionaries. There being no convenient place in town for us

(page 98)

Read Previous Page / Next Page

Latest Podcast: 'Mormon Perversion? Yes. Book of Mormon Perversion? No.

RLDS Church History Search

Latest Podcast:
'Mormon Perversion?
Yes.
Book of Mormon Perversion?
No.