| 39 mission here in about 1842, but that in consequence of the influence of the Romish clergy with the French government, our missionaries were obliged to leave in the year 1855, and that the mission had been totally neglected since that time, we thought to make inquiry into its condition. After several days time we found some brethren; and since that time, we have been constantly at work. We were the first white Latter Day Saint missionaries they had seen for eighteen years, and their joy knew no bounds at meeting us. The Saints of this part of this island are mainly located at a place they call "Zion," about four miles from this place. It has been one continual meeting with them since we became known to them. At our first regular discourse, after we had concluded (to our surprise), an elder arose and announced that we were "Josephites!" Yet he said it kindly, and, after some consultation among them-selves, they all advanced and gave us the right hand of fellowship. From this moment they put themselves wholly under our teachings. Providentially, elders were here from Toboni, Paumotu, and Chain Island, who at once received us as the true representatives of the gospel as they had originally received it from the teachings of Elder Addison Pratt.
Bro. Pratt had never taught them polygamy, and after Brigham Young had published that doctrine, they by some means became acquainted with it, and after taking counsel upon it in open conference, they rejected it. They have the Bible and Protestant Mission Hymn-book-they can all read and write-but have no works published by the church; yet in looking over the presiding elder's Bible, Bro. Rodger found that from Genesis to Revelation all the strong passages to prove the doctrines of the church were carefully marked and well worn.
The condition in which we find these Saints reflects the highest credit upon the late Bro. A. Pratt. First, they understand clearly the doctrines of the church; second, their morals are unexceptionable; and in this they are in very great contrast with the other natives generally. As an example, they disfellowship adulterous acts, and exhibit a modest behavior that would be considered perfect anywhere. The family relation is fully established. But of this, more at another time. Bro. David Brown, the leading elder at "Tiona" (Zion), told me that the reason why he had gathered the Saints from Papeete to that place was to keep them from a constant contact with the wickedness of that place, and to keep their children out of the Popish schools.
They have not been without their troubles; when the French government took possession of these islands, the Jesuits immediately commenced their work of propagandism. The inhabitants of Chain Island being nearly all Latter Day Saints, refused to attend their meetings; military force was used, and they were driven to church with the bayonet! Six brethren resisted even unto death! In fact, "Mormonism" has here stood a thorough test for eighteen long years, during which time no white man's voice was permitted to cheer it on its troubled course. Not only was force used, but persuasion also. "See," said their enemies, "the
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