My Story of Samoan Methodism (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1875. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Mastia and Alaiasa. Two tulafales, Masua and Alaiasa, who took a great interest in the work at that time, met together in one of the villages of Upolu, when one remarked to the other, "I am afraid we are getting wrong." Masua was of the same opinion, and proposed that Alaiasa should go to Tonga and get instructions how they should proceed. Being men of influence their proposition was taken up with enthusiasm on Upolu. The rulers of Savaii and Manono took no active part in it, but the teachers on those islands did. Those who agreed to Masua's proposition met and resolved to send three influential chiefs from Atua and Tuamasaga as a deputation. These were Alaiasa, of Falefa, Sosuia, of Falealili, and Samuela, of Vailele. There happened to be at this time a whaler in Saluafata Bay. The deputation secured a passage in her to the Friendly Islands and left Samoa in 1840. They carried with them a letter to theTongan king and missionaries which was duly delivered and which literally translated is as follows: --"To Mr. Thomas, Mr. Turner, and all the missionaries. We the teachers of Apia, Tuamasaga, Manono, Savaii, and all the people of this Samoa, who belong to the religion which was taught by Mr. Turner. We cannot by any means turn to those from Tahiti, but we are endeavouring to make our religion stand firmly in Samoa. "Therefore, we write to make known our minds to you, Mr. Turner, Mr. Thomas, and the king, that ye may be merciful to us and allow missionaries to return to us in Samoa. We continue in this religion from our love to the meaning of that which Mr. Turner made known in Samoa. We do according to that which we did when he was here. The leaders' meeting at Satupaitea still continues, and all the leaders' meetings in Savaii in every place, and the leaders' meet...