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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Moravians in Labrador, by Anonymous
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Moravians in Labrador
+
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+
+
+Release Date: May 14, 2006  [eBook #18391]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR***
+
+
+E-text prepared by a www.PGDP.net Volunteer, Jeannie Howse, Mark C. Orton,
+Suzanne Lybarger, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) from page images generously made
+available by Early Canadiana Online
+(http://www.canadiana.org/eco/index.html)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      Early Canadiana Online. See
+      http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/mtq?doc=38020
+
+
+      +----------------------------------------------------------------+
+      | Transcriber's Notes:                                           |
+      |                                                                |
+      | The lone Greek word is transliterated and surrounded with +'s  |
+      |                                                                |
+      | The original images were of very poor quality, some            |
+      | punctuation has been inferred.                                 |
+      |                                                                |
+      | This document was originally published in 1822 and contains    |
+      | archaic spelling, as well as a number of obvious typographical |
+      | errors which have been corrected. For a complete list of       |
+      | corrected words, please see the end of this document.          |
+      |                                                                |
+      +----------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.
+
+
+
+From Greenland's icy mountains
+The joyful sound proclaim,
+Till each remotest nation
+Has learnt the Saviour's name.
+Waft, waft, ye winds, his story,
+And you, ye waters, roll,
+Till like a sea of glory,
+It spreads from pole to pole.
+                             HEBER.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Edinburgh:
+Printed by J. Ritchie.
+Sold by W. Whyte & Co., W. Oliphant, Waugh
+& Innes, and J. Lindsay & Co., Edinburgh;
+M. Ogle, and W. Collins, Glasgow; Hamilton,
+Adams & Co., and J. Nisbet, London.
+M.DCCC.XXXIII.
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+The present small volume which, in some measure, owes its origin to
+the suggestion of that long tried, excellent, and first friend of the
+Moravians in Scotland, R. Plenderleath, Esq., and being cordially
+approved of by the Rev P. Latrobe, London, though connected with
+considerable labour, great part of it having been translated from the
+German, has been cheerfully executed, and is intended to promote a
+purpose similar to that of the first edition of the Moravians in
+Greenland--to aid the subscriptions of some private friends who wish
+to communicate occasionally with the Missionaries in Labrador, and
+send them a few articles of comfort which the general funds do not
+supply. In allusion to this, the following extract from a letter,
+addressed to a friend in this city, from one of these devoted men,
+will be pleasant to the friends of the missions--"Dear Sister A ----,
+You kindly mention that a Society of Christian Ladies was formed in
+Edinburgh in aid of the missions in Greenland and Labrador, and had
+sent a gift of clothes, for which I beg you will accept of our united
+thanks. There are many poor widows and orphans in our Esquimaux
+congregations who are in the greatest necessity, to whom any little
+article of clothing will be most welcome. When our dear friends send
+us any thing of this kind, we always keep it till Christmas, and then
+divide them, that they may appear clothed on Christmas night. The
+dividing scene is often very affecting, their sobbing and weeping
+prevents their expressing _their gratitude_ in words, but one may
+easily perceive how deeply they feel their kindness."
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+Introduction.                                                 Page vii
+
+CHAPTER I.
+ Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.--J.C.
+  Erhardt suggests a mission--his letter to the Moravian
+  Bishop.--M. Stach consulted.--London merchants undertake the
+  scheme--engage Erhardt--its fatal conclusion.--Jans Haven
+  employed by the Brethren--encouraged by the British
+  Government, sets out on a voyage of discovery--his
+  providential arrival at Quirpont--first meeting with the
+  Esquimaux--his interesting intercourse--returns to England.
+  His second expedition, accompanied by Drachart and other
+  missionaries--their proceedings.--Drachart's remarkable
+  conversation with the natives--influence of the missionaries
+  in preserving peace--their religious communications with the
+  savages--the curiosity of the latter--their thievish
+  tricks--their kindness to the missionaries--a dreadful
+  storm.--Drachart and Haven entertained by an Angekok--his
+  incantations--their parting addresses to each other--the
+  missionaries return to London.                                    37
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+ Contests between the colonists and savages revive--Murderous
+  skirmish.--Mikak.--Karpik, his conversion and death.--The
+  Moravians receive a grant of land on the coast of Labrador--
+  resolve to renew the mission--voyage to explore the land.--
+  Jans Haven, Drachart, &c., arrive at Labrador--their
+  interview with the natives--meet Mikak and Tuglavina--their
+  kindness.--Segulliak the sorcerer.--Anxiety of the Esquimaux
+  for their remaining among them--ground purchased for a
+  settlement--manner of bargaining with the Esquimaux--sail for
+  Esquimaux bay--the natives troublesome--the Captain's method
+  of checking them.--Conduct of the missionaries--they preach on
+  shore.--Conversation with the Esquimaux.--Search out a place
+  for a settlement--purchase it of the natives--ceremonies used
+  on the occasion--take formal possession. Deputation return to
+  England                                                           73
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+ Preparations for establishing a settlement in Labrador.--A
+  love feast.--Missionaries leave London--erect a mission-house
+  at Nain---regulations for their intercourse with the
+  natives--visited by great numbers--manner of instruction--they
+  retire in winter, are visited by the Brethren in their
+  houses.--Death of Anauke.--An incantation.--Adventures in
+  search of a dead whale.--P.E. Lauritz deputed by the
+  conference--visits the missions--his excursion along the
+  coast.--A sloop of war arrives to examine the settlement--the
+  Captain's report.--Jans Haven's voyage to the north--
+  interesting occurrences.--Lauritz leaves Nain--his concluding
+  address.--The Brethren propose new settlements--disastrous
+  voyage in search of a situation.--Liebisch appointed
+  Superintendant.--An Angekok baptized--his address to the
+  natives.--Jans Haven commences a new station at Okkak--received
+  joyfully by the natives--six Esquimaux baptized--proceedings at
+  Nain.--Missionary accompanies the Esquimaux to a
+  rein-deer-hunt.--Third settlement--Hopedale founded.--Remarkable
+  preservation of the Missionaries.                                 97
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+ Esquimaux visit the English settlements--pernicious
+  consequences--dreadful accident--famine--unexpected supply
+  of food and skins.--Emigration from Okkak--missionaries' care
+  of the wanderers, who return disappointed.--Terrible tales
+  from the south.--Inquirers separated from the heathen.--Popish
+  priest attempts to seduce the converts.--Brother Rose inspects
+  Hopedale.--Karpik the sorcerer.--Peter's fall.--Visits to
+  the south renewed.--Parting address of the brethren.--Epidemic.--
+  Death of Daniel--of Esther.--Conversion and peaceful end of
+  Tuglavina.--Last days of Mikak.--Indians come to Hopedale.--
+  Rose's remarks on the internal state of the missions.--Instances
+  of the power of grace among the Esquimaux--striking observation
+  of one of the baptized.--Jonathan's letter to the Greenlanders.--
+  Affecting confession of Solomon.--Conduct of a young woman
+  sought in marriage by a heathen.--State of the settlements at the
+  close of the century.--Prospects begin to brighten.--Remarkable
+  phenomenon.--Avocations of the missionaries--their trials--
+  preservation of their vessels--of their settlements--their
+  brotherly love.                                                  154
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+ Variable appearances of the mission at Nain and Okkak--more
+  favourable at Hopedale.--Death of Benjamin.--Spirit of love
+  among the converted.--Happy communion and close of the
+  year.--Providential escape of the Resolution.--New epoch in
+  Labrador.--A remarkable awakening commences at Hopedale--
+  meetings--schools.--Letter from a converted Esquimaux to his
+  teacher.--Industry of the awakened.--Declension of religion
+  at Nain and Okkak.--State of the children at Hopedale.--
+  Progress of the adults in knowledge, love, and zeal--instances.--
+  Striking conversion of two young Esquimaux, its effects upon
+  their countrymen.--Awakening spreads to Nain and to Okkak.--Zeal
+  of the converts towards the heathen rouses backsliders.--
+  Behaviour of the awakened in sickness, and the prospect of
+  death.--Remarkable accessions from the heathen.--The son of a
+  sorcerer.                                                        201
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+ Mutual affection of the Christian Esquimaux and
+  Greenlanders--their correspondence--letter from Timothy, a
+  baptized Greenlander.--Delight of the Esquimaux in religious
+  exercises.--Order of the congregations--distressing events,
+  apostasy of Kapik--awful end of Jacob--peaceful end of
+  believers--Judith, Joanna.--Revival among the communicants.--A
+  feast by a Christian brother to the Esquimaux.--Winter
+  arrangements.--Childrens' meetings--schools.--The brethren's
+  settlements contrasted with the heathen.--Progress of religion
+  at the different stations.--Books printed in the Esquimaux
+  language.--Number of the settled Esquimaux.--Epidemic at
+  Nain--its consequences.--General view of the mission.            238
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+ Desire of the heathen to hear the Gospel.--Brethren meditate a
+  new settlement--voyage to explore the country.--Quiet course of
+  the mission--advantages of their church discipline.--Death of
+  Burghardt.--Exertions of the aged survivors.--Schreiber,
+  superintendant, arrives.--Anxiety of the native Christians to
+  attend the ordinances of religion.--Advantages of the Bible as
+  a school-book.--Four missionaries unexpectedly carried to
+  England.--Baptized Esquimaux seduced by traders.--Perilous
+  voyage of the returning missionaries--striking accident.--
+  Schreiber retires from the superintendance--Kohlmeister
+  succeeds--his journeyings to Okkak, to Nain.--Stability of
+  the work of God at Nain--hopeful deaths--conversion and
+  recovery of a young native.--Remarkable preservation of an
+  Esquimaux youth.                                                 269
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+ Fiftieth anniversary of the missionary vessel's first arrival
+  in Labrador--jubilee of the mission celebrated at Nain.--
+  Summary view of the success of the gospel in Labrador during
+  that period.--Instance of maternal affection.--Esquimaux
+  contribute to the Bible Society.--British sloop of war,
+  Clinker, visits Hopedale.--Captain Martin's testimony to the
+  good effect of the brethren's labours--visits Nain and
+  Okkak--consequences of his favourable report.                    304
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+ The Brethren obtain a further grant of land on the east coast
+  of Labrador--projected fourth settlement delayed.--Progress of
+  the three settlements in the interval.--Instances of wonderful
+  preservation--Ephraim--of Conrad, Peter, and Titus.--Report of
+  the Superintendant, Kohlmeister, on the general state of the
+  Mission.--Letter from Brother and Sister Kmoch, to a friend in
+  Edinburgh.--Commencement and progress of Hebron, the fourth
+  station.                                                         318
+
+
+
+
+THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The Moravian Mission in Labrador was attempted under circumstances
+scarcely less discouraging than those under which the brethren were
+enabled to achieve the moral conquest of Greenland, was attended with
+incidents still more romantic, and blest with a success equally
+remarkable. But it possesses a peculiar interest to British readers,
+having been commenced under the auspices of the British government,
+and promising a more extensive influence among tribes with whom
+British intercourse is likely to produce a wider and more intimate
+connection.
+
+The Peninsula of Labrador extends from the 50th to the 61st deg. N.L.
+It is somewhat of a triangular form; bounded on the north by Hudson's
+Straits, and indented by Ungava Bay; on the east by the northern
+ocean; on the south by Canada and the Gulph of St Lawrence; and on
+the west by Hudson's and James' Bay, which last coast, by a kind of
+anomaly in nomenclature, has been called the East Main, from its
+situation to that great inland sea.
+
+The German geographers do not appear to doubt, what some of our own
+have called in question, that the discovery and the name of this
+Peninsula, at least of its eastern shores, were owing to the
+Portuguese, Gaspar Cortereal, who, in the years 1500 and 1501, in an
+expedition fitted by the king to discover a western passage to India,
+reached the coast of Newfoundland about the 50th deg. N.L., and sailed
+northward to nearly the entrance into Hudson's Bay. This tract of
+country was originally called after its discoverer, Terra Cortereali,
+a name since superseded by that of Terra de Labrador--the land capable
+of cultivation. Davis Straits, here about one hundred miles broad,
+separates it from Greenland, whose southernmost point, Cape Farewell,
+lies in the same degree of latitude, [60 N.L.] with Cape Chudleigh,
+the northernmost extremity of Labrador. The Straits of Bellisle run
+between it and Newfoundland. The land along the shore is abrupt and
+precipitous, indented with many little creeks and vallies, surrounded
+by innumerable islands, and rendered extremely dangerous of access
+from the multitude of sunken rocks. The interior is mountainous,
+intersected by marshes, and abounding with streamlets and lakes.
+
+Detached from the Arctic lands, this country ought to partake in some
+degree of the temperate cold regions, but whether owing to the
+elevation of its mountains, or the influence of the perpetual fogs
+that cover the neighbouring seas, it is as frozen a region as those to
+the west of Hudson's Bay; and though it lies some degrees farther
+south than Greenland, yet the cold during the long winter is far more
+severe, the thermometer being frequently 32° below 0° of Fahrenheit.
+Perhaps the immense quantity of drift ice which accumulates on the
+eastern shores, and which extends for so many miles out to sea, may
+have some influence on the temperature of the climate. The summer, on
+the other hand, during the short time that it lasts, is proportionally
+warmer, the thermometer rising from 70° to 80° above 0. Vegetation
+then proceeds with uncommon rapidity; the shrubs and plants expand as
+if by enchantment; and the country assumes the luxuriance and beauty
+of a European summer. Forests of pine and larch are scattered over the
+country, the trees of sufficient size to be used in building, or to be
+sawn into boards; there are also willows, birch, aspen, and alder, in
+considerable quantities.
+
+The land animals are the same as those in Greenland. The _rein-deer_,
+this beautiful and useful creature, is found in considerable herds,
+but has not hitherto been domesticated, being only hunted for its
+flesh, which makes an agreeable variety of food; and its skin, which
+is an elegant and necessary article of clothing, as the fur is always
+richer in proportion to the intensity of the cold, against which it
+forms an excellent defence; they are hunted with dogs, and formerly
+used to be easily killed with the bow and arrow, but the introduction
+of fire arms has proved much more destructive. When hard-pressed, they
+soon take to the water, and swim so well that a four oared boat can
+scarcely come up with them, but an Esquimaux in his kaiak more readily
+overtakes them. _Hares_ are tolerably plenty. The _Arctic fox_ also is
+numerous; their skins are used for the purposes of commerce, and their
+flesh is esteemed preferable to that of the hare. _Black bears_ are
+frequently killed, and are relished as food by the Esquimaux. But the
+most formidable among the tribes of these regions is the _Polar bear_,
+whose ferocity and courage render him an object of terror even to the
+well armed European. The _dog_ is the most useful of the quadrupeds
+to the Esquimaux; he bears a strong resemblance to the wolf; is in
+height about the size of the Newfoundland, and is well furnished with
+a thick hairy coat, peculiarly adapted to the climate. As a hunter,
+his scent can trace the seal or the rein-deer at a considerable
+distance, and he does not dread, when in packs, to attack even the
+white bear itself. His chief value, however, consists in his qualities
+as a draught animal; for this he is carefully trained from his
+infancy, and undergoes severe and frequent floggings to break him
+regularly into the team. He becomes then remarkably submissive, comes
+at his master's call, and allows himself quietly to be harnessed to
+the sledge. In fastening them care is taken not to let them go
+abreast: they are tied by separate thongs, of unequal lengths, to a
+horizontal bar on the forepart of the sledge; an old knowing one leads
+the way, running ten to twenty paces a head, directed by the driver's
+whip, which is often twenty-four feet long, and can only be properly
+wielded by an experienced Esquimaux; the other dogs follow like a
+flock of sheep, and if one receives a lash, he bites his neighbour,
+and the bite goes round. Their strength, and speed, even with an
+hungry stomach, is astonishing; and to this they are often subjected,
+especially by the heathen, who treat them with little mercy, and force
+them to perform hard duty for the small quantity of food they allow
+them. Their portion upon a journey consists chiefly in offals, old
+skins, entrails, rotten whale flesh, or fins, or whatever else the
+Esquimaux himself cannot use; if these run out, or if the master,
+whose stomach is not of the most delicate contexture, requires his
+dogs' meat, then the poor creatures must go and seek for themselves,
+in which case they will swallow almost any thing, so that it is always
+necessary to secure the harness over night, if the traveller wishes to
+proceed in the morning. The teams vary from three to nine dogs, and
+this last number have been known to drag a weight of more than sixteen
+hundred pounds, a mile in nine minutes.
+
+Like the Greenlanders the inhabitants of Labrador must draw their
+subsistence and their wealth chiefly from the sea; but in this respect
+their circumstances are less favourable than the former. Whales are
+scarce, and the chief species they take is that denominated the white
+fish, of little value in commerce. In pursuing them they have now
+adopted the European boat in preference to their own, and those most
+frequently employed are six oared, rowed by twelve men. The harpooner
+stands in the bow with his harpoon, or iron spear, which is stuck on a
+shaft one or two fathoms long, and is provided with a leathern thong
+of considerable length, to which are attached from five to ten
+bladders of seal skin. If the whale be struck he immediately dives to
+the bottom of the sea, where he remains till he is quite exhausted,
+when he again comes to the surface of the water to breathe; in the
+meanwhile the boat's crew observe all its motions, and are in
+readiness with their lances to complete the business, during which,
+the person who first struck the fish, falls down on his face in the
+fore part of the boat, and prays that Torngak would strengthen the
+thongs that they may not break; another of the crew allows his feet to
+be bound, as a symbol of what he desires, then attempting to walk,
+falls down and exclaims, "Let him be lame!" and a third, if he
+observes that the whale is dying, calls out, "Now Torngak is there,
+and will help us to kill the fish, and we shall eat his flesh, and
+fare sumptuously, and be happy!" But if the whale appears likely to
+escape, the first continues lying on his face crying out with
+vehemence, "Hear yet, and help us!" If the whale get off, some of
+their conjurors inform them that Torngak was not there, or he did not
+hear, or he was otherwise employed! Seals are more abundant, and are
+the chief dependance of the natives, their flesh serving for food,
+their skins for clothes and covering to their tents and boats, and
+their blubber for oil or for exchange. Catching the seal was formerly
+a tedious and laborious process, but now they are generally taken in
+nets, which the natives have adopted from the Europeans.
+
+Salmon and salmon-trout are caught in every creek and inlet; they
+remain in the rivers and fresh-water lakes during the winter, and
+return to the sea in spring. The Esquimaux about Okkak and Saeglak,
+catch them in winter under the ice by spearing. For this purpose they
+make two holes in the ice, about eight inches in diameter, and six
+feet asunder, in a direction from north to south. The northern hole
+they screen from the sun by a bank of snow about four feet in height,
+raised in a semi-circle round its southern edge, and form another
+similar bank on the north side of the southern hole, sloped in such a
+manner as to reflect the rays of the sun into it. The Esquimaux then
+lies down, with his face close to the northern aperture, beneath which
+the water is strongly illuminated by the sunbeams entering at the
+southern. In his left hand he holds a red string, with which he plays
+in the water to allure the fish, and in his right, a spear ready to
+strike them as they approach; and in this manner, they soon take as
+many as they want. The trout on this coast are from twelve to eighteen
+inches long, and in August and September so fat, that the Esquimaux
+collect from them a sufficient quantity of oil for their lamps. The
+great shoals of herrings, which are the staple of the Greenlanders, do
+not touch at the shores of Labrador, but they have abundance of cod at
+many of their fishing stations, which the missionaries have shown them
+the method, and set them the example, of curing for their winter's
+supply.
+
+Sea-fowl of the duck and goose species frequent the shores of
+Labrador, and the islands scattered around it, and afford to the
+natives, as they do to the rest of the northern tribes, food, warmth,
+and materials for trade. Of the land birds, the large partridge,
+[reiper,] or American wild pheasant, is the only one which the
+missionaries mention as being used by them as an agreeable variety of
+food, when, other resources failing, they have been confined to salted
+provisions.
+
+The peninsula is chiefly inhabited on the coast, where the Moravians
+have now four settlements. The natives style themselves _Innuit_,
+_i.e._ men; and foreigners, _Kablunat_ or inferior beings. Their
+original national name is Karalit, also denoting superiority, and the
+term Esquimaux, by which they are now so generally known, was given
+them by their neighbours the Indians, in whose language it signifies
+"men's raw meat," and probably imports that the Indians were, or it
+may be, are cannibals, and devoted their captives for this horrible
+repast. In lowness of stature, in their flat features, and dark
+colour, they exactly resemble the Greenlanders. Their language is a
+dialect of the same tongue, intelligible by both; but from their
+intercourse with foreigners, and their adopting some foreign customs,
+and becoming possessed of foreign utensils, a number of strange words
+have been introduced into each, only the former borrowed Danish or
+English phrases, while the latter had learned many French words. Their
+dress is nearly similar, being seal-skin coats and breeches, except
+the outer garment of the women ends behind in a train that reaches to
+the ground, and their boats are sufficiently large to carry their
+children if they are mothers--or provisions, or any other packages, if
+they are not.
+
+Their winter houses are low, long, ill-constructed huts, inhabited by
+several families, and abominably filthy; they are dug deep in the
+earth, but the walls above the surface never exceed three feet in
+height, the roof is elevated in the middle, and the windows are placed
+to look to the south: the entry can only admit a person to crawl in;
+on one side of it is placed the kitchen, and on the other the
+dog-kennel, but no partition separates the biped from the quadruped
+inhabitant. If constrained to travel in winter, or to remain at a
+distance from their usual homes, they build houses of snow, which
+afford them a tolerably comfortable temporary abode. These habitations
+are very ingeniously constructed; they first search out a heap of
+firmly frozen snow, next they trace out a circular figure, of whatever
+size they think requisite, and then proceed with their long thin
+knives, to cut out square slabs, about three feet in length, two in
+breadth, and one in thickness, and gradually contracting as they rise,
+they form a dome about eight feet high; within, they leave an
+elevation all round the walls of about twenty inches, which, when
+covered with skins, serves both for a seat and a sleeping place; a
+piece of ice serves for a window, and in the evening they close their
+door with a board of snow; a lamp suspended from the roof gives light
+and heat to the apartment.
+
+When missions were first commenced among the Greenlanders, they had
+had but little intercourse with Europeans: it was different when the
+brethren visited Labrador--the Esquimaux had been long acquainted with
+Europeans, but of the baser sort, and had lost many of the original
+features of savage life, without, however, gaining any thing better in
+their place. Their communication with these wretches, who disgraced
+the term civilized, corrupted their morals, and did not improve their
+knowledge, taught them wants, without teaching them how to supply
+them, except by theft. When the missionaries latterly came in contact
+with Esquimaux, who were previously unacquainted, or but little
+acquainted, with white men, they found them comparatively mild and
+honest. On a voyage of observation, they landed at Nachrack, and they
+report, "We found," say they, "the people here, differing much in
+their manners from the people at Saeglak. Their behaviour was modest,
+and rather bashful, nor were we assailed by beggars and importunate
+intruders. We had no instance of stealing. Thieves are considered by
+the Esquimaux in general with abhorrence, and with a thief no one is
+willing to trade." Latter voyagers have borne similar testimony to
+their brethren still further north; but their honesty seems to have
+arisen from the want of temptation; for the same missionaries add: "We
+have discovered that this propensity is not altogether wanting in the
+northern Esquimaux, who now and then, if they think they can do it
+without detection, will make a little free with their neighbour's
+property." And a further acquaintance with the natives discovered to
+the northern navigators, that first impressions are not always to be
+relied upon, for even the fair damsels could slyly secrete pewter
+plates, spoons and other valuables in the capacious trunks of their
+hose-boots; but those near the European settlements had improved in
+wickedness, and got ingrafted on their own vicious propensities new
+branches of more vigorous and productive mischief. They were in truth
+in a situation peculiarly adapted to shew the power and the necessity
+of the gospel for reclaiming the moral wilderness, for in them it had
+to overcome the worst vices of barbarous and civilized men.
+
+Their religion too appears to have received no more improvement than
+their morals; from their neighbourhood to nominal Christians their
+creed remained much the same. They believed that Torngak, under the
+figure of an old man, dwelt in the waters, and had the rule over
+whales and seals, and that a female demon, Supperguksoak, under the
+form of an old woman, resided in the interior, and reigned over the
+land animals. But the Angekoks had assumed a secular power, which they
+did not possess in Greenland, and exercised at once the office of
+priest and a chief, of a sorcerer, a thief, and a murderer. Of this
+several examples will be found in the subsequent narrative, as well as
+instances of their ridiculous incantations: the females, in some
+cases, showed the authority and influence of their husbands. Their
+notions of futurity were gross and sensual, the highest enjoyment of
+the soul after death, being made to consist in successful hunting and
+gluttony; the sorest punishment, in poverty and hunger.
+
+The Esquimaux on the east coast of Labrador, may be divided into two
+sections: those in the south, who seldom come farther than
+Kangertuksoak, about twenty miles north of Okkak, which lies 57°, 20
+m. N.L.; and those of the north, who seldom come farther south than
+Nachrack 59° --m. Saeglak lies between, and in winter is visited by
+both in their sledges. Those in the north still retain the original
+native furniture, wooden bowls, and whale-bone water buckets, large
+and small lamps and kettles of bastard marble, and are more
+unvitiated, therefore more to be depended upon than the others. They
+of the south have obtained European pots and kettles of iron,
+hatchets, saws, knives and gimlets, woollen cloths, sewing needles,
+and various other utensils of iron; they are more treacherous, and
+less to be trusted in their dealings.
+
+So long as Newfoundland remained in possession of the French, the
+traffic of Europeans with the Esquimaux went little farther than the
+bartering of fish hooks, knives, or trifling wares, which they had
+brought with them to the fishing for whale fins. But when that Island
+fell into the hands of the English, they and the Americans, who
+promised themselves great advantages from opening a trade with the
+natives, brought with them a more extensive assortment of goods. The
+traffic at first was mis-managed. In order to ingratiate themselves
+with the savages, the traders both took and allowed greater liberties
+than were calculated to preserve mutual good understanding. The
+foreigners excited the cupidity of the natives, which, though easily
+satisfied at the moment, soon became a constant, increasing, and
+insatiable appetite; and when their whale-fins, furs, or blubber were
+exhausted, and they could purchase no more of the articles they had
+learned to prize, they first quarrelled with those friends who would
+not make them presents of what they wanted, and then proceeded by
+fraud or force to supply themselves. Having a thorough contempt for
+the _Kablunat_, they imagined that they displayed a virtuous and
+praiseworthy superiority, when they overreached, deceived, and stole
+from them. The traders who entertained similar notions respecting the
+Esquimaux, acted in a similar manner, and their intercourse soon
+became productive of murders and robberies, in which the numbers and
+cunning of the latter enabled them for a time to be the most
+successful.
+
+A band of Esquimaux from Avertok, a place not far from where the
+settlement of Nain at present is, commenced their plundering
+expeditions upon system, evincing a depraved ingenuity, converted now
+to better objects. They went regularly to the south with whale fins,
+which they bought up from their neighbours, and under the pretext of
+trading with the Europeans, contrived, either by stratagem or open
+violence, to rob them to an extent far beyond the value of what they
+pretended to barter; this succeeding for a while, they were joined by
+others from various quarters, till they were able to equip a fleet of
+boats amounting to eighteen. In 1763, they so infested the straits of
+Bellisle, that it was not safe for a fishing vessel to enter them
+alone. And so successful were these pirates, that they supplied the
+whole coast, not only with iron utensils and European arms, but
+likewise with boats, sails, anchors, cords and nets; and boats in
+particular were in such plenty, that a good one could have been got
+for a few skins, twelve whale-fins, or two or three dogs. The
+excesses and cruelties with which these depredations were accompanied,
+filled the Europeans and colonists with such extraordinary terror,
+that if but the cry of a bird was heard in the night, every one
+trembled, and made ready to flee.
+
+The savages preferred stratagem, and to accomplish their purpose did
+not hesitate to employ the most insidious treachery. When they
+approached Cape Charles, they never ventured farther, till they
+reconnoitred during the dark in their kaiaks, and ascertained whether
+there were any Europeans on the north side of Chateau Bay; if they
+found none, they advanced in the night, or in foggy weather, to the
+three islands that lie in the mouth of the bay, whence they, under
+cloud of night, examined the bay itself. If they found there only a
+few Europeans, whom they supposed they could easily master, they
+approached softly so near, that they could stare them in the face, and
+then raised a most frightful yell, which commonly terrified the
+Europeans thus taken by surprise, and threw them into such confusion,
+that they left all, and were glad if they escaped with their lives.
+If, however, the Europeans did not allow themselves to be frightened
+by the unexpected cry, but received them in a friendly manner, and
+made offer to trade, the Esquimaux would agree with seeming
+cordiality; and having sent off their boats and families, the men
+returned in their kaiaks bringing a few whale-fins to sell, and
+entered upon a very amicable-like traffic. This kind of intercourse
+they would continue for some days, till, having gained the confidence
+of the strangers and thrown them off their guard, then the most
+resolute and strongest of the Esquimaux, concealing their long knives
+in a secret sheath in their left sleeve, would enter upon a bargain
+for some more fins, and while adjusting it with the greatest show of
+friendship, each would seize the trader with whom he was dealing, as
+if he meant to embrace him, and on a given sign by their leader, would
+plunge his knife into his heart. In this manner the whole were cut
+off, and their property became the prey of the savages, who, when they
+had fairly cleaned Chateau Bay, would set sail to renew their
+depredations in other quarters, and if dark and misty weather
+favoured, and their force was sufficient, they would even scour the
+straits of Bellisle, or roam during the night in search of booty
+through the neighbouring islands. Such was the character of the
+savages the Moravians were desirous to civilize; how they succeeded,
+the following pages will show.
+
+
+
+
+THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.--J.C.
+   Erhardt suggests a mission--his letter to the Moravian
+   Bishop.--M. Stach consulted.--London merchants undertake the
+   scheme--engage Erhardt--its fatal conclusion.--Jans Haven
+   employed by the Brethren, encouraged by the British Government,
+   sets out on a voyage of discovery--his providential arrival at
+   Quirpont--first meeting with the Esquimaux--his interesting
+   intercourse--returns to England.--His second expedition,
+   accompanied by Drachart and other missionaries--their
+   proceedings.--Drachart's remarkable conversation with the
+   natives--influence of the missionaries in preserving
+   peace--their religious communications with the savages--the
+   curiosity of the latter--their thievish tricks--their kindness
+   to the missionaries--a dreadful storm.--Drachart and Haven
+   entertained by an Angekok--his incantations--their parting
+   addresses to each other--the missionaries return to London.
+
+
+When the original Hudson's Bay Company was formed, 1688, for the
+purpose of trading in furs with the natives, the instructions they
+sent to their factors breathed the most liberal and benevolent
+principles. They directed them to use every means in their power to
+reclaim the heathen from a state of barbarism, and instil into their
+minds the pure lessons of Christianity; and at the same time
+admonished them to trade equitably, and take no advantage of their
+untutored simplicity. It does not appear that much attention was paid
+to either of these injunctions, or if there was, the efforts proved as
+abortive as those they made to discover the western passage. The moral
+wilderness still remains around their settlements on the East Maine,
+while those of the brethren on the opposite coast of Labrador bloom
+and blossom as the rose.
+
+The first thought of attempting to establish a missionary settlement
+in that quarter among the Esquimaux, originated with a Moravian
+brother, John Christian Erhardt, a Dutch pilot. He had in early life
+made several voyages to Davis Straits; but in 1749, when sailing under
+Captain Grierson in the Irene, the vessel touched at New Hernhut in
+Greenland, where he saw the congregation that had been gathered from
+among the heathen in that land; and in conversation with the brethren
+they told him that they supposed the opposite coast of North America
+was peopled by tribes having the same customs and speaking the same
+language as the Greenlanders. This statement made a deep impression on
+his mind, and during his stay at Hernhaag, 1750, while musing on the
+state of that people sitting in the darkness of heathenism, and on how
+the light of the gospel might be communicated to them, a description
+of the journey undertaken by Henry Ellis, 1746-7, at the desire of the
+Hudson's Bay Company, to try to discover a north-west passage,
+accidentally fell into his hands. The account there given of these
+barbarous regions convinced him that the people were sprung from the
+same origin with the Greenlanders, and the methods suggested by Ellis
+for their moral improvement enabled him to bring his own scheme to a
+bearing.
+
+In a letter, dated 20th May 1750, addressed to Bishop Johannes de
+Watteville, he laid before him his plan for establishing a mission on
+that part of the coast between Newfoundland and Hudson's Straits,
+which had as yet been but rarely visited by Europeans, and offered
+himself to undertake it. "Whoever," says he in this letter, "has seen
+our cause in Greenland, and what the Saviour has done to the poor
+heathen there, surely his heart and his eyes must overflow with tears
+of joy, if he possess any feeling of interest in the happiness of
+others: they are indeed sparkling rubies in the golden girdle of our
+dear Saviour, as the text for the day speaks, Rev 1 13. And I believe
+the Saviour has in these northern waters many such gems that he will
+also gather, and set in it to his praise and glory. My heart is much
+impressed with the thought of carrying the gospel to the before
+mentioned countries and places." "Now, dear Johannes," he concludes,
+"thou knowest that I am an old Greenland traveller; I have also an
+amazing affection for these northern countries, Indians, and other
+barbarians; and it would be a source of the greatest joy if the
+Saviour would discover to me that he has chosen me, and would make me
+fit for this service. It is not for ease or convenience that I so
+earnestly desire it. I think I can say before the Saviour, if this is
+of thee thou wilt cause it to prosper, if not, yet it is a good work,
+and no one will lose any thing by it."
+
+On purpose to further the prosecution of this object, M. Stach, the
+first Greenland missionary, had been recalled to Europe, and in the
+year 1752 was sent for to London by Count Zinzendorff, to be consulted
+with upon the occasion. Application was at the same time made to the
+Hudson's Bay Company, for permission to preach the gospel to the
+savages in the neighbourhood of their factories; but this being
+refused, probably lest it should interfere with their mercantile
+projects, M. Stach returned to found new settlements near the scenes
+of his first labours. Meanwhile, three London merchants, but
+unconnected with the Hudson's Bay Company, Messrs Nisbet, Grace and
+Bell, fitted out a vessel for the coast of Labrador, to trade in oil
+and whale fins, and engaged Erhardt, then at Zeist, to act as
+supercargo, who, on account of his knowledge of the north seas, of the
+trade, and of the language, they judged well qualified for that
+office; but they also wished to make some preparation for a missionary
+settlement, and four brethren, Golkowsky, Kunz, Post, and Krumm,
+volunteered to remain in the country to learn the language, and
+endeavour the conversion of the heathen; for this purpose they took
+with them a wooden house ready to set up, a boat, various articles of
+furniture, and some kitchen garden-seeds.
+
+Count Zinzendorff, who, from former experience, was opposed to mixing
+trading transactions with the work of a Christian mission, was not
+without doubts as to the issue of this undertaking, he did not however
+attempt to prevent it. The vessel on board of which this small society
+embarked, named the Hope, reached the south-east coast of Labrador on
+the 11th July 1752. The whole is precipitous, and skirted with
+numerous barren rocky islands; among these they had to steer their way
+under many difficulties, and with the greatest caution, without any
+proper chart, in misty weather, and with the sounding line constantly
+in their hands. At length they landed, and proceeded in search of the
+Esquimaux in order to traffic with them. On the 29th July they made
+their first appearance in five kaiaks, which they managed with great
+dexterity, and seemed highly delighted with Erhardt, who, from his
+knowledge of the Greenlandish, could make himself understood by them.
+They exchanged some whale fins for knives. July 31 they came to anchor
+55 deg. 31 m. N.L. in a beautiful harbour, surrounded by a wooded high
+land, and bounded by meadow grounds, to which, from respect to the
+chief owner of the ship, they gave the name of Nisbet's Harbour.
+
+There the brethren, with the assistance of the sailors, brought their
+house on shore, and erected it on this pleasant spot--for it was
+summer[A]--which they called Hoffenthal, _i.e._ Hopevale; they
+received from the ship all that was necessary for the supply of their
+present wants, and putting their confidence in the protection of
+their heavenly Father, they took up their habitation.
+
+Erhardt, in the mean time, carried on a considerable trade with the
+natives, who seemed very desirous to assemble around him, and showed
+him particular marks of affection and attachment. Having remained till
+the 5th of September, and having seen the brethren, to all appearance,
+comfortably settled in their dwelling, the vessel left to proceed
+further to the north, for the purpose of completing her cargo, and
+Drachart, who had engaged to return to Europe, received in charge the
+brethren's letters for their friends, and bade them farewell.
+
+Ten days after, on the 15th, the missionaries, to their astonishment,
+perceived the Hope again re-enter Nisbet's Harbour. Upon boarding her,
+they learned the painful heart-rending news, that Erhardt, the
+captain, ship's clerk, and four sailors, had left the ship in a boat
+filled with merchandize, and for one day had conducted a friendly and
+gainful traffic with the Esquimaux; but being enticed by the savages,
+had consented to repeat their visit, perhaps proceed farther into the
+country, or along the coast, and were never seen more. The vessel,
+with the remains of the crew, had waited in a state of the most
+anxious distressing expectation two days and three nights, in hopes of
+their return; but as they never made their appearance, and they had no
+other boat to send in quest of them, they were constrained to leave
+the district, under the distressing conviction that the natives, who
+had been observed lurking behind some of the small islands, had risen
+on the unsuspecting party, and murdered them for the sake of their
+property.
+
+This intelligence threw the brethren into the greatest perplexity, as
+the person on whom the charge of the Hope now devolved pressed them
+earnestly to give him their boat, and return with him to Europe,
+because, from the loss of his best seamen, without additional hands,
+it would be impossible to navigate the ship. Having come thither at
+the expense of the merchants, the missionaries could not allow them to
+suffer in their temporal concerns; and although they would willingly
+have risked their own lives in the cause, they did not see it equally
+their duty to risk the lives of others, and the property of the
+merchants, on an unknown coast and a tempestuous ocean, and therefore
+agreed to comply with the new captain's request. Leaving provisions in
+the house, from which they departed with sorrowful hearts, in the
+feeble hope that perhaps some of those missing might yet be alive,
+and might be able to find their way thither, on the 20th September
+they bade adieu to the station, reached St John's, Newfoundland, on
+the 31st, and about the latter end of November arrived in London.
+
+An issue so disastrous to an expedition so well planned, which
+apparently carried within itself every rational promise of prosperity,
+was calculated to throw a damp upon any renewal of missionary
+enterprize in that quarter; and it did so with those who imagined that
+they themselves could command success, if their projects were
+judiciously concerted, and the means sufficiently supplied. It had no
+such effect on that eminent servant of God, Count Zinzendorff. When
+the mournful accounts of the uncertain fate of Erhardt and his
+companions reached that nobleman, he was grieved, yet not
+distressed--perplexed, yet not in despair; for he saw much mercy
+mingled in the dispensation, and was thankful to God that four
+brethren had returned safe. Next year the vessel Hope re-visited the
+coast of Labrador, under the command of Captain Goff. He heard that
+some dead bodies had been found and buried, and that the missionary
+station had been burned, but no further particulars were ever learned.
+In this manner ended the first commercial adventure and first mission
+to Labrador--enforcing, in a salutary and impressive manner, the
+fundamental maxim of the brethren, that worldly speculation ought
+never to be joined with Christian enterprize.
+
+Notwithstanding this failure, the brethren did not relinquish the hope
+that God would, in some way or other, direct them how to reach these
+savages, and there were not wanting men who showed a strong desire to
+carry the gospel among them. In particular, Jans Haven, a carpenter,
+from the moment he heard that Erhardt had been killed by the
+Esquimaux, could never get rid of the powerful impulse, and in his
+retirement constantly employed himself with charts and books relating
+to the subject, and by every means endeavoured to make himself
+acquainted with the inhabitants, customs, climate and situation of
+Labrador.
+
+In the year 1758, Haven received a call to assist the Greenland
+missionaries in founding the new settlement of Lichtenfels. He then
+for the first time told Count Zinzendorff, that during six years he
+had cherished the idea of going to Labrador to make known to the
+heathen their Creator and Saviour. At first the Count hesitated
+whether he should allow him to go to Greenland, but upon
+consideration, he thought it would be better for him to proceed
+thither; and on taking leave, and giving him his blessing, he said,
+"Go first to Greenland and learn the language, and the Saviour will do
+the rest." He accordingly went thither, and was honoured, along with
+M. Stach, to promote the second settlement in that country.
+
+With all the attachment and love, however, which he soon conceived for
+the Greenlanders, his predilection for Labrador never abated, while
+his determination to serve the Lord in those regions was ever present
+to his mind; and when in 1762 he returned to Germany, he laid his
+desire before the Conference at Engen, which at that time had the
+direction of the Brethren's Unity, and offered to undertake personally
+a voyage of inquiry into these regions. His proposals met with their
+most cordial approbation, and he took his departure from Hernhut for
+England in the spring of 1764, with the blessing of the congregation.
+He travelled on foot through Germany to Holland, and after
+encountering numberless difficulties--especially in England from his
+want of a knowledge of the language--he arrived in London. His first
+intention was to offer himself as a common sailor or ship's carpenter
+to the Hudson Bay Company, in order to procure a passage; but the
+brethren advised him rather to try and get to Labrador by the way of
+Newfoundland.
+
+After many fruitless attempts, he was eventually introduced, through
+the means of James Hutton, Secretary to the Brethren's Unity in
+England, to Sir Hugh Palliser, Governor of Newfoundland, and Commodore
+of the squadron which sailed annually from England. Sir Hugh received
+him very kindly, and took a lively interest in what appeared to him so
+praiseworthy an undertaking as the conversion of the heathen; for he
+rationally concluded that it would also be most advantageous for
+commerce, if the population of that country were instructed and
+humanized. He at once promised all his assistance and support, and
+even offered to carry Jans Haven out on board his own ship. This the
+missionary declined, but requested letters of recommendation to the
+government officers at St John's, which were readily granted, and he
+set sail with the first vessel for that port. Upon his arrival (May
+16th) he lodged at the house of a merchant, who treated him with great
+civility, and supported himself by working at his trade as a
+carpenter, while he endeavoured to obtain every information possible
+respecting the scene of his future labours. In the mean time, his
+disinterested love for the work he had engaged in was put to an
+eminently trying test. Many persons who heard of his intentions came
+to see and converse with him; but instead of endeavouring to
+strengthen his hands in his missionary designs, they made him several
+advantageous proposals for settling in Newfoundland, where there would
+have been no doubt of his speedily realizing a fortune. His heart,
+however, was bent on a nobler object. That he did not under-rate the
+difficulties he would have to encounter in his arduous work, appears
+from a letter written about this time; but he knew likewise where his
+strength lay. "Every one here," says he, "paints the Esquimaux in the
+most shocking colours; but I think they are men, and the word of the
+death of Jesus, which has produced such amazing effects on other
+barbarous nations, cannot fail to have an influence also on them."
+
+Immediately upon his arrival in St John's, Newfoundland, the Governor
+issued a proclamation, expressive of his approval of the objects of
+the mission and of his desire to promote them. "As it would," said he,
+"be of the greatest advantage to the trade of His Majesty's dominions
+in North America, if a friendly intercourse could be established
+between the Esquimaux Indians that inhabit the coasts of Labrador, and
+the inhabitants of the colonies; and all attempts hitherto to
+accomplish this desirable object having failed--partly, it must be
+confessed, owing to the foolish, treacherous and cruel manner in which
+some of our people have treated the natives in their traffic with them
+on their own coasts--some of them being most deceitfully plundered,
+and others barbarously murdered; in consequence of which we have been
+brought into the greatest contempt, as if our only design was to lay a
+snare to get them extirpated: such flagitious proceedings being
+directly opposed to His Majesty's benign and humane disposition, it is
+his Royal will and pleasure that these Indians be henceforth treated
+with kindness, and encouraged to trade with his Majesty's subjects. In
+conformity with these sentiments of our gracious Sovereign, we deem it
+necessary to recommend to every possible assistance the bearer of
+this, Jans Haven, a member of the Moravian Brethren's Church, who has
+formed the laudable design of visiting these coasts, and if possible,
+to communicate the knowledge of religion to the poor ignorant heathen,
+and also endeavour to remove the prejudices which have prevented them
+from having a friendly intercourse with us. And further, we, His
+Majesty's Officers, &c. in Council assembled, having conversed with
+the said Jans Haven, and being highly satisfied with him, command that
+no impediment be thrown in the way of this his attempt, but rather
+that every possible friendship and assistance be given him, in order
+to promote a happy issue to his most Christian undertaking, as by this
+a great service will not only be rendered to the inhabitants of these
+colonies, but to His Majesty's subjects in general. Given under our
+hand, subscribed and sealed at St John's, 1st July 1764. (Signed) HUGH
+PALLISER"
+
+Fortified by this proclamation, which secured to the missionary the
+protection of the British Government, a protection which the Brethren
+have to this day enjoyed, he embarked on board a ship bound for the
+north, from which he was transferred to a French shallop engaged in
+fishing on the shores of Labrador. When they arrived on the coast,
+Haven for the first time saw the Esquimaux rowing about in their
+kaiaks, but none were permitted to approach without being fired upon,
+so great was the dread these savages had inspired. He landed, however,
+24th Aug., near Chateau Bay, 52 degrees N.L.; but the inhabitants
+fled at his approach, at least none made their appearance till he left
+the shore, when they came in numbers to the beach, which was the
+subject of much merriment to the sailors, who made both him and his
+object the frequent subjects of their coarse ridicule--the few who
+sympathized in his disappointment advised him to return, and refused
+further assistance in what they considered so hopeless a cause. At the
+same time he was informed that a murderous project was in
+contemplation against the natives.
+
+All these things filled his heart with the most pungent sorrow, preyed
+upon his mind, and wasted his body--and he cried to the Lord for
+relief and help in this distressing situation. Once, when writing down
+his heavy mournful cogitations in his journal, the master of the
+shallop entered his cabin, and seeing him in tears, inquired whether
+he was going to make a complaint to the owners? "No," replied he, "but
+I mean to complain of you to God, that he may notice your wicked
+conduct on the present occasion, for ye have taken his name in vain,
+and ye have mocked his word!" Struck with this address, the captain
+entreated his forgiveness, and promised that from henceforth he would
+do every thing to promote his design, which he faithfully performed,
+and landed him next day at Quirpont or Quiverant, a harbour in an
+island, off the north-east extremity of Newfoundland.
+
+Here he landed in a most propitious moment--a number of unprincipled
+wretches had arrived, and were holding a council to concert a plan for
+destroying the Esquimaux. Instantly the missionary went to them
+boldly, showed them the Governor's proclamation, and strongly
+remonstrated with them; yet it was not without difficulty that he
+persuaded them to lay aside their diabolical design. To this harbour
+the natives frequently resorted to trade, or rather more frequently to
+steal; and here his first interview took place with the Esquimaux,
+which he records in his diary in the following manner: "September 4
+1764 was the joyful day I had so long wished for, when one Esquimaux
+came into the harbour to see if Captain Galliot was there. While I was
+preparing to go to him, he had turned, and was departing to return to
+his countrymen, who lay in the mouth of the harbour, with the
+intelligence that the Captain had sailed. I called out to him in
+Greenlandish that he should come to me, that I had words to say to
+him, and that I was his good friend. He was astonished at my speech,
+and answered in broken French; but I begged him to speak in his own
+language, which I understood, and to bring his countrymen, as I wished
+to speak to them also, on which he went to them and cried with a loud
+voice, 'Our friend is come!'
+
+"I had hardly put on my Greenland clothes when five of them arrived in
+their own boats--I went to meet them, and said, 'I have long desired
+to see you.' They replied, 'Here is an _innuit_.' I answered, 'I am
+your countryman and friend.' They rejoined, 'Thou art indeed our
+countryman!' The joy on both sides was very great, and we continued in
+conversation for a considerable time, when at last they invited me to
+accompany them to an island about an hour's row from the shore, where
+I should find their wives and children, who would give me a cordial
+welcome. I well knew that in doing this I put myself entirely in their
+power; but conceiving it to be of essential service to our Saviour's
+cause that I should venture my life among them, and endeavour to
+become better acquainted with their nature, I turned simply to Him,
+and said, 'I will go with them in thy name. If they kill me, my work
+on earth is done, and I shall live with thee; but if they spare my
+life, I will firmly believe that it is thy will that they should hear
+and believe thy gospel.'
+
+"The pilot and a sailor who put me ashore, remained in the boat, and
+pushed off a little way from the land to see what would become of me.
+I was immediately surrounded, and every one seemed anxious to show me
+his family. I gave every boy two fish-hooks, and every woman two or
+three sewing needles; and after conversing about two hours, left them,
+with a promise of soon being with them again. In the afternoon I
+returned with the pilot, who wished to trade with them. I begged them
+to remain in this place during the night, but not to steal any thing
+from our people, and showed the danger of doing this. They said the
+Europeans steal also. I answered, if they do so, let me know, and they
+shall be punished. I seized every opportunity to say something about
+the Saviour, to which they listened with great attention. I then
+invited them to visit me next morning, and took leave.
+
+"Next morning accordingly, eighteen Esquimaux came in their boats. I
+went out to sea to meet them, and as the French Captain was frightened
+at the sight of such a crowd, I only allowed six of them to come ashore
+with me, and directed the others to land somewhere else. I now
+informed them of Commodore Palliser's proclamation, and of the kind
+intentions of the British government towards them, assuring them, that
+in future no one should be allowed to do them the least injury, so long
+as they themselves behaved properly and peaceably--to all which they
+listened with great attention; but when I offered them the written
+declaration, which I had received from the Commodore, they shrunk back
+terrified, and would not be persuaded to touch it--for they supposed it
+a living creature, having seen me speak words from it. I then got into
+a boat and went with them again to their families, who received me as
+before, with the greatest show of kindness. In the evening, three
+French and one English boat arrived full of Esquimaux--the men came
+immediately to see me, and requested I would visit them in their tents.
+I read to them a letter written by the missionary John Beck, in name of
+the Greenlanders; and as I spoke to them of the Saviour's death, they
+appeared struck with terror--probably supposing that they were
+upbraided with some of their former murders. On which I showed them
+that he was a great friend to mankind--but they had no understanding of
+spiritual things.
+
+"To my astonishment I spoke to them with much more ease than I
+supposed I could have done, and they expressed great affection for me,
+insisting always upon my being present at all their trading
+transactions with the sailors, to adjust matters between them; 'for,'
+said they, 'you are our friend.' When retiring, they entreated me to
+come again, and bring my brethren with me.
+
+"On the day after, twenty-six men arrived, and requested me once more
+to pay them a visit before my departure. I begged the Captain to lend
+me his boat, which he readily did, as he wished to go along with me;
+the pilot, surgeon, and six sailors, all well armed, accompanied me.
+The captain had dressed himself in his most gaudy apparel, but of this
+the Esquimaux took no notice. They asked me if I really intended to
+come again next year? I said, Yes, if they did not murder me as they
+had my countrymen some years before--they startled, looked to the
+ground, and remained silent. I continued, 'I believe you did it
+through ignorance, but now that I can speak to you, I hope you will
+never do the like again.' They promised unanimously that no one should
+ever receive the least injury from them again. I said farther, 'When I
+come back I shall tell you things of the greatest importance, of the
+God that created you, and that redeemed you; and if you will but
+believe on him, then shall we live happy together.' One of them asked
+if God dwelt in the sun? I replied, 'God made the sun, and them, and
+me, and all things.' Another asked me, if he believed in this Creator,
+if he would be more successful in his business? I answered, there was
+no doubt of it, if he was diligent in his employment; but that the
+future life was of infinitely greater importance than the present, and
+_it_, those who believed on him, trusted in him, and lived according
+to his will, should enjoy. Some of them begged me to read again the
+letter that I had read yesterday; and when I wished to take leave, one
+of the chief persons among them, the Angekok Seguliak, took me into
+his tent, and embracing and kissing me, said, 'We are timorous now,
+but when you come back again we shall meet one another without fear,
+dread, or suspicion.' Another came with his drum and began to dance
+and sing, repeating often, 'Our friend is come! this makes us glad!'
+When he concluded, he asked me to answer him. I sung, while my heart
+was touched, this verse in the Greenlandish language, 'Jehovah, Lord
+of hosts--the true God--thou art the Creator of all nature--the
+Preserver of the world--What was ruined thou hast regained by thy
+blood, and by thy blood must sanctify--consecrated to thee we fall at
+thy feet.' When I had finished, they said, we are without words to
+express our admiration. They took their final departure on the 7th,
+but no sooner had they left the harbour than they began to steal. I
+offered, if they would give me a boat with four men, to go again and
+speak seriously to them, but no one would go with me."
+
+Sir H. Palliser was so well satisfied with the missionary's report,
+that he sent him to Britain in the Lark frigate, to concert measures
+for carrying his benevolent design into execution. The Board of Trade,
+who perceived the immense advantages which would arise from a mission
+among these tribes, in promoting peace with the natives, and the
+security of the traders, were anxious to see the brethren established
+in Labrador; and the Directors of the Unity, under their especial
+patronage, in the year 1765, undertook a second voyage of inquiry upon
+the coast.
+
+On this expedition Jans Haven was accompanied by Christian Laurentius
+Drachart, who had been a Danish missionary in Greenland,[B] John Hill
+and Andrew Schlozer (Schliezer.) The British Admiralty accommodated
+them with a passage in a public vessel, and they (7th May) sailed from
+Spithead, in the Lark, Captain Thomson, the same frigate that had
+brought Jans Haven home. He landed them at Cosque, Newfoundland, where
+another government vessel, the Niger, received them, and conveyed them
+to Chateau Bay, at which place they arrived July 17th; but were there
+obliged to separate, the captain, Sir Thomas Adams, having received
+instructions to detain some of them, to keep up the friendly
+intercourse with the Esquimaux. With these directions, they not
+unwillingly complied, their object being to follow the leadings of
+Providence, and pursue the line which promised to lead to the greatest
+good. Haven and Schliezer therefore proceeded forward, and Drachart
+and Hill remained. The two former embarked in a schooner bound for the
+north, in order to prosecute their intended exploratory voyages; but
+after spending from the 25th of July to the 3d of September, and
+reaching the 56th deg. N.L. on the east coast, Labrador, they returned
+without having accomplished any thing of importance, not having met
+with a single native in any place at which they had landed. The other
+two had an opportunity of speaking with hundreds, whom the trade
+attracted to their neighbourhood, of which they gave the following
+account in their journals: "On the 17th August, we heard that
+Esquimaux were coming, and were about twenty English miles off. We
+sailed on the 18th, very early, with Sir Thomas, to meet them, and
+invited them, in the name of the governor, to Pitt's Harbour.[C] After
+some hours we saw the first kaiak. As they approached, the savages
+began to call out, in broken French, 'tous camarades oui hu!' which
+the sailors answered in the same manner. Drachart allowed the first
+shout to pass over; he then took one of them by the hand and said in
+Greenlandish, 'Ikinguitigangut,' _i.e._ 'we are friends;' the native
+understood, and answered, 'Ikinguitsgenpogui,' 'we are also thy
+friends.' We then took some of them into the vessel. A man in a white
+woollen coat, said he got it as a keepsake from Jensingoak, _i.e._
+Jans Haven, and inquired where he was. At their earnest invitation Mr
+Drachart went with them, and found upwards of three hundred assembled,
+crying out incessantly, 'We are your friends--be not afraid--we
+understand your words--where do you come from?' He answered, 'I have
+words to you;' on which the whole adjourned to a green plain without
+the camp, and sat down around him. He then told them, 'I come from the
+Karalit in East Greenland, where at one time I had a wife, children,
+and servants.' When they heard this, they cried out, 'These Karalit
+are bad people,' thinking he meant the North Indians; but he said, 'I
+come not from the north, I came over the great sea from the Karalit in
+the east, of whom you have heard nothing, for it is very long since
+they went away from this place. But they have heard of you, and
+therefore Jensingoak came last year to visit you, to see if you are
+Karalits, and I now see myself that you are; and I am sent to say,
+that the Karalits in the east are your friends, that they know the
+Creator of all things, who is our Saviour, and they wish you also to
+know him.'
+
+"Greatly perplexed at this discourse, the savages made him repeat it
+again and again, saying to each other, 'saog?' what does he say? when
+an old man undertook to interpret. 'He means,' said he, '_Silla_,'[D]
+throwing his hands around his head, and at the same time blowing with
+his mouth. 'Yes!' repeated Drachart immediately, 'Silla!--the great
+Creator of the world, is our Saviour.' A young man, somewhat
+astonished, stepping forward, exclaimed, 'Saviour! what is that? I do
+not understand what that means.' Another asked, 'Where is he?'
+Drachart then moving his hand in circles around his head, as the old
+man had done, said, 'He is every where in Silla, but he became a man,
+as we are.' 'Are you a teacher?' asked one. 'Yes, I was in the east,'
+replied the missionary. 'Are you an Angekok?' was the next question.
+'It may be,' was the cautious response. On which two aged men, with
+long beards, coming up to him, said, 'We are Angekoks.' Drachart took
+them by the hands, and introduced them to Sir Thomas Adams, who, with
+the sailors, had been standing by during the conversation, and told
+them, 'This is our captain, who is sent by a greater captain to invite
+you to visit him to-morrow.' Sir Thomas then hastened back to Pitt's
+harbour, to give an account of this interview to the Commodore, who
+had remained there, and we continued our course a few miles farther
+north in St Louis Bay, where we remained during the night."
+
+Now scarcely a day escaped without the brethren's having some
+intercourse with the Esquimaux, though this was attended with much
+difficulty, and many a sleepless night, as, in passing and repassing
+to their encampment, they often had nothing but the canopy of heaven
+to cover them from the wind and the rain. Sir H. Palliser employed Mr
+Drachart as his interpreter in the negociations which followed, for
+placing the trade with the Esquimaux on such a footing that all
+violence should from that time cease on both sides, and that mutual
+confidence might be restored and maintained. He also learned by his
+means the chief places of their residence, and their actual
+numbers--important points for regulating his future intercourse with
+that nation. In these respects, the missionary was unweariedly
+diligent, and his efforts were so successful, that, during the whole
+time he and his brethren remained, peace and good will was preserved
+among all parties.
+
+But at the same time he neglected no opportunity to exhibit the
+crucified Jesus, and commend him to the heathen as their Saviour. The
+following excerpts from his diary may serve as a specimen:--When he
+spake to them of the corruption and depravity of all men, they thought
+he only meant the Kablunat, or foreigners, not them, they were good
+Karalit. "Have you ever," said he, "any bad thoughts?" "No." "But
+when you think we will kill the Kablunat, and take their boats and
+their goods, are not these bad thoughts?" "Yes." "Would you not then
+wish to be delivered from your bad thoughts, words, and actions?" "We
+do not know,"--concluded their catechism.
+
+When the missionary told them that the Greenlanders had been washed
+from their sins in the blood of Jesus, they were amazed, and said,
+"they must have been very wicked fellows!" and when he spoke to them
+of eternal damnation, they supposed it was only the Kablunat that were
+sent to hell, (because they did wicked things,--as for them they were
+good Karalit.) Having upon one occasion mentioned God to them, they
+said, "Thou speakest of Torngarsuk." He then asked them if Torngarsuk
+created all things; they answered, "We do not know." But an Angekok
+said immediately, "Torngarsuk ajungilak,"--the great spirit is good
+and holy; and another added, "Ajuatangilat,"--nothing is impossible to
+him; and a third subjoined, "Saimavot,"--he is gracious and merciful.
+They, however, could form no idea of what he said to them of a Saviour
+and Redeemer; he was obliged to explain that word to them by
+parables, when they would ask if this mighty Personage would be their
+good friend, for they could conceive of him in no other way than as a
+great lord who was to come and deliver them from the Kablunat, and
+assist them against the northern Kraler. With the fickleness so
+natural to savages, they would listen attentively to the first
+instructions, but when it was often repeated, they would say, as both
+ancient and modern Athenians, "we know all that already, tell us
+something new," or like the Greenlanders, sometimes profess to believe
+it, and the next moment declare they neither understood nor cared
+about it. With those who had patience, and were so disposed, the
+missionary went over every doctrine about which they spoke in a
+catechetical way, and endeavoured by short questions, to see if they
+comprehended it, and tried to allure them to make further inquiry.
+
+During their whole intercourse, the Esquimaux showed themselves very
+friendly, and were particularly glad when they saw Jans Haven again;
+some of them recollected many things he had told them the year before,
+and praised him for keeping his promise of returning, and others
+boasted of the good they had heard of him from their countrymen. The
+brethren could go any where among them with the utmost security; but
+they were under the necessity of submitting to their curiosity, and
+allowing them to handle every thing they saw, even when they perceived
+this liberty to be attended with danger; yet even now, such was the
+influence of their friendly behaviour, that very little damage was
+incurred. In one tent, they searched Drachart's box, and carried every
+thing off, taking also his hat along with them. Without uttering any
+reproachful complaint, the missionary went to some of the older
+people, and said, "Now I have got no hat to skreen me from the sun."
+They instantly called to the young men, and desired them to give him
+back every thing, which they did with the utmost coolness, and only
+requested a knife as a keepsake.
+
+At another time, when they had secretly emptied his box, no sooner did
+the chief elders of the tribe perceive the circumstance, than they
+called every person belonging to the tent to come before them, and
+desired that what had been taken away should be restored; the thief
+immediately came forward, and without betraying any consciousness of
+having done wrong, threw down what he had taken, saying, "Thou needest
+it thyself!"
+
+Though at a great distance, and scattered over a considerable extent
+of country, Haven and Drachart were especially anxious to visit them
+in their own houses: this they seized every opportunity of doing,
+searching them out, and under every difficulty wandering after them.
+But they were gratified by the reception they generally met with; for
+when they informed them that they intended next year to come and live
+among them, the answer uniformly was--"Come and build a house with us,
+and live with us; but do not bring Kablunat with you, bring only
+Innuit--men as we are, and you are; and Jensingoak shall help us to
+build boats, and to repair them; and Drachart shall teach us to read
+and write, and we shall live together as friends: then our flints[E]
+and harpoons shall no more be used against each other, but against the
+seals and rein deer."
+
+A dreadful storm of wind and rain occurred on the 12th September,
+which gave rise to some interesting incidents, and appears materially
+to have furthered the object of the missionaries, by shewing the
+Esquimaux their fearless intrepidity and unsuspecting confidence,
+which strongly affected the savages, and greatly increased the
+affection and respect in which they before held them. The
+missionaries, when attempting to get on board their vessel, were
+prevented by the violence of the tempest. Their shallop was driven on
+shore and grounded on the rocks. In vain they endeavoured, with the
+assistance of the Esquimaux, to get her off: eight of them waded into
+the water breast-deep and toiled for upwards of an hour, but could not
+move her; meanwhile the vessel went away, and they were left alone
+with the natives. Hill and the ship's surgeon endeavoured to follow
+the vessel in a small boat, in order to attempt some arrangement; but
+just as they had reached her, they were dashed by the waves against
+the ship's side and overset, and narrowly escaped with their lives.
+Drachart and Haven now betook themselves to the stranded shallop, but
+they were destitute of provisions, and the rain fell in torrents. The
+Esquimaux, who perceived their wretched situation, came and
+represented to them that the boat could not possibly float before the
+tide returned in the morning, and invited them to lodge for the night
+in their tent, a proposal with which the poor drenched brethren were
+glad to comply. Immediately Segulliak, the Angekok, plunged into the
+water and brought them successively on his back to the shore; he
+afterwards carried them to his tent, caused his wife to procure them
+dry garments, and spread a skin on the floor for them to sit and sleep
+on. The tent was soon crowded with people, who frequently asked them
+if they were not afraid? "We do not know what you intend," answered
+they, "but you are our friends, and friends are not afraid of each
+other." "We are good Karalits," was the universal rejoinder, "and now
+we see you are not Kablunat, but Innuits, and our friends; for you
+come to see us without weapons, we will do you no harm." The Esquimaux
+then gave the brethren fish, water and some bread they had got from
+the sailors, and in about half an hour prepared for rest, Segulliak
+kindly covering them with two other skins. The conjurer himself did
+not, however, appear inclined for repose: falling into an ecstacy he
+first sung with his wives, then muttered some unintelligible jargon,
+made strange gestures, blew and foamed at the mouth, twisted his limbs
+and body together as if convulsed, throwing himself into every
+possible posture; and at intervals emitting the most frightful
+shrieks, then again he held his hand on Drachart's face, who was next
+him, and concluded the first act of his demoniacal pantomime by
+groaning out, "Now is my Torngak come!" Observing Drachart, who was
+awake, appear startled when he came near him, as often as he laid his
+hand on his face he kissed him. He then lay still for a while as if
+dead--after a little began to moan, and at last raised himself up, and
+requested that they would kiss him, as that gave him some relief,
+after which he sat down and began to sing. The brethren told him they
+would sing something better, and accordingly sung some Greenland
+hymns--to these the Esquimaux were very attentive, and repeated every
+word, observing, "We know only a little of what you say."
+
+Wearied and restless, the brethren lay down, but could not sleep; they
+therefore frequently arose and went out of the tent: but Segulliak,
+who appeared to view their motions with suspicion, always took care to
+go out along with them: in the morning, at his desire, they divided
+among his people glass-beads, fish-hooks, sewing needles, &c as
+payment for their night's lodging. At parting, Segulliak addressed
+them, "You may tell your countrymen in the east that you have slept a
+night with me in safety--you are the first foreigners that ever
+remained a night in my tent--yet you are not foreigners but men, our
+friends, with whom all dread is at an end, for we know each other."
+Drachart being taken ill, it was not till the 21st September that the
+brethren were able to take their final departure, on which occasion
+Jans Haven, when bidding the natives farewell, made them promise that
+they would not forget what Drachart had spoken to them. "We shall
+now," said he, "see you no more this year; but remember your Creator
+and Redeemer, and when we come again next year we shall be happy with
+each other--The Saviour be gracious unto you and bless you, Amen!" On
+the 30th September the four brethren returned to Newfoundland, and
+after a friendly interview with the governor, embarked on board the
+Niger, Nov 5th, for England, being again granted a free passage by
+government. On the 25th they landed at Plymouth, and reached London on
+the 3d of the same month.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote A: The difference of aspect between a spot in summer, for a
+few weeks, and during winter, is altogether extreme.]
+
+[Footnote B: Vide "Moravians in Greenland."]
+
+[Footnote C: Pitt's Bay and St. Louis Bay are creeks quite in the
+neighbourhood of Chateau Bay, or York's Harbour.]
+
+[Footnote D: _Silla_ in Greenlandish, signifies sometimes the air,
+sometimes the understanding, and sometimes the world, or the
++pneuma+, the soul of the world.]
+
+[Footnote E: A poetical expression for pistols and muskets.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ Contests between the Colonists and Savages revive--Murderous
+   skirmish.--Mikak.--Karpik, his conversion and death.--The
+   Moravians receive a grant of land on the coast of
+   Labrador--resolve to renew the mission--voyage to explore the
+   land.--Jans Haven, Drachart, &c., arrive at Labrador--their
+   interview with the natives--meet Mikak and Tuglavina--their
+   kindness.--Segulliak the sorcerer.--Anxiety of the Esquimaux for
+   their remaining among them--ground purchased for a
+   settlement--manner of bargaining with the Esquimaux--sail for
+   Esquimaux bay--the natives troublesome--the Captain's method of
+   checking them--conduct of the missionaries--they preach on
+   shore.--Conversation with the Esquimaux--search out a place for
+   a settlement--purchase it of the natives--ceremonies used on the
+   occasion--take formal possession.--Deputation return to England.
+
+
+Various impediments prevented any further negociations with the
+government of Great Britain, in regard to establishing a mission among
+the Esquimaux, for nearly five years. During this period the English
+merchants and the natives on the coast of Labrador were anew involved
+in strife and bloodshed. With the missionaries all confidence had left
+the country; the colonists had no check, and the savages had no
+friend. The mercenary views of the traders were ever leading them to
+cheat and deceive these poor untutored unprotected beings, who in
+return, deemed retaliation no crime; nor in balancing the amount of
+guilt would it be easy to settle which of the parties were most deeply
+implicated; the one who gave trifles, or worse--beads or brandy, for
+articles of real value; or the other, who secretly pilfered some
+useless toys or iron implements, for which in fact they had greatly
+overpaid. Both were rogues in their dealings, only the Europeans had
+the advantage of superior knowledge, which enabled them to rob with
+superior dexterity, and to cloak their knavery under the name of
+barter.
+
+But at this date--1766-9--the Esquimaux, from their intercourse with
+their civilized neighbours, had learned to estimate the value of
+European arms and vessels, and they stuck at no method by which they
+might possess themselves of them, while the murders which the whites
+committed with impunity, led them on every occasion that offered,
+eagerly to gratify their cupidity and revenge. They accordingly
+watched their opportunity; and in 1768, when the Europeans were off
+their guard, killed three men and stole two boats. A battle was the
+consequence, when twenty of the savages were left dead on the field,
+and four women, two boys and three girls were taken prisoners, and
+brought to Newfoundland. Among the women prisoners were MIKAK; one of
+the boys was her son; the other, Karpik, about fifteen years of age,
+had previously lost his mother, and his father fell in the engagement.
+Their own story forms a remarkable episode in the history of the
+mission. These three were sent to England, where they were treated
+with much kindness.
+
+Mikak, who seems to have been a person of very superior understanding,
+was noticed by many of the nobility, and particularly by the Princess
+Dowager of Wales, mother to George III; but nothing could overcome her
+love for her native land, or erase from her mind the deep sense she
+entertained of the sufferings of her kindred. We are not furnished
+with the facts of the case, but it appears sufficiently plain, that
+from all she saw in England, and during the time of her captivity,
+that she discerned and appreciated the immense superiority of the
+Europeans over the Esquimaux, and was extremely anxious to return
+home, and, if possible, carry with her the means of their
+amelioration. Providentially Jans Haven came to England in 1769 for
+the purpose of endeavouring to renew the mission, and meeting with
+Mikak, she immediately recognised him as an old acquaintance, who had
+formerly lodged in her tent, and expressed the most unbounded joy at
+meeting with a friend by whom her language was understood. Her first
+and constant theme was the condition of her countrymen; and she
+incessantly entreated Haven to return to Labrador and endeavour to do
+something for their relief. Besides, now that she had a medium of
+communication, she never ceased to urge her prayer among those
+distinguished personages, by whom she had been patronized, and her
+applications had no small influence in paving the way for a renewal of
+the mission. Soon after she was sent home in a King's ship, and
+rendered essential service to the brethren who followed.
+
+By the especial direction of Sir Hugh Palliser, Karpik was consigned
+to the care of Jans Haven for the purpose of being properly educated,
+that he might afterwards be employed in the important service of
+introducing Christianity, and the peaceful arts of civilized life,
+into the savage and inhospitable coasts of Labrador--the Governor
+being deeply impressed with a sense of the great benefits to be
+derived from a well conducted mission among the wild tribes in the
+neighbourhood of the colony, with whom they meant to carry on a safe
+or a gainful traffic. Naturally ferocious and untractable, Karpik was
+very averse to restraint; and it was not till after the most unwearied
+display of disinterested kindness, that Jans succeeded in gaining the
+affections of this stubborn boy, and persuading him willingly to
+accompany him to his dwelling.
+
+Here, perhaps, the good man's most trying labours began. Karpik
+inherited the prejudices of his nation: he had a high opinion of
+himself, and despised all others; and when told that God the Creator
+of the world desired to make him happy, received the information as a
+matter of course, replying to his teacher with a comfortable
+self-complacency, "That is right, for I am a good _karaler_!" The
+filthiness of his skin had superinduced a cutaneous disorder, which,
+when the care and attention of Haven had got removed, he expressed
+high delight, but he soon became dissatisfied with the clean plain
+clothing in which he was dressed; boys of any rank at that time being
+absurdly decorated with ruffles and lace, and such like trumpery; and
+as if human folly had wished to caricature its own ridiculous
+extravagance, some of the children were even introduced into company
+with cocked hats and swords.
+
+Poor Karpik, it seems, caught the infection, and conceived a violent
+passion for a hat and coat bedizzened with embroidery; and it is
+amusing to remark his wayward ingenuity, when insisting upon being
+gratified. On one occasion Jans had remonstrated with him upon the
+uselessness of finery, and exhorted him to apply himself to useful
+learning; and above all, to seek to know the Lord who dwells in
+heaven--"Poor clothes," retorted he instantly, "will not teach me
+that! my countrymen, who have poor clothes, die and know nothing of
+God. The king has fine clothes, and knows God as well as you, and why
+should not I? give me fine clothes, I can still know God and love
+him!" Haven told him he had no money to buy him fine clothes--"Then go
+to the king," said Karpik, "and get money from him." "Well," replied
+the missionary, "we will go; but if the king asks, what has Karpik
+learned? can he read, or write, or is he acquainted with the God in
+heaven? what shall I say? If I am forced to answer, He has learned
+nothing; the king will say, Take him on board the man of war, let him
+serve my officers and clean their shoes for seven years, till he has
+learned something.--You know how these boys are treated." Karpik
+perceived the force of this simple reasoning, fell on the neck of his
+instructor, and promised all obedience in future. It was not, however,
+till some time after, that eternal things began to make a serious
+impression on his mind.
+
+At length he grew thoughtful, and under the powerful conviction of his
+wretched state as a sinner, would often exclaim, "Woe is me! I am good
+for nothing, I am a miserable creature!" Under these uneasy sensations
+he at first felt exasperated, and he wished he had never heard of a
+God or of a Bible; but as the truth beamed in upon his soul, he became
+calm and peaceful, and manifested a strong desire to be further
+instructed. He was in this interesting state of mind, when Haven,
+being called away, committed him to the charge of Mr Drachart, who was
+then residing at the Brethren's settlement in Yorkshire, under whose
+tutilage he made rapid improvement in knowledge; and evidenced, by the
+change of his disposition, and his mildness of manner, and simplicity
+of conduct, that the gospel had taken powerful hold upon his heart;
+and this he evidenced still more clearly, when early called to
+grapple with the last enemy.
+
+From the encouraging progress he was making, his friends were fondly
+anticipating the time when he should go forth as a zealous missionary
+of the Lord Jesus among his benighted countrymen, but their hopes were
+suddenly overcast. On September the 22d, he was seized with the small
+pox, which, in spite of the best medical assistance, speedily proved
+fatal. He bore his distemper with patience, and some of his last
+expressions were, "O! Jesus, I come to thee, I have no where else to
+go. I am a poor sinner, but thou hast died for me! have mercy upon me!
+I cast myself entirely upon thee." The day before his death he was
+baptized by Mr Drachart, who, at his own request, made use of the
+Greenlandish language in administering the rite. On the 4th October
+1769, he expired, the first fruits of Christ's vintage among the
+Esquimaux; and although not employed to spread the savour of his name
+among his heathen kindred by the living voice, yet he was honoured by
+his death to encourage the exertions, and strengthen the faith of
+those soldiers of the Lord who were buckling on their armour for the
+glorious combat.
+
+Whether the ruinous effects of the state of anarchy, and murderous
+contests which prevailed whenever the natives and the Europeans came
+in contact, or whether the various memorials with which they had been
+for several years annoyed, had most influence, we know not; but the
+Board of Trade made a representation early in 1769 to the king,
+(George III.) and on the 3d May, the same year, a Privy Council was
+summoned to consider of a petition from the Brethren for establishing
+a mission on the coast of Labrador. The result of their deliberations
+was, "That His Majesty in Council gave, and authorised the Brethren's
+Unity, and the Society for the furtherance of the gospel among the
+heathen, to take one hundred thousand acres of land (_belonging to the
+Esquimaux_,) on the coast of Labrador, where, and in whatever place of
+the same was most convenient for their purpose." And the Governor of
+Newfoundland was directed to afford the brethren in their settlement
+every protection, and to furnish them from the royal stores with fifty
+muskets and the necessary ammunition.
+
+Following up this favourable opening, the Moravian Synod, which was
+held at Marienborn, resolved to renew the friendly intercourse with
+the Esquimaux, and to search out a convenient situation for the
+establishment of a mission. In consequence, Jans Haven, Drachart, and
+Stephen Jensen, received this in charge; and some other brethren
+resolved to take a part in it, and go themselves as sailors in a ship
+which a Society of the Brethren in London had fitted out, and which
+they resolved should annually visit the coast of Labrador to carry out
+supplies of the necessaries of life to the missionaries. They first
+made land at a place called Arnitok, an island about six miles from
+the spot where Nain now stands; there they found twenty-nine boats
+full of Esquimaux, but they behaved in a very unruly manner and with
+great insolence, till the report of the great guns, fired over their
+heads, frightened them into order; they then showed themselves
+friendly, and the missionaries, who understood the language, preached
+the gospel to them. After this the two brethren, Haven and Jensen,
+traversed the coast unmolested in search of favourable ground for a
+settlement; but being unable to find such a spot they set sail again,
+and on the 15th July ran into an harbour upon the most eastern point
+of the mainland, near Nain, 55 deg. N.L. Here they found many
+Esquimaux, and the joy on both sides was greatly heightened, when they
+recognised among them several of their old acquaintances, in
+particular Segulliak, who said to Jans Haven, "When I first saw your
+boat I was afraid, but I no sooner heard that little Jans Haven was
+there than all fear departed, and I am very glad to see you again, for
+I have a great love to little Jans." He then bound a strap of leather
+round Drachart's arm, at the same time saying, "We love thee much!"
+and laying his right hand on Drachart's breast, continued, "This band
+on thy arm shall from henceforth be a sign that our love shall never
+cease. I have not forgot what I heard of the Lord in heaven, and I
+long to hear more." Drachart answered, "You may indeed be assured that
+I have a great love for you, when I, an old man--he was then in his
+sixtieth year--have come again to visit you, that you might hear more
+of your Lord in heaven, your Creator, who became a man and died on the
+cross for your sins, for mine, and for the sins of the whole world."
+The Esquimaux replied, "We will hear the word you have for us!"
+Drachart continued, and spoke of the great love of the Creator of all
+things, which moved him to come down from heaven to earth, and by his
+sufferings and death to redeem us from our sins and eternal
+punishment. When the brethren confirmed to the savages what Mikak had
+formerly told them, that they intended to settle among them, they
+rejoiced like little children, and every one of them gave Jans Haven a
+small present.
+
+As Mikak had told them that her relations, who had gone to the south,
+anxiously wished to see them, the missionaries sailed on the 19th July
+back to Byron's Bay, and sent the Esquimaux boats before them. It was
+not long before a kaiak arrived with the father of Mikak, who
+instantly coming on board said, "My daughter and her husband are here
+on the island before you, and they strongly desire to see and speak
+with you." Indeed, scarcely had they cast anchor in the open creek,
+when Mikak with her husband Tuglavina, and their son and daughter,
+came to them. The man had a white woollen coat, but Mikak herself wore
+a finely ornamented dress, trimmed with gold, and embroidered with
+gold spangles, which had been presented to her by the Princess Dowager
+of Wales, when she was in London, and had on her breast a gold medal
+with a likeness of the king. Her father also wore an officer's coat.
+Being invited into the cabin to partake of some refreshments, Jans
+Haven asked her if she would receive the brethren as her own people.
+"You will see," she replied, "how well we will behave, if you will
+only come. We will love you as our countrymen, and trade with you
+justly, and treat you kindly." On account of the tempestuous weather,
+the whole party, amounting to fourteen, were detained during the whole
+night on board the vessel. Early next morning they left them, followed
+by Messrs Haven and Drachart, who, going from tent to tent, preached
+the gospel to them. Mikak acted in the most friendly manner--assuring
+her kindred of the brethren's affection for them, and telling them of
+all the kindness she had experienced in England, where she had lived
+in a great house, and been most liberally treated. The missionaries
+being about to take leave, Segulliak came up to Drachart, and renewed
+his expressions of attachment; the latter replied, "I do not forget
+that five years ago you assured me of your love; and only a few days
+since you bound this thong on my arm as a token of your affection, and
+by this you have declared that you are willing to hear the word of the
+sufferings and death of Jesus." When the others heard this, they all
+cried out, "We also are willing to hear." The missionary then
+mentioned some particulars of the history of the life and sufferings
+of the Saviour, and asked if they would wish, as the Greenlanders
+did, to hear something of Jesus everyday? "Yes! yes!" they all
+replied. "Then," said Drachart, "if that be the case, we will look out
+for a piece of land in Esquimaux Bay, where we may next year build a
+house."
+
+Although these good men had received the extensive grant we have
+mentioned from His Majesty of England of the Esquimaux country, they
+did not consider that that gave them any right to take possession
+without the consent of the inhabitants, or without giving them an
+equivalent, notwithstanding the settlement was intended solely for
+their advantage, and was to communicate to them what was of infinitely
+more value than millions of acres in the finest country of the world,
+instead of a patch of barren ground on the bleak and inhospitable
+coast of Labrador. When they mentioned that they meant to "buy" the
+land, the whole crowd, who perfectly understood the term, cried out,
+"Good! good! pay us, and take as much land as you please!" Drachart
+said, "It is not enough that you be paid for your high rocky mountain;
+you may perhaps say in your hearts, when these people come here, we
+will kill them, and take their boats and all their valuable
+articles." "No! no!" they exclaimed, "we will never kill any more, or
+steal any more; we are brethren!" "That gladdens my heart," said
+Drachart; "but how shall we buy the land? You have no great chief, and
+every one of you will be lord of his land. We will do this: we will
+give each of you what will be more useful to you in your fishing than
+the land you may give us." "Pay us," they repeated, "pay us, and take
+as much land as you please." Drachart and the other brethren then
+going from tent to tent, divided among the men, women, and children,
+all kinds of tools and fishing tackle, which having done, he produced
+a written agreement to which all their names were attached, and
+telling them its import, required each to put a mark before his name
+with his own hand, that it might be a perpetual memorial of their
+having sold the land. When they had done so, he again shewed each his
+name with his mark, adding, "In time to come, when yourselves or your
+children shall learn to read and write, as the Greenlanders have done,
+they will be able to read these names, and they will remember what
+they have just now seen and heard." Drachart next informed them, that
+when they should return to Esquimaux Bay, after the rein-deer hunt,
+they would see four great stones erected with figures on them, which
+were called letters, and these would mark out the boundaries of the
+land which had been bought from them. The Esquimaux, of whom about one
+hundred were present, then gave the brethren their hands, and solemnly
+promised to abide by their agreement "as long as the sun shone."
+
+After this sacred transaction the brethren, along with Mikak and her
+family, returned to the ship, which set sail the same day for
+Esquimaux Bay. On the dangerous passage, Mikak and her husband were of
+essential service in directing their course among rocks and islands,
+and likewise in trading with the Esquimaux they met with on their way,
+and inducing them to receive the brethren favourably, and attend to
+their instructions. Notwithstanding, however, the uniform expressions
+of love with which the savages everywhere hailed them, the
+missionaries found it necessary always to be upon their guard, and use
+the utmost circumspection in their intercourse with their new friends,
+especially on shipboard, where they behaved with a rude intrusion,
+often extremely troublesome, and not always without showing marks of
+their natural propensity to thieving; they therefore prohibited more
+than five from coming on board at one time to trade, and that only
+during the day; and informed them that if any were found in the ship
+during the night, they should be treated as thieves; and, to fix the
+time allowed for trading more exactly, a cannon was fired at six
+o'clock in the morning, and another at the same time in the evening.
+Finding that his regulations, however, were not so strictly observed
+as he could wish, and the natives becoming rather troublesome, Captain
+Mugford, while lying off the Island Amitok, deemed it necessary to
+show them that he possessed the power of punishing their misdeeds if
+he chose to employ it. He fired several shot from his great guns over
+their heads against a high barren rock at no great distance. When the
+broken pieces of the rock rolled down threateningly towards them, they
+raised a mournful howl in their tents, as if they were about to be
+destroyed; but they afterwards behaved more orderly, and not with the
+savage wildness they had done before, yet the missionaries were always
+obliged to act with firmness and decision, in order to prevent all
+approaches to any transgression that it might have been necessary to
+punish, or that might have exposed any of the men to danger.
+
+During the voyage, Drachart held a meeting morning and evening, in the
+cabin, with the young Esquimaux, who seemed to take great pleasure in
+it, and were highly attentive. Some of their expressions were
+remarkable. "They wished they had such a desire for the Saviour as a
+child has for its parents"--"or a man to hunt the rein-deer, and
+obtain his prey."--"They would not cease to think of Jesus' sufferings
+and death, but would remember that merciful and generous Saviour who
+had died from love to them, and learn to know and love him." In the
+evening of the last day of July they cast anchor in the southernmost
+corner of Esquimaux Bay, and on the following day entered the harbour
+of Nanangoak, in which lay fourteen European and two women's boats,
+and on shore fourty-seven tents were pitched. Here Mikak and her
+husband had wished to rejoin their countrymen. Before they left the
+ship Drachart reminded them of what he had taught them, and
+recommended to them every morning when they rose, and every evening
+before they went to sleep, to think on the Saviour and his sufferings;
+and exhorted them, when any wicked thoughts should arise in their
+minds--theft, adultery, or murder, or any other bad thing they had
+heard from their youth up from the Angekoks their teachers--that they
+should pray to him that he would take them away, adding, "if you thus
+turn to Jesus and diligently seek to him, then you will no more
+belong to the heathen, but to the Saviour, who will receive you as his
+own, and write your names among the faithful." Jans Haven accompanied
+them to their friends, who rejoiced to receive them in safety, and
+among them Jans found his old acquaintance Seguilliak. Next day
+Drachart and Jensen went on shore, when they were immediately
+surrounded by a great crowd, who took the missionaries under the arm,
+and shook them by the hands, and then conducted them from tent to
+tent, where they proclaimed to them the unsearchable riches of Christ.
+Mikak invited them into her large tent, and begged they might hold a
+meeting in it. Soon upwards of seven hundred Esquimaux were collected
+within and around it, to whom Drachart, for the first time, preached
+the gospel, and was heard here, as elsewhere, with the utmost apparent
+attention. When he had finished, Mikak and her husband began to
+testify, in their own simple manner, how the Lord in heaven had become
+man, and died for their sins. Supposing that this alluded to their own
+murders, some of their countrymen appeared startled, and cried out,
+"Ah! that is true, we are sinners, and old murderers; but we will
+never more carry concealed knives, either under our arms or under our
+clothes; and we shall never have bows and arrows hid in our kaiaks,
+because the Lord in heaven has said, Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by
+man his blood shall be shed. If we kill Europeans, as we did three
+years ago, then we deserve that they should kill us and our
+countrymen." But they seemed likewise alarmed lest the boats they had
+then taken should be demanded back; but Mikak and her husband
+explained that the Europeans did not come to desire them to give back
+the boats, but that certainly if they did so any more they would be
+punished. "That is good!" they replied "we believe your words, Mikak;
+and shall also love the great and powerful chief you saw in London,
+and his people, and will trade honourably with them;" and renewed
+their protestations of affection for the missionaries, telling them,
+"Now we are brethren." Drachart seized the opportunity of explaining
+what he meant by brethren:--"Ye have heard that many of the
+Greenlanders are our brethren; now you must learn rightly to
+understand why we call one another brethren. Hear what the reason
+is,--our hearts and the Greenlanders are fast bound together by the
+love of Jesus our Saviour, who died on the cross for our sins,
+therefore do we call the Greenlanders, and all who are united in the
+death of Jesus, our brethren. If you will now be converted to Jesus,
+then shall you be such brethren as the Greenlanders are." At a
+subsequent meeting, the missionaries informed them that they were
+desirous of finding a proper place on which to build a house, as it
+was their intention to return next year and settle among them, and
+requested their opinion as to where would be the best spot. They told
+them there were many good places on the continent which they might
+examine and choose for themselves; or if they would prefer an island,
+they were welcome to the best; and the old men added, "You may build
+and dwell in our country, and do what you will, either on land or
+sea--you shall have the same liberty as we have, for you are Innuit,
+as we are, and not such Kablunat as the other wicked Europeans."
+"Well," replied Drachart, "you and we and the Greenlanders are also as
+one family." "Yes," returned the old men, "we are friends and
+brethren." "Then, dear men, when you speak thus, do you in your hearts
+really think so?" "Yes! yes! you may firmly believe that." The
+brethren then proceeded from tent to tent, and distributed gifts, and
+obtained the marks of the old men, to the number of sixty-seven, to an
+agreement similar to that which they had made with the other
+Esquimaux, and the land from Monenguak to Kangerlack being marked out
+with four great stones, was given to the brethren for a possession.
+The ceremony being concluded, Drachart addressed them thus: "These
+signatures will shew to your children, and your children's children,
+that you have received us as friends and countrymen, and have given us
+the piece of land marked out by these stones, and then your children,
+and your children's children, will remember this transaction after
+your death, as if you spoke to them, and said, We, your fathers and
+grandfathers, called the brethren here for our sakes, and your sakes,
+and they have built a good house to meet daily with you, in that you
+may hear of the Lord in heaven. Do not forget that we your parents
+have given this piece of land for an inheritance to our brethren that
+came to us from the east of Greenland; and when you are converted to
+Jesus, you must live near the meeting house, love your teachers, and
+follow them as the Greenlanders do. Will you," continued he, "tell
+your families what you have now heard, as well as what you have now
+said? that your wives and children may know." They answered, "That we
+will,--and we have already begun to spread it through our country,
+and shall continue to do so." The missionary proceeded:--"The Lord,
+your and our Saviour, is over all. He is truly here with us--I feel
+his presence in my heart; he knoweth all things, and hath heard your
+words and mine; he is calling for your hearts--will you now give them
+to him? And will you keep to the words you have now said to me?"
+"Yes!" cried all the men, and gave him their hands, and some kissed
+him.
+
+Having concluded the solemn transactions of the day, the missionaries,
+towards evening, returned to the ship, and the next day the Esquimaux
+began to set out for their hunting stations. But Tuglavina and his
+wife remained some days longer to assist the brethren in seeking out
+an island, and then parted with tears on both sides. The missionaries
+rewarded them liberally for their services; and they were not
+forgetful of the favours they had now and formerly received. Mikak
+begged the brethren would take charge of two white fox skins for the
+Dowager Princess of Wales, of a black one for the Princess of
+Glocester, and two red ones for the Governor Palliser, as
+acknowledgments for their kindness.
+
+The place pitched upon by the brethren for their settlement was 56
+deg. 36 m. N.L., well supplied with good wood for building, and
+numerous rivulets of excellent water, and where ships could
+conveniently find an excellent anchorage. The stones they erected were
+placed, one on King's point, marked G R III. 1770, the other marked U
+F (unitas fratrum,) 1770, and the land was taken possession of in the
+name of King George, for behoof of the United Brethren--a very
+important process, as it secured the protection of the British
+government for the new settlements; the other two stones were marked
+and placed in the interior merely as boundary stones. This first
+sacred spot was consecrated by thanksgiving and prayer. Amid the
+heathen tribes and their rude rocks, the missionaries kneeled down,
+and with the deepest expressions of humility, thanked the Lord that he
+had thus so far prospered them in their undertaking, had guarded them
+through the perils of their journey, and graciously granted them a
+resting place. Having thus accomplished the object of their mission,
+they returned to England, and reached London 16th November 1770,
+blessing and praising the Lord that no evil had befallen them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ Preparations for establishing a settlement in Labrador.--A love
+   feast.--Missionaries leave London--erect a mission-house at
+   Nain--regulations for their intercourse with the
+   natives--visited by great numbers--manner of instruction--they
+   retire in winter, are visited by the Brethren in their
+   houses.--Death of Anauke.--An incantation.--Adventures in search
+   of a dead whale.--P.E. Lauritz deputed by the conference--visits
+   the missions--his excursion along the coast.--A sloop of war
+   arrives to examine the settlement--the Captain's report.--Jans
+   Haven's voyage to the north--interesting occurrences.--Lauritz
+   leaves Nain--his concluding address.--The Brethren propose new
+   settlements--disastrous voyage in search of a
+   situation.--Liebisch appointed Superintendant.--An Angekok
+   baptized--his address to the natives.--Jans Haven commences a
+   new station at Okkak--received joyfully by the natives--six
+   Esquimaux baptized--proceedings at Nain.--Missionary accompanies
+   the Esquimaux to a rein-deer hunt.--Third settlement--Hopedale
+   founded.--Remarkable preservation of the Missionaries.
+
+
+Every thing being now settled for establishing a missionary station
+among the Esquimaux, the Brethren were occupied during the winter in
+making the necessary preparations for carrying their object into
+effect. In this they were essentially aided by the same society who
+had sent out the vessel on the previous year, and who, knowing the
+difficulty Europeans lay under of procuring the necessaries of life
+in that climate, resolved to send out one annually with supplies, and
+to preserve the communication, notwithstanding the previous voyage had
+been but a losing concern. The number of persons destined for this
+arduous undertaking was fourteen, among whom were three married
+brethren, Brazen Schneider and Jans Haven, accompanied by Drachart and
+seven unmarried missionaries. Brazen, who had gone as a surgeon to
+Greenland in 1767, and remained during the winter at one of the
+settlements, was appointed superintendant of this mission. Before
+leaving London, on May 5th, these devoted men had a meeting in the
+Brethren's chapel with the congregation, and a number of other
+Christians who felt interested in the undertaking, and with the most
+delightful feelings they sat down together to a love feast, at which
+the following letter from Mr Drachart to the church was read:
+
+"Dearly beloved Brethren and Sisters,--We are now for the third time
+going among the wild Esquimaux; and in their name we thank you for the
+assistance you have afforded us in the past year to enable us to
+declare among these savages the gospel of the sufferings and death of
+Jesus. We thank the Saviour that he has so illuminated your hearts,
+that you are as willing to give your wealth, as we are to venture our
+lives to promote this cause. We now take our leave, and commend
+ourselves to your love and remembrance before the Saviour. He is
+indeed near to you, and to us, to help in all our difficulties,--that
+our courage may not fail, but that we may look to him. It is his
+cause, and he will support us; on him we hope, and on him we rely; and
+in his name we venture our lives and all that we have, for he ventured
+his life for us. When we think of this our hearts are melted, and we
+fall down at his pierced feet, and exclaim, O! Lord Jesus, the little
+confidence we have in thee thou hast given us; our goods, our lives,
+we have from thee. Thou knowest we venture to go through the great
+deep, through rocks and ice, that thy holy name may be glorified among
+the Esquimaux. We pray that the angel of thy presence may accompany
+the ship out and home again; be with our brethren, give them courage
+to proclaim the tidings of thy love, which was stronger than
+death--Dear brethren and sisters, the Saviour is present, he certainly
+hears us when we join together to call upon him for ourselves and
+others The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God be
+with you all. Amen."
+
+On the 8th of May they left London in the ship Amity, commanded by
+Captain Mugford, and on the 9th August reached the place of their
+destination, after a passage of peril and danger. They had constructed
+a wooden house while in London, and had been kindly furnished by their
+friends with household furniture, and a number of implements for
+enabling them to work in carpentry, in iron, and for gardening.
+
+Immediately upon landing they commenced their operations, by
+surrounding the spot upon which they had fixed, and to which they gave
+the name of Nain, with pallisades, and on the 20th of August laid the
+foundation of their wooden house; they soon found their fortification
+was unnecessary, as the natives, so far from offering any obstruction,
+appeared eager to forward the building, which, on the 22d September,
+was so far finished as to be habitable. As on the former occasion, so
+on this, the Governor of Newfoundland issued a proclamation in their
+favour, declaring the missionaries under the immediate protection of
+the British; and at the same time he conveyed to themselves the
+strongest assurances of his personal regard for their characters and
+wishes for their success, as what would so materially tend to
+tranquillize the country.
+
+Among the excellent regulations adopted by the brethren, one, and not
+the least important, was, in their transactions with the savages,
+while they did them every kind office, to offer them nothing which
+might appear in the shape of a bribe to induce them to embrace their
+religion: they sometimes built boats for them, and sometimes improved
+and repaired those they had, and furnished them with iron pots, and
+arrows and lances for seal hunting, but they always required payment,
+which the Esquimaux could easily render in whale fins, seals' blubber,
+or such other articles as their dexterity could procure. Very soon,
+instruments of European manufacture became so necessary, that the
+natives were rendered industrious by the desire to possess them, while
+they enabled them to render that industry doubly advantageous. In this
+traffic the annual visits of the Society's vessel were important, and
+the greater part of the barter was carried on through the agent or
+supercargo.
+
+More than a hundred Esquimaux, during the summer, planted their tents
+round Nain, to whom the missionaries preached the gospel. Of the
+manner in which they did this, Drachart tells us in his journal, "My
+method," says he, "is first to give a short discourse, and then to ask
+a few plain questions which only require a denial or assent; but they
+do not always content themselves with this--for instance, if I ask if
+they, as poor sinners, would wish to come to the Saviour, some would
+say, Yes! we cannot deny that we are poor sinners, and we begin to
+reflect upon what we have heard from you about this, and to converse
+with one another on the subject. Others will boldly reply, No! we will
+not think of it; and a third sort will confess they do not understand
+any thing about the matter, but would be glad to know if I had any
+knives to sell, for they had whale fins. I then pray to the
+Saviour:--Thou hast in Greenland made many stupid minds to understand,
+and many cold hearts warm; O do the same here, and bless my weak
+discourse that I may not be put to shame, for it is indeed thine own
+cause."
+
+During the winter the natives retired to other places, the nearest of
+which was many miles distant from Nain; individuals, however, came
+from time to time to visit the brethren; among these were Mikak,
+Tuglavina, and Segulliak, and the brethren returned their visits, as
+far as the deep snow and excessive cold would permit. The friendly
+reception they met with upon these occasions, and the willingness with
+which the heathen heard the word, reconciled the missionaries to the
+filth and inconvenience they had to encounter. Of these the following
+specimen will enable the reader to form some idea.
+
+About the end of January 1773, the brethren Schneider and Turner
+visited Mikak in the island Nintok, at the distance of five and a half
+hours from Nain. They found here two houses, each of which contained
+twenty persons, the families only separated from each other by skins
+stretched out between them. Mikak directed the brethren to an
+apartment in one of these houses, to which, when they retired, they
+were followed by great numbers of the Esquimaux, who gathered round
+them, and heard in silence Schneider preach to them the death of the
+Lord, and sing some verses on the same subjects. They here met with a
+circumstance which greatly tended to comfort them amid other scenes
+which weighed heavily on their spirits. In a division of the house
+where they lodged, they found three widows dwelling together, and one
+of them informed them that her husband, Anauke, who had died the year
+before, had said to her, when she was mourning over him in his last
+illness, "Be not grieved for me,--I am going to heaven, to Jesus who
+has loved his people so much!" He was one of those who had remained
+during the summer near Nain, and whose countenance bore strong marks
+of the thief and the murderer, and had appeared at first to have more
+than usual savage ferocity in his whole deportment; but it was
+remarked that, before he left that vicinity, his very countenance had
+changed, and his behaviour had become gentle; but the missionaries had
+no decisive proof of his conversion to the Saviour, till they heard,
+to their joy, this his dying profession of the faith. His countrymen
+called him the man whom the Saviour had taken to himself. This man,
+there is every reason to believe, was the first fruits of the mission.
+
+Night is an appropriate time to call on the prince of darkness; and it
+is observable that among all the heathen, that season has generally
+been devoted to his service in deeds that shunned the light. In the
+evening, when the missionaries had laid themselves down to sleep in
+Mikak's house, they had another confirmation of this remark. There had
+been a dreadful storm during the day, so that the natives had been
+prevented from going to seal-catching, they therefore assembled in
+her house after nightfall, to entreat her, as she was considered a
+powerful sorceress, to make good weather, bring the seals from the
+deep, and show the holes in the ice to which they came for air; also
+where the greatest number of rein-deer were to be found. All the lamps
+were immediately extinguished, and she began with deep sighs, and
+groans, and mutterings, to call up Torngak. Sometimes she raised her
+voice so loud that the whole house rang. At this signal, the people
+began to sing, and to ask one another, what does Torngak say? At
+length there was a tremendous crash, as if the whole place had been
+falling about their ears, produced, as the missionaries supposed, by
+the stroke of a stick on the extended skins. The sorceress then
+proceeded to the door, beating with her feet, and uttering strange
+sounds, at which some of the more sensible among the worshippers could
+not forbear to express their sense of the ridiculous scene by their
+laughter. Schneider, who had hitherto been silent, now cried to the
+enchantress to cease calling upon Torngak, who was an evil spirit, and
+reigned in darkness, and light the lamps again; but some one replied
+it was the custom of the country, and proposed they should conclude
+with a short song, in which all the company joined, after which they
+separated for their resting places before the lamps could be
+relighted.
+
+With a heart greatly touched, and eyes full of tears, the missionaries
+early next morning addressed the inmates of the house upon the true
+light that is come to enlighten men, and to redeem them from the
+spirit of darkness. He entreated them with great earnestness to turn
+to the crucified Jesus, and renounce the evil spirit and his works,
+and commended them in prayer to the compassionate heart of the
+Saviour.
+
+Disinterested exertion, not only to prevent themselves from being
+burdensome to those among whom they labour, but to save as much as
+possible any unnecessary expense to the churches or societies who send
+them out, forms an admirable and a prominent feature in all the
+Moravian missionary brethren. They follow the apostolic example, and
+minister to their necessities by their own hands, and exhibit a
+pattern to their infant establishments, not only of industry to
+procure the means of personal livelihood, but to enable them to assist
+those improvident heathen by whom they are surrounded, even when their
+exertions are attended with danger and repaid by insult; and by these
+means they often acquire an influence over the most savage minds,
+which it were otherwise difficult to obtain. Of this we have a most
+remarkable instance which occurred in the beginning of the present
+year. Having received accounts that a dead whale was found at Comfort
+Harbour, about seven miles south of Nain, the brethren, Jans Haven,
+Lister, Morhardt, and Turner, resolved to go thither, accompanied by
+some Esquimaux, in the hope that, by procuring the blubber and the
+fins, they might be enabled to contribute somewhat to the support of
+the mission, while they would assist the starving natives at this
+season in obtaining a supply of provisions; and at the same time, they
+would have an opportunity of commending the Saviour to these poor
+benighted heathen.
+
+They accordingly set out, under the guidance of an Esquimaux,
+Mannmoima, whose house they reached February 17th about mid-day,
+where, on account of the stormy weather, they were forced to remain.
+"If," says Jans Haven, in his diary, "our European sisters had only
+seen us here they would certainly have pitied us. We were forced to
+creep on all fours through a low passage several fathoms long to get
+into the house, and were glad if we escaped being bitten by the
+hungry dogs, who take refuge there in bad weather, and who, as they
+lie in the dark, are often trodden upon by the entrant; who, if he
+escapes this misfortune, is compelled to undergo the more disgusting
+salutation of being licked in the face by these animals, and of
+crawling through the filth in which they all mingle. Yet this house,
+notwithstanding our senses of seeing and smelling were most woefully
+offended, in such frightful weather, was of equal welcome to us as the
+greatest palace."
+
+When Haven here began to speak of the Saviour, the Angekoks began to
+exercise their enchantments. One man laid himself on his back, and
+allowed his left leg to be fastened to his neck by a string like a
+bow, while a woman who sat by his side, performed upon it with his
+right as if playing on some musical instrument. The lady was then
+asked if they might hope for good weather, and if the whale would be
+driven away? but the company appeared to be divided; and while some
+thought these operations were under the influence of Torngak, others
+thought they might be directed by Jesus Christ, and asked the brethren
+to pray that there might be good weather, and that the whale might not
+be driven away. Haven answered, "We only pray, Lord be gracious to
+us, and open the eyes of poor ignorant people, that they may know how
+necessary it is for them to be washed in thy blood--but we are assured
+that he will do nothing but what is good to us, because he loves us."
+
+Next day, the missionaries, accompanied by eleven Esquimaux, attempted
+to reach the whale; but when they were about an hour's distance from
+the house, they perceived from a mountain near where the whale lay,
+that the ice was broken, and encountered such a violent storm of wind
+and snow that they were forced to return; while the frost was so
+intense, that often their mouth and nose were frozen to their skin
+coats, so that they had to break the ice before they could breathe,
+and their eyes were so closed that they had to force them open with
+their fingers.
+
+As hunger now began to torment the party, the brethren were exposed to
+great anxiety, suffering, and danger, from the perpetual importunity
+of the Esquimaux for provisions, which they had no means of supplying,
+but which they supposed they were the means of their being deprived of
+obtaining. An old man began to cry, "Torngak moves me to say that he
+will tell us the cause of this storm, and the breaking of the ice,
+and the loss of the whale." "Let us hear," said they. "O! the sinews!
+O! the sinews!" replied he.
+
+Rein-deer sinews are what, according to the superstition of the
+country, dare not be brought near a whale. But the brethren that
+morning had plaited some whale sinew, and fastened the haft of the ax
+with which they intended to cut up the whale; and he, supposing that
+they had been the sinews of the rein-deer, raised the cry. Being
+informed of his mistake, he changed his tone and exclaimed, "O! the
+rotten wood! O! the rotten wood!" Rotten wood is expressly forbid to
+be burnt in the preparation of food, but Jans Haven had brought some
+pieces in a sledge along with the rest of the fuel; the Esquimaux, to
+whom the sledge belonged, had carefully picked it out and thrown it
+away, and the conjurer was informed that in this also he was mistaken.
+He was then called upon to say, as he affirmed that Torngak was there,
+how he could be mistaken. With an ingenuity that would have done
+credit to a Jesuit, he answered, "There is one present that keeps us
+back, he cannot go with us." Every person in the company being
+mentioned, he pointed out Jans Haven. Haven immediately rose, and
+looking the sorcerer full in the face, prayed to the Saviour to stop
+the mouth of that wicked one. Struck with the unexpected intrepidity
+of the missionary, and the appeal to a name of which they all had some
+knowledge, the Angekok was utterly confounded; he grumbled and foamed,
+but could not utter a word. Providentially at this very moment two
+persons arrived with intelligence that the whale was lying safe, and
+had not been driven away; and Haven, charging the fellow with his
+imposture and lies, commanded him not to attempt accompanying them, or
+removing from the place where he was. The astonished sorcerer made no
+attempt to disobey.
+
+The weather increasing in severity, the Esquimaux, who were confined
+to their huts, came to their favourite Jans Haven, saying, "Tell us
+about the Saviour." Jans answered and said--"What shall I say? I know
+not what to say; I am grieved because I am constrained to hear and see
+that the wicked spirit yet dwells within you and robs you of your
+senses. He will hold your ears that you may not hear the love the
+Saviour has for you, that after death you may dwell with him in utter
+darkness. Yet listen to our words and follow us to the Saviour, who
+will wash you from your sins in his own blood, that you may live
+eternally happy with him, after you have left a world where sorrow
+and pleasure are mingled together; where we must suffer hunger, and
+thirst, and cold, and wretchedness, and misery, unless we believe in
+Jesus, who will preserve us, and keep us, and bring us to be for ever
+with himself, where there is no pain, but fulness of joy for
+evermore." Still, on the succeeding day, the weather not abating, the
+party were detained at the station, which the increasing scarcity of
+food rendered now doubly uncomfortable; the brethren were obliged to
+be on the watch whenever they eat, lest the Esquimaux should snatch
+the scanty morsel from them, which now consisted of only one meal a
+day. "One can hardly conceive," say they in their journal, "what we
+endured: we had no rest neither night nor day; when we lay down to
+sleep and gat warm, we were almost devoured with vermin; when we sat
+up during the day, we were almost suffocated with stench and smoke."
+
+At length a sledge, which had been sent off to the whale, returned
+laden with fat and flesh, which afforded relief from the pressure of
+hunger, "and made," say the missionaries, "all our hearts leap for
+joy;" and on the succeeding day, the whole party set off for the
+whale. When they reached it they found it of the middling size, about
+sixty-four feet long, but covered with ice and snow almost a fathom
+deep. The Esquimaux, however, crept into the mouth and cut off what
+they wanted from the interior to supply themselves; but the wants of
+the brethren were only increased, they could make little use of such
+flesh, and they were without wood to dress it, had it been even more
+palatable. They had no shelter but a snow-house, which they
+constructed with the help of the Esquimaux. The women, however, had
+forgotten their lamps, and the brethren had no resource for rendering
+their habitation comfortable, but to construct a kind of temporary
+lamp from a piece of whale's flesh, into which they cut a hole and put
+a piece of moss, and then to kindle it, but the smoke and disagreeable
+smell were insupportable; they also suffered greatly from the want of
+water, as they could get nothing to drink but ice or snow melted,
+which was done in a manner that in other circumstances would have
+proved an absolute prohibition against tasting it--the Esquimaux
+filled their gloves with snow, or put it in the intestines of the
+seals which they had wrapped round them, and the natural heat of the
+body reduced into a state of liquifaction--yet even this they were
+happy to procure.
+
+Amid these hardships Haven was seized with a violent pain in his side,
+which the Esquimaux, who greatly loved him, much lamented, as they
+said it was the disease that carried off so many of their countrymen.
+Peaceful, however, in the hour of his suffering, the missionary was
+enabled to testify to the heathen that death for him had no terrors;
+nor was it to be dreaded by those who believed in the Saviour. They
+showed their affection by procuring, with much difficulty, a lamp and
+some skins on which they placed the invalid, and by the blessing of
+God, the heat effected his cure. The brethren now began to try to hew
+down the frozen whale, but the want of food had so enfeebled them that
+they found themselves wholly unequal to the task, and were forced to
+give it up and return home, worn out with the fatigue they had
+endured, and without effecting their object.
+
+In the same year, 1773, Paul Eugenus Laritz, from the Elders'
+Conference of the Unity, visited the missions. He was accompanied by
+John Ludwig Beck, who had spent some years in Greenland with his
+father, and learned the language. They came in the ship Amity to
+Newfoundland, which they left there for the purpose of fishing, and
+proceeded to the coast of Labrador in a shallop or sloop with one
+mast, which had been purchased for the use of the mission. On the 20th
+of July they arrived at Nain, where the missionaries welcomed them
+with tears of joy--the Esquimaux received them with shouting and other
+rude expressions of pleasure. Of these, some hundreds, this summer,
+had set up their tents around the settlements--many of them strangers
+from a distance. In the evening they had a short discourse in the
+mission-house, after which the brethren visited them in their tents,
+and conversed further with them on what they had heard. The same
+evening Laritz gave a short address to the assembled baptized
+Esquimaux, and delivered the salutations of the European congregations
+to them, Drachart being his interpreter. Then one of the Esquimaux
+answered in name of the rest--"We, our wives and children, were
+wonderfully glad when we saw the little ship come in; and we thank the
+brethren that they have come to us, and brought us so many good words
+that we have never heard before. We love all the brethren, and will be
+ever their good friends. We will constantly visit them to hear the
+good word of Jesus' sufferings. We think on the Saviour; we love him,
+and will give up our hearts to him, and renounce all our old
+heathenish customs. We agree with the Innuit who live on the east
+coast opposite us. We, and our wives and our children, in our houses
+and our tents, speak of the Saviour becoming man, of his sufferings
+and death. We cannot deny that we are sinners, but we think the
+Saviour will be gracious to us." As there was not room in the
+mission-house to contain all the Esquimaux, wood was cut down to build
+a large meeting-hall. Some appeared deeply impressed by the word of
+God, particularly Manamina, his sister Alingana, and Akaplack, who
+were received as catechumens.
+
+Soon after Laritz's arrival at Nain, a sloop of war unexpectedly made
+its appearance, dispatched by Commodore Shuldam from Newfoundland,
+commanded by Lieutenant Cartes, to explore the coast, and to see if
+the poor people who had settled there were all still in life. The
+Lieutenant stopped some days with the brethren, and expressed his
+astonishment and happiness to find them so well accommodated, and on
+such good terms with the Esquimaux. He had expected to find dark,
+sour, starving fanatics, living in huts of earth, and his
+disappointment was therefore the more agreeable. Through Drachart he
+told the Esquimaux, that they should go no more to the English
+settlements in the south, nor rob and murder. They answered, We have
+never either robbed or murdered, since the time we heard of the
+Saviour. Robbers and murderers shall be punished as they deserve; and
+when we come to the south to get fir-timber, we will bring with us a
+letter from the brethren to the gentlemen of Cheteau Bay. The officer
+assured them of his love, and said to Drachart, that the great change
+in the behaviour of these people appeared to him a miracle of God, who
+had begun his work among them.
+
+While Laritz remained at Nain, Jans Haven and James Rhodes took the
+vessel which brought him there, and made a voyage on the north coast
+to Nachwach, 59 deg. 30 m. N.L. It lasted from the 7th August to the
+17th September. They landed at different places, and the Esquimaux
+everywhere, who had either before known or heard of Jans Haven,
+received him with shouts! He told them what had moved the brethren to
+settle in the country, and invited them to come to him. They heard him
+with astonishment speak of the great love of the Saviour to men, and
+asked if he was an Angekok, as he spoke of such high things as they
+never had heard, even from their own prophets? Others asked, why the
+Saviour, who made all things, had not before sent some one to tell
+their fathers these good news, and now they were gone where they could
+hear nothing? Havens answered, that "the times of their ignorance God
+had winked at," but that he now shewed mercy to them in sending them
+the gospel, and they ought to improve this the day of their
+visitation. At Napartok, having declared to the natives the counsel of
+God for their salvation, he thus continued: "I hear that there are
+quarrels and backbitings among you, and that some even seek the lives
+of others; all this proceeds from your not knowing the Saviour." He
+then turned to the Angekok, Aweinak, who was a reputed murderer, and
+said, "Hear these my words, 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man his
+blood shall be shed.' Forgive one another, and live as brethren and
+sisters in love and fellowship; make no difference between your own
+countrymen and those of the north and south." The Angekok promised to
+behave better, and begged Haven to repeat his assurance of friendship.
+Haven did so, and turning to the by-standers, said, "You hear his
+words; forgive him and love him, and if he ever again act wickedly,
+let me know." At Arimek, the Esquimaux thanked him for what he had
+spoken, and concluded by saying, "Though thou art not big, thou hast
+a great soul and a brave spirit."
+
+During an abode of two months at Nain, Laritz received every
+information respecting the state of the mission, and having made the
+proper arrangements for their further direction, he assembled the
+brethren in the mission-house at Nain, and read to them a solemn
+farewell address, and left it with them. "From the bottom of my
+heart," he begins, "I praise the gracious counsel of our dear Lord
+towards the poor and blind nations of the Esquimaux, and I return back
+to Europe with a deep impression of it; for though I have as yet only
+seen the springing of the seed, yet I feel in my heart a believing
+confidence, that in the proper time and hour which the Lord himself
+has appointed, a joyful harvest shall appear. Dear brethren and
+sisters, as the Lord of his pure grace has placed you in a land,
+where, since the creation of the world, his name has not been named or
+praised, it seems to me to be more incumbent on you daily to renew the
+deep consideration of your call and appointment to the fulfilling his
+purposes of grace; for you are not called here, either collectively or
+separately, of your own choice, or of the will of men, but of the
+counsel of peace in the heart of Jesus. You must therefore have it as
+a fixed principle in your hearts, and before your eyes, continually,
+that you are sent here to make known among the Esquimaux, the
+character of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his
+marvellous light. If you are not all able to do this in words, you can
+place it before their eyes by a holy walk and conversation, and by
+your earnest prayers and supplications be blessed helpers of their
+joy. And first of all, as their fellow-servant, I pray that all the
+servants of the Lord in this place, who bring the testimony of the
+gospel to the poor heathen, may, as often as they with the mouth
+praise the Saviour, be baptized with the Spirit and with fire, that
+their testimony may appear the power of God, able to make those
+blessed who believe it. And I beseech all the brethren to support and
+help with their prayers, those of them who shall speak and preach to
+the Esquimaux.
+
+"You must not rest satisfied, my dear brethren, with daily meetings,
+but you must carefully visit them in their tents and in their houses,
+and put them in mind of what they have heard; for this end, all our
+dear brethren and sisters must diligently use the gifts and talents
+given them to learn the Esquimaux language. Let the joy of the Lord
+animate you!--When you perceive the heart of any one awakened by the
+Holy Spirit, and in distress fleeing for mercy to the blood of Jesus,
+baptize such an one, as the Lord has directed, into his death, in the
+name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: there shall be
+joy in heaven over such first fruits, and on earth in the church of
+Jesus. With respect to the Esquimaux, either as to gifts or European
+food, do as we agreed on--neither, on the one side, neglect what
+necessity or compassion require; nor, on the other, accustom them to
+what would be injurious. When they labour for you, or go messages, pay
+them according to the custom of the country; and when you work for
+them, and make boats, sails, chests, lamps, arrows and lances, let
+them also pay you, that by degrees they may be accustomed to an
+orderly domestic life.
+
+"To your little church in the house, I call in the name of Jesus, love
+ye with a thorough inward sacred impulse; for God hath from eternity
+chosen you to love. Consider this well, that our dear Lord has said,
+'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
+one to another.' You know from what source the apparent want of this
+can be supplied; and I am sure, if every one would search out his own
+fault, with kindness and benevolence acquitting others, then would you
+feel that you loved one another from the heart fervently. Be of one
+mind; live in peace, then shall your conferences be kept with much
+blessing, and you be subject one to another in the fear of God. No one
+will then tenaciously hold his own opinion as the best, or as
+infallible, but every one will gladly take advantage of the other's
+discernment, and rather follow what is likely to attain the desired
+end, than his own private inclination. In the division of your labour
+consider yourselves as members of one body--that the eye cannot be
+supposed to do what the hand can, and the hand cannot do what the foot
+can; and if ye are each of you conscious that you have, according to
+the words of our Lord, done what thou couldst, let no one even in his
+heart think that one of his brethren has done too little. Whatever the
+congregation sends for your support and clothing, receive with
+thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who has enabled his people to
+minister to you in these things: at the same time you must frugally
+and faithfully improve every opportunity afforded by providence to
+supply your necessary expenses, by working with your own hands, and
+his blessing shall certainly accompany your labours.
+
+"Commend us to the Lord, that his inestimable presence may be near us
+by sea and by land; and, dearest brethren and sisters, I commend you
+to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and
+give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. The God of
+love and peace sanctify you wholly, that your whole spirit, soul and
+body, may be kept unblameable to the coming of the Lord Jesus; that
+then you, with a great number of believing Esquimaux, may appear
+before his presence with exceeding joy--'Faithful is he who hath
+called you, and also will do it.'"
+
+With this excellent address, the labours of Mr Laritz ended. After
+partaking of the communion together, he bid adieu to the brethren on
+the 29th September, and went on board the ship Amity, which had come
+from Newfoundland, according to appointment, and arrived in London on
+the 29th of October.
+
+Circumstances, apparently the most unpropitious, frequently
+contribute, in the course of Providence, to promote the most important
+and most happy issues. While the brethren at Nain continued with
+unwearied diligence to make known the salvation of Christ among the
+Esquimaux, they observed with grief, that their deep-rooted heathenish
+superstitions, and the violent and gross, but natural evil passions
+which they delighted to indulge, and which led to the frequent
+perpetration of adultery and murder, obstructed the entrance of the
+word of God into their hearts, and had as yet rendered almost all
+their labours fruitless. But what particularly distressed them was,
+when they saw that the impressions which had been made on some of the
+natives on hearing the gospel, while residing in the neighbourhood of
+the mission-settlement, were wholly effaced when they removed to a
+distance, and associated with their heathen countrymen.
+
+Anxious, therefore, to retain them around their station, the brethren
+proposed a method for rendering them comfortable during the winter, by
+building a store-house where their provisions might be laid up, so
+that the superfluities of summer should supply the wants of winter.
+But the savages could not understand the use of refusing to gratify
+their present appetites in order to provide for any distant
+emergency--they preferred to revel in the plenty of summer, and to
+rove to other places in winter in search of food, by which propensity
+they were scattered above one hundred and twenty miles along the
+coast. Yet, even these wanderers were the means of exciting the
+attention of their kindred to the gospel, by telling them of the
+strange things they had heard at Nain. It was therefore resolved to
+follow the leadings of Providence, and, as soon as possible, to
+establish two other missionary settlements, the one towards the north,
+the other south of the present.
+
+For this purpose, application was made to the Society of the Brethren
+in London, who, entering fully into their views, obtained from the
+Privy Council an order granting them liberty to search out and take
+possession of land sufficient for their object. A commission was
+accordingly sent for the brethren to explore the coast, and Brazen,
+Lister, Lehman, and Jans Haven, offered themselves for this service.
+On the 5th of August they set out for the north. "But just as we were
+setting out," says Jans Haven, "an uncommon horror and trembling
+seized me, so that, contrary to my former experience, I was
+exceedingly intimidated, and wished rather to stay at home." They
+proceeded however, and were every where received in a friendly manner
+by the Esquimaux, and invited to settle among them. Their return
+justified the presentiment of Jans Haven. Not far from Cape Keglapeit
+they had the misfortune to encounter a dreadful storm, and when only
+three miles from Nain, their vessel struck on a sunk rock where she
+was wrecked.
+
+After a fearful night, about 2 o'clock next morning they attempted to
+get at the boat that belonged to their shallop, but through the
+violence of the waves it was driven on a rock and almost dashed to
+pieces. Brazen and Lehman were drowned, but Haven and Lister, together
+with the sailors, succeeded in reaching a barren rock, where they
+suffered much from cold and hunger--where they must have perished
+miserably had they not providentially got their boat, which was in
+tatters, drawn on shore, and with all the woollen clothes and seal
+skins they could spare, patched it together. Still it was a wretched
+barque, but they had no other resource, and were obliged to venture to
+sea in it such as it was. The wind was favourable, and at length they
+happily met Manamina in his kaiak, who towed them safely to Nain,
+where they arrived on the evening of the 18th of September, truly
+thankful to the Lord for his wonderful assistance. "After our return,"
+Haven says in the account of his life, "I was overwhelmed with
+sorrow--spent days and nights in sighs and tears--thought much of my
+whole past life--cried to the Lord for help and forgiveness of all my
+many failings, and renewed my vows to devote myself entirely to his
+service." The bodies of both the brethren who were drowned were driven
+on shore, and afterwards brought to the settlement, where they were
+decently interred.
+
+Sad as this catastrophe was, it did not prevent the brethren, in the
+year 1775, from undertaking new journies to explore the south and
+north coast; nor deter others from offering themselves to supply the
+place of those who had perished in the cause. When the accounts of
+Brazen's departure reached the Unity Elders' Conference, they
+appointed Samuel Liebisch superintendant of the mission, who, on the
+16th August, the same year, arrived at Nain with some new assistants
+to the mission.
+
+As usual, about the month of November, all the Esquimaux left the
+neighbourhood of Nain for their winter places, but towards Christmas
+great numbers came on their sledges over the frozen sea to visit the
+brethren. Among their visitors was Kingminguse, who had formerly been
+an Angekok, but who, by the preaching of the word of God, had
+experienced such an apparent change of mind as to give hopes of his
+conversion; and, indeed, early next year, on the 19th of February, the
+day on which the meeting-hall at Nain was consecrated, he was
+baptized as the first fruits of that mission, and received the name of
+Peter. Some days before his baptism he told the brethren, "that he had
+been an Angekok, and believed what his forefathers said, but now he
+believed it no more; that he would give up all his former evil customs
+and follow the Lord Jesus, though he should be persecuted by his
+countrymen; that he was ignorant, but what the brethren who had come
+thither had told him of the Lord who made heaven and earth, who had
+become a man, and shed his blood from love to us, had taken fast hold
+of his heart--he had rejoiced in it, and would forsake all for it. He
+knew but little of the Saviour, but was willing to learn, and placed
+his confidence alone on him, because he truly believed he only was
+good; and that when the body died the soul went to the place of rest
+to be with him, and happy for ever." Shaking hands with every brother,
+individually, he promised that he would remain with the congregation
+of the believers, to be constantly obedient to his teachers, and walk
+worthy of the gospel. In the administration of the ordinance he was
+quite overcome, as were also several of the other Esquimaux, who
+expressed their wishes likewise to be baptized, which afforded the
+missionaries an opportunity of speaking earnestly and affectionately
+to them.
+
+Peter, likewise, every where testified to his people his great joy
+that he now belonged to the faithful; they viewed him with particular
+respect, and listened attentively to his discourse about the Saviour,
+which was remarkably urgent and affectionate. For instance, upon one
+occasion he expressed himself in the following manner to them: "You
+must turn wholly to the Saviour and place your confidence on him
+alone, so shall he by his precious blood purify and fill your hearts.
+You know that I am baptized, for this I am very thankful; and it would
+be well with you would you but learn to know Jesus in time, for we
+have no other Saviour either in this world or in the future. If we are
+washed in his blood we need no more fear death or darkness, we shall
+then come where it is ever light, and where we shall ever see the
+Saviour. When we are sick or in pain, we must turn to him, for he hath
+born all our sicknesses. He still calls us to come to him; this call
+we have never hitherto understood, therefore he has sent the brethren
+who know him, to shew our souls the way to him. You know they have
+built a house, and ask nothing but to make the Saviour known to our
+hearts. We cannot be grateful enough to him who sent them thither,
+for it is of the greatest importance to us; and, even those among them
+who do not know our language sufficiently to speak to us, pray to him
+that we may feel the power of his blood on our hearts. I have learned
+sorcery, and I have practised it, but that is the road to the greatest
+darkness, and can give no peace to the heart; but he who looks to the
+Saviour, and to his wounds, receives peace and joy in his heart, and
+that is the only thing of any value in this world." In the following
+summer there were above two hundred Esquimaux in thirty-seven tents
+near Nain, and they were so assiduous in their attendance on the
+meetings, that the new hall could not contain the crowd that anxiously
+pressed to hear, and some were entered among the candidates for
+baptism.
+
+Liebisch brought with him a commission for Jans Haven to commence a
+new settlement. "I felt," said Haven, "not a little anxiety on this
+occasion, knowing the difficulties attending such a commission, but
+accepted it in reliance on our Saviour's help." He accordingly,
+accompanied by Stephen Jensen, proceeded in an Esquimaux boat to a
+little creek, afterwards Okkak, which had been formerly fixed on as a
+most eligible spot for a settlement, and purchased from the Esquimaux
+a hundred thousand acres, or three German square miles, of land; they
+expressing great joy at the prospect of the brethren coming to reside
+among them. Stones were placed to mark the boundaries, and the place
+taken possession of with the usual formalities. The following was the
+mode of expression used by the brethren upon the occasion: "In the
+name of our God and Saviour, and under the protection of our gracious
+monarch, George III King of England, we take possession of this land
+for the purpose of a missionary settlement for the Brethren's Unity,
+and the Society for propagating the gospel."
+
+During the following year, [1776,] the brethren were busily employed
+in cutting down wood in the forest near Nain, and preparing it for a
+dwelling-house at the new station; and so diligent were they in their
+work, that in August, when the ship Good Intent arrived from England
+with the other necessary articles for building the house, the timber
+was all ready to be shipped for Okkak. On the 13th September, Jans
+Haven, with his family and three other missionaries who had been
+appointed for the new settlement, arrived there, and immediately went
+to work and erected their house. "I had," says the devoted Haven,
+"the peace in all trying circumstances to cleave to my Saviour, of
+whose gracious assistance I had manifold experience. He was with us,
+and gave us success in our present enterprise. Having finished the
+building of our house, we moved into it; and in our first conference,
+were so united by the power of Jesus' grace in brotherly love and
+harmony, that we made a covenant with each other to offer soul and
+body to the Lord, to serve him without fear, and bear each others'
+burdens with a cheerful heart. Nor did we meet with the least
+interruption during the whole year, so that I justly count it the
+happiest of my life."
+
+This station lies thirty German miles north from Nain, in 58 deg. 20
+m. N.L., and is of great consequence both to the European settlers and
+the Esquimaux, of whom above three hundred always live near it. There
+is a good harbour for ships and boats--a supply of wood and of fresh
+water in summer and winter--great quantities of fish, particularly
+haddocks--also some whales, but few seals, so that the Esquimaux are
+obliged to go to various places at a considerable distance for this
+valuable animal, whose skins are among their absolute necessaries for
+their tents and clothing. The mission-house is built at the side of a
+high mountain, which serves as a protection from the north-west wind.
+
+The natives received the brethren with great joy, and evinced a
+pleasing desire to hear the gospel; but it was not till the 29th of
+August 1778, that any baptism took place. On this occasion, however,
+six adults were received into the church by this holy ordinance, and
+several others soon followed. The baptized lived for the greater part
+of the winter in the mission-house, where daily meetings were held,
+and where they received farther instruction, for which purpose a
+larger meeting-hall was built in 1779.
+
+At length at Nain, also, the brethren had the pleasure in the winter
+of 1779-80, to see five Esquimaux families, consisting of thirty-seven
+souls, come to the resolution of remaining during that season in their
+neighbourhood, and the year after their number increased from seventy
+to eighty; by this means the brethren were enabled to collect small
+congregations at each station, and in the winter at least carefully to
+observe their conduct, and to give them regular employment. Meanwhile
+the mission work proceeded; they held daily meetings, where the gospel
+was preached to the resident Esquimaux and numerous visitors. A school
+was opened for children, besides which, the baptized were twice
+a-week instructed in writing. A weekly meeting was likewise kept with
+the latter for furthering their knowledge on doctrinal points,
+particularly on the meaning of the Lord's supper. During the season
+when the baptized were necessarily called away from the settlement,
+one of the missionaries generally attended them. In the year 1780,
+William Turner made two visits of twenty miles each into the interior
+of the country from Nain in their company when they went to hunt the
+rein-deer, along with a number of the Esquimaux; the first in
+February, and then from the 8th of August to the 25th of September.
+They travelled over wild mountains between lakes and pools. The
+rein-deer, which sometimes passed in large herds, were driven into the
+water by the Esquimaux and there killed. In the winter journey, Turner
+suffered much from the cold and the want of warm food, and was also
+frequently in imminent danger from the snow storms, when the great
+drift-heaps collected upon the mountains rolled down in tremendous and
+threatening masses like Alpine avalanches. Nor was the summer
+expedition free from its dangers and difficulties. The party consisted
+of fifty men, who travelled on foot; about a hundred dogs followed,
+laden with the baggage that was to be transported over barren
+mountains and through morasses; and often, after all their exertions
+and deprivations, they got very few rein-deer. The main design of his
+journeys too, was but imperfectly obtained, as his people were so very
+much occupied in the hunt that they could pay but little attention to
+the preaching of the word; and their heathen companions disliked the
+presence of a missionary, as it caused those to keep back who believed
+in their superstitious customs and practices, and who practised them,
+and on whom, according to their notions, the success of the hunt
+depended.
+
+From the promising appearances of the two settlements, the brethren
+now began to think of a third, to be situated south from Nain; and in
+July 1779, Schneider, Lister and Jensen went to Arvertok, which Jans
+Haven, Lister and Beck had formerly visited, and pitched upon a spot
+deemed the most proper for a missionary station. Having purchased the
+land from the Esquimaux, and fixed the boundaries, placing stones as
+on the former occasion; they then returned to Nain, where the wood was
+prepared as for the missionary house at Okkak, and brought to its
+destination by the Good Intent, on her arrival from England. In the
+meantime, Jans Haven, who had been on a visit to Europe, arrived with
+his wife, after having experienced a wonderful escape on their voyage.
+When approaching near the coast of Labrador, they discovered an
+ice-berg of prodigious extent and height approaching them, and had
+scarcely passed it in safety ere it fell to pieces with a tremendous
+crash, putting the surrounding sea into the most dreadful agitation
+and foam. Had it happened but a few minutes before, they must every
+soul have perished in the immense ruin.--All the preparations being
+finished, the building was begun in 1782 at the new station, and Jans
+Haven was employed as first architect. On the 21st September of that
+year it was finished so as to be habitable.
+
+This settlement, which is thirty German miles south of Nain, and lies
+in 55 deg. 40 m. N.L., was called Hopedale, in remembrance of those
+brethren, who, in 1752, had erected their dwelling a little farther to
+the south, at Nisbet's Harbour, and given it this name; the ruins of
+which had been discovered in the exploratory voyage, 1775.
+
+The appearance of the ships, which were now annually sent from England
+to Labrador, was hailed with joy. They visited all the three
+stations, supplied them with necessaries, and made considerable profit
+by what they got in exchange. In the interim, the brethren held as
+much intercourse as possible together, during summer, by the Esquimaux
+boats that sail along the coast, and in winter, by travelling from one
+station to another, in sledges drawn by dogs. The land-road was
+extremely difficult on account of the steep rocky mountains. The way
+over the frozen sea was much more easy and pleasant, but often
+extremely dangerous, as, where it is not inclosed and fixed by the
+islands, in changeable and stormy weather it is liable to be broken
+up, and exposes the travellers to almost inevitable destruction. A
+most remarkable interposition of providence in behalf of two of the
+brethren, which occurred this year, will illustrate both the danger of
+that mode of travelling, and the peculiar protection afforded by God
+to those who have devoted their lives to his service. We shall relate
+it in the words of the Rev. C.J. Latrobe, Secretary to the mission,
+who compiled the narrative from the private journal of one of the
+party:
+
+"Brother Samuel Liebisch being at that time entrusted with the general
+care of the brethren's missions on the coast of Labrador; the duties
+of his office required a visit to Okkak, the most northern of our
+settlements, and about one hundred and fifty English miles distant
+from Nain, the place where he resided. Brother William Turner being
+appointed to accompany him, they left Nain on March the 11th, early in
+the morning, with very clear weather, the stars shining with uncommon
+lustre. The sledge was driven by the baptized Esquimaux Mark, and
+another sledge with Esquimaux joined company. The two sledges
+contained five men, one woman, and a child. All were in good spirits,
+and appearances being much in their favour, they hoped to reach Okkak
+in safety, in two or three days. The track over the frozen sea was in
+the best possible order, and they went with ease at the rate of six or
+seven miles an hour. After they had passed the islands in the bay of
+Nain, they kept at a considerable distance from the coast, both to
+gain the smoothest part of the ice, and to weather the high rocky
+promontory of Kiglapeit. About eight o'clock they met a sledge with
+Esquimaux turning in from the sea. After the usual salutations, the
+Esquimaux alighting, held some conversation, as is their general
+practice, the result of which was, that some hints were thrown out by
+the strange Esquimaux that it might be as well to return. However, as
+the missionaries saw no reason whatever for it, and only suspected
+that the Esquimaux wished to enjoy the company of their friends a
+little longer, they proceeded. After some time their own Esquimaux
+hinted that there was a ground-swell under the ice. It was then hardly
+perceptible, except on lying down and applying the ear close to the
+ice, when a hollow disagreeable grating and roaring noise was heard,
+as if ascending from the abyss. The weather remained clear except
+toward the east, where a bank of light clouds appeared, interspersed
+with some dark streaks; but the wind being strong from the north west,
+nothing less than a sudden change of weather was expected.
+
+"The sun had now reached his height, and there was as yet little or no
+alteration in the appearance of the sky; but the motion of the sea
+under the ice had grown more perceptible, so as rather to alarm the
+travellers, and they began to think it prudent to keep closer to the
+shore. The ice had cracks and large fissures in many places, some of
+which formed chasms of one or two feet wide; but as they are not
+uncommon even in its best state, and the dogs easily leap over them,
+the sledge following without danger, they are only terrible to new
+comers.
+
+"As soon as the sun declined towards the west, the wind increased and
+rose to a storm, the bank of clouds from the east began to ascend, and
+the dark streaks to put themselves in motion against the wind. The
+snow was violently driven about by partial whirlwinds, both on the ice
+and from off the peaks of the high mountains, and filled the air. At
+the same time, the ground-swell had increased so much, that its
+effects upon the ice became very extraordinary and alarming. The
+sledges, instead of gliding along smoothly upon an even surface,
+sometimes ran with violence after the dogs, and shortly after seemed
+with difficulty to ascend the rising hill; for the elasticity of so
+vast a body of ice of many leagues square, supported by a troubled
+sea, though in some places three or four yards in thickness, would in
+some degree occasion an undulatory motion, not unlike that of a sheet
+of paper accommodating itself to the surface of a rippling stream.
+Noises were likewise now distinctly heard in many directions like the
+report of cannon, owing to the bursting of the ice at some distance.
+
+"The Esquimaux therefore drove with all haste towards the shore,
+intending to take up their night's quarters on the south side of the
+Uivak. But as it plainly appeared that the ice would break and
+disperse in the open sea, Mark advised to push forward to the north of
+Uivak, from whence he hoped the track to Okkak might still remain
+entire. To this proposal the company agreed; but when the sledges
+approached the coast, the prospect before them was truly terrific--the
+ice having broken loose from the rocks, was forced up and down,
+grinding and breaking into a thousand pieces against the precipices
+with a tremendous noise, which, added to the raging of the wind, and
+the snow driving about in the air, deprived the travellers almost of
+the power of hearing and seeing any thing distinctly. To make the land
+at any risk, was now the only hope left, but it was with the utmost
+difficulty, that the frightened dogs could be forced forward--the
+whole body of ice sinking frequently below the surface of the rocks,
+then rising above it. As the only moment to land was that when it
+gained the level of the coast, the attempt was extremely nice and
+hazardous. However, by God's mercy, it succeeded; both sledges gained
+the shore, and were drawn up the beach with much difficulty.
+
+"The travellers had hardly time to reflect with gratitude to God on
+their safety, when that part of the ice from which they had just made
+good their landing, burst asunder, and the water, forcing itself from
+below, covered and precipitated it into the sea. In an instant, as if
+by a signal given, the whole mass of ice, extending for several miles
+from the coast, and as far as the eye could reach, began to burst and
+to be overwhelmed by the immense waves. The sight was tremendous, and
+awfully grand--the large fields of ice, raising themselves out of the
+water, striking against each other, and plunging into the deep with a
+violence not to be described, and a noise like the discharge of
+innumerable batteries of heavy guns. The darkness of the night, the
+roaring of the wind and sea, and the dashing of the waves and ice
+against the rocks, filled the travellers with sensations of awe and
+horror, as almost to deprive them of the power of utterance. They
+stood overwhelmed with astonishment at their miraculous escape, and
+even the heathen Esquimaux expressed gratitude to God for their
+deliverance.
+
+"The Esquimaux now began to build a snow-house, about thirty paces
+from the beach; but before they had finished their work, the waves
+reached the place where the sledges were secured, and they were with
+difficulty saved from being washed into the sea.
+
+"About 9 o'clock all of them crept into the snow-house, thanking God
+for this place of refuge; for the wind was piercingly cold, and so
+violent, that it required great strength to be able to stand against
+it.
+
+"Before they entered their habitation, they could not help once more
+turning to the sea, which was now free from ice, and beheld with
+horror, mingled with gratitude for their safety, the enormous waves
+driving furiously before the wind, like huge castles, and approaching
+the shore, where, with dreadful noise, they dashed against the rocks,
+foaming, and filling the air with the spray. The whole company now got
+their supper; and having sung an evening hymn in the Esquimaux
+language, lay down to rest about ten o'clock. They lay so close, that
+if any one stirred, his neighbour was roused by it. The Esquimaux were
+soon fast asleep, but brother Liebisch could not get any rest, partly
+on account of the dreadful roaring of the wind and sea, and partly
+owing to a sore throat which gave him great pain. Both missionaries
+were also much engaged in their minds in contemplating the dangerous
+situation into which they had been brought, and amidst all
+thankfulness for their great deliverance from immediate death, could
+not but cry unto the Lord for his help in this time of need."
+
+The wakefulness of the missionaries proved the deliverance of the
+whole party from sudden destruction. About two o'clock in the morning,
+brother Liebisch perceived some salt water to drop from the roof of
+the snow-house upon his lips. Though rather alarmed on tasting the
+salt, which could not proceed from a common spray, he kept quiet till
+the same dropping became more frequently repeated. Just as he was
+about to give the alarm, on a sudden a tremendous surf broke close to
+the house, discharging a quantity of water into it; a second soon
+followed, and earned away the slab of snow placed as a door before the
+entrance. The missionaries immediately called aloud to the sleeping
+Esquimaux to rise and quit the place. They jumped up in an instant.
+One of them with a large knife cut a passage through the side of the
+house; and each seizing some part of the baggage, it was thrown out
+upon a higher part of the beach, brother Turner assisting the
+Esquimaux. Brother Liebisch, and the woman and child, fled to a
+neighbouring eminence. The latter was wrapped up by the Esquimaux in a
+large skin, and the former took shelter behind a rock, for it was
+impossible to stand against the wind, snow and sleet. Scarcely had the
+company retreated to the eminence, when an enormous wave carried away
+the whole house, but nothing of consequence was lost.
+
+They now found themselves a second time delivered from the most
+imminent danger of death; but the remaining part of the night, before
+the Esquimaux could seek and find another more safe place for a snow
+house, were hours of great trial to mind and body, and filled every
+one with painful reflections. Before the day dawned, the Esquimaux cut
+a hole into a large drift of snow, to screen the woman and child, and
+the two missionaries. Brother Liebisch, however, could not bear the
+closeness of the air, and was obliged to sit down at the entrance,
+when the Esquimaux covered him with skins to keep him warm, as the
+pain in his throat was very great.
+
+As soon as it was light, they built another snow house; and miserable
+as such an accommodation is at all times, they were glad and thankful
+to creep into it. It was about eight feet square, and six or seven
+feet high. They now congratulated each other on their deliverance, but
+found themselves in very bad plight. The missionaries had taken but a
+small stock of provisions with them, merely sufficient for the short
+journey to Okkak. Joel, his wife and child, and Kassigiak the
+sorcerer, had nothing at all. They were therefore obliged to divide
+the small stock into daily portions, especially as there appeared no
+hopes of soon quitting this place, and reaching any dwellings. Only
+two ways were left for this purpose--either to attempt the land
+passage across the wild and unfrequented mountain Kiglapeit, or to
+wait for a new ice-track over the sea, which it might require much
+time to form. They therefore resolved to serve out no more than a
+biscuit and a half per man per day. But as this would not by any means
+satisfy an Esquimaux's stomach, the missionaries offered to give one
+of their dogs to be killed for them, on condition that in case
+distress obliged them to resort again to that expedient, the next dog
+killed should be one of the Esquimaux's team. They replied they should
+be glad of it, if they had a kettle to boil the flesh in; but as that
+was not the case, they must suffer hunger, for they could not even yet
+eat dogs' flesh in its raw state. The missionaries now remained in the
+snow-house, and every day endeavoured to boil so much water over their
+lamp as might serve them for two dishes of coffee a piece. Through
+mercy, they were preserved in good health, and brother Liebisch quite
+unexpectedly recovered on the first day of his sore throat. The
+Esquimaux also kept up their spirits, and even the rough heathen
+Kassigiak declared that it was proper to be thankful that they were
+still alive, adding, that if they had remained a very little longer
+upon the ice yesterday, all their bones would have been broken to
+pieces in a short time. He had however his heels frozen, and suffered
+considerable pain. In the evening the missionaries sung an hymn with
+the Esquimaux, and continued to do it every morning and evening. The
+Lord was present with them, and comforted their hearts by his peace.
+
+Towards noon of the thirteenth, the weather cleared up, and the sea
+was soon, as far as the eye could reach, quite freed from ice. Mark
+and Joel went up the hills to reconnoitre, and returned with the
+disagreeable news that not a morsel of ice was to be seen even from
+thence in any direction, and that it had been forced away from the
+coast at Naasornak. They were therefore of opinion that nothing could
+be done, but force their way across the mountain Kiglapeit. This day
+Kassigiak complained much of hunger, probably to obtain from the
+missionaries a larger proportion than the common allowance. They
+represented to him that they had no more themselves, and reproved him
+for his impatience. Whenever the victuals were distributed, he always
+swallowed his portion very greedily, and put out his hand for what he
+saw the missionaries had left, but was easily kept from any further
+attempt by serious reproof. The Esquimaux eat to-day an old sack made
+of fish skin, which proved indeed a dry and miserable dish. While they
+were at this singular meal, they kept repeating in a low humming tone,
+"You was a sack but a little while ago, and now you are food for us."
+Towards evening, some flakes of ice were discovered driving towards
+the coast, and on the 14th, in the morning, the sea was covered with
+them. But the weather was again very stormy, and the Esquimaux could
+not quit the snow-house, which made them very low-spirited and
+melancholy. Kassigiak suggested that it would be well "to attempt to
+make good weather," by which he meant to practise his art as a
+sorcerer to make the weather good. The missionaries opposed it, and
+told him that his heathenish practices were of no use, but that the
+weather would become favourable as soon as it should please God.
+Kassigiak then asked, "Whether Jesus could make good weather?" He was
+told that to Jesus was given all power in heaven and in earth, upon
+which he demanded that he should be applied to. Another time he said,
+I shall tell my countrymen at Seglek enough about you, how well you
+bear this misfortune. The missionaries replied, "Tell them that in the
+midst of this affliction, we placed our only hope and trust in Jesus
+Christ, our Saviour, who loves all mankind, and has shed his blood to
+redeem them from eternal misery." To-day the Esquimaux began to eat an
+old filthy and worn out skin, which had served them for a mattress.
+
+On the 15th the weather continued extremely boisterous, and the
+Esquimaux appeared every now and then to sink under disappointment.
+But they possess a good quality, namely, a power of going to sleep
+when they please, and if need be they will sleep for days and nights
+together.
+
+In the evening, the sky became clear and their hope revived. Mark and
+Joel went out to reconnoitre, and brought word that the ice had
+acquired a considerable degree of solidity, and might soon be fit for
+use. The poor dogs had meanwhile fasted for near four days, but now,
+in the prospect of a speedy release, the missionaries allowed to each
+a few morsels of food. The temperature of the air having been rather
+mild, it occasioned a new source of distress; for by the warm
+exhalations of the inhabitants, the roof of the snow-house got to be
+in a melting state, which occasioned a continual dropping, and by
+degrees made every thing soaking wet. The missionaries report, that
+they considered this the greatest hardship they had to endure, for
+they had not a dry thread about them, nor a dry place to lie down in.
+
+On the 16th the sky cleared, but the fine particles of snow were
+driven about like clouds. Joel and Kassigiak resolved to pursue their
+journey to Okkak by the way of Nuasornak, and set out with the wind
+and snow full in their faces. Mark could not resolve to proceed
+farther north, because, in his opinion, the violence of the wind had
+driven the ice off the coast at Tikkerarsuk, so as to render it
+impossible to land; but he thought he might proceed to the south with
+safety, and get round Kiglapeit. The missionaries endeavoured to
+persuade him to follow the above mentioned company to Okkak; but it
+was in vain, and they did not feel at liberty to insist upon it, not
+being sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. Their present
+distress dictated the necessity of venturing something to reach the
+habitations of men, and yet they were rather afraid of passing over
+the newly frozen sea under Kiglapiet, and could not immediately
+determine what to do. Brother Turner, therefore, went again with Mark
+to examine the ice, and both seemed satisfied that it would hold. They
+therefore came at last to a resolution to return to Nain, and commit
+themselves to the protection of the Lord. On the 17th, the wind had
+considerably increased with heavy showers of snow and sleet, but they
+set off at half-past ten o'clock in the forenoon. Mark ran all the way
+round Kiglapiet before the sledge to find a good track, and about one
+o'clock, through God's mercy, they were out of danger and reached the
+bay. Here they found a good track, upon smooth ice, made a meal of the
+remnant of their provisions and got some warm coffee. Thus refreshed,
+they resolved to proceed without stopping till they reached Nain,
+where they arrived at twelve o'clock at night. The brethren at Nain
+rejoiced exceedingly to see them return, for by several hints of the
+Esquimaux, who first met them going out to sea, and who then, in their
+own obscure way, had endeavoured to warn them of the ground swell, but
+had not been attended to, their fellow missionaries, and especially
+their wives, had been much terrified. One of these Esquimaux, whose
+wife had made some article of dress for brother Liebisch, whom they
+called Samuel, addressed sister Liebisch in the following manner:
+
+"I should be glad of the payment for my wife's work." "Wait a little,"
+answered she, "and, when my husband returns, he will settle with you,
+for I am unacquainted with the bargain made between you." "Samuel and
+William," replied the Esquimaux, "will not return any more to Nain."
+"How, not return, what makes you say so?" After some pause, the
+Esquimaux returned in a low tone, "Samuel and William are no more! all
+their bones are broken and in the stomachs of the sharks." Terrified
+at this alarming account, sister Liebisch called in the rest of the
+family, and the Esquimaux was examined as to his meaning; but his
+answer was little less obscure. He seemed so certain of the
+destruction of the missionaries, that he was with difficulty prevailed
+on to wait some time for their return. He could not believe that they
+could have escaped the effects of so furious a tempest, considering
+the course they were taking.
+
+It may easily be conceived with what gratitude to God the whole family
+at Nain bid them welcome. During the storm, they had considered with
+some dread what might be the fate of those brethren, though at Nain
+its violence was not felt so much as on a coast unprotected by any
+islands. Added to this, the hints of the Esquimaux had considerably
+increased their apprehensions for their safety, and their fears began
+to get the better of their hopes. All therefore joined most fervently
+in praise and thanksgiving to God for their signal deliverance.
+
+In August 1783, Liebisch returned to Europe, and took his place in the
+Unity's Elders Conference as a member, and Lister, with some
+assistants, exercised the office of superintendant until 1786, when
+John Christian Ludwig Rose was appointed to this office.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ Esquimaux visit the English settlements--pernicious
+   consequences--dreadful accident--famine--unexpected supply of
+   food and skins.--Emigration from Okkak--missionaries' care of the
+   wanderers, who return disappointed.--Terrible tales from the
+   south.--Inquirers separated from the heathen.--Popish priest
+   attempts to seduce the converts.--Brother Rose inspects
+   Hopedale.--Karpik the sorcerer.--Peter's fall.--Visits to the
+   south renewed.--Parting address of the
+   brethren.--Epidemic.--Death of Daniel--of Esther.--Conversion and
+   peaceful end of Tuglavina.--Last days of Mikak.--Indians come to
+   Hopedale.--Rose's remarks on the internal state of the
+   missions.--Instances of the power of grace among the
+   Esquimaux--striking observation of one of the
+   baptized.--Jonathan's letter to the Greenlanders.--Affecting
+   confession of Solomon.--Conduct of a young woman sought in
+   marriage by a heathen.--State of the settlements at the close of
+   the century.--Prospects begin to brighten.--Remarkable
+   phenomenon.--Avocations of the missionaries--their
+   trials--preservation of their vessels--of their
+   settlements--their brotherly love.
+
+
+Eleven years had the brethren now laboured for the conversion of the
+Esquimaux amidst many difficulties and dangers, when circumstances
+occurred which threatened to blast these fair hopes of success. In the
+summer of 1782, the Esquimaux, for the first time since missionaries
+had settled in the country, visited the English settlements in the
+south. Tuglavina had persuaded Abraham, one of the baptized of Nain,
+to go with him to Chateau Bay; and when they returned in October, they
+reported that the Commander-in-chief had been quite overjoyed to see
+baptized Esquimaux, and wished that more of them might come to visit
+him, for he also had been baptized, and hoped that his soul after
+death would go to heaven. He had reproved Mikak for not being
+baptized, and warned then all against murders and adultery. Abraham
+had bought a boat and still owed half of the price, yet he and
+Tuglavina had each received a present of a musket and powder and ball,
+nor had the women been sent empty away; also, while they were there,
+they had had plenty to eat, a gratification of no minor importance.
+
+By these splendid accounts of their kind reception, a general desire
+was excited among their countrymen to go likewise to the south; and
+the next consequence was, insolence and opposition to the missionaries
+and teachers. If they were reminded to be sparing of their winter
+provisions, they sarcastically replied, by reminding the brethren of
+the manner in which Tuglavina and Abraham had been treated by the
+"good" Europeans in the south; or if they came into the mission-house
+and got nothing to eat, they immediately exclaimed, with the
+Europeans in the south we can have plenty to eat. And when one was
+turned out from the palasadoes, he angrily remarked, the Europeans
+have no palasadoes. By these representations the greater part of the
+baptized were seduced and deceived; the brethren with meekness
+endeavoured to put them right, reminded them that at their baptism
+they had promised to love Jesus only, and to follow him, not to leave
+the congregation of the faithful, and to obey their teachers. They
+also particularly described the dangers to which they would be exposed
+in their journey to the south, and desired them to consider the
+impressive warnings the Commander-in-chief had so lately given
+them--but all was in vain.
+
+In the following winter, a famine broke out among the Esquimaux in
+Nain; their number amounted to eighty-two souls, whereof thirty-five
+were baptized and candidates for baptism. All these looked to the
+brethren when in want of the necessaries of life, who afforded them
+assistance to the utmost of their ability; but received little thanks
+for their kindness, for if they did not give them what they thought
+enough, they upbraided them with the conduct of the good Europeans in
+the south.
+
+On the 4th December a dreadful accident happened at Ankpalluktak,
+about six hours distant from Nain. A large mass of snow was
+precipitated from a mountain and overwhelmed an Esquimaux winter
+house, wherein were thirty persons, young and old. No one could escape
+to tell the tale of their disaster or procure assistance; but it
+happened, by the merciful providence of God, that Nathaniel, with
+another Esquimaux, went to Ankpalluktak to bring Sirmek to Nain; to
+their astonishment they found him lying half-frozen, unable either to
+stand or walk, yet still alive. They then heard a voice from the midst
+of the ruins, by which they perceived there were still some persons
+alive beneath the snow; and hastening back to Nain with Sirmek, they
+returned with additional hands, and the necessary tools from the
+brethren. They soon found that there were more Esquimaux within, and
+by great exertion and labour succeeded in extricating nine persons
+from the rubbish, but one of them was so much bruised that she died
+very soon after. By this visitation twenty-one persons lost their
+lives. The Esquimaux were greatly alarmed by it for a little, but the
+impression soon wore off, and all was forgotten.
+
+In January and February 1783, the famine increased among the natives,
+and the brethren redoubled their endeavours to supply their
+necessities, which however appears only to have had the effect of
+encouraging their indolence, for so long as they could get food in
+this way they would not stir abroad, or make the least exertion to
+supply their own wants. If urged to go in search of food, they alleged
+that hunger prevented them; "for," said they, "when we go out and
+catch nothing it makes us the more hungry." If advised to go and hunt,
+they replied, "We have no gun." Yet did not this waywardness tire the
+patient benevolence of the missionaries; but, like children of their
+Father in heaven, who causeth his sun to rise on the evil and the
+good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust, when the famine had
+reached its height, brother Lister sent to Okkak to fetch a sledge
+load of dried fish.
+
+Ere they arrived, news was brought that the Esquimaux in the island of
+Kerniteksut, two hours distant from Nain, had been so fortunate as to
+find a dead whale. On hearing this, the whole inhabitants of the
+country hastened to the place to satisfy their hunger; an immense
+number of foxes came for the same purpose; these they killed, and thus
+the starving natives were supplied both with food and riches, the
+skins of these animals forming a principal article of exchange with
+the Europeans. But this last occurrence proved that wealth among
+savages, as well as in more civilized countries, is not always a
+blessing; it renewed anew the desire to go to the south, as the
+greater part were now in circumstances to carry merchandize thither,
+to barter with the good and kind Europeans. Nothing then was spoken of
+but trade in the south, and they could hardly wait for the season to
+undertake the journey. When the brethren visited them in the spring,
+they treated them with the greatest indifference and even insolence;
+the gospel of Jesus found no access to them; and though, through a
+certain dread of the missionaries, which they could not cast off, they
+were not so outrageously brutal as formerly; yet in secret they
+returned to the indulgence of many of their vile practices.
+
+Early in the approaching summer, more than eighty Esquimaux went from
+the country round Nain to the south, among whom were nineteen of the
+baptized, and even Peter, the first fruits of the mission, accompanied
+them. The majority had determined to spend the winter there, and get
+plenty to eat, and tobacco, and guns, and powder, and ball, and other
+articles which they could not purchase so advantageously from the
+brethren. From the country round Okkak too, above an hundred of the
+natives went south in four boats, among whom were Luke and his family,
+who were baptized.
+
+When the brethren saw that the baptized would not be prevented from
+going to the south, though sorely grieved, yet anxious for their
+welfare in their ill advised expedition, they gave them a written
+certificate, stating that they, the missionaries, had been sent there
+by an agreement with the governor of Newfoundland, in the years 1771
+and --2; that they had lived in love and concord with the Esquimaux,
+and had no cause of complaint against them; that there was no other
+reason for their present journey than the invitation of Europeans in
+the south; then recommended them to the care and friendly treatment of
+the colonists, and concluded by giving a short account of the progress
+of the mission since its commencement.
+
+At the new mission station, Hopedale, some beginnings of a stirring
+among the heathen were perceived, but the same giddy infatuation which
+had seized their countrymen laid hold on them also, and blasted this
+pleasing prospect. A boatful of them undertook the voyage to the
+south, while the others who remained, had their minds wholly
+dissipated.
+
+From this propensity of the Esquimaux to go to the colony, the outward
+circumstances of the mission appeared to be in great danger. For as
+the wanderers carried considerable quantities of merchandize to the
+southern settlements, the home freight of the Society's ship, the
+Amity, which consisted of the same articles, was much less this, than
+it had been in any former year.
+
+On the 5th of October five families of Arcktok came from Chateau Bay
+back to Nain; they now spoke in a very different tone respecting the
+"good and kind" Europeans; they had quarrelled with their friends, who
+had seized their wives, and afterwards maltreated and threatened to
+shoot themselves; while they, probably, had not altogether refrained
+from their old thievish practices. The year before, they said, the
+people in the south are better than you, they give us plenty to
+eat;--now they said, "You are the _Innuit_, our true friends, we will
+never leave you more."
+
+The following year, 1784, Tuglavina arrived at Nain on the 6th of
+September with three boats, on his return from Chateau Bay--the
+accounts which he and others gave of their residence there pierced the
+missionaries to their inmost souls. Of the nineteen baptized who went
+south five had perished, David, Abraham, Moses, Timothy, and Deborah;
+the latter, there was ground to hope, had a blessed departure. David
+was drowned in a kaiak on the sea, and on this account, by the counsel
+of old Nerkingoak, his sister Killatsiak was ordered to be burnt to
+death. Abraham, while striking fire for this purpose, slightly wounded
+his finger; but trifling as the hurt appeared, it brought him to his
+miserable end. Moses was shot by Tuglavina. Timothy was likewise
+assassinated. When Tuglavina touched at Hopedale, being asked, "Where
+is Moses?" he coolly answered, "He is lost." "Where is he lost? is he
+gone over the sea?" was next asked. "No! I have killed him," answered
+the savage. "And wherefore did you kill him?" said they. "Because he
+was good for nothing," was the careless reply. It was apparent,
+however, that they had been murdered for the sake of their women.
+Moses had three baptized wives, who were given or sold to three
+northern men; Kathmina was purchased by her brother, Kekluana of
+Pitteklaluk, for a great coat, a hatchet, a folding knife, and a
+spoon. These conjugal bargains Tuglavina related to brother Lister,
+quite unasked and without emotion; indeed his whole appearance was as
+if he had been possessed by an evil spirit. The brethren slept none
+that night for grief.
+
+By such horrible occurrences the desire of the baptized to travel to
+the south was somewhat checked, and the following year only a single
+boat went thither. But the colony possessed particular attractions for
+the natives; as there they could be supplied with muskets, powder, and
+ball, which having learned the use of, had now become absolutely
+necessary for them in hunting. The missionaries had, hitherto, doubted
+the propriety of arming them with such dangerous weapons; but as they
+could no longer be kept from them, they got themselves supplied with
+them from England as articles of trade, to prevent, if possible, the
+Esquimaux from making this a pretext for emigrating.
+
+Daily observation more and more convinced the brethren of the injury
+the baptized and the inquirers had sustained while they continued to
+live among their heathen countrymen; the constant incitements to their
+superstitious sinful customs, and to their heathenish juggling and
+games, they were frequently little able to resist, especially when
+their old inclinations were seconded by the calls of affection or
+friendship. When, for example, some spell was to be tried on a sick
+relative, and any of those who had been taught something of
+Christianity opposed it, they were reproached with hating the invalid,
+and wishing him dead. Another source of seduction to the half-informed
+heathen, was the use which the Angekoks made of the little knowledge
+of Christianity which they had obtained. These sorcerers, who are held
+in great veneration and dread by the people, and whose atrocities, as
+well as their pretended inspirations, render them objects of terror;
+when they saw the influence of the missionaries, and felt their own
+importance begin to shake, introduced into their incantations the name
+of Jesus, whom they acknowledged to be a powerful supernatural being,
+inferior only to Torngak--and the believers themselves were apt to
+retain and to mix some of their old opinions with their new creed.
+
+To preserve these tender plants from the contagious breath of a
+heathen atmosphere, the brethren determined that in future, they
+should have fixed habitations adjacent to their own dwelling, and they
+erected houses in a substantial fashion not far from the missionary
+station, into which they received no Esquimaux except such as
+expressed their sincere resolution to renounce heathenism. In Hopedale
+they had often experienced the baleful consequences of being in the
+neighbourhood of the heathen at Avertok. This was peculiarly evident
+from a declaration of some of the baptized who had spent the winter
+among them. A meeting was called on the 12th April 1786, to consult
+about the subject, when all the men inhabiting the station attended;
+it was held in the open air, and as the weather was exceedingly fine,
+continued for upwards of three hours. Here the brethren were informed
+of the transactions which had taken place the winter before, and one
+professed believer thought himself bound to make a confession of the
+superstitious and sinful practices in which he had formerly engaged.
+As these were among the actions and deeds which ought not so much as
+to be named among Christians, the brethren strictly forbade any such
+confessions in future, but particularly in public, and before the
+heathen; who being strongly addicted to the same abominations, and
+unable to distinguish between a penitent confession and an actual
+approval, might be hardened in their sins by hearing such narratives,
+which they would naturally conclude proceeded from the pleasure the
+persons still took in practices they delighted to talk of.
+
+A new trial, of perhaps a more distressing kind, afflicted the
+brethren, from an attempt made by a Roman catholic priest to seduce
+the baptized and the inquirers, by presenting them with a form of
+Christianity which had some appearance to that they saw among the
+Moravians, while it permitted an indulgence in those vices which the
+doctrines of the latter could not tolerate. A warm and a flattering
+invitation sent by a Frenchman named Macko, from Canada, who had an
+establishment in the south at Avertok, awakened with redoubled force
+the propensity of the Esquimaux to go to the south, though they now
+could get shooting materials at the settlements, better, and on more
+advantageous terms, than they could there. This Frenchman, who acted
+not only as a merchant, but as a Roman catholic priest, made them the
+most extravagant promises; and besides, he said he would pray daily
+with them to Jesus, and that he had the most beautiful writings--_i.e_.
+pictures--of the Saviour. In consequence, a company of thirty-two
+persons, and among them fourteen of the baptized, went thither in the
+summer of 1787, so that the number of inhabitants in Hopedale was
+reduced from fifty-nine to thirty. Macko invited the Esquimaux to
+worship God with him; this seemed more pleasant and convenient than to
+remain under restraint with the brethren, for there they saw
+"Christian" sailors who allowed themselves to follow every species of
+sinful dissolute conduct. On their return they said, the Europeans have
+meetings yonder as you have, and they have Jesus as you have here.
+
+The repeated distressing accounts from the brethren of the apparently
+insurmountable obstacles with which they had to struggle in attempting
+the conversion of the heathen, gave occasion to the venerable Bishop
+Spangenberg to write an impressive letter to the believing Esquimaux.
+This letter was translated into their language, and read to the
+baptized and the candidates for baptism at all the stations.
+
+Particularly anxious to root out these heathenish weeds which were
+chocking the growth of the good seed, Superintendant Rose, in 1787,
+inspected Hopedale, where they appeared most thickly scattered, and
+producing the most baneful effects. He spoke to every member of the
+congregation separately; and when they had given their assent to the
+contents of the letter, he made them, in a fellowship meeting,
+solemnly promise to give up their feasts with their heathen
+neighbours, and withdraw from the government of Kapik, a powerful
+Angekok in Avertok. This sorcerer, whenever he chose, seduced the
+Esquimaux to commit the greatest enormities, by threatening to kill
+them through the power of Torngak, if they did not obey his commands.
+But coming soon after to Hopedale, the missionary spoke seriously with
+him, and extorted a reluctant promise from him to renounce his usurped
+authority over the believers.
+
+Although the journies to the south were a great hindrance to the
+collecting of congregations, yet in all the three settlements some
+were almost yearly added to the Christian church by baptism; and the
+number of baptized, and candidates for baptism, in the year 1789,
+amounted to about eighty. Yet, alas! even with the baptized little
+fortitude and growth in grace could be observed--many deviated
+grievously from the right path. In Nain, Nathaniel, a baptized
+Esquimaux, had taken a baptized woman for a second wife and had gone
+with her to the heathen, with whom a plurality of wives is very
+common, and is considered as a mark of superiority; he being
+considered a great man who possesses two or three wives, and as soon
+as any one possesses a European boat he is, according to the opinion
+of the country, in circumstances to have at least four helpmates. Even
+Peter had so far again sunk into heathenism, that he had taken
+several, and among others, a mother and her daughter. Bishop
+Spangenberg was so touched with the case of this poor wanderer that he
+wrote him, representing the nature of his conduct in the most
+affectionate manner, and earnestly exhorting him to return. When the
+letter was read to him at Nain, 1779, he said Joseph has spoken pure
+truth, and I love him for it; his words are right, but I require the
+women for my boat and I cannot send them away. He was again put in
+remembrance of the letter in the following year, when he assured the
+brethren it had made such an impression on him that he could not sleep
+for three nights; but he continued in his evil course of conduct, and
+still kept the mother and the daughter among his wives. He went
+afterwards to the south, where he remained two or three winters, but
+whether he ever obtained repentance must remain a secret till "that
+day."
+
+Reports of many horrible murders committed in the north in the year
+1790 having reached the brethren, they were not a little comforted by
+the remark of an Esquimaux living at one of the settlements, "As many
+murders," said he, "would have been committed here if you had not come
+and brought us the good word of our Creator becoming our Redeemer, of
+his great love to us, and of our duty to love him and our neighbour."
+
+A strong desire to travel to the south became again prevalent among
+the Esquimaux in the summer of 1791; they said one could get a large
+boat there for a small price, and plenty to eat, as the Europeans
+caught the seals in nets and gave away the flesh for nothing, and they
+gave them also bread and rum at a low rate, and all this was good for
+the _Innuit_. A hundred persons, of whom fifteen were baptized, and
+three candidates for baptism, went from Nain and Okkak in eleven
+boats. The sad experience of former years had shewn the brethren the
+destructive effects that the frequent dispersion, and the constant
+intercourse with their heathen countrymen and careless Europeans, had
+in bewildering the Esquimaux, and erasing all their religion; they
+therefore determined at parting to give them a serious and
+affectionate admonition. In this they reminded them that the members
+of the congregation, in going away, were departing from what they had
+heard of the Saviour, and what they had promised at their baptism, and
+from what the ordinance of the holy supper required them to be. That
+they--the missionaries--ever since the time of their backsliding, had
+never ceased to cry to the Saviour, as they well knew that he was
+merciful and gracious, and would again receive repenting sinners; that
+though they would not now follow the counsel of their teachers, and
+would separate from them, yet it might be, that when they were in
+necessity or affliction, they might think on what they had heard of
+Jesus, and take refuge in him; and then, though their bodies should
+return to the dust, their souls, purchased by his precious blood,
+would be saved. One of the baptized replied that he knew all that, and
+understood it quite well, but he must be allowed to follow his own
+discretion. He promised, however, at parting, that he would continue
+to love his teachers--would think on their words, and if he should die
+in the south, he would order that his baptized children should be sent
+back to the congregation and put under their care.
+
+During the winters 1796 and 1797, an infectious disease visited all
+the settlements, a violent cough, accompanied with fever and pleurisy;
+it attacked both Europeans and Esquimaux, but proved fatal chiefly to
+the latter, and lasted for about two months; at Nain it was so
+universal, that when they met together they could not proceed, as the
+coughing rendered the service altogether unintelligible. When an
+Esquimaux is taken ill, he expects, from any medicine that may be
+prescribed, an immediate cure, and if this does not take place grows
+dejected; and now, fears at the thoughts of death, which are deeply
+rivetted, shewed themselves even in believers. The missionaries were
+assiduous in their attendance, and in using every means they possessed
+for their cure; but learned, to their inexpressible grief, that the
+impatience of some also who had received the gospel, led them to
+follow the old superstitious ways of the sorcerers to procure relief,
+and this at the very time when they were professing to follow
+implicitly the prescriptions of the brethren. They were very cautious,
+however, lest it should reach the missionaries' ears; nor do the
+latter seem to have been aware of it, till one of the communicants at
+Okkak, constrained by uneasiness of mind, confessed the whole with
+many tears, saving that he had grievously sinned against the Lord. The
+hypocrisy and equivocation which many, of whom they had hoped better
+things, evinced, added greatly to the anguish of the missionaries; but
+they had great consolation in the death of others, who departed happy
+in the faith to their Saviour. Among these was Daniel, a communicant;
+he said in his last illness, "All the things I had confidence in are
+now in the depths of the sea, my only refuge is the Saviour; all my
+thoughts rest on him." The widow Esther, however, deserves particular
+notice; she was bred at Kilanok north from Okkak, and when a child
+came on a visit to Nain in 1773, where she and her countrymen heard
+for the first time the missionaries speak of the Creator and Redeemer
+of men; this made a great impression upon her, and though a child, and
+surrounded only by the heathen, it constantly occurred to her mind,
+"It is he who made all things and knows all things; he, therefore,
+knows me and can help me." Often she told the missionaries, that when
+she was at Kilanok, she would go out to a mountain and weep and pray
+to Jesus, particularly when any thing painful happened to her. After
+her father's death a man took her for his third wife, which placed her
+in the most painful circumstances, as he was a rude wicked wretch, a
+sorcerer, and a murderer. In the year 1787 he died, and she was left
+with two children completely destitute, for every one hated them on
+his account. Her children were so dreadfully beaten that they both
+died in consequence; but though they were thus cruelly treated in her
+presence she durst not interfere, as the savages in ridicule
+pretended it was the Torngak that bid them, and threatened her also
+with death. At last Rebecca, one of the baptized, had compassion on
+her in this disconsolate situation, and brought her to Okkak. Here the
+missionaries soon perceived such an earnest desire after salvation as
+they say they had never before seen in any Esquimaux, though she at
+first spoke but little. In 1789, she was baptized, and soon after was
+a partaker of the holy supper. She lived in constant communion with
+her Saviour, for she had learned to know him as her comforter, her
+counsellor and help, and often said, "He is indeed my Father; wherever
+I go, and wherever I am, he is with me, and I can tell him every
+thing." Esther was the first converted person among the Esquimaux who
+continued faithful unto the end, without allowing herself in any thing
+sinful, and though often asked in marriage by unbelievers, so far was
+she from listening to such proposals, that her reply was, "I would not
+disturb my present enjoyment even to marry a believer." For had she
+married, she must have gone in summer with the other Esquimaux to the
+distant places where they procured their furs and skins, while in her
+present state she could always remain at the settlement, and enjoy
+the privileges of a Christian church. She learned to read and write,
+so that she wrote letters with her own hand to the sisters at Nain. In
+June 1792, when she was taken ill, she sweetly repeated, "Whether I
+live I am the Saviour's, whether I die I am the Saviour's--living or
+dying I am the Saviour's! Yes! he hath bought me with his blood, and
+he will take me to himself!" She died after three days illness, aged
+thirty years.
+
+About this time the hearts of the missionaries were revived by the
+joyful news, that Tuglavina had begun to think about his soul, and
+seemed in earnest. This furious savage, by strength, courage, and
+activity, had procured a commanding influence among his countrymen;
+who so highly dreaded him as a chief, and trembled at his supernatural
+powers as an Angekok, that his word was a law; and he had only to
+signify to them his pleasure as a revelation from Torngak, when it was
+instantly executed. Whoever he pointed out as a victim, his deluded
+followers were ready to sacrifice. Besides the numerous murders thus
+perpetrated, he committed many with his own hands; nor was there any
+method of controlling or bringing him to an account. He had, however,
+at first, and upon many occasions, been of essential service to the
+mission; and entertained a peculiar respect for the missionaries,
+particularly "little Jans," of which a striking instance is narrated
+in the journals. At one time, when he returned from the south from
+Chateau Bay, where he had purchased a two masted shallop, arms and
+ammunition, &c. he presented himself before Haven dressed in an
+English officer's old uniform, swaggering with a cocked hat, and sword
+by his side. Haven, with a grave aspect looking him in the face,
+asked, "What do you want here, Kablunat?" "Do you not know me?"
+replied the other, "I am Tuglavina." "Art thou Tuglavina?" retorted
+Jans, "then set off this moment, I have nothing to say to you in that
+attire; but put on thy own dress, and come again and act like a
+rational Esquimaux, and I will speak to you." Tuglavina, confounded,
+made no reply, but left the room; and without regarding the pitiful
+figure he was about to cut before his countrymen, laid aside his
+splendid apparel, resumed his seal skin clothes, and returned to the
+missionaries. These holy men, who neglected no opportunity of
+representing to him the guilt of his crimes, now pointed out the
+atrocity of the murders he had committed, or occasioned, and sharply
+reproved him for seducing the baptized to participate with him in his
+heathenish abominations. Tuglavina trembled, grew pale, and confessed
+he was an horrible sinner; but, like some men who call themselves
+Christians, excused himself on the ground of necessity. "I must sin,"
+said he, "for Torngak drives me to it." He frequently repeated this
+confession of his sins; but dazzled by the respect in which he was
+held by his countrymen, it was extremely difficult for him to think of
+relinquishing this flattering distinction, and humble himself under
+the mighty hand of God. But at length the time came when this once
+dreaded chieftain must lose his influence. His bodily vigour began to
+decline, and he saw and feared an enemy in every one of those whose
+relations he had murdered. He began to grow poor, and his numerous
+wives either deserted him or were carried away by force; of the whole
+number one only clave to him in his adversity. Amid this extraordinary
+change of circumstances conscience awoke, and in his desolate state he
+had nothing with which to still its voice--his sins and his evil deeds
+stood in array before him, and he resorted to the brethren for
+consolation. He declared his resolution now cordially to renounce
+heathenism; and in October 1793, was permitted, with his wife and
+children, to reside at Nain.
+
+Though he experienced many changes, yet at last the grace of God
+triumphed over this great sinner, and he remained firmly opposed to
+all the importunities of his friends, who, upon his returning
+prosperity, used every artifice to decoy him to another southern
+journey. Formerly, when living in the south, he had a dangerous
+illness; and, at the request of the governor of Chateau Bay, he had
+been baptized by an English minister and got the name of William. On
+Christmas-day he was received into the brethren's congregation; and on
+the 2d of April 1795, admitted as a communicant to the Lord's table.
+His conduct after this, and his expressions of gratitude for the mercy
+bestowed on him by the Lord, who had forgiven him his sins and
+received him graciously, proved very pleasing and encouraging to the
+brethren. But afterwards they perceived, with grief, that he began to
+entertain high thoughts of himself, which made them apprehend some
+lurking deviation. And so it proved; for being led into temptation, he
+conducted himself in such a manner as obliged them to exclude him from
+the holy communion. But he soon acknowledged it with deep contrition,
+and sought and found forgiveness with the Saviour, and was then
+re-admitted to the Lord's supper. He now took every opportunity of
+telling his countrymen what Jesus had done for him; "because," said
+he, "I am anxious that many more should he converted to him."
+
+On the 29th September 1799, he returned home from a rein-deer hunt
+sick of a pleurisy; and the disorder increased on the following day so
+much, that all the remedies applied were in vain. From the very first
+the brethren suspected that his illness would end in his dissolution,
+and mentioned to him their fears without reserve; on which he declared
+that he was ready to go to Jesus, and hoped his Saviour would not
+despise him. One of the brethren was constantly with him; and, at his
+request, sung verses expressive of the change in view, in which he
+joined as long as he was able. He frequently testified that he was
+happy, and put all his confidence in our Saviour alone; "and we," say
+the missionaries, "felt the peace of God attending his sick-bed." He
+breathed his last, October 4th, in the most gentle manner, while the
+waiting brother was engaged in prayer. "A singular object," says the
+missionary diary, "of the mercy of our Saviour, who followed him
+through all his perverse and wicked ways with infinite patience and
+long-suffering, until at last he drew him to himself. He was sixty
+years of age."
+
+Before this Mikak died. She had resided chiefly in the south since the
+year 1783, and thus lost the advantage of hearing the gospel, which
+she seemed latterly to view with indifference. But on the approach of
+death her impressions revived. The last two days of her life she spent
+at Nain. Immediately on her arrival, being very ill, she sent to
+Brother Burghardt, to request assistance and advice. He found her
+extremely weak, and apparently without hopes of recovery. However,
+after giving her some medicine, he took occasion to speak seriously
+with her concerning the state of her soul, advising her to return to
+Jesus Christ as a repentant sinner, who will surely receive all poor
+prodigals, if with their hearts they confess their deviations; and he
+also reminded her of the promises she had formerly made to devote her
+whole heart to him. She assented to the truth of all he said, and
+exclaimed, "Ah! I have behaved very bad, and am grieved on that
+account; but what shall I do? I cannot find Jesus again!" Brother
+Burghardt exhorted her not to desist from crying to him for mercy,
+for he came to seek and save the lost, and would not cast her out. In
+the following days she seemed to receive these admonitions with
+eagerness, and declared that she had not forgotten what she had heard
+of her Saviour in former days, nor what she had promised when she
+became a candidate for baptism. She departed this life Oct 1; and was
+buried in the brethren's burying ground; and they were willing to
+entertain the hope that this straying sheep had found mercy at last.
+
+Ever since the brethren had been in Labrador, they had heard the
+Esquimaux speak of Indians in the interior, of whom they seemed
+greatly afraid; frequently a sudden terror would be diffused among
+their tribes, if they discovered any trace of that formidable people
+near them. But in the summer of 1798, they were alarmed with the
+certain intelligence that five or six of their families had arrived at
+a European settlement, at Kippakak, about five or six miles distant
+from Hopedale; and in April 1799, some of them for the first time paid
+the mission-station a visit. They were a father and son, who came with
+the design of buying tobacco from the brethren. They lived with some
+Christians of French extraction in the southern settlements, and had
+been baptized by a French priest. All the Esquimaux immediately
+gathered round the strangers, and eyed them as objects of jealous
+curiosity. The old man appeared exceedingly alarmed at this, and was
+extremely glad when the brethren invited him and his son into the
+mission-house. The latter understood the Esquimaux language and
+English; but the father, when any one wished to speak with him,
+pointed to his ears, giving them to understand that he could hear
+nothing. When food was placed before them they took off their caps and
+crossed themselves; and before they went to bed they kneeled down and
+repeated a long prayer.
+
+An Esquimaux wished them to lodge in his house, but when they came to
+the door they would not enter; the old man began to tremble, and made
+signs that they would rather sleep in the bushes. As the brethren
+tried to quiet them, the son cried out in the Esquimaux language,
+"They are so filthy," and added in English, "We cannot sleep with the
+Esquimaux, nor eat out of their dirty vessels. We have been accustomed
+to live as cleanly as the Europeans." The brethren, who saw that they
+were afraid of the great number of the Esquimaux, but wished to
+conceal their terror under the pretence of disgust at their
+filthiness, showed them into one of their own workshops, where beds
+were quickly prepared.
+
+The following morning they asked them if they knew any thing of the
+crucified Jesus, in whose name they had been baptized; and showing
+them a picture of the Saviour's crucifixion, told them that he had
+suffered thus, and died that they might not everlastingly perish. The
+history of Jesus seemed not unknown to them; and they said, that they
+would not go down into the fire, but up into glory. As they saw a book
+lying on the table, they said, their priests, morning and evening,
+read kneeling, from such a book, that all the people listened to them,
+and in their meetings they made the sign of the cross. They also said
+that a great many Indians lived not far from thence, who, for fear of
+the Europeans, never ventured near the coast; that they had no
+fire-arms, but used bows and arrows in hunting. They wore a thin
+dress, evidently not calculated for a cold climate; their skin was
+brown, their hair black, and their features bore a greater resemblance
+to the Europeans than the Esquimaux. The morning after, they prepared
+to return; and on taking leave, reached over their hands to the
+brethren, and said, "You shall in future see more Indians." Since then
+the terror of the Esquimaux for the Indians, and their enmity towards
+them, have been greatly diminished.
+
+Frederick Burghardt being appointed superintendant of the mission in
+room of Rose, who, after twelve years' service, returned to Europe,
+the latter, before leaving, transmitted home the following remarks on
+the internal state of the mission at the close of the year 1799. "It
+is the cause of great pain and grief to me and my sister, and my
+spirit often sinks within me, when I see those on whom the greatest
+care and faithful labour has been bestowed, so easily fall back to
+their heathenish practices; and who, if they are not treated with the
+greatest patience and tenderness, would be wholly carried away. In
+these cases it always occurs to me, how would the Saviour have acted
+with such persons? The hypocrisy that appears in many is abominable,
+and could we have received them upon a mere verbal profession of love
+to the doctrine of Jesus, we might in a short time have baptized the
+whole nation, as far as we could reach. Many would have come here to
+live, but we were obliged to prevent them, and many expressed a desire
+to be converted, though they felt little interest in the subject, and
+did not so much as know what conversion meant. Others, who had
+obtained rather more knowledge, and whose relations lived here, would
+pretend to be converted, and these we would receive in hope, but they
+only proved sources of affliction and sorrow. When I read the reports
+of other missions, and reflect on the little fruit of our many years'
+labour, how my heart is grieved, and I say, 'Ah! why is the hour of
+visitation to the Esquimaux so long delayed!' I expect not this for
+any faithful labours of ours--for when I think on them, I can only
+pray and entreat the Lord Jesus to forgive our great guilt, our many
+errors and mistakes in His service--but HE shall see of the travail of
+his soul and shall be satisfied; this makes me many times think, and
+why not among the Esquimaux? With all this, however, I am constrained
+to render thanks to the Saviour for what he has done in winning souls
+for himself even here, for there are a few who have received
+forgiveness of sins, who know the Saviour, and live in the enjoyment
+of communion with him. O! that this were the case with all the
+baptized; it is, however, with the greater part; although, alas! there
+are others who do not yet feel heathenish customs to be a burden, and
+many that, having tasted the good word of God, have been deceived and
+involved in the commission of sin."
+
+Of those who appeared truly converted there are some delightful
+examples in the diary of 1799, who evince the power of the grace of
+God; though the missionary, under a sense of his own unworthiness,
+cried out, "My leanness! my leanness!" It is a practice with the
+missionaries, occasionally, to read to the Esquimaux extracts from the
+accounts of other missions, particularly those of Greenland, that
+nation having so great a resemblance to themselves, in their language,
+manners, and way of procuring their livelihood; these generally give
+rise to interesting conversations, and draw from the natives some
+striking remarks. At Nain, upon an occasion of this kind, one of the
+baptized observed, "If we had so far advanced in grace, that our walk
+and conversation shone as a light among our heathen countrymen; and if
+some who are baptized had not, after their baptism, behaved again as
+bad as the heathen themselves, we should soon see an increase of our
+number; for the heathen would soon perceive the difference between a
+believer and an infidel, and seek to obtain the same happiness, but we
+ourselves are in fault." Upon a similar occasion Jonathan--of whom the
+missionaries write, "He is, without a particular commission, a
+faithful assistant among his nation, and proves useful in averting
+much mischief, and in exhorting them to obedience to the
+Saviour,"--dictated the following remarkable letter to the believing
+Greenlanders:
+
+"My brethren and sisters, you who live on the other side of the water,
+and are baptized, I salute you by these lines, and send my words to
+you in the name of Jesus. When I hear your words come forth out of the
+written accounts, I ardently desire to be a partaker of your faith;
+for whenever these writings are read to us, my heart begins to burn
+within me. Of that long period since my baptism, (fifteen years) I can
+reckon but about three years during which I have had solid and
+constant thoughts towards Jesus; and have begun to enjoy my Saviour's
+peace in my heart. I reflect also, that the time of my life in this
+world may possibly be soon past, since I begin to grow old. At the
+time when I was baptized I was still very ignorant, and for some time
+after walked in error and darkness. But now, I cleave with my whole
+heart to Jesus, my Lord and God, and weep for desire after him. I
+search my heart frequently, and examine my conduct on account of my
+sinfulness; for I find myself exceedingly depraved and sinful,
+therefore it is my concern that I may never lose sight of him again.
+Of myself I am not able to abide faithful; but Jesus my lover will
+help and protect me.
+
+"I will relate to you something of my chief wanderings and perverse
+ways in which I have lived:--I was not clever enough to have to do
+with Satan, and to use sorceries; but I have lived in the sins of the
+flesh--from these I have now ceased, for I perceive I should be worse
+than a beast if I were to go to the holy communion, to partake of the
+body and blood of Jesus, with a heart defiled with such impurities.
+Henceforth I could not bear to be separated from my teachers, for I
+think thus--Why was Jesus crucified and put to death? Surely for this
+cause, because he would atone for me, an exceeding sinful creature.
+When I was a poor orphan child, for I have seen neither father nor
+mother, then Jesus became my father. As long as I live I will not
+forget him, and even in eternity I shall be with Him.
+
+"I sometimes think, if I were with you and beheld your faith, I should
+be much more happy and cheerful than I am now; however, though I be
+ever so needy--be it so--yet, like Thomas, I will call him my Lord and
+my God! This, 'tis true, I cannot do of myself; but when I continue
+asking it as a favour he grants it me, and I experience it.
+
+"With respect to my countrymen, I must tell you, that they often
+grieve me when they will not follow my advice. I do not say this as if
+I fancied myself to be a man of importance, for I will gladly be the
+meanest of these before the eyes of Jesus. When I think on my former
+resistance and stiff-necked behaviour in the work of conversion, I
+could strike myself. It causes deep sorrow and repentance within me,
+when I consider that I have been most faithfully instructed by my
+teachers for so many years, and yet have been like one that had no
+ears to hear. But now, not my ears only are unstopped to hear and
+understand the doctrine of Jesus and the hymns we sing, but I feel
+that what I hear and learn penetrates into my heart, and since I am
+thus inwardly affected, warmed, and enlivened, I am the more
+astonished and amazed at the change, when recollecting, that I have
+been so hard and callous, that whenever any of my nearest relations
+departed this life, being taken from my side by death, I was not able
+to weep a tear for them; but now I can shed a flood of tears, both
+from a fervent desire of living intimately attached to Jesus, and for
+delight and pleasure to think what happiness I should enjoy if
+incessantly thus disposed. However, since I am so poor and defective,
+I find that I cannot procure it by my own efforts; but I am taught
+that I may yet enjoy this constant happiness, by entreating our
+Saviour for it to-day, to-morrow, and every day. As long as I am on
+this earth, I shall remain like a sick one, and be always apt to
+stray; for my heart is naturally untoward and hard as a stone, but
+when Jesus softens it, then it becomes truly soft and tender. Ah! that
+I had not such corrupted senses! yet, being conscious that I am
+constantly in danger on account of my depravity, I am determined
+faithfully to attend to the gospel, and to my teachers, to be guided
+and advised by them and to follow after righteousness. When I search
+my own heart, I still find many things condemnable in the sight of
+Jesus, of which I had never thought before. Hear these my poor words
+to you in love. JONATHAN."
+
+At Okkak, Solomon, a baptized man, thus complained to the brethren: "I
+will now utter words of truth only. I am unhappy because I cannot
+regain that state of mind I enjoyed when I was baptized. There is as
+it were a dark shadow between me and our Saviour; this is the only
+thing that gives me pain at present. I feel, 'tis true, some desire
+after Jesus, but I cannot always pray to him. This is, alas, my case,
+for whole days together, and yet I cannot live without him. I know,
+also, that it was he alone who first saved me from my evil ways, for
+neither you nor I could do it!" Here he was so much affected, that he
+burst into tears. The missionaries encouraged him, and bid him not
+cast away his confidence in Jesus; for since he, according to his own
+confession, had bestowed such mercy upon him, he might believe and be
+sure, that he would not suffer him to weep in vain for a new
+manifestation of his love towards him.
+
+There is not, perhaps, any surer test of a young woman's Christianity
+than the choice she makes of an husband; and the missionaries were
+highly gratified in this respect, with the conduct of a young girl, a
+candidate for baptism. When the winter meetings were resumed, she
+expressed her joy, for she was desirous of learning the doctrine of
+Jesus, and wished to know and love him more; and she said she was
+resolved never again to leave the fellowship of believers. Her
+resolution was almost immediately tried; a heathen, from Kivalek,
+proposed marriage to her, but she at once declared she would never
+take a husband who would lead her astray from God and his people.
+Some time after, her parents, Joseph and Justina, came from Okkak to
+Nain, to inquire whether Anauke, who seems to have been a rich
+Esquimaux, was a candidate for baptism, or had ever spoken to the
+missionaries on the subject of conversion; and when informed that he
+had not, they said that since their daughter had declared her
+attachment to the believers, and her purpose to live with Jesus, they
+would never bestow her upon a stranger. On which the missionaries
+observe, "Whoever knows the natural dispositions and habits of the
+Esquimaux, will, from this instance, see that there is a manifest
+influence of the Spirit of God in their hearts, to cause them to act
+with such willing conformity to the doctrine of the Scriptures, and
+such attention to their souls' welfare."
+
+As the century closed, the prospects of the missionaries brightened,
+and they therefore with greater earnestness entreated the prayers of
+their brethren. "The more we perceive," say they, "our own
+insufficiency, the more we perceive how much we stand in need of the
+support and prayers of God's children, in this our important calling,
+to win to Christ, souls, harder than the rocks on which they dwell,
+and to be melted only by the fire of his love unto death." "We find
+every year," was the report from Okkak, "when we receive the various
+accounts from our congregations, abundant cause to rejoice over all
+the manifold proofs of His grace and faithfulness towards them; and as
+to ourselves, we may confidently assert, that his goodness towards us
+has been daily new. He has granted us the grace to preach him to the
+Esquimaux, both living in our land and elsewhere, as the Saviour of
+men, who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of
+the truth, with courage and with joyful hearts, though under a sense
+of our own poverty and weakness;" and many heathen, who came hither
+from a great distance from the north for the sake of trade, heard it
+with attention. There was also a particular awakening among the
+baptized, who expressed an ardent desire to be admitted to partake of
+the Lord's supper, and they in general acknowledged to the praise of
+the Lord, that he had owned their small Esquimaux flock, and blessed
+them with his presence. The state of the settlement at Nain was
+equally pleasing. "We have had much joy," the missionaries write, "in
+observing the course of our small Esquimaux congregation; having
+perceived that they are more and more desirous to live in a manner
+acceptable to God, and to be cleansed from all those things which
+might grieve the Holy Spirit, and be a disgrace to the cause of our
+Saviour. In our meetings we frequently experience his gracious
+presence, and, more than ever before, felt the true spirit of a
+congregation of Jesus, especially during two baptismal transactions we
+have had. It proves a great encouragement to us, when we see that
+people, who, only a short time ago, hardly knew that there exists a
+divine Being, and lived in all manner of sin and abomination, now that
+they have learned to know the Saviour, shed tears from a sense of God
+in their hearts, and of their fellowship with him as their Redeemer."
+Nor was Hopedale less favoured. "We can declare to you with joy," was
+the language of missionaries in their letters to England, "that there
+has been a manifest work of God and his Spirit upon the souls of the
+Esquimaux in the year past. Most of them are in a hopeful state, and
+intent upon cleaving to the Lord, that they may partake of the
+blessings he has purchased for us by his bitter sufferings and death."
+
+Of four families at Arvertok, not far from Hopedale, consisting of
+thirty persons, the greater part were awakened to a concern for their
+soul's conversion, by a remarkable appearance in the sky, which was
+repeated three times, particularly on the night of January 14th. It
+consisted of a vast quantity of inflammable matter in the air, which
+seemed to ascend from all parts of the horizon, and then to pour
+itself towards the earth, in immense fiery rays and balls. Karpik and
+his people, who first saw the phenomenon, ran to Hopedale in the
+greatest agitation and amazement, and awakened the Esquimaux there,
+with the awful intelligence that the world was at an end. They, upon
+suddenly rising from bed, struck with the spectacle, imagined that the
+stars were falling from heaven, and that they were the signs which
+announced the near approach of the Lord, as he had foretold. Karpik
+cried out in agony, "Let us turn with our whole hearts to our
+Saviour--this is the hour;" and began to pray aloud to Jesus, to sing
+hymns, and to entreat, with the greatest concern, all his household to
+unite with him.
+
+These Esquimaux now attended the meetings daily, and evinced by their
+conduct a change in their minds; for they were not only anxious
+themselves about their eternal concerns, but were desirous that their
+children should also regard them. Instead of preventing them as
+formerly, they now intreated that they might be allowed to send them
+to school, which from this time was well attended by both old and
+young. Among the primary objects of the brethren is the instruction of
+the youth. Old trees are ill to bend, but the tender sapling is more
+easily impressed, and there are peculiar promises to bless the
+instruction of children, and to encourage to a patient and proper
+performance of a very trying, and not unfrequently a very irksome
+task. But while the brethren communicate to their interesting charge
+the elements of knowledge, they employ as the grand instrument for
+shaping their characters, the word of the gospel of Christ, and
+subject their pupils to a moral training, without which, the mere
+communication of knowledge, whether sacred or profane, is often a
+curse rather than a blessing. So soon as they had attained a
+sufficient knowledge of the language, the missionaries composed
+elementary books, and for those who were farther advanced they
+translated a history of the sufferings of Jesus, which was gratefully
+received by those who could read and eagerly listened to by those who
+could not.
+
+About three months after this occurrence, Karpik declared that he was
+now in his heart convinced that the blood of Jesus could blot out his
+exceeding great sins--that he wept daily before him, entreating him to
+wipe away his iniquities, and declared that the ardent desire of his
+soul was to cleave more closely to the Saviour; that he was resolved
+to follow him only, and to give up all connection with the
+unbelievers. And he was diligent in speaking to all the strangers who
+passed that way, beseeching and exhorting them to turn to the Lord.
+
+When the century closed, after thirty years' labour, the missionaries
+at the three different stations had the pleasure of numbering two
+hundred and twenty-eight resident Esquimaux under their care, of whom
+one hundred and ten were baptized. This involved them in various other
+avocations. They had not only to instruct them in matters of religion,
+but to teach them habits of industry and of economy and to show them
+the example; they induced them to build, and assisted them in
+building, substantial houses; they made them tools for working and
+implements for fishing[F] and gardening, which last process they had
+to superintend and to direct. Besides, they erected and kept in repair
+their own dwellings, cultivated their own gardens, fabricated tools
+for themselves, and used every exertion to lessen the demand for, or
+supply the deficiency of their European food. They had also to collect
+and bring home firewood for their domestic purposes--no small labour;
+and to fell timber and build boats for the purposes of barter, as they
+took nothing gratuitous from the natives, heathen or Christian.
+
+Since the mission commenced, they had, in the mysterious ways of
+providence, lost two missionaries by shipwreck; and in 1800, they were
+tried with the loss of another, in a yet more distressing manner. One
+of their new assistants, Rieman, on the 2d December, had gone out to
+hunt alone, and had wandered, but whither was never known, as he never
+returned; nor, though diligent search was made for him five successive
+days, could any traces be found.
+
+During the period that had elapsed since the foundation of the
+mission, they had been repeatedly tried both by pestilence and famine,
+but they now found their heavenly Father a ready help in every time of
+need. In one season, when the seal-catching had entirely failed, and
+the Esquimaux were deprived of the means of subsistence for the
+winter, the brethren joined with them in crying aloud to God for help,
+and he so directed it, that in a short time two dead whales were
+found, which preserved them from starving. The missionary families
+depended chiefly upon the supplies from Europe for their healthful
+subsistence, and it is an instance of the superintending providence of
+a gracious God which these missionaries acknowledged with humble
+thankfulness, that the voyages of the vessels which carried their
+stores, were never interrupted by storms or enemies. The Amity was
+preserved so long as employed in the service, but the very year when
+about to quit it on her return home, she was taken by the French, yet
+was restored without much detriment. And the Harmony, which had been
+purchased to supply her place, had now for more than twenty-six years
+traversed the wild and icy ocean, amid sunken rocks and in the sight
+of enemies, without accident.[G] The missionary settlements during
+this period, had been threatened with an attack from the French. Two
+of their ships of war arrived on the coast in 1796, but having landed
+at Chateau Bay, after plundering and burning that town and blowing up
+the fort, they were mercifully restrained from harming the more
+peaceful habitations of the brethren.
+
+In concluding the account of this past century, it is impossible not
+to notice the extraordinary spirit of love and of Christian affection
+which pervaded the missionaries in Labrador and their brethren in
+Europe; they loved each other with pure hearts fervently; and it is
+remarkable, and worthy of peculiar observation, that before these
+servants of God were honoured to carry the tidings of the gospel to
+the heathen, a spirit of love for the brethren, and for all the
+members of the body of Christ, was poured out largely upon the
+churches at home.
+
+Twenty-six missionaries were employed in Labrador in the year 1800.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote F: This refers to them making their nets for catching
+salmon-trout, of which there are immense numbers. In 1798, in six
+nights, 5000 were taken, and in 1799 they got 1800 at one haul.]
+
+[Footnote G: The Brethren's Society in London, now undertook to supply
+the missions, and relieved the merchants from a losing concern; they
+built the brig Harmony of 133 tons, which made her first voyage, 1787,
+under Captain James Fraser, and continued to sail in safety till 1802,
+when she was laid aside, and the Resolution was employed.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ Variable appearances of the mission at Nain and Okkak--more
+   favourable at Hopedale.--Death of Benjamin.--Spirit of love
+   among the converted.--Happy communion and close of the
+   year.--Providential escape of the Resolution.--New epoch in
+   Labrador.--A remarkable awakening commences at
+   Hopedale--meetings--schools.--Letter from a converted Esquimaux
+   to his teacher.--Industry of the awakened.--Declension of
+   religion at Nain, and Okkak.--State of the children at
+   Hopedale.--Progress of the adults in knowledge, love, and
+   zeal--instances.--Striking conversion of two young Esquimaux,
+   its effects upon their countrymen.--Awakening spreads to Nain
+   and to Okkak.--Zeal of the converts towards the heathen--rouses
+   backsliders.--Behaviour of the awakened in sickness, and the
+   prospect of death.--Remarkable accessions from the heathen.--The
+   son of a sorcerer.
+
+
+Chequered as life is with joy and grief, there is perhaps no section
+of it so much so as that of the missionary. Those in Labrador had, for
+thirty years, been going forth weeping and bearing the precious seed;
+they were now to perceive it beginning to spring, and to rejoice in
+the prospect of bringing back their sheaves. The concern about eternal
+things which had been observed the former year at Hopedale, continued
+to increase, and appeared evidently a work of Divine grace. At first
+only a few individuals found their minds stirred up to seek their
+salvation; but in the beginning of the year 1801, a fresh and general
+awakening took place. Those who had shewn the greatest enmity to the
+gospel now began to form the serious resolution of being converted to
+Jesus. In February 1802, a noted sorcerer, Siksigak, and two women,
+were admitted candidates for baptism at Nain; and on March 4th, a man
+was baptized, and named Isaac.--"This transaction," say the
+missionaries, "was distinguished by a most encouraging perception of
+the presence of God among us." At Okkak they believed that the Saviour
+had granted a particular blessing to their feeble testimony of his
+love to sinners, in preaching the word of his cross.
+
+They had at these two last stations, however, much cause for mingling
+grief with their joy; for several of those of whom they hoped well
+drew back, and some of the baptized even forsook them and returned to
+the heathen. "We compare," say they in one of their letters, "our
+Esquimaux congregations to an infirmary, in which patients of all
+descriptions are to be met with. However, we can plainly discover the
+power of God manifested among our people, and upon the whole we have
+had more cause for joy than grief. Whoever is acquainted with this
+people in their natural and unconverted state, and sees them met
+together at the church, attentively listening to the word of God,
+tears flowing down the cheeks of many, or beholds a company of
+converted Esquimaux surrounding the table of the Lord, and favoured to
+enjoy his body and blood sacramentally, under a deep and comfortable
+sense of his gracious presence, must stand astonished at the power of
+Jesus' love, which is able to melt the hardest heart, and make them
+partake of heavenly blessings." 1803 was a year of trial at Okkak;
+several of their members were seduced to go south among the heathen,
+and the arrival of some Europeans who came to hunt, and took up their
+habitation within the bounds of the settlement, caused the brethren
+many a heavy hour. An epidemic distemper visited them; but although
+many in the time of sickness promised to love the Saviour and seek to
+know him, no permanent effect followed; yet they attended the daily
+meetings during the passion-week to hear of his sufferings, and seemed
+attentive to what they heard, which somewhat encouraged their
+teachers, who thus wrote to England, "We do not despair. We believe
+that the agonies of Jesus are not in vain, and that the Esquimaux
+shall share in the merits of his passion." Nain was similarly
+situated--their wine also was mixed with water.
+
+But at Hopedale the work of the Lord went steadily forward; several
+were added to the church, and those who departed gave good evidence
+that they went to the Saviour, particularly Benjamin, who died of an
+inflammatory fever in the month of February. From the first he was
+convinced that his dissolution was at hand. Being asked whether he
+thought he should go to Jesus, he cheerfully answered in the
+affirmative. After some conversation on the subject, the missionary
+present sung that verse:--
+
+    "The Saviour's blood and righteousness
+    My beauty are--my glorious dress;"
+
+and others of the same import, in which he joined with great fervency
+of devotion. He then, of his own accord, began to sing other hymns,
+"Christ my rock, my sure defence" "Jesus my Redeemer liveth" "No, my
+soul he cannot leave" "Thy blood, thy blood, the deed hath wrought."
+Before his departure he was frequently delirious; but even during
+this period of his illness, we, and the Esquimaux who visited him,
+were delighted and greatly affected by the subjects his spirit seemed
+always engaged in. His thoughts were occupied with nothing but Jesus
+Christ his Saviour; and he kept repeating the most beautiful and
+appropriate texts of Scripture: "This is a true and faithful saying,
+and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world
+to save sinners." "The blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
+cleanseth us from all sin;" never failing to add, "Yes! on account of
+_my_ sins he shed his blood." He often pronounced with great
+earnestness, "Little children abide in Him, that when he shall appear
+we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His
+appearing." 1 John ii 28. Nor did he cease, in the midst of his
+greatest sufferings, to speak of the love of the Saviour, till he drew
+his last breath. He was 40 years of age, and left a widow and two
+young children. He had sometimes fallen into deviations, which
+occasioned the missionaries many fears and much anxiety about his
+perseverance in the faith; but his last illness fully satisfied and
+comforted them respecting the state of his soul. And it made a deep
+and salutary impression upon the Esquimaux at the station, who
+expressed themselves, when speaking of his happy departure, in a
+manner which proved it had been sanctified for their real spiritual
+benefit and instruction.
+
+When the people returned from their summer occupations, 1803, --4, the
+missionaries spoke with each of them, both baptized and unbaptized,
+and had the pleasure to find that during their absence, they had been
+preserved from falling a prey to the seductions and wicked practices
+of the heathen, with whom they had been forced to associate. The
+communicants they conversed with, previous to their partaking of the
+Lord's supper, afforded them much satisfaction; while they, on the
+other hand, expressed their thankfulness for their exhortations, by
+which they had been led to forgive and forget old injuries and
+quarrels, and to speak freely with each other in love. On this point
+their tenderness of conscience was strikingly in contrast with that of
+the promiscuous multitudes who rush to the table of the Lord, in the
+professing congregations of more civilized lands. Peter observed, that
+his mind was not quite at ease respecting the subjects in dispute
+between him and others, and that he had better not go to the table of
+the Lord with an unreconciled heart. He at the same time spoke humbly
+of himself; and added, that he did not wish to grieve the Spirit of
+God by indulging anger. One of the women, Brigitta, said, that she was
+not quite sure whether she dared approach the Lord's table, feeling
+still much uneasiness and displeasure in her mind; but that she would
+once more in prayer cry unto our Saviour to help her, and take away
+those evil things that separated her from Him. On the day following
+she came again to the missionaries, and, with many tears, declared her
+thanks to the Lord, that he had delivered her from her perplexing
+thoughts, and granted to her his peace in her soul, and therefore
+begged to be admitted to the holy communion. On the 3d of December
+they partook of this heavenly feast; and it proved a time of
+refreshing to them all. The season of Christmas was celebrated with
+much blessing, and they rejoiced with thanksgiving in the incarnation
+of God our Saviour, this amazing proof of his infinite love to the
+lost human race! Again, on the 31st, they were strengthened anew by
+participating in the sacred ordinance together, and closed the year
+with praise and prayer, thankful to the Lord for the numberless
+favours they had experienced, and particularly for his mercy to the
+Esquimaux congregation.
+
+This year the brethren had another proof of the kind and watchful
+providence of God--their vessel which, on her return home, usually
+took advantage of the Hudson Bay ships' convoy from the Orknies to
+London, left Hopedale on the 11th of October, and in sixteen days was
+within three days' sail of these islands, when strong easterly gales
+drove her back and kept her three weeks longer at sea. But these
+apparently adverse storms proved, by God's great mercy, the very means
+of the hallowed barque's deliverance from the enemy. On the 18th
+November she was chased by a French frigate, brought to, and forced to
+keep her company; but the sea ran so high that it was impossible for
+the frigate to get out a boat to board the Resolution, and continued
+so during that night and the following day. The second night proving
+extremely dark and boisterous, the Captain set as much sail as the
+ship could carry, and before morning was out of sight of the frigate.
+But two days after he had the mortification to meet her again, and to
+be brought to a second time. Again the Lord interposed in his behalf,
+the wind was so violent that the Frenchman could not put out a boat,
+and during the following night, the Captain, crowding all sail,
+escaped, and saw no more of the enemy.
+
+A new epoch in the Labrador mission commenced in 1804. Amid all the
+cheering realities and promising appearances which had hitherto
+sustained the spirits of the missionaries, there had been much
+hypocrisy, cold-heartedness, self-deceit, backsliding, and apostasy,
+among those who formed their congregations; and what was painful
+almost beyond conception, even in their church. But now the Lord
+appeared in their behalf, and in his adorable procedure, the most
+unlikely were the first objects of his awakening grace; and that
+station, which for many years had been so barren, that the brethren at
+one time had contemplated giving it up as hopeless, was that to which,
+in his inscrutable sovereignty, he chose to give the precedence in his
+gracious visitation. The beginning of the year had proved very
+unfavourable, and the Esquimaux at Hopedale had experienced
+considerable distress for want of provisions; but amid all their
+difficulties they attended church with cheerful countenances, and some
+of them would say, "If we only feel in our hearts the presence of our
+Saviour, who has loved us so much, and died and shed his blood that
+our sins might be forgiven, we may well be cheerful and contented,
+though our outward circumstances are difficult, and we have not much
+to eat, for we trust he will care for us in that respect, and we look
+to him for help." The behaviour of the people during this time of
+trial gave the missionaries much pleasure and encouragement. There was
+a general and powerful awakening among them, which first began to be
+perceived among some women who were baptized the winter before, but
+who appeared to have become cold and lifeless. These were led by the
+Spirit of truth, in a particular manner, to a knowledge of their
+sinful and depraved hearts. An earnest desire was at the same time
+created within them, not only to experience the forgiveness of all
+their sins, but to know the crucified Saviour, so often described to
+them as their reconciler; and by the testimony of their own hearts and
+consciences, to be assured of their interest in Him and his atonement.
+Their declarations on this occasion were such, that the missionaries
+were quite surprised at the knowledge they had already gained by the
+Spirit's light, and not by the instruction of man; and with fervent
+thanksgivings to the Saviour they joined frequent prayer, that he
+would grant them grace and wisdom to lead these souls, awakened from
+death unto life, according to their measure, and in the best manner,
+so as to farther their progress on the way to everlasting life.
+
+The first person with whom this delightful and amazing work of grace
+began, was a female, and such an atrocious sinner, that she was
+abhorred even of the heathen. Hearing a discourse from these words,
+"The son of man came to seek and save that which was lost," she was
+much struck with it, and asked herself, "Can this be true, that the
+Saviour came to save such sinners as me? ah! there are none so wicked
+as I!" Wholly absorbed in these thoughts, she remained in the
+meeting-hall when the others had left it, unconscious that she was
+alone. Then suddenly starting up, she ran to a solitary mountain to
+give vent to her full heart, where, falling down upon her knees, she
+cried, "O! Jesus, I have heard that thou camest to save the wicked--is
+that true? make me also to know it. See I am the most wicked of all,
+let me also be delivered and saved--O! forgive me all my sins!" While
+she continued fervently praying, she experienced a peace in her heart
+she had never felt before, and returned from this exercise so
+completely altered that it was evident to every one; her mouth now
+overflowed with praises for what her Saviour had done for her soul.
+
+Her change made a deep impression on a moral, intelligent, but
+self-righteous unbaptized woman. She could not comprehend how one so
+wicked and debased could speak of Jesus with so much joy and praise,
+when she, who was so very superior a character, felt nothing of the
+kind. On this she became unhappy; she began to perceive her hitherto
+supposed righteousness was only a filthy garment, and in an agony, ran
+to her she had formerly despised as a sinner, to ask how she could
+obtain forgiveness of sin, and love to Jesus. The latter took her by
+the hand, and both went to a solitary place, where she prayed that the
+Saviour might also shew mercy to her; and now these women got rest to
+their souls, and with one mouth declared what great things the Lord
+had done for them. Shortly after, two other women joined them, and
+these four were of one heart and one mind. Their uncommon spirituality
+attracted the notice of the congregation, and they were honoured by
+the formalists among them, with the epithet of "enthusiasts," but soon
+the Spirit of God was shed abroad on them also, and new life was
+infused into the members of the church, and throughout the
+settlement.
+
+In the meetings an extraordinary degree of eagerness and devotion was
+perceived--they no longer went to church merely for form's sake, but
+from the impulse of their hearts, and to find comfort and enjoyment;
+and after the meetings, many came into the house to express their
+thankfulness that they now experienced the truth of what was spoken,
+and could bear witness of its power; or to request an explanation of
+what they yet but partly understood. The schools were diligently
+attended, and many of them, especially the men, showed a great desire
+to learn to write. Some proceeded so far, though with but little
+instruction, as to be able to write a pretty legible hand; a few
+copied out the collection of hymns, and several seemed to take a
+particular delight in letter writing, of which the following, from
+Jonathan to William Turner, formerly a missionary in Labrador, but
+then residing at the brethren's settlement at Fulneck in Yorkshire,
+may serve as a specimen--Jonathan and his wife Sibylla were the first
+Esquimaux baptized at Hopedale. It was dated October 1804----"My
+beloved William, First I will tell you, that since we two travelled
+together in a boat, and you then spake so much to me about the state
+of my soul, I have never forgot your words of instruction. I was a
+very bad man at that time, and also when you lived here I walked in
+darkness, and continually did that which was bad. After I was baptized
+I was not much better, and when I went with you to the holy communion
+while you lived here, I had many bad thoughts, of which I very much
+repent. But since you left us, I have turned with my whole heart to
+Jesus, and all my thoughts and desires are drawn towards him.--Now
+that I begin to be old, the feeling of his forgiveness is my only
+comfort, and I have nothing which I so much desire after as Him, and
+to enjoy His peace in my heart. I will never more leave my teachers. I
+can be satisfied no longer with anything but my loved Jesus, therefore
+I wish I loved my Saviour more than I do. He loves me much, that I
+feel and know, but I am a poor human creature, and know by experience,
+that I can do nothing of myself, no, not even love him as I would. I
+pray constantly that he would keep me and instruct me, and my heart
+feels that when I go daily to him and crave his help, he hears me, and
+lets me experience that he is a loving Saviour, ready and willing to
+help. I do not forget him when I am in my usual occupations, but my
+mind is always craving after Jesus; when I go about with my boat, and
+am absent from my brethren, still my soul is taken up with Him. My
+wish is, also, that I may have a pleasant grave for my body when I
+die," meaning that he might be with believers in their burying ground.
+"I love my wife as I ought. When you was here, I was always leading
+her into bad things, but now we often speak together, that we will fix
+our minds only upon Jesus, and both live only for him, loving and
+following him. I am your poor JONATHAN. William! I salute you and your
+wife."
+
+The awakened Esquimaux were also examples of industry to their
+countrymen, and in the years of scarcity, the brethren remarked with
+pleasure, that they had a sufficiency, while the heathen were
+starving; for with their Christianity, they had not only learned
+diligence, but economy and foresight. Nor did they now, as formerly,
+depend upon the stores of the missionaries, or tease them for food
+after they had wasted their own; but rather suffered hunger, or were
+contented with a very scanty meal, while they showed a readiness to
+assist them in all their undertakings, in cutting wood, building
+houses, or making roads which were found necessary for the convenience
+of the station.
+
+While the missionaries in Hopedale were rejoicing in the great mercy
+shown to their beloved Esquimaux, the brethren at Nain were mourning
+over the sore backslidings of many of their congregation. "We are
+sorry to say," are the lamentations of their letter, "that most of our
+Esquimaux flock seem to fall very far short of what we might expect,
+and the craft and power of Satan is but too often visibly exerted to
+pluck up and to destroy the good seed sown into their hearts. We
+discovered grievous deviations into which some had fallen last summer,
+during their absence from us; and we perceived with pain, that in
+difficult occurrences, or in sickness, they are too hasty to listen to
+the sorcerers, and take refuge to their legerdemain tricks for help,
+rather than call upon our Saviour, and trust to him. Some, however,
+are of a different description, and give us good hopes of their being
+faithful."
+
+The brethren at Okkak likewise hung their harps upon the willows. "Our
+baptized brethren have not," say they sorrowfully, "been as steady as
+they ought. When we spoke with individuals after their return to us,
+concerning their spiritual condition, we discovered, to our great
+grief, among some of them, offences and wicked practices which had
+long been kept secret. We were obliged to advise several rather to
+leave us quietly than serve sin in secret, and attempt to deceive us
+by their untruths and hypocrisy. With some this produced repentance
+and reflection, and they begged to be forgiven and borne with; but two
+persons were dismissed, and two excluded from the communion. In
+general there was great lukewarmness of heart observed among the
+people, and we had but few instances of genuine conversion." They were
+also invited by their heathen friends in the north to come and eat
+whale-flesh, and all our remonstrances were in vain, for they
+answered, "that if they stayed at Okkak they must suffer hunger." An
+epidemic disease again visited this settlement, and carried off seven
+individuals very suddenly, which struck such terror among the people,
+that the greater part of them fled from the place to escape the
+contagion; but the missionaries remarked, that neither upon the sick
+or the dying, nor upon the healthy, was any salutary effect produced.
+The dogs too were attacked with a similar disorder, and many died
+along the coast--a serious loss to the Esquimaux.
+
+Meanwhile the awakening at Hopedale continued to go forward, and early
+in the summer extended itself to the children. The young, as well as
+the old, had been addicted to a gross and loathsome sensuality,
+which, although both they and their parents considered as trivial, yet
+they kept it carefully concealed from the missionaries. It happened
+now, however, that a grandmother, who herself perceived the iniquity
+of these depraved practices, caught her grand-daughter repeating some
+of the acts for which she had formerly chastised her; but instead of
+beating her, she carried her to the missionary to whom she was ordered
+to confess every thing. Surprised and horror-struck at the disclosure,
+the missionaries immediately spoke to the parents and children, and
+with great earnestness and plainness represented to them the
+criminality of such doings. To their inexpressible grief they found
+that the corruption had extended even to the youngest, and that some
+of the parents had concealed, and even now excused their conduct; they
+therefore held a special meeting with the parents and children, and
+addressing them according to their capacities, warned them in the most
+forcible manner of the frightful consequences of these secret sins,
+and exhorted all earnestly and affectionately to flee to the
+Saviour--throw themselves at his feet--implore his mercy and
+forgiveness, and pray to be delivered from the slavery of sin and
+Satan. Then kneeling down with the whole company, they entreated the
+Saviour to heal the deep wounds they had inflicted on their souls, and
+the injury they had done to his cause. Their prayers were heard. A
+pungent sorrow for their former sinful lives, was felt and expressed
+by old and young; this was followed by a general awakening among the
+children, which again had a powerful effect in stirring up the more
+advanced to seek a closer union with Christ, and to strive more
+earnestly after holiness. Children were now observed to retire to
+mountains and to vallies, where, on their knees alone, and in groupes,
+they besought the Saviour with tears to have mercy on them, forgive
+their sins, and receive them into the number of his children: and many
+of the unbaptized little ones showed a great anxiety to be favoured
+with that ordinance.--It was a blessed time--all hearts were opened to
+attend to the instructions and exhortations brought from the word of
+God--all were inflamed with the love of Jesus, and the eagerness to
+hear more and more of Him who was the friend of sinners, was
+indescribable.
+
+When the Esquimaux returned from their summer places, and settled at
+Hopedale for the winter 1804-5, their teachers found, to their great
+comfort, that they had not only been preserved from sinful practices,
+but that the work of the Holy Ghost, so manifest during the foregoing
+winter, especially in the hearts of some of the women, had made
+farther progress. They had become better acquainted with the natural
+depravity of their own hearts, and the wretched state of a soul
+without Christ, which made them cry to him for mercy; and they had
+truly experienced grace and the forgiveness of sin in his precious
+blood, by which their hearts were filled with joy and comfort in
+believing. Out of the abundance of their hearts, therefore, their
+mouths spake of the love and power of Jesus, by which a very serious
+impression was made on the whole inhabitants of the settlement, and
+all longed to be partakers of the same grace. This spark of the Lord's
+own kindling spread rapidly; and the missionaries had daily visits,
+either from inquirers crying out, what shall we do to be saved? or
+from those who had obtained peace, to tell them what the Lord had done
+for them. A widow, in reference to a conversation she had with one of
+the missionaries the day before, expressed herself thus: "Now I
+rejoice that I can again visit the meetings, where I hear of Him who,
+notwithstanding all my worthlessness, has _so_ loved me! When we are
+assembled, I will ever pray to Jesus that he would put such words in
+your mouth as will speak to my heart." Another said, "I am often moved
+to tears when I consider what God my Saviour has done for me. I start
+back with terror when I reflect upon my former wicked life. I have
+been an abominable sinner; and that Jesus should have received me in
+mercy, and granted me to believe that his blood can wash away all my
+sins, and deliver me from the power of evil, is a favour so great that
+I am amazed at it, and sink down with shame and gratitude. I can do
+nothing but look to him. I am as one walking upon a smooth sheet of
+ice, and obliged at every step to guard against falling. He must
+uphold me, and for this my heart is constantly lifted up in prayer to
+him." The observation of a third was, "I am convinced that I have
+hitherto failed in truly hungering and thirsting after the love of the
+Saviour; since my baptism I have been as one standing where the road
+is divided." Several others made similar declarations.
+
+While this heavenly flame was in full blaze at Hopedale, two young
+Esquimaux, Siksigak and Kapik, arrived there from Nain, February 1805.
+Their parents were both baptized; they were as wild as the wildest of
+the heathen. The former had separated from his wife, who was
+baptized, for some time and meant to convey her back to her mother, to
+get rid of an incumbrance, intending to marry another at Nain, who
+promised to second him better in his heathenish abominations--to leave
+the believers altogether, and along with his companion, to enjoy his
+freedom, and live with him in the gratification of every evil lust.
+But they were both arrested by the power of the Lord. Siksigak, as
+soon as they reached Hopedale, took his wife, Benigna, to her mother,
+the widow Rachel's, and pushing her in said, "Never come more in my
+sight." He then went to his own mother's house, on entering which he
+found the Esquimaux engaged in prayer, as was their custom before they
+went to rest; for she had been converted, joined the church, and was
+married to a second husband. The family did not allow themselves to be
+disturbed by his arrival, and he sat down quite astonished at what he
+saw and heard, till prayer was ended, when he informed them for what
+purpose he had come. The whole company then began to entreat him most
+earnestly not to part from his wife, but rather to turn with his whole
+heart to Jesus. The missionaries likewise added their exhortations,
+but without avail; he still persisted in his determination. His
+relations perceiving that he was immoveably fixed, resorted to prayer;
+and, on the following day, they all assembled around him in his
+mother's house, kneeled down, and cried unto our Saviour that he would
+convert him. The mother expressed herself thus, "O! my Lord Jesus!
+behold this is my child, I now give him up to thee! O accept of him,
+and suffer him not to be lost forever!"
+
+Such a scene, so unprecedented and so unexpected, had an immediate
+effect on the young man; he was filled with concern for his soul's
+salvation. He burst from them, and in the greatest distress ran to
+brother Kohlmeister's, where Kapik was waiting for him with the
+greatest impatience.
+
+Provisions being placed before them, Kohlmeister sat down to write at
+a table with his back turned to them. While attempting to eat,
+Siksigak repeatedly sighed deeply, and at length began bitterly to
+lament his wretched state in disjointed exclamations: "O! how
+agonizing the thought! I am so wicked! I am lost!" "What is it? what
+do you want?" asked his companion in a rude and angry tone. "O! I am
+so wicked! I am lost!" replied the tortured Siksigak. Kohlmeister, who
+thought some accident had befallen him, turned round in an
+indifferent manner and asked him what is your name? Kapik, supposing
+the question addressed to him, answered, "Kapik." "And will you always
+continue to be Kapik?" said Kohlmeister. "I will always be Kapik,"
+returned the other.[H] "Wilt thou go away then and be quiet?" said the
+missionary, sharply. Meanwhile, he was observing Siksigak, who, in his
+agony and confusion, was turning the spoon in his hand, and bringing
+it to his mouth empty, apparently without knowing what he was about.
+Kapik, still more distracted than his companion, threw his spoon from
+him and rushed out of the house. He was met at the door by another
+missionary who, seeing his wild appearance, asked him, "Will you never
+change your life--never be converted?" "I know nothing about
+conversion," replied Kapik, and went off in a rage. Coming to his
+cousin's where he was to sleep, he found the whole family engaged in
+their evening worship, and at the instant he entered, he heard his
+relative praying for his conversion. That night he retired silently to
+bed.
+
+Siksigak, so soon as his companion was gone, broke out, and like one
+in despair, paced the room with quick and hurried steps, tearing his
+clothes and his hair, and crying aloud, "O! unhappy man! I am so
+wicked! I am lost! I am lost!" Kohlmeister now asked him
+affectionately who told him that he was so wicked and must be lost?
+Siksigak related what had taken place at his mother's, and how her
+words had pierced him; and with much compunction ingenuously confessed
+the abominations of which he had been guilty, and the sins in which he
+had still intended to indulge. The missionary then asked him, whether
+he sincerely resolved to amend his life? and being answered in the
+affirmative, told him, he had put away his wife, that was a great sin,
+wholly contrary to the will of God; and if he would be delivered from
+his present agony, he must, in the first place, openly take her back.
+"That," cried out Siksigak, "I will gladly do; my wife is good, but I
+am bad! very bad!" Immediately he ran to his mother and told her all;
+and with such humility, that his countenance indicated the change that
+had taken place in his mind, and the begun answer to her prayer. They
+then proceeded together to his wife, of whom he begged forgiveness for
+all the ill usage she had received from him, and promised, by the
+assistance of God, never more to give her cause to complain, if she
+would consent to come and live again with him. Agreeably surprised at
+so sudden and unlooked for a change, she cheerfully and readily agreed
+to return. Siksigak having given this proof of his sincerity, went to
+the missionary--for still he had got no rest to his soul; and he
+preached to him the Saviour who receiveth sinners, and called upon him
+to turn to Jesus and pray to him, though he could say nothing else
+but, "Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy upon me!" He followed this
+counsel, and that same night was delivered from all his distress, and
+could believe that his sins were forgiven.
+
+Kapik had spent the same night restless and almost hopeless--convinced
+that he deserved, and afraid that he would be everlastingly lost. Ere
+the morning had scarcely broken he came to Kohlmeister, who presented
+to him the same Saviour and Redeemer, who would not reject him, and in
+whom he shortly found peace to his soul.
+
+These two now joyfully thanked and praised God their Saviour, who had
+redeemed them; and, filled with life and spirit, set out on their
+return to Nain, where they testified with boldness of what they had
+heard, seen, and experienced at Hopedale. They related to the
+missionaries with an ingenuousness and sincerity, which the latter say
+they had never before known among Esquimaux, how the Almighty power of
+Jesus had awakened them, by giving them a proper sense of the
+wickedness of their ways, and caused them to resolve to turn to Him in
+truth as their Saviour. Now they began earnestly to declare to their
+countrymen the necessity of a thorough conversion of heart,
+representing how they ought to believe and acknowledge themselves
+sinners, confess and repent of their sins, and flee to Jesus for
+pardon and deliverance from the power of sin; for without this, all,
+so called conversion, was ineffectual, and no fruits of righteousness
+would appear. Some of the baptized received their exhortations in the
+true spirit of the Pharisees of old, and in a rage upbraided them,
+saying, "Ye wicked and abandoned fellows, will ye speak to us?" "That
+we are wicked we well know," was the meek reply; "but yonder, in
+Hopedale, we learned that there is a Jesus who came to die for
+sinners, who receives such even as we, and saves them."
+
+Their old acquaintance heard them with astonishment--some mocked, and
+others hated them for it; but several, who had been admitted members
+of the congregation, became gradually convinced, and began to doubt
+whether their cold formal Christianity were of the right kind, and
+whether they had not been deceiving themselves and others. They came
+spontaneously to their teachers, and with tears, and in a manner the
+latter had never before witnessed, confessed their sins, wept on
+account of the deceit they had so often practised; and declared that
+the more they were led to consider their former life, the more deeply
+they were convinced of the treachery of their own hearts. The
+sensations of the missionaries are thus described by themselves.
+"Though we could not but feel pain on account of their former
+hypocrisy, our grief was counterbalanced by the joy we felt at the
+amazing power of our Saviour's grace, by which their hearts were thus
+broken and melted. Our faith and courage, which in some of us was
+indeed very weak, revived; and we saw clearly, that with God, nothing
+is impossible. Thus the many prayers offered up, and tears shed by
+our brethren and sisters in Labrador, on account of the conversion of
+the Esquimaux nation, began, after _thirty-four_ years, to shew their
+fruit. And we now often encourage each other to pray our Saviour to
+give us the needful grace, strength, and gifts to declare the gospel
+unto them; and so to fill our hearts with his love, that we may lead
+and serve those, his sheep, so as to promote their growth in grace,
+and in his love and knowledge." The awakening here, as at Hopedale,
+extended to the children. The frequent visits of the Hopedale
+Esquimaux were made very useful to the congregation at Nain; many of
+whom moved to Hopedale, among whom were Siksigak and Kapik, who wished
+to reside where they had been so powerfully laid hold of by the grace
+of Jesus; "and," to use their own expressions, "be there thoroughly
+converted to Him"--hoping to receive much advice and assistance from
+the believers at Hopedale; and being afraid that their old heathen
+associates might hinder their progress at Nain; nor could they bear
+the thought of remaining longer at a place where they had spent their
+former lives in sin, and might again be led into temptation.
+
+By means of these two converts the report of the awakening among the
+Hopedale Esquimaux spread to Okkak, and even farther north, creating
+a very considerable sensation among the heathen, three families of
+whom arrived at that settlement with the avowed determination of
+becoming obedient to the gospel, and turning to Jesus with their whole
+heart. The schools were also attended with the blessing of God, and
+both children and adults made good progress in their learning; and the
+missionaries remark, "That it was very edifying to hear them
+exercising themselves in their own dwellings, in reading and singing
+hymns." Morning and evening prayer, ere the close of the year, had
+been set up in every family; and while the melody of praise ascended
+from every dwelling, tears of holy gratitude mingled with the
+brethren's prayers for the stability and increase of the Redeemer's
+kingdom among the Esquimaux. The intercourse between the settlements
+became now more frequent, interesting, and profitable; the converted
+natives, particularly the sisters, when on these visits, showed such
+an ardent desire to describe to their countrymen the love and mercy of
+God, which they themselves had so savingly experienced, that they went
+about from tent to tent, and particularly to their own sex spoke so
+powerfully and movingly of the compassion of Jesus, and his desire to
+save them from sin and perdition, that many were convinced of their
+dangerous state, and earnestly inquired what they should do to be
+saved? The zeal of the newly baptized had often likewise a powerful
+effect on the old, in rekindling the dying embers of their profession.
+Several of these expressed their surprise at their former
+indifference, and seemed to doubt if they had ever truly given
+themselves to Jesus; and old and young now declared, weeping, that
+their only desire was to obtain peace and rest in their souls, and to
+be enabled to live in the undisturbed enjoyment of the Saviour. With
+their emotions of love were mixed deep shame and abasement, that they
+had not before perceived their true happiness; but by their lifeless
+profession, and inconsistent conduct, had crucified the Saviour
+afresh, and put him to open shame.
+
+Nor were they less assiduous with the heathen who visited the
+settlements, and their love for the truth was manifested in the
+gladness they expressed at every new accession to the congregation
+from among them, the kindness they showed, and the eagerness with
+which they endeavoured to retain them. Some of these new comers, at
+Hopedale, having expressed their desire to receive the gospel, and to
+submit to the rules of the place, young and old instantly ran to help
+them with their baggage, to arrange their little affairs, and
+cheerfully built new winter houses for their reception. Another party,
+however, refusing to stop, left a man with his wife and child, who
+were disinclined to go, wishing, as he said, to be converted. He had
+pitched his tent at some distance, but no sooner did the baptized
+Esquimaux learn his determination, than they immediately went, took it
+down, and set it up in the midst of their own dwellings, with such
+demonstrations of welcome, that he exclaimed, he had never met with
+any thing like it before; nor could he understand why they should shew
+such disinterested love to him, a stranger. In visiting the sick, the
+missionaries had much satisfaction; there was now no horror at the
+thought of death--no disposition to return to their sorcerers; but
+calm, peaceful resignation to the Divine will, or holy joy in the
+prospect of soon seeing their Redeemer, face to face. Magdalene, in
+the view of departure, said, "I weep not over the pain I feel, though
+that is very great, but for joy that my Saviour is near my heart. O
+would but Jesus come and take me to himself! I long to go to him, as a
+child longs for its parent, to behold him, and to embrace his feet. I
+feel no gloom; my heart is filled with joy in believing on him."
+Benigna, upon her recovery from a dangerous illness, thus expressed
+herself: "I think that it pleased the Lord to afflict so many in our
+house with illness, and to restore them again, that he might prove us,
+to know whether we could place all our hopes in him, even in
+perplexity and pain; and I have now found that he is able, not only to
+bring us safe through the most distressing circumstances, but to
+establish us more and more in full reliance upon his help alone.
+During this illness, the Lord has given me to feel his presence so
+sweetly, that if it had been his will, I should have rejoiced to go
+and be with him for ever; but since it has pleased him to restore me
+to health, my heart is filled with gratitude towards him." Among the
+strangers, the power of God was no less wonderfully displayed in
+awakening them from the deep sleep of sin and death: they came and
+confessed their sins and their crimes, which, though formerly deemed
+light matters, now heavily burdened their consciences. "Human nature
+shudders and starts back," says the missionary diary, "on hearing the
+horrid detail of the abominations practised among the heathen;" and
+they themselves would often exclaim, "O! how shocking the way in
+which we lived in sin; but we were quite blind, and chained down by
+the fetters of Satan; we will serve him no longer, but belong only to
+Jesus."
+
+One instance deserves more particular notice, that of a young man
+named Angukualak, the son of a most noted sorcerer, Uiverunna. His
+parents had instructed him in all the secrets of their art, and his
+confession gives at least plausibility to the opinion, that the
+influence of Satan is permitted to be sometimes visibly exercised, in
+the dark places of the earth, though, while the effects of that
+influence are palpable in the perpetration of the grossest vices and
+most barbarous cruelty, it is very immaterial whether it assumes a
+perceptible form, or merely acts upon the imagination. His own account
+to the missionaries, was as follows: "My parents told me, that their
+familiar spirit, or Torngak, lived in the water; if I wished to
+consult him, I must call upon him, as the spirit of my parents, to
+come forth out of the water, and remember this token, that I should
+observe, in some part of the house, a vapour ascending, soon after
+which, the spirit would appear, and grant what I asked. Some years
+ago, when my little brother was very ill, I tried this method for the
+first time, and called upon the Torngak, when I really thought I saw
+a small vapour arising, and shortly after, the appearance of a man in
+a watery habit stood before me. I was filled with horror, my whole
+frame shook with fear, and I covered my face with my hands."
+
+His brother recovered, and the impression of this strange occurrence
+appears to have been forgotten, when a terrible dream overwhelmed his
+mind with anguish and terror. "I thought," to resume his own language,
+"I thought I saw a very deep, dark cavern, the descent to which was a
+narrow, steep chasm. In this horrible place, I discovered my mother,
+my relations, and many others whom I had known, and who had led a very
+wicked life upon earth, sitting in great torments, and exhibiting a
+dreadful appearance. I was already with my feet slipping down the
+chasm; and it seemed as if somebody said to me, 'Unto that dark place
+thou must likewise depart!' From that moment I found no rest anywhere,
+but having heard that true believers lived at Hopedale, I resolved to
+come hither, and with my whole family to be converted to Jesus, that I
+may not likewise descend into the place of torment, and be lost for
+ever. But alas! I know not how to get released from evil, for I still
+feel as if I was bound with the chains of sin."
+
+To this account, the brethren added the following pertinent remark:
+"We often hear the Esquimaux relate dreams; and certain it is, that
+several of our Esquimaux have been led to very serious reflections, by
+occasion of a remarkable, and, perhaps, terrifying dream, and been
+convinced of their lost and wretched state. We do not encourage a
+belief in the fulfilment of dreams, nor pay any regard to them in
+general; but yet we find the words of Scripture true, Job xxxiii.
+14-17. 'God speaketh once, yea, twice, but man perceiveth it not. In a
+dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men; in
+slumberings upon the bed: then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth
+their instruction, that he may withdraw them from their purpose.'"
+
+Towards the end of this remarkable year, the missionaries, in their
+diary, thus exultingly break forth: "O! that we were able, by words,
+to convey to our dear brethren and sisters, some faint idea of our
+sensations, and of the joy and gratitude we feel in beholding this
+work of the Lord among our dear Esquimaux. Could they but see the
+marvellous change wrought in the minds and conduct of some of these
+people, who were lately such avowed enemies of the truth, led captive
+by Satan at his will, and delighting in the most filthy and
+outrageous practices, they would mingle their tears of joy with us. We
+now hear backsliders as well as heathen, those who have long heard,
+but never believed in the gospel, speaking the same language as those
+who have never, till now, heard of a Saviour; all confess themselves
+most vile and unworthy, weep over their sins, and cry for mercy
+through the atonement of Jesus. Thus, in Labrador also, the word of
+the cross is the power of God unto salvation. We regard this gracious
+work of the Saviour, as the blossoming of a precious plant, which has
+been long germinating in the earth, and on whose growth we have been
+waiting with the utmost anxiety;--now that it has at last sprung up,
+and is bearing beautiful flowers, may He cause it to prosper and bring
+forth fruit unto eternal life!"
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote H: The Esquimaux always receive a new name at baptism, and
+most of them have such an abhorrence at the recollection of their
+early life as heathens, that it sickens them when any one calls them
+by their old Esquimaux names. They regard the days past, in which they
+fulfilled the lusts of the flesh, as almost literally a state of
+death.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ Mutual affection of the Christian Esquimaux and
+   Greenlanders--their correspondence--letter from Timothy, a
+   baptized Greenlander.--Delight of the Esquimaux in religious
+   exercises.--Order of the congregations--distressing events,
+   apostasy of Kapik--awful end of Jacob--peaceful death of
+   believers--Judith, Joanna.--Revival among the communicants.--A
+   feast by a Christian brother, to the Esquimaux.--Winter
+   arrangements.--Childrens' meetings--schools.--The brethren's
+   settlements contrasted with the heathen.--Progress of religion
+   at the different stations.--Books printed in the Esquimaux
+   language.--Number of the settled Esquimaux.--Epidemic at
+   Nain--its consequences.--General view of the mission.
+
+
+Love to all the members of the body of Christ, is the visible token of
+the vitality and truth of a Christian profession; and as it rises or
+falls, the progress of an individual or a community waxes or wanes. At
+this period, the converted Esquimaux felt a lively interest, not only
+in their countrymen, but likewise in their fellow-Christians in
+Greenland; the affection was reciprocal, and though they had never
+seen each other in the flesh, they rejoiced over each other's welfare,
+and communicated their feelings in affectionate letters. Jonathan had
+dictated an epistle to the baptized Greenlanders, in 1799; the annexed
+was from the Christian Greenlander, Timothy, an assistant at
+Lichtenfels, in return. "My beloved, ye who live just opposite us, on
+the other side of the great water!--You have the same mode of living
+that we have; you go out in your kaiaks as we do; you have the same
+method of procuring your livelihood as we have; our Saviour has given
+you teachers, as he has given us: be thankful to him that they make
+known to you his precious words, and all his deeds, which are full of
+life and happiness. I have, from my earliest infancy, been instructed
+in this blessed doctrine, for I have grown up in the congregation.
+When you read this, you may very likely think that I have always lived
+to the joy of our Saviour; but, alas, I have been, particularly in my
+youth, very often ungrateful towards him who died for me. But when
+this was the case, I was never happy, and I found no rest for my soul,
+until I cast myself at the feet of Jesus, and implored his
+forgiveness; and even now I can do nothing else, when I am distressed
+about myself and my great sinfulness. When I am in my kaiak procuring
+provisions, or on other occasions alone, and I call to mind that my
+Saviour was for my sake nailed to the cross, and suffered for my sins,
+which are numberless, I acknowledge myself the chief of sinners; I
+then pray to our Saviour with deep abasement, and often with loud
+weeping. At such times I feel that he draws nigh, and fills my heart
+with such comfort that I am quite melted by his love. This is also the
+reason why I make our Saviour my most important object; I cleave to
+him as a child does to its mother, and I will never turn away from
+Him. Nothing is more profitable to me than the contemplation of his
+sufferings. Of this alone I speak to my fellow-men.
+
+"My dear brethren and sisters, I must still tell you that I have been
+four times in danger of my life when running in my kaiak, for so often
+have I been overset when I was quite alone. When almost suffocated in
+the water, I prayed to our Saviour for deliverance. Each time I raised
+myself up by means of the bladder, but it was God my Saviour who saved
+me from these dangers. In him alone I trust, and provide for myself,
+my wife and children with pleasure. Although, as long as I am upon
+earth I shall feel my weakness and corruption, yet I go with it all to
+our Saviour, as a child does for help to its parent. I pray thus: 'O!
+my Jesus! thou lover of my soul, let me feel thy nearness, impress thy
+sufferings and death upon my heart, melt it and make it tender through
+the power of thy blood, and according to thy good pleasure, make me
+well-pleasing unto thee. Thou hast bought me with thy blood, that I
+might be saved; throughout my whole life will I rely upon thee, my God
+and Redeemer! I will place thee before my heart, as thou for my sake
+in agony and sore distress in the garden of Gethsemane wast weighed
+down to the ground with my guilt, until sweat mixed with blood, forced
+itself through thy body, and fell in great drops to the ground.' At
+such times my heart grows warm, and my eyes overflow. This alone is
+able to soften our hard hearts--this I experience, and your hearts
+cannot be subdued and softened by any thing else. You must go to
+Jesus' cross, for there is no other way to happiness.--Take these my
+imperfect words to heart, which I write out of love to you, as a
+people related to us. Your Jonathan's words which he caused to be
+written to us, we have received to our joy; we have not forgotten
+them. It is very pleasing to hear such accounts. O that we all, as
+one people, might put in practice what our Saviour has commanded in
+his word, love him above all things, give him joy by our conduct, and
+never again cause him grief. I write to encourage the heathen in your
+country, of whom there are still many, to be converted to the Creator.
+Let them hear much of his incarnation, sufferings, and death, and
+relate it to them when you are with them. Remember us also, and pray
+for us to our Saviour. We will also pray for you, and when we do this
+we shall also reap those blessings which our Saviour has promised to
+those who pray to Him.--I am your brother, TIMOTHY."
+
+Diligence in the improvement of the means of grace, particularly in
+not forsaking the assembling of themselves together, is another
+evidence of the reality and health of the Christian life in any
+community: this awakening bore that stamp also of the genuineness of
+its nature; and from the frequency of their meetings, which were
+punctually and cheerfully attended by the people, some idea may be
+formed of the hungering and thirsting after divine things which marked
+the Esquimaux congregations. The order of the different meetings of
+the congregation at Hopedale during winter--and in the other
+settlements it was pretty much the same--was as follows:--Sunday.
+Public service in the fore and afternoon. In the morning the Litany
+was read. The children then met. After the afternoon's service the
+communicants sung a liturgical hymn, or the candidates for the Lord's
+supper held a meeting for instruction.--Monday Evening. All the
+baptized had a meeting, when a suitable discourse was delivered to
+them. After a short pause, a singing-meeting was held.--This is a
+service peculiar to the brethren's church, in which some doctrinal
+subject, commonly that contained in the Scripture-text appointed for
+the day, is contemplated by singing verses or hymns relating to it, so
+as in their connection to form, as it were, a homily on the text,
+according to the words of the Apostle, "Speaking to yourselves in
+psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs."--Tuesday Evening: A public
+meeting, with a discourse.--Wednesday Morning. The children had a
+meeting, the one Wednesday for all the children, and the next, for the
+baptized only. On the evening, there was a public service, when a
+portion of the harmony of the four Evangelists was read and
+explained.--Thursday Evening: The same.--Friday. Both the baptized and
+the candidates for baptism met, where, after a discourse on the text,
+a hymn treating of the Saviour's passion was sung.--On Saturday there
+was no service in the church. Besides these meetings, the believing
+Esquimaux had the worship of God regularly morning and evening in
+their own houses. But the crowning sheaf in this harvest of mercy, was
+the permanence of the awakening; the impressions were lasting, not
+like a momentary blaze occasioned by some temporary excitement, but a
+pure and steady flame, which in a majority increased in brightness,
+till it was lost in glory.
+
+Lovely however, and heart-cheering as this delightful period was, it
+is not to be imagined that it was a period of unmingled joy; there
+were several instances in which strong and violent emotions were
+succeeded by coldness, formality, and hypocrisy, and in some cases by
+open apostasy, or by unequivocal marks of reprobation. The most
+remarkable were Kapik and Jacob; the former had been baptized by the
+name of Thomas, and his declarations breathed, or seemed to breathe,
+the very essence of a more than ordinary spirituality. "I have no
+other desire," said he upon one occasion to the missionaries, "but
+Jesus my Saviour, who has had mercy even upon me, the very worst of
+men; and I pray, that I may now give him joy, and cleave to him to the
+end. Alas! alas! that I have known him so late! Formerly I could not
+believe one word of what your predecessors and yourselves told us of
+Jesus, and of the necessity of believing on him, and becoming his
+property. I only laughed, and mocked, and gave pain and trouble to my
+teachers. But how is this? I now believe it all, and our Saviour has
+so powerfully drawn my heart towards himself, that I can find no words
+to describe what I feel." By this and similar speeches he so far
+imposed upon the brethren, that they believed him a humble follower of
+the good Shepherd, and a true child of God.
+
+But being attacked, autumn 1806, by a malignant disorder somewhat
+resembling the smallpox and measles, which raged in the settlement,
+the severe pain he suffered from the virulence of the disorder, as the
+irruption in his face struck inward, and assuming a cancerous form
+destroyed his upper jaw bone, he became impatient, forsook his
+professions of confidence in the Saviour, and sought for help in
+heathenish practices, and if he had had opportunity would have
+proceeded to greater lengths in these abominations, than ever before.
+His behaviour in his family too, had become very oppressive, and all
+the kind exhortations, as well as the serious remonstrances of the
+missionaries, produced no effect; even after he recovered, he remained
+quite hardened. He some years afterwards professed sincere repentance,
+but his artifice had been so deep before, that the missionaries could
+only say, that nothing was impossible to God.
+
+Jacob came first to the brethren at Nain. He was in the beginning
+apparently very earnest in seeking his soul's salvation and was
+baptized in 1801. But he afterwards fell into temptation, and again
+took refuge in his old practices, playing at the same time the part of
+a most consummate hypocrite: being discovered, he was excluded; yet
+when his health began to decline, the missionaries waited upon him,
+and as they saw him drawing apparently near his end, were the more
+earnest in exhorting him to turn to Jesus, who alone could deliver him
+from the bondage of sin and Satan. For some time he seemed to attend
+to their advice, but his last days and final exit out of the world,
+gave sufficient proof that his heart was untouched. As his pains
+increased, his impatience increased with them. He demanded with
+violent cries that a knife might be given him to stab himself, which
+being refused, he called for a rope, and persisted with such
+vehemence that his wife and son, wearied out by his constant
+shrieking, gave him one, with which he put an end to his own
+existence. Lamentable as these awful examples of the deceitfulness and
+depravity of the human heart were, yet they operated more powerfully
+than many exhortations, in inculcating upon the baptized the solemn
+warning, "Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall."
+
+At the same time there wanted not instances of an opposite
+description, to prove the reality of God's work, and the power of
+divine grace, to recall and establish the deluded wanderer, and to
+preserve the humble believer amid the strongest temptations and the
+sorest trials; to enable him to maintain a consistent conduct through
+life, and to seal the sincerity of his faith by a peaceful, if not a
+triumphant death. Early in the year, Judith, a full communicant, died.
+She had come to Hopedale with her husband, Tuglavina, and always
+conducted herself with great propriety. After his death she married
+Abel in 1801, and with him came to live at Hopedale, 1804. When the
+awakening took place she was greatly enlivened; but like many of the
+old baptized people, who thought themselves converted because they
+had some knowledge, and a fluent way of expressing themselves on
+religious subjects, she did not at first shew much of the Divine life
+in her soul; till by the powerful work of the Holy Ghost she was
+brought to see and acknowledge herself an unworthy sinner, and no
+better than those who were just then alarmed and brought from darkness
+unto light, and from the power of Satan to the living God. Before
+partaking for the last time of the Lord's supper, she was much
+affected. "I perceive now," said she, "that I am a great sinner, and
+am so ashamed that I dare hardly open my lips, for it is clear to me
+that I am far behind others in love to our Saviour. It appears as if
+he and I were yet strangers to each other, and I can do nothing but
+weep for him." Afterwards she became composed, and earnestly longed
+after communion with God. In her last illness, however, she showed
+much uneasiness of mind, as if something disturbed her peaceful
+expectation of dismissal. Brother Kohlmeister, who visited her very
+faithfully, encouraged her to look up to Jesus, the author and
+finisher of our faith; and on one occasion, particularly, offered up a
+most fervent prayer to the Lord that he would remove all her doubts by
+a full assurance that her sins were forgiven through the merits of
+his precious blood, during which the poor patient and all present
+melted into tears, and felt that their prayer was heard and answered.
+Then she unbosomed herself to her teachers, and confessed that she had
+hitherto concealed some deviations which burdened her conscience, and
+which she must make known before she departed. Having done so, she
+declared her firm trust that God her Saviour would wash away all her
+sins and remember them no more; after which she exclaimed, "Now I am
+ready, and will go to Jesus. He will receive me in mercy just as I am,
+for he has died for me." She now lay still in the joyful hope of being
+soon released. Both the missionaries' wives and Esquimaux sisters
+visited her frequently, to whom she declared the happiness of her
+soul; and on the night previous to her departure, conversed in a most
+edifying manner with those that watched with her of the near prospect
+she had of seeing her Saviour face to face. She requested her husband
+to bring her clean white dress, which she always wore at the Lord's
+supper, and to dress her in it after her decease. Her two youngest
+children she earnestly recommended to his care, and that they might be
+instructed in the ways of the Lord; and sent a message as her last
+will, to the two eldest who live at Nain, that they should remain with
+the congregation, and devote their whole hearts to Jesus. When the
+sisters took leave of her with a kiss, she exclaimed with joy in her
+countenance, "I shall now go to Jesus and kiss his feet, adoring him
+for all his love to me, and that he has redeemed me also, a vile
+sinner, and called me to eternal life."
+
+Joanna, who died in child-bed, was another example of the faithfulness
+and rich mercy of the Redeemer; in the autumn, a wild ignorant savage,
+she came to the settlement with her husband Aulak, and when asked what
+was her intention in coming--if she wished to be converted? answered,
+"That's more than I know. I follow my husband, and as he chooses to
+live here, I will live here too!" But soon after she learned to know
+what true conversion of heart means, and would not be satisfied with
+any thing of a superficial nature. "She cried to the Lord for mercy,
+and obtained," says the diary, "real saving faith; it was surprising
+to observe how well she comprehended the meaning of the gospel, and in
+how clear a light the mystery of the cross of Christ was revealed to
+her soul, insomuch that she could apply to herself the sufferings of
+Jesus, as meritorious and allsufficient for the remission of sin, and
+the sanctification of soul and body. She adored the crucified Jesus in
+truth, as her Redeemer, and nothing was so delightful to her, as to
+hear of him, and all he had done and suffered, to save her from sin
+and destruction. She sought him with earnestness, and found rest for
+her soul in his sufferings and death. Her whole walk and conversation,
+from the time she joined the church, testified of the new birth which
+had taken place within her, and of a total change of heart and
+sentiment. Immediately after her delivery, there appeared symptoms of
+inward inflammation. She lay still and resigned to the will of the
+Lord, and seemed to take no more notice of any thing that was said;
+but towards morning, raising herself up in the bed, she exclaimed,
+'Jesus is coming, and I am ready to meet him; a very short time will
+bring me to him. Jesus' bleeding love is not cold toward those who are
+longing for him.' So composed was she, that, observing the place dark,
+she desired them to 'trim the lamps, and make the room light and
+pleasant,' and when the company present proposed to join in a hymn,
+but could not immediately remember a suitable one, she herself pointed
+out that hymn of praise, 'Unto the Lamb of God,' at page 92. of the
+Hymn book. After it was ended, she fainted, and sunk down upon the
+bed; her sight and hearing failed, and she fell gently asleep in
+Jesus." During her short Christian career, she had become universally
+beloved; and the happy manner in which she left the world, made a deep
+impression upon the minds of the Esquimaux, "stronger," say the
+missionaries, "than all our words could do."
+
+Previously to the administration of the Lord's Supper, the
+missionaries usually have some conversation with the communicants, and
+at this time they were greatly refreshed by their simple, artless
+declarations. One said, "I am struck with astonishment when I reflect
+that Jesus can, and does receive such abominable creatures as I am.
+Indeed I am one of the worst, but his love is infinite. He bled and
+died for me, that I might be saved. Oh! how often have I crucified him
+afresh by my sins, and bid defiance to his mercy. But now he has
+forgiven me, and granted me to hunger and thirst after him. I pray to
+him continually that he would not forsake me, for I can do nothing of
+myself as I ought. The holy communion is, every time that I enjoy it,
+more valuable to me, because I feel the power of my Saviour's death,
+more than I can express in words." Another: "I have now only one
+object, and that is Jesus; may I never more part with him. Since I
+have had the favour to partake of his holy body and blood in the
+Sacrament, I continually cry to him to keep me under his direction,
+and to preserve me from the evil one, for I am indeed weak. He alone
+is my strength and refuge."
+
+A peculiar blessing also attended the administration of the ordinance,
+not only to those who partook, but to those, likewise, who were
+permitted to be spectators. At Nain, in the month of February, when
+that holy feast was celebrated, three Esquimaux, Joseph, Lydia, and
+Kitura, were present as candidates, and Sarah with a view to
+confirmation; the three women were so much affected that they cried
+and sobbed aloud, and after the service was concluded were so
+overpowered that they could hardly stand, and still continued weeping.
+Being brought into the mission-house, when they recovered themselves
+they said they were so overcome by a sense of the presence of the Lord
+Jesus, that they knew not where they were nor what they did. They wept
+on account of their unworthiness, and would now give their whole
+hearts to him who died for them. On the following day Sarah came, and
+brought all the metal rings with which she had decorated her fingers
+after the Esquimaux fashion, and wished to part with them, and
+assigned as her reason, that she wished to delight herself in nothing
+now but Jesus. Lydia, Louisa, and others followed, and brought their
+pearl ornaments to dispose of, as they thought it improper for
+Christian women to be gaudily decked out in costly pearls; and this
+they did spontaneously, without being spoken to by the missionaries,
+who never begin with finding fault with the dress or ornaments of
+inquirers.
+
+Before the Esquimaux set out for their fishing or hunting stations,
+the members of the church usually partook of a love feast together,
+and united in thanksgiving and prayer for the mercies they had
+received, and for the continuance of the Divine blessing. Siksigak,
+now named Mark, and Joseph, at their return, having been remarkably
+successful, treated all the inhabitants of Nain with a meal of seals'
+flesh. The entertainment was given in the open air, and Mark opened it
+in an edifying manner by singing some verses of a hymn expressive of
+thanks to their heavenly Father, for providing for their bodily wants,
+in which all the Esquimaux joined most devoutly, exhibiting a very
+different scene from the riotous gluttony of the heathen.
+
+After the people reassembled at the end of the season, the winter
+arrangements were made. The communicants were divided into classes,
+male and female, the former under the care of the missionaries, and
+the latter under that of their wives. In their meetings the
+conversation was unrestrained and profitable, many little grievances
+were done away, and brotherly love promoted. "That of the communicant
+sisters," the diary of Dec 11 remarks, "was remarkably lively; their
+conversation treated of the great love of the Saviour in dying on the
+cross to save them from death, and their own unworthiness to be so
+highly favoured as to be permitted to approach unto his table, and
+there to feed on him by faith, and to experience the power of his
+sufferings and death in the quickening of their souls." They added,
+that upon that occasion they sometimes felt a desire to depart out of
+the world, to see him face to face, and thank him for his mercy
+revealed to them. Mark thus addressed his countrymen: "If we who
+belong to this class are with our whole hearts converted to Jesus, and
+determine, by his help, to put aside all the old deceitful and evil
+ways, and give ourselves up entirely to him, then we shall feel his
+power within us. It has been a very painful thing for me to leave my
+brethren at Hopedale, but I shall live here with pleasure if I
+perceive that we are come together with a view to belong to our
+Saviour, and in truth to believe on him, and to become his faithful
+followers. I am indeed not fit to teach you, but yet I wished to say
+what I hope from your love, and our being bound together in one mind,
+to live unto the praise of God. You all know that formerly I led a
+very wicked life, but at Hopedale Jesus Christ called me by his
+powerful voice, saved me from death, and forgave my sins. As my
+conversion to him began at that place, I feel a peculiar attachment to
+it." He was heard with great attention, and all exclaimed, "Yes! we
+all desire to become such people, over whom Jesus may rejoice, and
+pray him to grant us all true conversion."
+
+The children likewise had their meetings, in which they sung hymns and
+prayed, during which they were frequently so sensibly affected that
+they would burst out into weeping. A boy who gave evidence of being
+truly awakened, called upon the missionaries and told them, "We boys
+have been sitting together by ourselves and speaking, both of our own
+sinfulness and of the mercy we have experienced from our Saviour. At
+the close of our conversation we kneeled down and prayed to him in
+fellowship, that he would deliver us from all power of sin, during
+which my heart grew so warm that I felt it penetrate to my feet"--a
+phrase used by the Esquimaux to express great inward joy. "Jesus,"
+continued he, "was very near us. I will give him my whole heart as his
+property." The schools were diligently attended, both by young and
+old, whose improvement in Christian knowledge, and in the facility of
+reading, advanced steadily, while several among the scholars evinced a
+strong desire to know Jesus, and live to him. But at Okkak in the
+following year an unusual emotion appeared among the scholars. One
+day, while the teachers were closing the schools as usual by singing a
+verse, there arose such an affection of heart, that all melted into
+tears, and at last without any direction they all fell on their knees.
+The missionary, therefore, who was keeping the school knelt down also,
+and was powerfully excited to fervent prayer for these dear little
+ones, commending them to the grace of the Saviour, that he would
+preserve them from the many snares of Satan, and sanctify and build
+them up in the faith. Some of the more advanced youths gave the
+missionaries much pleasure by their simplicity and frankness in
+speaking of their hearts; two of them--companions--conversing with one
+of the brethren, said, "When we are out together hunting we speak of
+Jesus and pray to him, and often feel such power and happiness in
+thinking of him that we weep for joy. But how is it that we have so
+long heard of him, and he is but just now become precious to us?" They
+could not explain the phenomenon; but they felt that a long train of
+historical proof, or of external evidence, was unnecessary to
+establish the authenticity of the gospel-message. "How is it," added
+one of them, "that formerly I used to think--It is all fiction! There
+is no Jesus! And now I know in truth that Jesus lives and loves me,
+and sometimes draws so near to me that I weep for gratitude and
+delight. To him I will give myself both soul and body."
+
+In the back ground, at the distance, stand out in horrible and
+melancholy contrast the effects of satanic influence on the conduct of
+his votaries. The wife of the old sorcerer, Uiverunna, having died,
+the old monster seized a poor orphan child, whom they had formerly
+adopted, and murdered him; then cut him across all the joints of his
+fingers and toes, ripped open his belly, and threw the body naked
+into the sea, an offering to appease the wrath of the water-devil he
+worshipped, and by whose aid he pretended to work great wonders, but
+who now required a greater sacrifice than usual, as he had not saved
+his wife's life. But his day of retribution did not long linger.
+Having boasted that his Torngak had killed a man, Kullugak's two
+wives, who died suddenly within a few hours of each other at Okkak,
+where the family had obtained leave to settle, Kullugak, in company
+with another Esquimaux, assassinated the poor wretch within eight days
+after he had sacrificed the unfortunate infant.
+
+For several succeeding years the progress of the awakening continued
+to advance at all the three settlements, both among the heathen by
+whom they were visited, and among the residents, while the believers
+grew in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord their Saviour; and the
+decided nature of the change which had taken place was evidenced by
+the professing Esquimaux declining their pernicious intercourse with
+the Europeans, while their heathen countrymen, who were determined to
+retain the abominations of their forefathers, were as unwilling to
+reside among them; so much so, indeed, that the missionaries at
+Hopedale, writing to Europe in 1807, remarked, "No heathen families
+have lived near us, and it appears as if that old den of Satan at
+Avertok would remain unoccupied. Three Europeans lived about half a
+day's journey from hence, but as none of our Esquimaux went to them
+they did not call here." The report of the brethren in 1809 was:
+"Concerning our dear Esquimaux congregation, we may truly and
+thankfully declare that we have perceived a continued work of the Holy
+Spirit within their souls, leading them to a better acquaintance with
+themselves as depraved creatures, who stand in daily need of the
+saving grace of our Almighty Saviour. They are earnest in prayer to
+him that he would preserve them from falling back into their former
+wicked and superstitious courses." The accounts from Nain were to the
+same effect: "Our communicants," say they, "have made a perceptible
+advance both in the knowledge of themselves as sinners, and of Jesus
+as their Saviour. They have been taught to know how needful constant
+dependance on, and communion with him is, if they would walk worthy of
+their heavenly calling." It is a melancholy and stumbling remark, that
+as the converted Esquimaux advanced in knowledge and in decency of
+conduct, so in proportion those who formed an intimate connexion with
+the Europeans in the south increased in enmity to the word of God, and
+to the Saviour's name in particular, declaring they would hear or
+listen to nothing about him.
+
+Oral instruction has, from the beginning, been the principal, and most
+efficient means, which God has employed in propagating the gospel; but
+the written word has been always necessary for establishing and
+building up the churches in their most holy faith. Never did Satan
+employ a more effectual method for covering the earth with thick
+darkness, than by instigating his servants, under pretence of a high
+reverence for the holy word, to shut it up from the people; and when
+God wills mercy to a nation, he removes all the hindrances which
+obstruct its diffusion. As the Esquimaux advanced in their course,
+they were furnished, by means of the press, with portions of the
+Scriptures as they could be got translated. The brethren, however,
+wisely prepared the way for this important work, by translating hymns
+and tracts, and a harmony of the Gospels, where any deficiency in the
+language could be more easily rectified than in a book, destined to be
+left as a permanent legacy to future generations. The joy of the
+Esquimaux on receiving the hymn books in 1809, was inexpressibly
+great. "We wish," the missionaries write, "our dear brethren had been
+present at the distribution, to see the fervent gratitude with which
+they were received. They entreated us, with tears, to express their
+thankfulness to their fathers and brethren in the east, for this
+present." In 1810, they received the Harmony of the Gospels, also
+printed by the Brethren's Society in London for the furtherance of the
+Gospel, and the Gospel of John and part of Luke, printed at the
+expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who undertook to
+print the other parts as they could be got ready. Meanwhile the
+superintendant, Burghardt, finished the translation of the Acts, and
+the epistles to the Romans and Ephesians, which were read from the MS
+to the Esquimaux congregation, who were highly delighted to hear the
+words and exhortations of our Saviour's apostles, and particularly
+struck with the character and writings of the apostle Paul. Along with
+their activity in the Christian life, the activity of the converted
+Esquimaux, in their temporal concerns, increased. The missionaries in
+the different settlements had erected saw mills; the Esquimaux, under
+their direction, kept them frequently in employment, and built
+substantial store-houses for themselves, for preserving their winter's
+stores; and when the scarcity of food in their own neighbourhood
+obliged them to go to a distance in search of seals or whales, or to
+the cod-fishing, their anxiety to return, to enjoy the benefits of
+instruction from their teachers, and of communion with their
+fellow-Christians, quickened their diligence in their necessary
+avocations. At the close of 1810, the number of the inhabitants at the
+three settlements amounted to 457, of whom 265 belonged to the
+different classes of communicants, baptized and candidates for
+baptism.
+
+Hitherto the settlements, though occasionally visited by the
+contagious diseases that periodically afflicted the country, had never
+known more than a partial sickness; but in 1811, the small society at
+Hopedale suffered severely from an epidemic, which, so far as we are
+able to judge from the symptoms mentioned in the diary, quoted below,
+bore some distant resemblance to the spasmodic cholera. "On the
+evening of the 24th of July, we were all suddenly thrown into the
+greatest confusion, by the arrival of a boat, with our people, from
+Tikkerarsuk, one of their provision-places in the south:
+Mark--formerly Siksigak--was dead, and several others dangerously
+ill. When they went out in the morning, they were all in good health,
+but were suddenly seized with a nervous affection, which, in a very
+short time, terminated fatally; notwithstanding every assistance,
+Samuel died in the night. Next morning another boat arrived, and
+brought Adam and Isaac, both dead, though they had yesterday been both
+fishing in their kaiaks; the four dead bodies were obliged to be
+immediately buried, as they quickly showed signs of corruption. The
+same evening, Daniel brought in his boat four dying persons; at five
+o'clock the younger, Mark, died. On the 26th, early in the morning,
+the widow Rebecca, and in the forenoon, young Philip departed; before
+twelve o'clock, the bodies became so offensive, that it was necessary
+to inter them. All were filled with alarm and terror, but to our
+comfort we also remarked submission to the will of the Lord. The sick,
+in general, declared they were willing to go to the Saviour when he
+should call them; some said they felt their unworthiness to appear
+before him, and yet expressed their reliance upon his sufferings as
+their only refuge; but from total debility and oppression they could
+speak very little: they complained of great weakness, lameness,
+blindness, and a feeling of suffocation. At four in the afternoon
+little Abel, and in the same tent, the widow Salome, and at six
+o'clock old Thomas, (Kapik,) died. 27th, There was little improvement;
+besides those who remained ill many more began to complain, and cried
+out to us for assistance, so that we knew not where to go or who to
+help first. At eleven o'clock the four dead were buried, which made
+ten. On the 29th a great many were taken ill; at four in the
+afternoon, Magdalene departed comfortable and happy. Father Abel, who
+had willingly assisted in burying the dead, followed the same evening.
+His wife, Benigna, who had faithfully attended the sick, was prevented
+from nursing him, being herself laid up. The dead bodies were laid in
+their place of rest next day. We now felt that all of us were more or
+less worn out by this great affliction, some of us actually sick, and
+none certain but he might be seized the next moment. To add to our
+distress, many children were rendered orphans by the loss of both
+father and mother, which called forth our sighs to our gracious and
+merciful God and Lord for his compassion and assistance, and felt
+revived with the hope that he would hear and help us. Some of the sick
+began to recover: but on the evening of the 31st the Saviour took
+Abel's wife, Benigna, home to her blessed rest, and on the following
+morning, August 1, she was laid in her grave; at seven o'clock in the
+evening we held a meeting with the Esquimaux, especially with regard
+to improve the solemn warning given in that harvest the Lord had
+gathered from this church. From conversations held with several of the
+sisters on the 12th, we clearly perceived that the removal of so many
+of our number had made a deep impression on them, and had brought them
+to reflect on the necessity of constantly depending on the Saviour,
+and being ever ready to meet him when he shall come to gather them
+also into his garner."
+
+But to their great grief the missionaries discovered that this was not
+the happy state of all. When the disease abated they learned with the
+utmost pain, that some, even of their communicants, in their agony and
+terror, had had recourse to their old heathenish practices; and what
+was worse, had endeavoured to appease their consciences by attempting
+to assimilate them to Old Testament rites imperfectly understood. They
+had killed a dog, and cut the ears off many others, that by sprinkling
+themselves with the blood of the dog they might prevent death from
+approaching them. Under the influence of a fanatical delusion, they
+compared this with the offerings of the Jews, and particularly with
+the slaying of the Paschal Lamb, and sprinkling the blood on the
+lintel and posts of the door. "Our situation we feel very difficult,"
+complained the anxious missionaries, "as the enemy uses all his
+ingenuity to blind the poor people, and knows how to employ their fear
+and distress to harden their hearts, and to prevent them from
+discerning their sins and repenting. It appears as if he exerted every
+power to destroy this little congregation, but we hope that God will
+shortly bruise Satan under our feet, and not allow his attempts to
+prosper."
+
+They found it necessary to exclude several from partaking of the holy
+supper, and this severity was the blessed mean of soon bringing them
+to repentance and sorrow for their sins. Others who had fainted, but
+not fallen in the day of trial, expressed themselves now convinced of
+the necessity of watching over their hearts, that they might not be
+seduced to seek false comfort or unlawful assistance: they had, during
+the time of this awful visitation, as well as they could, kept close
+to Jesus and prayed to him; but they were nevertheless troubled with
+fearful thoughts--as that they might all perish, and how sad it would
+be if their teachers should turn away from them, when there was no one
+to come to their assistance, and when they could not help themselves.
+But they now saw that they had greatly erred in indulging these hard
+thoughts, for Jesus had delivered them in their necessity. They felt
+that they ought to be thankful, but they came far short of that
+gratitude they owed to him.
+
+Nain and Okkak were mercifully spared this year, and in the grand
+object of their labours the brethren had still occasion to bless the
+Lord that he graciously owned the preaching of the glad tidings of
+salvation, and accompanied it with power and the demonstration of his
+Spirit: often was his presence powerfully felt, particularly when,
+from time to time, individuals were added to the church by baptism, or
+when they partook of the holy sacrament of our Lord's body and blood,
+in fellowship together.
+
+The outward circumstances of the missions in Labrador this year were
+uncommonly prosperous--they sent to England upwards of 100 tons of
+blubber, 2000 seals' skins, and 2750 fox skins.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ Desire of the heathen to hear the Gospel.--Brethren meditate a new
+   settlement--voyage to explore the country.--Quiet course of the
+   mission--advantages of their church discipline.--Death of
+   Burghardt.--Exertions of the aged survivors.--Schreiber,
+   superintendant, arrives.--Anxiety of the native Christians to
+   attend the ordinances of religion.--Advantages of the Bible as a
+   school-book.--Four missionaries unexpectedly carried to
+   England.--Baptized Esquimaux seduced by traders.--Perilous
+   voyage of the returning missionaries.--striking
+   accident.--Schreiber retires from the
+   superintendance--Kohlmeister succeeds--his journeyings to Okkak,
+   to Nain.--Stability of the work of God at Nain--hopeful
+   deaths--conversion and recovery of a young native.--Remarkable
+   preservation of an Esquimaux youth.
+
+
+Ever since the settlement of the brethren on the east coast of
+Labrador, scarcely a year had passed, without their being visited by
+great numbers of Esquimaux from the north, either for the purposes of
+traffic or curiosity; and latterly, to visit their friends and
+acquaintances who had become residents. From these strangers, the
+missionaries obtained much interesting information respecting the
+inhabitants along the coast; they were told that the most considerable
+part of the nation dwelt beyond Cape Chudleigh, lat. 60 deg. 17 m.,
+called by them Killineck; that accounts of the settlement had reached
+them, and that they were desirous of teachers to instruct them in the
+good words. When some of these natives were asked by the brethren to
+remain and settle with them, they expressed a great inclination to
+have done so, but urged as an objection, the difficulty of procuring
+food for their families, and requested the missionaries rather to come
+to them, where they could be easily able to obtain a comfortable
+supply. The brethren, in consequence, had long meditated a new
+settlement, and the Society for the furtherance of the Gospel had
+repeatedly consulted with them about the best plan for carrying their
+wishes into execution. Various obstacles had, however, always
+prevented any effectual steps being taken, till, in consequence of
+repeated invitations, it became a subject of serious consideration, by
+what means a more correct idea of the extent and dwelling places of
+the Esquimaux nation might be obtained, and a general wish was
+expressed, that one or more of the missionaries would undertake the
+perilous task of visiting such places as were reported to contain
+more inhabitants than the southern coast, but remained unknown to
+European navigators.
+
+When brother Kohlmeister was in Europe, it was arranged with the
+Synodal Committee for the management of the missions of the United
+Brethren, that an exploratory voyage should be undertaken, for which
+Kohlmeister made preparation on his return to Labrador, and on the
+17th of June, he and brother Kmoch set out from Okkak. The vessel
+engaged for the arduous undertaking, was a two masted shallop, 45 feet
+long, 12 broad, and 5 deep, belonging to Jonathan, (vide p. 213) who
+also accompanied them as their captain. Jonathan was a man of superior
+understanding and skill, possessed of uncommon intrepidity, and looked
+up to, at Hopedale, as the chief of his nation. It was therefore no
+small sacrifice on his part, to agree to leave, for an indefinite
+time, the place where he was so much respected; but he was ready to
+forsake all, and enter on an expedition of unknown length and peril,
+in the hope that it would be a means of introducing the gospel among
+his countrymen. The greater part of the other Esquimaux thought the
+voyage impracticable, and an old Angekok predicted that if the
+adventurers did not perish in the violent currents that set in round
+Cape Chudleigh, they most certainly would never return.
+
+But none of these dark forebodings made any impression on the mind of
+Jonathan. When told that the wild heathen would kill him, he generally
+answered, "Well we will try, we shall know better when we get there;"
+and once, when conversing with the missionaries, who were not
+altogether without apprehension, remarked, "When I hear people talking
+about the danger of being killed, I think--Jesus went to death out of
+love to us; what great matter would it be, if we were to be put to
+death in his service, should that be his good pleasure concerning us."
+Nor did his conduct belie his profession: under all circumstances,
+during the voyage, his firm, cheerful faithfulness, proved honourable
+to his character as a true convert. Besides the missionaries, the
+expedition consisted of four Esquimaux families from Hopedale, and one
+from Okkak, who attended with a skin, or woman's boat, in case of any
+accident befalling the shallop, and to be used in landing, as the
+larger vessel could never safely be brought close to the shore--in all
+eighteen persons.
+
+As they coasted along, they met several Christian Esquimaux, who were
+scattered at different summer provision places. At Kangerlualuksoak,
+sixty miles north of Okkak, a fishing station, with a fine strand and
+excellent harbour, where they rested on the 30th, [Lord's day,] the
+missionaries went on shore, and visited the Christian families, whom
+they assembled together for public worship. The congregation amounted
+to about fifty, including the boat's company. Brother Kohlmeister
+addressed them, and expressed his hope that they were all walking
+worthy of their Christian profession--presenting a good example to
+their heathen neighbours. A number of strangers sat as listeners, and
+the missionaries felt their hearts dilate with joy, to hear the
+cheerful voices of converted heathen melodiously sounding forth the
+praises of God, and giving glory to the name of Jesus their Redeemer,
+in a place which had but lately been a den of murderers, and dedicated
+by sorcerers to the service of the devil. Proceeding northward, they
+soon found their progress obstructed by drift ice, which forced them,
+after two days of incessant labour, to seek shelter in the estuary of
+a river, Nullatartok, where being blocked up, they went on shore, and
+pitched their tents on a beautiful valley, enamelled with potentilla
+aurea in full bloom, resembling a European meadow covered with
+butter-cups. The river abounded with salmon-trout; and their hunters
+killed two rein-deer, a seasonable supply, as they were detained here
+twelve days. On the 16th July, they reached Nachvak, where the high
+rocky mountains, glowing in the splendour of the morning sun,
+presented a most magnificent prospect. About fifty heathen Esquimaux,
+who had encamped here, received them with loud shouts and the firing
+of muskets, and while they remained, behaved with great modesty,
+neither annoying them by impertinent curiosity, nor harassing them by
+importunate begging; they also attended their morning and evening
+prayers with great silence, and apparent devotion. They heard the
+discourses of the missionaries with respectful stillness, but they
+listened with much greater eagerness to the exhortations of their own
+countrymen. Jonas, a son of Jonathan, addressed them thus: "We were
+but lately as ignorant as you are now; we were long unable to
+understand the comfortable words of the gospel; we had neither ears to
+hear, nor hearts to receive them, till Jesus by his power, opened our
+hearts and ears. Now we know what Jesus did for us, and how great the
+happiness of those is, who come unto him--love him as their Saviour,
+and know that they shall not be lost, when this life is past. Without
+this, we live in constant fear of death. You will enjoy the same
+happiness, if you turn and believe on Jesus. We are not surprised that
+you do not yet understand us. We were once like you, but now we thank
+Jesus our Redeemer with tears of joy, that He has revealed himself
+unto us." This address, delivered with great energy, produced, at
+least, a temporary effect, for one of the leading men of the party,
+Onalik, exclaimed, "I am determined to be converted to Jesus;" and
+another, Tallagaksoak, made the same declaration, adding, "He would no
+longer live among the heathen."
+
+Having spent two days with these people, the expedition proceeded on
+their voyage, and passing Nennoktok, were constrained by tempestuous
+weather to anchor in Kummaktorvik-bay. Here they met with four
+Esquimaux families, of whom John, and Mary his mother, had once been
+residents at Okkak, but had left the brethren, and retired to the
+heathen; with them Kohlmeister spoke very seriously, representing the
+danger of their state as apostates from the faith, but they showed no
+symptoms of compunction, and seemed determined to persist in their
+ways. When the storm ceased, they resumed their course, and after a
+providential escape from shipwreck on a sunken rock, they arrived it
+Oppernavik, where they found Uttakyak, a chief of superior
+understanding, and of great influence among his countrymen, with his
+two wives and youngest brother, waiting to receive them. He had, while
+on a voyage to Okkak in 1800, given the brethren particular accounts
+of these regions, and as he had learned that the missionaries intended
+to take a voyage to Ungava-bay, he had waited during the whole spring
+for them, and put up signals on all heights surrounding his tent, that
+they might not miss him. Successive storms, and accumulating ice,
+prevented the progress of our adventurers till the 1st of August, when
+they left their harbour, and entered Ikkerasak, a narrow channel
+between Cape Chudleigh Islands, and the continent; it is ten miles in
+length, and dangerous from the currents and whirlpools occasioned by
+the flowing and ebbing of the tide, but the missionaries passed
+through in safety at low water with a fair wind. On quitting the
+channel, the coast ran S.S.W. low, with gently sloping hills, and the
+sea [Hudson's straits] appeared studded with small islands. Here they
+saw the Ungava country at a distance, stretching to the south before
+them.
+
+Three skin boats, filled with Esquimaux, came to bid them welcome, and
+followed them to Omanek, a small island, where they pitched their
+tents; brother Kohlmeister visited them on shore, and explained to
+them the design of their voyage: they listened, but could not
+comprehend the scope of his discourse; they shouted, however, with
+joy, when he told them that he would come and see them in their own
+country. Many among them had never seen a European before, and not
+content with accurately inspecting them on every side, came close up
+to the travellers, and "pawed" them all over.
+
+Dismissing them highly grateful with some trifling presents, the
+voyagers proceeded, and on the 7th reached the entering of the great
+river Kangerlualuksoak, 140 miles S.S.W. of Cape Chudleigh, lat. 58
+deg. 57 m. Sailing up the bay, they found a fine slope or terrace
+facing the south, covered with shrubs, from whence a wooded valley
+extended to the left, which they fixed upon as the most suitable place
+for a settlement. Uttakisk, who had spent more than one winter in the
+Ingura country, assured them that there was an ample supply of native
+provisions both summer and winter, and that many of the Esquimaux
+would resort to them from every quarter, if they were once fairly
+settled. And the missionaries were satisfied that Europeans might find
+the means of existence, as the place was accessible to ships, and had
+wood and water in plenty. Before departing therefore, they set up high
+marks of stones on two opposite hills at the entrance of the bay, and
+placed a board on the declivity of a hill to the right, on one side of
+which they cut G. III. R. and S.U.F.--Georgius III Rex, Societas
+Unitatis Fratrum; and on the other, the initials of the missionaries,
+with the date of their arrival. This tablet was raised with some
+solemnity in presence of Uttakisk and his family, as representatives
+of the people of Ungava; and the missionaries informed them, that they
+had taken possession of the place, in case they or their brethren
+should think proper to settle there, and called all present to bear
+witness; they then proclaimed that the name of the river should
+henceforth be called George River, after which three vollies were
+fired by those on shore, and answered from the boat.--The texts of
+Scripture for the day, were very encouraging:--"From the rising of the
+sun, even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among
+the Gentiles, saith the Lord of hosts," Mal. ii 1. "At the name of
+Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
+and things under the earth; and every tongue shall confess that Jesus
+Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," Phil. ii 10, 11.
+After the ceremony, pease and bread and beer were distributed among
+the Esquimaux, which enabled them to make a splendid feast, and the
+day was spent in the most agreeable manner.
+
+Next day [Aug. 13th] they left George River, and after beating about
+till the 17th, they cast anchor near a point of land, Kernertut, where
+they expected to lie in safety [the whole of the crew, except Jonas
+and his children and two boys, had gone on shore in the skin boat;]
+but during the night, the wind blew a gale, which increased in
+violence till daybreak; the sea rose to a tremendous height, and the
+rain fell in torrents. Notwithstanding the shallop had three anchors
+out, she was tossed about dreadfully, the sea frequently breaking
+quite over her, insomuch that they expected every moment to be
+swallowed up in the abyss. Jonathan, and the rest of their company,
+were obliged to be passive spectators from the beach, where they
+waited the event in silent anguish, looking every moment when the
+vessel should break from her moorings, and be driven on the rocks.
+About noon, the rope by which the small boat was fastened brake; she
+was immediately carried up the bay, and thrown, by the violence of
+the surf, on the top of a rock, where she stuck fast, keel upwards.
+When the tide turned, the raging of the sea and the wind began to
+abate, and Jonathan and the other men, as soon as it was practicable,
+came to the assistance of the distressed and worn-out brethren. He was
+quite overcome with joy, unable to utter a word; he held out his hand,
+and shed tears of gratitude at meeting with them alive, for he had
+given them up as irremediably lost. The little boat was brought down
+from her pinnacle, to the great surprise of all, without material
+injury.
+
+Since leaving George's river, the expedition had made little more than
+fourteen or fifteen miles, and were at least seventy or eighty, as far
+as they could judge, from the river Koksoak, the western boundary of
+the Ungava country, which they had fixed upon as the final object of
+their voyage. The season was far advanced, and the Esquimaux
+represented to them, that if they proceeded farther, it would be
+impossible to return to Okkak before winter. In this dilemma, the
+missionaries, unable to decide, retired to their hut, and after
+weighing all the circumstances maturely, determined to commit their
+case to Him in whose name they had entered upon this voyage, and
+kneeling down entreated him to hear their prayers in their
+embarrassing situation, and to make known to them his will concerning
+their future proceedings, whether they should persevere in fulfilling
+the whole aim of their voyage, or give up a part and return
+home.--"The peace of God," add the missionaries, "which filled our
+hearts on this memorable occasion, and the strong conviction wrought
+in us both, that we should persevere in his name to fulfil the whole
+of our commission, relying without fear on his help and preservation,
+no words can describe; but those who believe in the fulfilment of the
+gracious promises of Jesus given to his poor followers and disciples,
+will understand us when we declare, that we were assured that it was
+the will of God our Saviour, that we should not now return and leave
+our work unfinished, but proceed to the end of our proposed voyage.
+Each of us communicated to his brother the conviction of his
+heart--all fears and doubts vanished--and we were filled anew with
+courage and willingness to act in obedience to it in the strength of
+the Lord." When they made known their determination to Jonathan, and
+the reasons which swayed them, he without hesitation replied, "Yes!
+that is also my conviction! We will go whither Jesus directs us. He
+will bring us safe to our journey's end, and safe home again." With
+renewed strength and spirits, the missionaries set forward, and their
+companions, who had been wonderfully refreshed and invigorated by
+their success among the seals and the rein-deer, willingly followed.
+They encountered a severe storm, and escaped many hidden dangers, as
+they coasted along a dangerous and unknown shore; but, guided by His
+hand in whom they trusted, they had the pleasure of reaching the mouth
+of the Koksoak, August 25th, 58 deg. 36 m. N.L. about 700 miles from
+Okkak--Cape Chudleigh half way. To the west the country is called by
+the natives Assokak, the coast turning again W.N.W. The Koksoak here
+is about the breadth of the Thames at Gravesend, and with its various
+windings, much resembles that river for twenty-four miles inland. As
+they sailed upwards, they were hailed by the natives in their kaiaks,
+with "_Innuit, Innuit!_ man, man;" and when they hoisted their colours
+there was a general cry of "Kablunat, Kablunat! Europeans! Europeans!"
+About one P.M. they cast anchor close to an encampment, containing
+fourteen families, some from a distant district called Rivektok. At
+first they appeared shy, but upon receiving a few trifling presents
+became quite familiar; and as many of them had never seen a European,
+walked round them, and inspected them narrowly to see what manner of
+animals they were, having previously received some account of them
+from Uttakiyok's brother, who had joined them. Proceeding farther up
+the river, accompanied by most of the men and some women, they arrived
+at a bay, which by the winding of the stream appears like a lake
+surrounded on all sides with gently rising grounds, well planted with
+woods of moderate size, chiefly birch. Behind the woods are some low
+hills. This place they named Unity's Bay.
+
+Here they found another good situation for a missionary settlement--a
+fine slope, extending for about half an English mile, bounded on each
+extremity by a hill, on both of which they erected high signals.
+Juniper, currants, and other berries, were growing in abundance--and
+some rivulets of water at no great distance. This spot they named
+Pilgerruh, Pilgrim's rest. The view of the interior was in general
+flat, with a few low hills and ponds in some places full of wild
+geese; the largest trees were not more than eight inches in diameter,
+and fifteen or twenty feet high. The Esquimaux informed them that
+farther up the trees were larger. The inhabitants were poor, and
+miserably equipped in comparison of the Esquimaux near the brethren's
+settlement; as those who accompanied the expedition, and who, from
+their intercourse with the Europeans, had obtained many conveniences
+by barter, and from the teaching of the missionaries had acquired a
+knowledge of the gospel. These advantages the latter did not fail to
+expatiate upon to their heathen countrymen; and once the brethren met
+with Sybilla, Jonathan's wife, surrounded by a company of women under
+the shadow of a skin boat, set on edge, exhorting them with great
+simplicity and fervour to hear and believe the gospel. Even Uttakiyok
+occasionally engaged in advocating the same cause, explained as well
+as he could the reason of the Brethren's living in Labrador, and
+exclaimed, "My friends, let us all be converted to Jesus." Having
+finished their observations on this quarter, the missionaries resolved
+to return, as, from the account given by their able and faithful
+conductor, Uttakiyok, whose information they had hitherto found
+correct, the western coast on the opposite side of the bay was bare
+and without any proper landing place, and at this season of the year
+uninhabited, the Esquimaux being generally employed in the interior
+in hunting the rein-deer; they, therefore, Sept. 1., left the river
+and shaped their course homeward. The natives shewed the greatest
+reluctance to part with them, and called after them, "Come soon again;
+we shall always be wishing to see you." Several of them, and among
+these their disinterested friend, Uttakiyok, followed them for some
+miles, repeating their entreaties for their speedy return, and
+promising to settle beside them when they came. At parting, they
+presented Uttakiyok with their skin boat and several useful articles,
+as a recompense for the important, essential, and affectionate
+services he had rendered them. On the 4th October they reached Okkak
+in safety, after an absence of three months and ten days, having
+performed a voyage of from twelve to thirteen hundred miles. An
+account of their expedition was transmitted home,[I] but circumstances
+prevented the mission from being undertaken for several years.
+
+No very remarkable alteration took place at any of the different
+stations, during the two succeeding years. The increase of their
+number was gradual, and their advance in the Christian course quiet
+but perceptible; and at Okkak they had the pleasure of readmitting,
+upon their repentance and acknowledgment of their sin, the members
+they had been forced to exclude for their misconduct during the past
+season; and it is not the least among the mercies of God towards the
+brethren, nor one which ought to be passed over in silence, the
+benefit which their congregations derive from the kind and judicious,
+yet firm administration of church discipline; in a majority of
+instances it answers the ends for which it was instituted--the brother
+is gained instead of being driven away to associate with the world,
+and to nourish a spirit of dislike, if not of hatred, towards those
+with whom he was formerly in fellowship--a melancholy consequence when
+this ordinance of the Saviour is not attended to in the spirit of
+love.
+
+In 1812, the superintendant, Burghardt, was called to his reward; he
+had been able to fulfil the duties of his office till within three
+days of his departure. He was obliged to take to his bed on the 24th
+of July, and had appointed the 28th to confer with his brethren on
+various subjects, but when that day came, he was so much exhausted,
+that this was found impracticable. He had done with active service
+upon earth. He now lay quiet, in peaceful expectation of the happy
+moment when his Lord and Master would call him to rest. About three
+o'clock in the afternoon, he breathed his last in a most gentle and
+peaceful manner, in presence of the family gathered around his bed.
+"During this transaction," the missionaries add, in their letter
+announcing the event, "a powerful feeling of divine peace prevailed
+among us, and many tears were shed by us who are left behind, to
+follow the example of this devoted servant of Jesus. He had attained
+to the age of seventy nine years."
+
+His removal brought forward, in a very prominent point of view, the
+unwearied diligence of the Moravian missionaries, who unite so much
+active exertion in temporal affairs, with such devotedness to
+spiritual exercises, and, in a pre-eminently apostolic conduct,
+exhibit the import of the injunctions, "not slothful in
+business,"--"fervent in spirit,"--"serving the Lord." "In consequence
+of this vacancy," they continue, "and the age of two others of us, who
+are fast approaching their seventieth year, we are not able to do any
+great things by manual labour; however, we contrive to perform what is
+absolutely requisite, and intend, with the Lord's blessing, to
+prepare for the building of a new church, as the present is much too
+small, and gone to decay, We thank you for your readiness to assist us
+with the necessary help."
+
+Next year, 1813, brother Schreiber arrived to succeed the late
+lamented Burghardt as superintendant, and brought with him two
+efficient missionaries. The general course of the mission for some
+time continued pretty uniform, the meetings were always well attended,
+and so great was the desire of the people to be present, that some
+came at the hazard of their lives; especially the sisters, who, when
+they had no boat of their own, would venture across bays some miles in
+breadth, sitting behind their husbands on their narrow kaiaks. The
+number of printed books circulated in the congregations, and now
+constantly increasing, kept alive the desire to learn to read and
+understand the holy Scriptures. The schools were thronged by young and
+old.
+
+It has sometimes been asserted that the sacred writings are ill
+adapted for school books; that they are above the capacity of
+children, and do not possess those attractions which little stories,
+extracts from entertaining writers, histories of our own and other
+countries present.[J] Without entering upon any argument, it may be
+sufficient to remark, that at no time did our native Scotland produce
+a more intelligent, acute, and moral race, than that generation which
+was educated in schools where the Bible and the Shorter Catechism were
+the chief, if not the sole, medium of their instruction. At the
+Moravian settlements the same effects flow from a similar mode of
+tuition, and the mind that has been early exercised in searching out
+the meaning of the Divine Oracles of truth, comes well prepared to
+estimate the realities of life, and form a true and correct judgment
+upon common topics and matters of daily occurrence: they have been
+taught that the present ought to be improved with a reference to the
+future, not only in spiritual but in temporal matters, and the natural
+consequence is, that the converted Esquimaux and their children become
+at once an intelligent and a provident race. So long as they continued
+heathen their intellect in general appeared incapable of comprehending
+any thing beyond the immediate and grosser cravings of nature, but
+now they understood and could converse upon more rational subjects;
+then no arguments could induce them, not even their own necessities,
+to build store houses, but now they willingly assisted the
+missionaries in erecting these buildings for public use, while in some
+of the settlements they erected new ones for themselves. Along with
+reading, the natives were taught writing and arithmetic, in which many
+of them made no inconsiderable proficiency. Yet, notwithstanding all
+their care and watchfulness, the brethren were not without their
+trials from the members of their congregations, and they, commonly sum
+up their accounts of the prosperous state of their people with some
+such conclusion as this:--"We must after all confess that much
+imperfection is yet seen, and some of those living here are not what
+they ought to be. The enemy is not idle, but endeavours to sift those
+who believe on Jesus; and we grieve to be obliged to mention, that
+even of our communicants there are who have fallen into temptation and
+sin. This shall not damp our courage, but we will continue to direct
+them to Jesus."
+
+Hitherto little interruption had taken place in the communication
+between Labrador and England; the vessel had sailed in safety amid
+enemies and storms, and although in some voyages had been in jeopardy,
+and in others detained, had always made it out to visit all the
+stations; but in 1806 the Jemima was not only prevented from reaching
+Hopedale, but carried four of the missionaries on an involuntary trip
+to England. The ship arrived at the drift ice on the Labrador coast on
+the 16th of July, which Captain Fraser found extending about two
+hundred miles from the land, and after attempting to get in first to
+Hopedale, then to Nain, and last of all to Okkak, he was at length
+completely surrounded by it and in the most imminent danger during six
+days and nights, expecting every moment that the ship would be crushed
+to pieces, till after very great exertions he got towards the outer
+part of the ice. Nevertheless he was still beset with it, and did not
+reach Okkak before August 29. The very next day the whole coast, as
+far as the eye could reach, was entirely choked up by ice, and after
+laying at Okkak nearly three weeks, he was twice forced back by it on
+his passage to Nain, which place he did not reach till Sept 22. After
+staying the usual time the captain proceeded, Oct 3., from Nain for
+Hopedale with fine weather; yet, on account of the lateness of the
+season, and a great deal of drift ice, with but little prospect of
+reaching that settlement. This circumstance he mentioned to the
+brethren at Nain, notwithstanding which, however, Brother Kmoch and
+his wife, and two single brethren, Korner and Christensan, who were
+going to Hopedale, went on board and they set sail; but the same
+evening it came on to blow exceedingly hard, with an immense fall of
+snow and very thick weather, so that they could not see the length of
+the ship, and being within half a mile of a dangerous reef of rocks,
+the captain was obliged to carry a press of sail to clear them, which
+he did but just accomplish, for after that the gale increased to such
+a degree, the wind being right on shore, that he could not carry sail
+any longer, and was obliged to lay the ship to, when the sea broke
+often over her, and he was at last forced, seeing every attempt to
+reach Hopedale vain, to bear away for England. He again experienced a
+gale equal to a hurricane, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of October,
+which, during the evening between the 9th and 10th, was so violent
+that the captain expected the vessel would have foundered. She was at
+one time struck by a sea that twisted her in such a manner that the
+seams on her larboard side opened, and the water gushed into the
+cabin and into the mate's birth as if it came from a pump, and every
+body at first thought her side was stove in; however the Lord was
+pleased to protect every one from harm, nor was the ship very
+materially damaged, neither was any thing lost.
+
+Winter set in severely on the Labrador coast, but this proved an
+advantage to the missions, as those at Nain were enabled to forward
+supplies by sledges to their brethren at Hopedale, who, although
+curtailed of some of their comforts, acknowledged with cheerful
+thankfulness that they had suffered no essential deprivation. The
+Esquimaux were also deprived of their usual supply of food by the
+early winter, which prevented them from taking many seals, either by
+the net or in kaiaks; but, as not unfrequently happened in their times
+of extremity, they were successful in killing a whale, which preserved
+from suffering much from famine, and for which they joined their
+teachers in returning thanks to their heavenly Father. Their number
+was reduced by the death of a venerable brother, Sueb Andersen, who
+had served the mission forty years, as well as Christensan, who had
+been carried to England; but nevertheless, besides their usual daily
+labour, they were able to erect for their own use a building
+containing rooms for holding provisions and fuel, and a bakehouse.
+
+Easily contented, however, as they were with their stinted fare, and
+pleasantly as they could undergo both privation and manual labour;
+they could not see, without the most poignant sorrow, those who had
+begun to run well, hindered in their progress, and the greatest
+affliction they felt, and the only one which extorted from them a
+complaint in this trying season, was the seduction of several of their
+congregation. Four traders from the south, with an Esquimaux family in
+company, spent that winter in their neighbourhood. They sent European
+provisions to the native inhabitants, and invited them to come and
+traffic, which proved a great snare, and disturbed the peaceful course
+of the congregation; for many of the baptized had lived formerly in
+the south, and contracted a taste for European indulgences,
+particularly for strong liquors, from which they had been weaned since
+their settling at Hopedale; but these propensities revived when
+temptation was presented. The brethren spared no pains, by friendly
+exhortations and affectionate remonstrances, to avert the calamity,
+yet they had the grief to see three families of eighteen persons
+desert the station; among whom were six communicants and several
+hopeful young people. The women and children wept bitterly at parting,
+and even the men seemed affected, but the latter, led captive by the
+wiles of the seducer, forced their families to follow. "We cannot
+describe," say the missionaries, "the pain we felt in seeing these
+poor deluded people running headlong into danger, and we cried to our
+Saviour to keep his hand over them in mercy, and not to suffer them to
+become a prey to the enemy of their souls."
+
+Kmoch and his wife, and the single brother Korner, who had so
+unexpectedly visited England, returned to Labrador in the brig Jemima
+in 1817, accompanied by single brother Beck, a descendant of the
+Greenland missionary, who in the third generation inherited the same
+spirit. Their voyage was perilous, and their preservation afforded a
+new display of the mercy of God towards his devoted servants, engaged
+to proclaim salvation to the utmost ends of the earth. On the 2d of
+June the Jemima left London, and after stopping at the Orkneys, they
+reached within 200 miles of the Labrador coast before the 4th of July;
+the weather had been remarkably fine, and they were pleasing
+themselves with speedily arriving at their destination, when the
+ice-birds gave notice of their approaching the ice.[K] Now the wind
+shifted, and on the 7th the drift was seen in every direction: for six
+days they made several attempts to penetrate through different
+openings, but in vain; fields of ice beset the ship on all sides, and
+towards the evening of the 13th they discovered an immense ice-berg
+approaching. They were sailing before the wind, and just when they
+neared it, became enveloped in so thick a fog that they could not see
+a yard from the ship, nor use any means to avoid a concussion which
+threatened instant ruin. After an hour of helpless anxiety the fog
+dispersed, and they perceived that they had providentially passed at a
+very short distance. Next morning land was discovered a-head, which
+the captain endeavoured to reach, but was forced to seek shelter by
+fastening the vessel to a large field of ice three hundred feet in
+diameter, elevated about six above the water, and between fifty and
+sixty in thickness below. Here they lay with little variation from the
+14th to the 20th; when they attempted with a fine breeze to get clear
+out. In the evening, the sky lowered, and it grew very dark. At
+midnight the passengers were roused by a noise on deck, and hastening
+to learn the cause, found they were driving fast towards a huge
+ice-mountain, on which they expected every moment to suffer shipwreck.
+The night was excessively cold with rain, and the sailors suffered
+much before they could again bring the vessel to her moorings. But
+this was only the prelude to greater terrors: shortly after mid-day on
+the 21st, the wind having risen to a tempest, the missionaries were
+alarmed by a tremendous outcry; they instantly ran upon deck, and saw
+the ship with the field to which she was fastened, rapidly driving
+towards another immense mountain, nor did there appear the smallest
+hope of escaping being crushed to pieces between it and the field.
+They all cried fervently to the Lord for speedy help in this most
+perilous situation--for if they had but touched the mountain they must
+have been instantly destroyed. And he heard them: the ship got to such
+a distance that the mountain passed between them and the field, but
+one of their cables was broken and they lost an anchor; and were left
+to the mercy of the storm and the current, in the midst of large
+masses of ice from ten to twenty feet thick. The following night was
+dreadfully dark and tempestuous, and the howling of the wind, and the
+roaring of the ice, as the fields were dashed against each other by
+its fury, rendered it truly terrific; while the fragments, as they
+were dispersing by the storm, struck violently against the vessel, and
+each blow sounded like the harbinger of instant fate. Such shocks were
+repeated every five or ten minutes and sometimes oftener; nor was
+there any possibility of avoiding them. In this awful situation they
+offered up earnest prayers to Him who alone is able to save, and about
+six in the morning they were carried into open water not far from the
+coast, after having spent ten long hours in a state more easily to be
+conceived than described. During the remainder of their voyage they
+encountered several heavy gales, and were threatened occasionally with
+the gathering ice, and their vessel was leaky, but they happily
+arrived at their desired haven in safety. On the 9th of August they
+cast anchor at Hopedale.
+
+Amid the trials which the brethren had to encounter, they acknowledge,
+with gratitude, the mercies that intervened: they witnessed many
+instances of the faithful leading of the Holy Spirit among the
+Esquimaux, particularly in the return of many to the good Shepherd,
+from whom they had strayed--and during the winter, the station of
+Hopedale was preserved from moral contagion by a striking providence.
+Some heathen who had set out to seduce their countrymen to go to the
+south, were overtaken at sea by a violent storm, which dashed their
+large boat in pieces, and being thrown on an unknown desert region,
+where no assistance could be obtained, perished miserably by cold and
+hunger.
+
+At the close of 1819, brother Schreiber returned to Europe, and
+brother Kohlmeister succeeded him as superintendant of the Labrador
+missions, for which he was well adapted, both by his knowledge of the
+country and the language. In the former year he had performed a voyage
+from Okkak to Nain, very different from that remarkable journey in
+1804. The weather was fine and warm, with a gentle favourable breeze,
+and the varied scenery was delightful. He doubled the promontory of
+the Kiglapeit mountains with the greatest ease, and was wafted through
+the narrow channel to Nain, charmed with the verdure that decked the
+shores, the woods in foliage, the hills covered with grass, and the
+vallies spangled with innumerable flowers. Early next year he visited
+Hopedale, and the weather being again fine, he accomplished the
+journey in two days. The dogs drew the sledge over the frozen snow
+with great rapidity; no English post-horses could have done better. He
+had formerly ministered in this settlement, and the inhabitants came
+out to some distance to meet, and bid him welcome. "I was deeply
+affected," says he, in a letter to Mr Latrobe, "on again entering this
+place, in which I had spent so many happy days in the year 1804, when
+it pleased the Lord to send forth his Spirit, and awaken in the hearts
+of the Esquimaux, that hunger and thirst after righteousness and
+salvation, the fruits of which have been so manifest and encouraging
+ever since. I was then eye-witness of astonishing proofs of His power
+and love, and my heart and spirit revived in the recollection of the
+all-conquering and superabounding grace which then prevailed, and by
+which he drew all hearts unto himself."
+
+To the continuance and advancement of this blessed work, the brethren
+were able to bear joyful testimony in the succeeding year. July 31,
+1820, they thus write: "The Lord is graciously pleased to cause his
+power to be made manifest in the conversion of sinners, and in the
+building up our dear Esquimaux flock in the faith by which we are
+saved. This we may truly testify to his praise. The Father draws them
+to the Son, and the Holy Spirit leads them in the way of life
+everlasting. We find open ears and hearts when we declare to them the
+love of Jesus as their Saviour, and his blessing rests upon our feeble
+testimony of his atoning death and passion. Many a heart, by nature
+hard as the surrounding rocks, has been broken by the divine power of
+the word of the cross."
+
+They had, however, to mourn over the loss of three of their most
+approved native Esquimaux brethren, in the prime of life; they were
+suddenly seized with a mortal illness, which, after a short suffering
+of twelve hours, brought them to the grave; but the joyful hope of
+seeing their Saviour face to face, and celebrating the praises of his
+redeeming love, supported them in their dying moments, and comforted
+the hearts of their teachers. Their widows, also, distinguished
+themselves by their resignation to the Lord under this severe
+dispensation, which rendered them desolate, placing their whole trust
+in Him who is the faithful friend of the widow and the fatherless. A
+young married man, a candidate for baptism, was seized with the same
+complaint, and brought to the brink of the grave. In his extremity, he
+complained to one of the missionaries that he had never been truly
+converted to Jesus. "O!" exclaimed he, "if but one drop of the
+precious atoning blood of Jesus would flow upon my soul to cleanse me
+from guilt, that I might be assured in my inward parts, of the
+forgiveness of my many sins!" He was baptized on his sickbed--it was
+an affecting scene--a sense of the presence of the Lord was felt on
+the occasion by all present, by the peace and grace that accompanied
+the administration of the ordinance. The answer to the sick penitent's
+fervent prayer, seemed like that given to the poor repenting thief on
+the cross when he cried, "Lord remember me"--it was immediate. To the
+surprise of all, he recovered, and remained an instance of the love of
+Jesus, even to the chief of sinners.
+
+A remarkable preservation of another Esquimaux youth, was likewise the
+cause of much joy at Hopedale. On the 10th of June, 1819, this lad had
+been carried out to sea upon a flake of ice, which separated from the
+main mass in a terrible storm, and was given up for lost. He, however,
+after having, for some time, been driven about, gained the larger body
+of drift ice, and was carried towards an island, on which he landed.
+Here he staid about two months. He had only a gun, a small knife, and
+a few pieces of cord with him, but neither powder nor shot. Of the
+cord he made nooses and caught eider-ducks, by which, and their eggs,
+he kept himself alive; in the night, he crept under an overhanging
+rock to sleep. At length he discovered a piece of wood floating to the
+shore; of this he made an oar, and, getting on a flake of ice, rowed
+himself to an island nearer the main land, whence he reached two more
+islands nearer still. About the beginning of August, he observed two
+boats steering towards the south, and made signals: these were not
+noticed by the first, which passed on; but the second approached and
+took him in. They were southlanders from Kippolak, with whom he was
+obliged to go on to the south, and remain there till the ice was
+strong enough to admit of his travelling to Hopedale. He removed
+thence to Okkak, where he most unexpectedly arrived, to the
+astonishment of all his relations, who received him as one from the
+dead. He declared that in his banishment from human society, Jesus had
+been his hope and refuge, though the prospect before him was indeed
+terrific. While he gave this account of his escape, his eyes
+overflowed with tears of joy and gratitude; and at the conclusion of
+his narrative, he said to brother Kohlmeister--"Benjamin! I declare to
+you that I was never alone; Jesus was always with me, and I will ever
+follow Jesus, and belong to him in time and eternity."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote I: The Journal of the Voyage, illustrated with a map, was
+published in a separate form. London, 1814.]
+
+[Footnote J: "The children and young people have given us much
+pleasure; they have made good progress in reading, and often speak to
+us of the pleasure it affords them to be able to read the Scriptures
+at home."--Periodical Accounts, vol. 6 p. 241.]
+
+[Footnote K: This bird is about the size of a starling, black, with
+white and yellow spots, flies about a ship chiefly in the night, and
+is known by its singular notes, which resemble a loud laugh.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ Fiftieth anniversary of the missionary vessel's first arrival in
+   Labrador--jubilee of the mission celebrated at Nain.--Summary
+   view of the success of the gospel in Labrador during that
+   period.--Instance of maternal affection.--Esquimaux contribute
+   to the Bible Society.--British sloop of war, Clinker, visits
+   Hopedale.--Captain Martin's testimony to the good effect of the
+   brethren's labours--visits Nain and Okkak--consequences of his
+   favourable report.
+
+
+Fifty years had now elapsed since the first ship arrived at Nain, 9th
+August 1771, with missionaries on board for the service of the
+Esquimaux, and in the morning of the same day of the same month,
+August the 9th, 1820, at eight o'clock, the Harmony cast anchor in the
+same bay, bringing stores and provisions for a Christian settlement
+containing one hundred and sixty-eight inhabitants, chiefly gathered
+from among the heathen, and exercising the habits of civilized life,
+instead of roaming the wilds as rude savages, or infesting the seas
+as ruthless pirates. The day of the vessel's arrival was always a day
+of gladness, as she brought tidings from their Christian friends in
+Europe to the missionaries; and good tidings from a far country,
+especially when brought to such a secluded spot, were doubly welcome.
+That this communication should, notwithstanding all risks, have been
+uninterrupted, afforded much subject for thanksgiving, which the
+brethren expressed by hymns, and likewise endeavoured to show by some
+little external tokens. They hoisted two old small flags and a white
+one, on which the sisters had marked, in large figures, the number 50,
+surrounded by a wreath of green laurel; their small cannon fired
+several shot, which were answered by the ship, and the Esquimaux fired
+their pieces as long as their powder lasted. Meanwhile, some tunes of
+hymns, expressing thanksgiving to God for his mercies, were played on
+wind instruments, which altogether made a good impression on the
+Esquimaux, and gave them an idea of a jubilee rejoicing. Brother
+Kohlmeister explained to them the meaning of the number 50 on the
+flag, and made them understand that it was the fifteenth time that a
+ship had come safely to Nain for their sakes, and how it had been
+preserved, by the wonder-working hand of God, from all harm in these
+dangerous seas, and that this was the cause of these extraordinary
+demonstrations of a joyful gratitude; they listened with great
+attention, and then exclaimed, "Yes! Jesus is worthy of thanks!" nor
+were the sailors unmoved.
+
+Next year, 1821, completed half a century which the brethren had spent
+in Labrador, and was celebrated as the jubilee year at the three
+settlements. At Nain the commemoration day was the 9th of August, in
+all the services of which a spirit of joy and thanksgiving prevailed
+throughout the whole congregation. The baptism of two adults tended
+much to solemnize the festival. "We praised the Lord," say the
+missionaries, "with heart and voice, for all the wonders he has
+wrought in behalf of the mission in Labrador during half a century, in
+which he has led, preserved, and blessed us abundantly. His mighty arm
+has protected us in many dangers, and the preaching of his cross has
+been attended with power and the demonstration of his Spirit in many
+hearts; and many heathen have been brought in as a reward for the
+travail of his soul." An account of the beginning of the mission, and
+of all the remarkable incidents and proofs of the mercy and grace of
+our Saviour during that period, was read to all the congregations in
+their native tongue, and heard with the greatest attention and
+surprise. Since the commencement, 48 brethren and 28 sisters had been
+employed, and at this time there were 15 brethren and 10 sisters at
+the three mission stations of Nain, Okkak and Hopedale. Of the
+Esquimaux nation, there had been baptized 392 adults and 388 children;
+and at the end of this year, there were residing in the different
+settlements, 471 baptized, 45 candidates for baptism, and 68 new
+people, making a total of 584 persons. Truly it might be said of the
+Esquimaux nation, that for them who sat in the shadow of death, under
+the cruel bondage of Satan, God our Saviour wrought deliverance, and
+brought many of them into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
+
+Many had, during that period, departed full of hope, and in the
+preceding summer, among others, a sister of much worth, Joanna, had
+been taken away at Hopedale, under very interesting circumstances.
+While on the ice with her daughter, it gave way, and they both fell
+in. The mother made great exertions to save her child, and with much
+difficulty succeeded, but, her strength failing, she was unable to
+extricate herself, and was drowned. She had led a humble, consistent,
+and exemplary life, and her last words, when in the act of sinking,
+was to commend her departing spirit to the mercy of her Saviour. This
+happy year was likewise marked as that on which the Esquimaux received
+complete copies of the New Testament in their own language, printed at
+the expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and also for the
+proof they gave of the value they set upon the Holy Scriptures, by the
+desire they express that other nations should enjoy similar advantage.
+Having been informed of the nature and aim of the Bible Society, and
+of its labours in the distribution of the Scriptures, the Esquimaux of
+their own accord, began to collect seals' blubber, as a contribution
+towards the expenses of the Society. Some brought whole seals, or half
+seals, or pieces, as they could afford it. Others brought portions of
+blubber in the name of their children, requesting that their poor
+gifts might be accepted. And when they heard that other converted
+heathen, even poorer than they, had contributed to spread the word of
+God, they exclaimed: "How long have not _we_ heard the pleasant and
+comfortable words concerning Jesus Christ our Saviour, and how many
+books have _we_ not received, treating of Him, and yet we have never
+known and considered whence they come. We have indeed sometimes spoken
+together, and observed that these many books given to us without pay,
+must cost a great deal somewhere; but we never have before now known,
+that even poor people bring their money out of pure love, that we may
+get these comfortable words of God. We are indeed poor, but yet might
+now and then bring some blubber, that others who are as ignorant as we
+were formerly, may receive the same gospel which has been so sweet to
+our souls, and thereby be taught to find the way to Jesus and believe
+on him." The donations of these poor Esquimaux were accompanied with
+expressions of thanks for the favours they had received, and earnest
+requests to the Society, that more heathen might be presented with
+"that Book, so far more precious than any thing else in the world."
+
+Various hindrances had prevented the formation of a fourth settlement,
+and during this interval, the tongue of slander had not been silent.
+Mercenary traders had represented to the British authorities, the
+brethren's conduct as hostile to the interest of the colony and their
+traffic with the natives: but fortunately the authorities were not
+disposed to receive implicitly these reports, and the governor of
+Newfoundland, Sir Charles Hamilton, dispatched a sloop of war, the
+Clinker, Captain William Martin, to examine the coast of Labrador, and
+with an express direction to visit the different Moravian stations. He
+arrived a few days after the celebration of the jubilee, and the
+missionaries, in their diary, give the following account of his visit:
+
+"August 15th, in the afternoon, we received a letter from William
+Martin, Esq., commander of a British ship of war, which lay at anchor
+four hours from this, informing us that the governor of Newfoundland
+had ordered him to take a survey of that part of the coast of Labrador
+where the brethren's settlements were situated, and to visit the
+settlements. On hearing this, the Captain (Fraser) of the mission
+vessel, at present lying at anchor here, sent the pilot in a boat, to
+bring the Clinker into the harbour, and at three o'clock P.M. a ship
+of war, with three masts and fourteen cannon, anchored in our harbour,
+not far from us. Immediately two of us, with Captain Fraser, went on
+board to welcome the commander, who repeated his commission, and
+conversed with us in the most friendly manner. We expressed our
+happiness at his arrival, and invited him on shore to examine
+minutely into every thing of which he wished to obtain information. He
+accordingly landed in the evening, and came to the mission-house.
+
+"Soon after his arrival, our usual meeting was held with the
+Esquimaux, whose good conduct, quietness, and piety, seemed to strike
+him; and he afterwards confessed his expectation in this respect had
+been greatly exceeded. He asked us several questions--First, What
+means we had used to civilize such rude and savage men? We answered
+that whatever good he observed in the Esquimaux, was entirely to be
+ascribed to the power of the gospel, the preaching of which was the
+only purpose of our being here; besides this, we possessed no other
+power, nor did we believe any other could deliver savage men,
+accustomed to murder, and given up to every vice, from their
+detestable habits, and introduce them into the circle of social order.
+Nothing but the operation of the Spirit of God on their hearts,
+convincing them of the truth of the gospel, and the happiness of true
+Christians, could induce them to deny their evil propensities, and
+incline them to receive instruction, and walk according to the
+commandments of Jesus; it is this, we said, that causes them to live
+in peaceful and happy society together.
+
+"He next wished to be informed of the reason of our conduct with
+regard to merchandize, as he had heard that we did not wish our
+Esquimaux to trade with the Europeans in the south; and when they did
+so, if we did not drive them away from our settlements? To this we
+replied as follows: 'Nothing is so painful to us, as when any of the
+members of our congregation fall back into heathenism, which easily
+happens when they go to the south to trade with the Europeans, where
+they are exposed to many temptations. On this account we find it
+necessary to warn them against such journeys, and if they pay no
+attention to these admonitions, intended chiefly for their own
+advantage, we cannot regard them as any longer belonging to us. And
+our conduct is the same towards those who reside among us, who have
+not received the gospel, when we find all our affectionate and serious
+exhortations in vain, and they persist in returning thither to trade.
+But no Esquimaux is driven away from our settlements on this account,
+for he does not sell his merchandize to us alone, but to any person
+with whom he chooses to trade. It must, however, be remarked, that
+many Esquimaux when pressed by hunger in winter, take refuge with us,
+to whom we give every possible assistance; there are also some, who,
+during their harvest, save a portion against a time of need, which we
+lay up for them, and they receive the full value, when their
+necessities require it. Now, when these, regardless of their
+obligations to us, take their articles elsewhere to barter, we frankly
+tell them our opinion of their conduct, and endeavour to impress their
+minds with a sense of their ingratitude, not only to us, but to the
+Society in England, who from love to them, sends every year a ship
+with the necessary supplies. If any one take offence at our reproofs,
+and leave us in anger for the south, we cannot help it, but we are
+certain he dare not affirm any such falsehood to the Europeans, as to
+say, that he was driven from our settlement because he treated with
+them.' Captain Martin replied that he had not the least doubt of what
+we said, and was perfectly satisfied, by what he had seen and heard,
+that we laboured to promote the best interests of the Esquimaux."
+
+On Sunday, 19th, "All the officers and forty of the crew of the ship
+of war, assembled with us in our meeting for public worship, when we
+recommended them to the gracious protection of our almighty Lord and
+God; and we have much pleasure in being able to say, that, during the
+whole time they remained here, their behaviour was as orderly and
+friendly as we could have wished. The Captain having lodged a night
+with us, at taking leave together with the surgeon, shook us heartily
+by the hand, and thanked us for our kind attention, and expressed his
+delight at the happy results of our endeavours to improve the
+Esquimaux. All the officers likewise bade us farewell in the most
+friendly manner, and said they would always reflect with pleasure on
+their visit to us. After they went on board Captain Martin sent us a
+letter, in which he thus expressed himself: 'My Dear Friends--I cannot
+leave this place without expressing my thanks in a few lines to the
+worthy brethren who received me in so friendly a manner, and by their
+attention rendered my stay here so pleasant. I regret that it has been
+so short, but it has been sufficiently long, to convince me that your
+labours have been crowned by a blessed success; this must animate you
+under many difficulties, to continue to devote yourselves with zeal to
+the service of our Lord, your great example. One must be an
+eye-witness to judge of the mighty change that has already taken place
+in these Esquimaux, both in regard to body and mind. It will give me
+the most heart-felt joy, to communicate this to his Excellency, the
+governor of St John's, and also to bear testimony in England, to the
+happy progress of your labours.' Next day, at 6 A.M. the ship of war
+set sail, when we, with our Esquimaux, ascended the height nearest the
+shore, and by signs took our last farewell of the crew.
+
+"Continuing her course, the Clinker reached Nain on the 21st, where
+Captain Martin behaved in the same friendly manner. He was frequently
+on shore at the mission-house, and likewise attended worship in the
+church. On the 23d he invited the missionaries aboard, and shewed them
+the arrangement in a sloop of war. His vessel was decorated with fifty
+flags of different nations, in honour of the commemoration of the
+jubilee. The day after, he furnished a feast of boiled pease and
+biscuit, for all the Esquimaux living on the missionaries' land, and
+was himself present at the entertainment. The Esquimaux sat on pieces
+of timber, placed in a square. Before they began their meal, they sang
+a hymn, 'Now let us praise the Lord, &c.' and at the close, 'Praise
+God for ever.' All of them expressed great thankfulness for this
+condescending mark of the Captain's good will; and each of them had a
+goodly portion of biscuit left to carry home."
+
+From Nain the Clinker sailed for Hopedale in company with the Harmony,
+on board of which were the superintendant Kohlmeister and his wife.
+The latter thus speaks of the excursion, which she appears to have
+highly enjoyed: "We had the pleasure to sail in company with his sloop
+[Captain Martin's] to Hopedale, and had a most agreeable voyage. He
+came twice on board the Harmony to pay us a visit. As we approached
+Hopedale, the brethren and the Esquimaux not having received any
+account of the arrival of the sloop of war, were rather alarmed at its
+appearance, but we found means before we cast anchor, to send them
+word that all was peace and friendship, upon which the music began to
+play a hymn of praise, and the Esquimaux afterwards fired a salute
+with their pieces. The sloop answered with the great guns, but the
+Esquimaux were determined to have the last word, and went on firing
+after the cannon had ceased to roar. It was a calm night without moon,
+but the brilliant display of numberless stars, and a glorious Aurora
+Borealis, increased the enjoyment. The brethren, Stock and Haller,
+coming on board, we could not quit the deck till midnight; sleep was
+not thought of. Captain Martin also displayed a number of blue
+lights, to the great astonishment and gratification of the Esquimaux."
+The Captain having here also given a feast of bread and pease, she
+adds, "We were present, and were pleased to hear how the Esquimaux
+expressed their thankfulness, and afterwards sung the anthem, 'Glory
+to God in the highest,' and 'Hosanna.'" When he had accomplished the
+object of his cruise, Captain Martin returned to St John's.
+
+By this extraordinary and friendly visit, the brethren remarked, "the
+celebration of the jubilee of the mission acquired a peculiar and new
+feature, as we were at the same time assured of the favour of those,
+whom God has appointed to rule over us, and may hope in future also to
+experience a continuance of that protection we have hitherto enjoyed.
+The Lord has also caused his work to be glorified in the sight of
+men." But this visit was still further important, as it tended to
+accelerate the formation of a fourth settlement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ The Brethren obtain a further grant of land on the east coast of
+   Labrador.--projected fourth settlement delayed.--Progress of the
+   three settlements in the interval.--Instances of wonderful
+   preservation--Ephraim--of Conrad, Peter, and Titus.--Report of
+   the Superintendant, Kohlmeister, on the general state of the
+   Mission.--Commencement and progress of Hebron, the fourth
+   station.
+
+
+Much as the brethren desired to establish a settlement on the Ungava
+country, and anxious as the Esquimaux there were, that they should
+reside among them, providential difficulties, as above alluded to,
+prevented what appeared so urgent a call from being complied with,
+and, in a manner, forced upon the brethren's consideration the
+propriety of forming a fourth station on the east coast. They had,
+therefore, applied to the British Government for a further grant of
+land; and the report of Captain Martin having been so highly
+favourable, all obstructions were removed, and next year the order
+which had been granted by the Prince Regent in Council, 13th May
+1818, securing to them the possession of the coast from Okkak to the
+56th deg N.L., including the bays of Napartok, Kangertluksoak, and
+Saeglak, was transmitted to Nain through Governor Hamilton,
+accompanied by a letter written under his own hand, wishing them every
+success in their Christian undertaking. From the great increase of the
+population at Okkak, the attention of the missionaries was principally
+directed to Kangertluksoak as the fittest place for a new station; as,
+in the spring, a great many of their own Esquimaux went thither to
+obtain a livelihood, the distance being about sixty miles yet several
+years elapsed before they were able to carry their plan into
+execution. During this interval, the missionaries had the pleasure of
+seeing the work of the Lord continue to prosper in the three
+settlements, and a spirit of love spread abroad among their flocks.
+"Our Saviour's grace and power," say they, July 1822, "have been made
+manifest in young and old, and the word of his cross, sufferings, and
+death, performs the same miracles, as in the earliest periods of
+Christianity. When we met to celebrate the holy communion, as well as
+on the different festival and memorial days of the church, the grace
+and presence of our Lord and Saviour revived our hearts and filled us
+with joy, and with praise and thanksgiving to him for all the good
+which he has done unto this people."--Procuring their food almost
+always at the hazard of their lives, instances of wonderful
+preservations were not uncommon among the Esquimaux, and their
+observations on their deliverances had generally a pious simplicity,
+which rendered them extremely pleasant. This year, Ephraim, a
+communicant, went with five others to catch seals at the edge of the
+ice, about sixty miles from Nain. Being at some distance from his
+party, the ice broke under him, and he had only time to grasp the rim
+of the hole made in the ice to prevent his sinking under it. In this
+situation, hanging over the sea, the cold being intense, his fingers
+froze fast to the ice, which helped to support him; for his immediate
+cries for assistance were not heard, and he remained for a quarter of
+an hour in dreadful suspense. At length, just when his voice failed
+him, he was perceived by his companions and his life saved. Though his
+fright and anxiety were in the beginning very great, he said, that he
+committed himself to our Saviour, and felt resigned to his will; and
+when the danger seemed most imminent, help was afforded, for which he
+gave thanks to Him who alone could deliver in such distress.
+
+But an interposition of providence, which rescued two Christian
+Esquimaux, belonging to the congregation at Hopedale, who were carried
+out to sea on a field of ice, and were nine days driven about at the
+mercy of the waves, is not the least extraordinary among the many
+which occurred. A party of three, Conrad, Peter, and Titus, being
+engaged in fishing on the ice, that part on which they were standing
+broke loose from the shore, and was driven by a strong south-west wind
+out to sea. Conrad having a sledge with him, fastened some seal-skins
+and bladders to it to keep him buoyant, and turning it upside down
+used it as a raft; in this he paddled a full English mile back to the
+firm ice, being commissioned by his companions to procure a boat, and
+send it to their assistance. The sea, by God's mercy, being calm, he
+reached the shore in safety, but before he could procure the boat, the
+field of ice with his two companions on it had drifted nearly out of
+sight, and there was no possibility of overtaking it. The size and
+strength of the ice was such that it afforded them the means of
+building a snow-house upon it, in which they took shelter during the
+night, and in rainy weather. They had caught eight seals on the day of
+their departure, which afforded them nourishment, though for want of
+fuel they could make no fire, but ate the meat raw and drank the
+blood. Of their feelings during nine dreadful days of anxiety and
+suspense, they wrote the following affecting account. Peter for
+himself says, "When on the 4th of June (1824,) we were driven off the
+coast upon the field of ice, I was not much alarmed, for I did not
+apprehend much danger. At night when we lay down to rest we commended
+ourselves in prayer to God our Saviour, and gave up our lives into his
+hands, which we always continued to do. On the 5th, as we were
+floating pretty near to the point of Tikkerarsuk, I hoped that our
+brother Conrad, who had been with us, would come to help us with
+kaiaks. We repeatedly thought we heard the report of fire-arms, and
+therefore fired off our pieces, but towards evening, we perceived that
+we had been mistaken. Now I began to feel great fears about the
+preservation of my life, and thinking of my poor family, I wept much.
+With many tears I cried fervently to Jesus to save me. I could speak
+with him as if he stood by me, and said; 'I pray that I may not be
+carried to the other side of the water, nor to the south, nor too far
+to the north among the unbelievers, but that my body may have a decent
+burial in the earth. O! shew mercy to me, and do thou, the only helper
+in need, take care of my poor family!' Then these words occurred to my
+mind, 'Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown,'
+which made me shed tears of gratitude and love to our Saviour, like a
+child, though at so great a distance from home. I entered our
+snow-house weeping, and we both joined in calling upon Jesus for help
+and comfort. This we did every morning and evening. On the 6th, in the
+morning, finding ourselves carried far away from the land into the
+ocean, we again looked for comfort to Jesus, and prayed to him with
+many tears to help us, and direct our course. We sung that verse
+together, 'O lift up thy countenance upon us,' and these words were
+impressed upon my mind, 'I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep,
+and am known of mine.' I felt my unworthiness deeply, and nothing but
+the words of Jesus could give me joy. I prayed fervently to him, that
+he would give his angels charge over me. I spent the whole day in
+prayer, and as I walked about alone, several parts of Scripture
+occurred to my recollection, especially the account of my Saviour's
+being taken captive. The prayer he offered up for his disciples, John
+XVII. was peculiarly precious to me, and gave me great comfort.
+Frequently I felt joy in my heart on remembering our Saviour's words,
+and that he said to his disciples, 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost.' On the
+7th, the fog was so dense that we could not see whither we were
+driven. I cried to Jesus, 'O! help,' and his words came sweetly into
+my mind, 'Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give
+you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and
+lowly in heart.' Then I felt comforted. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th, we
+could see nothing on account of the fog. I wept, and longed only to
+enjoy the inexpressible love of Jesus. I remembered how the apostle
+Peter was frightened in the storm, and was comforted by our Saviour.
+Thus also he comforted us in our dreadful situation. I cried
+continually to him to bring us again to the shore, for the thought of
+my poor bereaved family caused many tears to flow from my eyes." At
+length, on the 12th, the field of ice on which they were, was driven
+nearer the shore, and on the 13th, they reached home by travelling
+over the drift.
+
+This year the superintendant, Kohlmeister, who had served the Labrador
+mission thirty-four years, was constrained, by his increased
+infirmities, and by the severe indisposition both of himself and his
+wife, to return to Europe. His last report respecting the state of the
+settlements, is therefore too important to be abridged or omitted--it
+is as follows: "The work of God in the hearts of our dear Esquimaux,
+proceeds in the power of the Spirit, and with rich blessing; and I may
+with truth assert, that they grow in grace, and in the love and
+knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Their number is
+likewise on the increase. The congregation at Okkak, in particular,
+obtains a great increase from year to year, by the arrival of heathen
+from the coast to the north of the settlement; the number of heathen
+Esquimaux in their neighbourhood is indeed decreasing, but Okkak may
+yet be called a mission among the heathen. Nain and Hopedale are now
+Christian settlements, all the inhabitants being initiated into the
+Christian church by holy baptism, except a few children, and no
+heathen live in their neighbourhood. Their increase, therefore,
+depends upon the rising generation, and upon the accession of persons
+coming from a distance to reside among them. On this account the
+endeavours of the missionaries, in these two settlements, are
+particularly directed to instil into the minds of the youth the
+principles and precepts of vital Christianity; and to see to it, that
+by the grace of our Saviour, all the souls committed to their care
+become more firmly grounded and established in faith and love, and
+walk worthy of their high and heavenly calling. This is done by
+faithful admonition, accompanied with watchfulness and prayer. The
+most efficacious means of promoting their growth in grace, is the
+reading of the New Testament, which they have now in their hands
+through the generosity of the venerable British and Foreign Bible
+Society. They read therein daily in their houses and tents with the
+greatest earnestness, delight, and edification. We have, indeed, ever
+since the arrival of this most precious gift, observed a great change.
+Their understanding of the word of God, and the doctrines which it
+contains, has greatly increased; and the influence upon their moral
+conduct is manifest, for they now more than ever desire to regulate
+their walk and conversation in conformity to truly Christian
+principles.
+
+"The schools, which are held, with both children and adults, from
+November to April, are a most powerful means of forwarding their
+improvement in every thing good and profitable for them. Most of the
+people attend them with great diligence, and with an earnest desire to
+be soon able to read the New Testament for themselves. There are among
+the children some of five, and even of four years of age, who read
+well. The severest punishment than can be inflicted on a child is to
+keep him from school. The new Hymn Book is a truly valuable present.
+The whole number of Christian Esquimaux under the care of the
+brethren, at present, is 705, old and young."
+
+Excepting that their numbers continued gradually to increase, the
+above report may be considered as a correct view of the state of the
+Moravian settlements in Labrador for several succeeding years.
+
+Some Ladies in Scotland, who had admired the exertions of the
+Moravians in Labrador, had about this time sent as a token of their
+Christian affection a small present to the beloved labourers in that
+distant inhospitable clime; they were gratified, nearly under the
+above date [at the close of 1831,] by the following letter from two
+aged servants of the Lord, the venerable missionary Kmoch and his
+wife, who, after nearly half a century of active exertion, reluctantly
+retired from the heat of the day--it was addressed to a friend in
+Edinburgh, and shortly but sweetly corroborates the account of
+Kohlmeister.
+
+"The Saviour continues," say they, "to bless his own work in Labrador.
+In Okkak, during the last winter, eight adults and thirteen children
+were baptized, and six persons are longing for the enjoyment of the
+holy supper for the first time. In the harvest of 1830 a malignant
+cold and cough raged in Okkak, of which eighteen persons died, but
+last winter the weather was very mild. I have been 34 and my wife 19
+years in Labrador. I would willingly have remained among our dear
+Esquimaux much longer, but old age and sickness are the cause of our
+return. The parting with our Esquimaux, and our dear fellow-labourers,
+was very affecting."
+
+At length the obstacles in the way of a new settlement began to
+dissipate; and in the mean time, to secure possession of the bounds
+allotted to them by the British Government, the missionaries, Kmoch
+and Sturman, in 1828, erected a block-house twelve feet long and
+eight broad, which the summer before had been prepared at Okkak, and
+sent to Kangertluksoak by some Esquimaux returning to the north. They
+completed the journey on sledges in fifteen hours, of which they
+transmitted the following notes--"May 19th, at eight in the evening we
+arrived at Apparnaviarsak, in the neighbourhood of Kangertluksoak;
+here we found four tents of our Esquimaux, and in three, others of the
+Nain people who had resolved the next summer to go to Okkak: all
+expressed the greatest joy at our coming, and all frankly reached out
+their hands to welcome us. Immediately a tent was erected for us, and
+the floor covered with bears' skins. As we had not tasted any thing
+warm the whole day, we got some coffee, after which we put our beds in
+order--these consist of a sack of rein-deers' skin with the hair
+inmost, and a sack of seals' skin drawn over it--it is just large
+enough to admit one person, who first slips in his feet, and gradually
+inserts the whole body, which, when fairly in, soon gets comfortably
+warm. The day after, we invited the Esquimaux to a meeting, when,
+after singing a hymn, brother Sturman saluted them in the most
+affectionate manner; assured them of our constant remembrance and
+prayers; then begged them to consider their present happy
+circumstances, and reminded them that but a few years since they were
+heathens, living in deplorable ignorance of their Creator and
+Redeemer, and without hope of that eternal happiness which he hath
+purchased for us. The tears of many shewed the joy of their hearts in
+believing. We intimated to them that, during our stay, we would have
+prayers morning and evening."
+
+The promontory of Apparnaviarsak, where our Esquimaux were, is joined
+to the continent of Kangertluksoak, on which their winter houses were
+built. Between the rocks, the ground is everywhere covered with grass,
+the snow was already melted, and the young grass began most
+beautifully to shoot up. The spring appeared to be much earlier here
+than at Okkak, where, at present, every thing was covered with deep
+snow; the mountains are not so steep, the land lies lower and nearer
+the open sea: but the flat where the houses of the Esquimaux are, is
+surrounded by numerous small islands. From the declivity behind, in
+many places the open sea can be seen, with the promontory of Saeglak,
+the distance to which is only about 5 or 6 hours, with a good sledge
+path; consequently, it appeared admirably adapted for a mission
+station. Saeglak would afford excellent fishing ground for our
+people, should the heathen leave it, which must very soon happen, as
+within these last few years, the inhabitants of these parts have
+greatly diminished, many of them coming to reside among us. Upon the
+whole, from all that we have heard or seen, Kangertluksoak is one of
+the best fishing places, and as some remain here the whole year, we
+can have the Esquimaux more with us than at any of the other
+settlements. There are, however, many other advantages we must give up
+here; the nearest forest lies to the south of Nappartok, and is about
+eighteen or twenty miles distant, the nearest road by land; by water
+it is greater. While we sent the Esquimaux for the frame of our little
+house, which lay about half an hour's journey from this, we went to
+take a view of the place, near the winter houses of the Esquimaux.
+Adjoining these, at a little distance from the beach, we found a plain
+sufficiently large for buildings, gardens, &c.; and after we had
+examined all the country round the river, we resolved to erect our
+little dwelling here, and our Esquimaux having brought the wood, it
+was soon erected. All the natives who were present willingly assisted
+in laying the foundation with stones, and filling it up with
+sand--part of the boards were nailed on the same day. The house stands
+on an eminence, in the neighbourhood of a small lake, which the
+Esquimaux assured us had water in it during the greater part of the
+summer, and probably, by a little labour, it may be formed into a good
+reservoir. We continued our building, without intermission, till the
+21st, when we finished. On the 22nd we floored the house, prepared the
+bed-rooms, fixed a table and bench between two windows, and set up a
+little oven. In the evening, brother Kmoch held a meeting to take
+leave, and affectionately exhorted our Esquimaux to approve themselves
+the children of God under every circumstance, to give themselves up at
+all times to be led by the Spirit of the Lord, and faithfully to
+follow his admonitions. On the 25th inst. at 3 o'clock, A.M., we set
+out on our return, but the newly fallen snow mixing with the water on
+the ice, so obstructed our path, that we were nine hours longer on the
+way than we were before, but we reached Okkak on the 26th, at three in
+the morning, full of gratitude to the Saviour, whose presence had so
+comforted us on this visit, and filled us with the joyful conviction,
+that he also had left a blessed impression on the Esquimaux.
+
+Preparations were now commenced at the different stations for
+forwarding the erection of the new settlement, and early in the year
+1829, rafters, boards, and shingles, were transported to
+Kangertluksoak from Okkak by sledges, which performed no less than one
+hundred and five journies, and seldom spent more than a day upon the
+road, the tract having been extraordinarily fine, beyond what the
+oldest inhabitant remembered to have seen, and which the brethren
+considered as the mark of a kind providence smiling on their new
+undertaking. When the frame work of the mission-house was finished, on
+the 13th of April brother Mentzel and Beck, with six young Esquimaux,
+set out for the spot. On the 8th of July the frame was set up, and on
+the 21st it was covered with weather boarding on three sides.
+
+The Society in London in the meantime had not been idle; they had, in
+addition to the ordinary vessel, hired a consort, the Oliver, which
+they sent out with materials, to enable the missionaries to go on with
+their new settlement, named _Hebron_, and which opportunely arrived,
+just when the house was made ready to receive, and place the stores
+under cover. Another missionary, Ferdinand, arrived with the Harmony
+to assist brother Beck. Immediately they commenced unloading the
+Oliver, in which they were stoutly assisted by about thirty Esquimaux,
+with their wives and children. In less than a week, the whole was
+landed, and after consulting with the brethren at Okkak, the resident
+missionaries proceeded with their labour: notwithstanding several
+interruptions, first by the loss of their assistants for a time, who
+went to the rein-deer hunt, and afterwards by a violent storm, which
+carried away the scaffolding, and part of their materials, they got so
+far finished, that on the 18th of September, one room was habitable,
+and they could quit the small and uncomfortable hut, in which they had
+hitherto lived. During the winter months their work was suspended, but
+in spring, 1831, they recommenced with fresh diligence, and on the 7th
+of May, the second story of their house was floored, and likewise
+habitable. They had constructed besides some outhouses as cellars and
+store houses; and when the vessels from Europe again visited the
+settlement in July, bringing a further supply of building materials,
+brother Mentzel, who had gone to England and returned in her, was much
+surprised to see the premises so far advanced, and thus reported: "Our
+dear brethren," says he, "must have laboured diligently to effect what
+they have done. It is true every thing is in a rude and unfinished
+state; chairs, tables, bedsteads, and the like, have still to be made.
+Our fellow traveller, brother Freytag has his bed at present upon a
+heap of shavings. The reading table in the temporary church, is a box
+set on end, upon which a flat board has been nailed, and the whole is
+covered with a piece of coarse cloth, but in due time we hope all will
+be in order."
+
+In the course of the winter, nine persons came to reside at the
+settlement, professing to enquire for rest to their souls; the
+missionaries gladly received them, and directed their attention to our
+Saviour's invitation to the weary and heavy laden. Among them an
+Esquimaux woman came from Saeglak, and requested leave to reside at
+the station; the missionaries informed her that she was welcome to do
+so, but that she must give up all heathenish practices. She replied
+that for some time past, both her husband and herself had discontinued
+these things, and had been long thinking about their conversion, and
+therefore they had come to them. About a week after, the husband
+himself came, and confirmed what his wife had said. On the 12th of
+July three boats' companies arrived from the north, and several of the
+Esquimaux paid the brethren a visit, but seemed little disposed to
+listen to the gospel. Only one young man remained with his mother.
+Many Esquimaux arrived in the following year [1832] for the sake of
+trade; but when the brethren advised them to make the salvation of
+their soul their chief concern, they all began to offer excuses, yet
+on being spoken to about the consequences of death, they did not, as
+formerly, treat it with levity; some even appeared thoughtful after
+such conversations, and five persons removed from the heathen to the
+settlement. Of those who had resided with them for some time, they had
+the pleasure, on Easter Sunday, to baptize four adults and one child,
+being the first accession to the church at Hebron from among the
+heathen. The number of their congregation in August, the date of their
+latest accounts, amounted in all, to 162 persons, of whom 72 had
+joined from Okkak, and 10 from Nain.
+
+
+
+
+Printed by J. Ritchie, 3. East Adam Street.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+  | Typographical errors corrected in text:                      |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page iii: Draehart corrected to Drachart                     |
+  | Page iii: Quinport corrected to Quirpont                     |
+  | Page iv: diastrous corrected to disastrous                   |
+  | Page iv: Anake corrected to Anauke                           |
+  | Page iv: Leisbisch corrected to Liebisch                     |
+  | Page vi: Schrieber corrected to Schreiber (two cases)        |
+  | Page vii: connnection corrected to connection                |
+  | Page vii: Belisle corrected to Bellisle                      |
+  | Page ix: Farnheit corrected to Fahrenheit                    |
+  | Page xx: sowing corrected to sewing                          |
+  | Page xxiv: Belisle corrected to Bellisle                     |
+  | Page 41: Zinzendorf corrected to Zinzendorff                 |
+  | Page 63: Lous corrected to Louis                             |
+  | Page 71: demonaical corrected to demoniacal                  |
+  | Page 97: Liesbisch corrected to Liebisch                     |
+  | Page 120: sppear corrected to appear                         |
+  | Page 145: Leibisch corrected to Liebisch                     |
+  | Page 150: Tikkeronsuk corrected to Tikkerarsuk               |
+  | Page 226: surprized corrected to surprised                   |
+  | Page 229: Esquimanx corrected to Esquimaux                   |
+  | Page 239: Lichtenfells corrected to Lichtenfels              |
+  | Page 247: recal corrected to recall                          |
+  | Page 258: Uverunna corrected to Uiverunna                    |
+  | Page 263: Tikkerarsuck corrected to Tikkerarsuk              |
+  | Page 269: Schrieber corrected to Schreiber (two cases)       |
+  | Page 270: Chudliegh corrected to Chudleigh                   |
+  | Page 277: Kangertlualuksoak corrected to Kangerlualuksoak    |
+  | Page 280: Koksock corrected to Koksoak                       |
+  | Page 288: Screiber corrected to Schreiber                    |
+  | Page 288: Burghart corrected to Burghardt                    |
+  | Page 319: Saeglek corrected to Saeglak                       |
+  | Page 322: Tikkerarsoak corrected to Tikkerarsuk              |
+  | Page 330: Kangerluksoak corrected to Kangertluksoak          |
+  | Page 331: Kangerluksoak corrected to Kangertluksoak          |
+  | Page 335: Saeglek corrected to Saeglak                       |
+  |                                                              |
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
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+<h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Moravians in Labrador, by Anonymous</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Moravians in Labrador</p>
+<p>Author: Anonymous</p>
+<p>Release Date: May 14, 2006  [eBook #18391]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3 class="pg">E-text prepared by a www.PGDP.net Volunteer, Jeannie Howse,<br />
+    Mark C. Orton, Suzanne Lybarger,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net/">http://www.pgdp.net/</a>)<br />
+    from page images generously made available by<br />
+    Early Canadiana Online<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.canadiana.org/eco/index.html">http://www.canadiana.org/eco/index.html</a>)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Early Canadiana Online. See
+      <a href="http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/mtq?doc=38020">
+      http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/mtq?doc=38020</a>
+	</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen" style="font-weight: bold;">Transcriber's Note:</p>
+<br />
+<p>The original images were of very poor quality, some punctuation has been inferred.</p>
+<p>This document was originally published in 1822 and contains
+archaic spelling, and a number of obvious typographical
+errors, the latter of which have been corrected. For a complete list, please see the
+<a href="#TN">end of this document</a>.</p>
+<p>Page numbering is consistent with the original document.</p>
+<p>Hover over <span class="Greek" style="font-size: 100%;" title="transliterated greek">greek text</span> for the transliteration.</p>
+</div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h2>MORAVIANS<br />
+IN<br />
+LABRADOR.</h2>
+
+<div class="img">
+<img border="0" src="images/frontis.jpg" width="52%" alt="" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span><br />
+
+
+<h1>THE<br />
+MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.</h1>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="30%" summary="titlepoem">
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" width="100%">
+        From Greenland's icy mountains<br />
+        The joyful sound proclaim,<br />
+        Till each remotest nation<br />
+        Has learnt the Saviour's name.<br />
+        Waft, waft, ye winds, his story,<br />
+        And you, ye waters, roll,<br />
+        Till like a sea of glory,<br />
+        It spreads from pole to pole.</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdrsc" style="padding-right: 1em;">Heber.</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h5>EDINBURGH:<br />
+PRINTED BY J. RITCHIE.<br />
+SOLD BY W. WHYTE &amp; CO., W. OLIPHANT, WAUGH
+&amp; INNES, <br /> AND J. LINDSAY &amp; CO., EDINBURGH;<br />
+M. OGLE, AND W. COLLINS, GLASGOW; <br />
+HAMILTON, ADAMS &amp; CO., AND J. NISBET, LONDON.</h5>
+
+<h5>M.DCCC.XXXIII.</h5>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>ADVERTISEMENT.</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>The present small volume which, in some measure, owes its origin to
+the suggestion of that long tried, excellent, and first friend of the
+Moravians in Scotland, R. Plenderleath, Esq., and being cordially
+approved of by the Rev P. Latrobe, London, though connected with
+considerable labour, great part of it having been translated from the
+German, has been cheerfully executed, and is intended to promote a
+purpose similar to that of the first edition of the Moravians in
+Greenland&mdash;to aid the subscriptions of some private friends who wish
+to communicate occasionally with the Missionaries in Labrador, and
+send them a few articles of comfort which the general funds do not
+supply. In allusion to this, the following extract from a letter,
+addressed to a friend in this city, from one of these devoted men,
+will be pleasant to the friends of the missions&mdash;"Dear Sister A &mdash;&mdash;,
+You kindly mention that a Society of Christian Ladies was formed in
+Edinburgh in aid of the missions in Greenland and Labrador, and had
+sent a gift of clothes, for which I beg you will accept of our united
+thanks. There are many poor widows and orphans in our Esquimaux
+congregations who are in the greatest necessity, to whom any little
+article of clothing will be most welcome. When our dear friends send
+us any thing of this kind, we always keep it till Christmas, and then
+divide them, that they may appear clothed on Christmas night. The
+dividing scene is often very affecting, their sobbing and weeping
+prevents their expressing <i>their gratitude</i> in words, but one may
+easily perceive how deeply they feel their kindness."</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="toc" id="toc"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CONTENTS.</h3>
+<br />
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary="">
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#Intro">Introduction.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">Page vii</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" width="5%">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl" width="85%">Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.&mdash;J.C.
+    Erhardt suggests a mission&mdash;his letter to the Moravian
+    Bishop.&mdash;M. Stach consulted.&mdash;London merchants undertake the
+    scheme&mdash;engage Erhardt&mdash;its fatal conclusion.&mdash;Jans Haven
+    employed by the Brethren&mdash;encouraged by the British
+    Government, sets out on a voyage of discovery&mdash;his
+    providential arrival at Quirpont&mdash;first meeting with the
+    Esquimaux&mdash;his interesting intercourse&mdash;returns to England.
+    His second expedition, accompanied by Drachart and other
+    missionaries&mdash;their proceedings.&mdash;Drachart's remarkable
+    conversation with the natives&mdash;influence of the missionaries
+    in preserving peace&mdash;their religious communications with the
+    savages&mdash;the curiosity of the latter&mdash;their thievish
+    tricks&mdash;their kindness to the missionaries&mdash;a dreadful
+    storm.&mdash;Drachart and Haven entertained by an Angekok&mdash;his
+    incantations&mdash;their parting addresses to each other&mdash;the
+    missionaries return to London.</td>
+  <td class="tdr" width="10%">37</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Contests between the colonists and savages revive&mdash;Murderous
+    skirmish.&mdash;Mikak.&mdash;Karpik, his conversion and death.&mdash;The
+    Moravians receive a grant of land on the coast of Labrador&mdash;resolve
+    to renew the mission&mdash;voyage to explore the land.&mdash;Jans
+    Haven, Drachart, &amp;c., arrive at Labrador&mdash;their
+    interview with the natives&mdash;meet Mikak and Tuglavina&mdash;their
+    kindness.&mdash;Segulliak the sorcerer.&mdash;Anxiety of the Esquimaux
+    for their remaining among them&mdash;ground purchased for a
+    settlement&mdash;manner of bargaining with the Esquimaux&mdash;sail for
+    Esquimaux bay&mdash;the natives troublesome&mdash;the Captain's method
+    of checking them.&mdash;Conduct of the missionaries&mdash;they preach on
+    shore.&mdash;Conversation with the Esquimaux.&mdash;Search out a place<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span>
+    for a settlement&mdash;purchase it of the natives&mdash;ceremonies used
+    on the occasion&mdash;take formal possession. Deputation return to
+    England</td>
+  <td class="tdr">73</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Preparations for establishing a settlement in Labrador.&mdash;A
+    love feast.&mdash;Missionaries leave London&mdash;erect a mission-house
+    at Nain&mdash;-regulations for their intercourse with the
+    natives&mdash;visited by great numbers&mdash;manner of instruction&mdash;they
+    retire in winter, are visited by the Brethren in their
+    houses.&mdash;Death of Anauke.&mdash;An incantation.&mdash;Adventures in
+    search of a dead whale.&mdash;P.E. Lauritz deputed by the
+    conference&mdash;visits the missions&mdash;his excursion along the
+    coast.&mdash;A sloop of war arrives to examine the settlement&mdash;the
+    Captain's report.&mdash;Jans Haven's voyage to the north&mdash;interesting
+    occurrences.&mdash;Lauritz leaves Nain&mdash;his concluding
+    address.&mdash;The Brethren propose new settlements&mdash;disastrous
+    voyage in search of a situation.&mdash;Liebisch appointed
+    Superintendant.&mdash;An Angekok baptized&mdash;his address to the
+    natives.&mdash;Jans Haven commences a new station at Okkak&mdash;received
+    joyfully by the natives&mdash;six Esquimaux baptized&mdash;proceedings at
+    Nain.&mdash;Missionary accompanies the Esquimaux to a
+    rein-deer-hunt.&mdash;Third settlement&mdash;Hopedale founded.&mdash;Remarkable
+    preservation of the Missionaries.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">97</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Esquimaux visit the English settlements&mdash;pernicious
+    consequences&mdash;dreadful accident&mdash;famine&mdash;unexpected supply
+    of food and skins.&mdash;Emigration from Okkak&mdash;missionaries' care
+    of the wanderers, who return disappointed.&mdash;Terrible tales
+    from the south.&mdash;Inquirers separated from the heathen.&mdash;Popish
+    priest attempts to seduce the converts.&mdash;Brother Rose inspects
+    Hopedale.&mdash;Karpik the sorcerer.&mdash;Peter's fall.&mdash;Visits to
+    the south renewed.&mdash;Parting address of the brethren.&mdash;Epidemic.&mdash;Death
+    of Daniel&mdash;of Esther.&mdash;Conversion and peaceful end of
+    Tuglavina.&mdash;Last days of Mikak.&mdash;Indians come to Hopedale.&mdash;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span>
+    Rose's remarks on the internal state of the missions.&mdash;Instances
+    of the power of grace among the Esquimaux&mdash;striking observation
+    of one of the baptized.&mdash;Jonathan's letter to the Greenlanders.&mdash;Affecting
+    confession of Solomon.&mdash;Conduct of a young woman
+    sought in marriage by a heathen.&mdash;State of the settlements at the
+    close of the century.&mdash;Prospects begin to brighten.&mdash;Remarkable
+    phenomenon.&mdash;Avocations of the missionaries&mdash;their trials&mdash;preservation
+    of their vessels&mdash;of their settlements&mdash;their
+    brotherly love.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">154</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Variable appearances of the mission at Nain and Okkak&mdash;more
+    favourable at Hopedale.&mdash;Death of Benjamin.&mdash;Spirit of love
+    among the converted.&mdash;Happy communion and close of the
+    year.&mdash;Providential escape of the Resolution.&mdash;New epoch in
+    Labrador.&mdash;A remarkable awakening commences at Hopedale&mdash;meetings&mdash;schools.&mdash;Letter
+    from a converted Esquimaux to his
+    teacher.&mdash;Industry of the awakened.&mdash;Declension of religion
+    at Nain and Okkak.&mdash;State of the children at Hopedale.&mdash;Progress
+    of the adults in knowledge, love, and zeal&mdash;instances.&mdash;Striking
+    conversion of two young Esquimaux, its effects upon
+    their countrymen.&mdash;Awakening spreads to Nain and to Okkak.&mdash;Zeal
+    of the converts towards the heathen rouses backsliders.&mdash;Behaviour
+    of the awakened in sickness, and the prospect of
+    death.&mdash;Remarkable accessions from the heathen.&mdash;The son of a
+    sorcerer.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">201</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Mutual affection of the Christian Esquimaux and
+    Greenlanders&mdash;their correspondence&mdash;letter from Timothy, a
+    baptized Greenlander.&mdash;Delight of the Esquimaux in religious
+    exercises.&mdash;Order of the congregations&mdash;distressing events,
+    apostasy of Kapik&mdash;awful end of Jacob&mdash;peaceful end of
+    believers&mdash;Judith, Joanna.&mdash;Revival among the communicants.&mdash;A
+    feast by a Christian brother to the Esquimaux.&mdash;Winter
+    arrangements.&mdash;Childrens' meetings&mdash;schools.&mdash;The brethren's
+    settlements contrasted with the heathen.&mdash;Progress of religion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span>
+    at the different stations.&mdash;Books printed in the Esquimaux
+    language.&mdash;Number of the settled Esquimaux.&mdash;Epidemic at
+    Nain&mdash;its consequences.&mdash;General view of the mission.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">238</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Desire of the heathen to hear the Gospel.&mdash;Brethren meditate a
+    new settlement&mdash;voyage to explore the country.&mdash;Quiet course of
+    the mission&mdash;advantages of their church discipline.&mdash;Death of
+    Burghardt.&mdash;Exertions of the aged survivors.&mdash;Schreiber,
+    superintendant, arrives.&mdash;Anxiety of the native Christians to
+    attend the ordinances of religion.&mdash;Advantages of the Bible as
+    a school-book.&mdash;Four missionaries unexpectedly carried to
+    England.&mdash;Baptized Esquimaux seduced by traders.&mdash;Perilous
+    voyage of the returning missionaries&mdash;striking accident.&mdash;Schreiber
+    retires from the superintendance&mdash;Kohlmeister
+    succeeds&mdash;his journeyings to Okkak, to Nain.&mdash;Stability of
+    the work of God at Nain&mdash;hopeful deaths&mdash;conversion and
+    recovery of a young native.&mdash;Remarkable preservation of an
+    Esquimaux youth.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">269</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">Fiftieth anniversary of the missionary vessel's first arrival
+    in Labrador&mdash;jubilee of the mission celebrated at Nain.&mdash;Summary
+    view of the success of the gospel in Labrador during
+    that period.&mdash;Instance of maternal affection.&mdash;Esquimaux
+    contribute to the Bible Society.&mdash;British sloop of war,
+    Clinker, visits Hopedale.&mdash;Captain Martin's testimony to the
+    good effect of the brethren's labours&mdash;visits Nain and
+    Okkak&mdash;consequences of his favourable report.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">304</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl">The Brethren obtain a further grant of land on the east coast
+    of Labrador&mdash;projected fourth settlement delayed.&mdash;Progress of
+    the three settlements in the interval.&mdash;Instances of wonderful
+    preservation&mdash;Ephraim&mdash;of Conrad, Peter, and Titus.&mdash;Report of
+    the Superintendant, Kohlmeister, on the general state of the
+    Mission.&mdash;Letter from Brother and Sister Kmoch, to a friend in
+    Edinburgh.&mdash;Commencement and progress of Hebron, the fourth
+    station.</td>
+  <td class="tdr">318</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="Intro" id="Intro"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.</h2>
+
+
+<h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+<br />
+
+
+<p>The Moravian Mission in Labrador was attempted under circumstances
+scarcely less discouraging than those under which the brethren were
+enabled to achieve the moral conquest of Greenland, was attended with
+incidents still more romantic, and blest with a success equally
+remarkable. But it possesses a peculiar interest to British readers,
+having been commenced under the auspices of the British government,
+and promising a more extensive influence among tribes with whom
+British intercourse is likely to produce a wider and more intimate
+connection.</p>
+
+<p>The Peninsula of Labrador extends from the 50th to the 61st deg.
+<span class="fakesc">N.L.</span> It is somewhat of a triangular form; bounded on the
+north by Hudson's Straits, and indented by Ungava Bay; on the east by
+the northern ocean; on the south by Canada and the Gulph of St
+Lawrence; and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>on the west by Hudson's and James' Bay, which last
+coast, by a kind of anomaly in nomenclature, has been called the East
+Main, from its situation to that great inland sea.</p>
+
+<p>The German geographers do not appear to doubt, what some of our own
+have called in question, that the discovery and the name of this
+Peninsula, at least of its eastern shores, were owing to the
+Portuguese, Gaspar Cortereal, who, in the years 1500 and 1501, in an
+expedition fitted by the king to discover a western passage to India,
+reached the coast of Newfoundland about the 50th deg. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>,
+and sailed northward to nearly the entrance into Hudson's Bay. This
+tract of country was originally called after its discoverer, Terra
+Cortereali, a name since superseded by that of Terra de Labrador&mdash;the
+land capable of cultivation. Davis Straits, here about one hundred
+miles broad, separates it from Greenland, whose southernmost point,
+Cape Farewell, lies in the same degree of latitude, [60 <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>]
+with Cape Chudleigh, the northernmost extremity of Labrador. The
+Straits of Bellisle run between it and Newfoundland. The land along
+the shore is abrupt and precipitous, indented with many little creeks
+and vallies, surrounded by innumerable islands, and rendered extremely
+dangerous of access from the multitude of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span>sunken rocks. The interior
+is mountainous, intersected by marshes, and abounding with streamlets
+and lakes.</p>
+
+<p>Detached from the Arctic lands, this country ought to partake in some
+degree of the temperate cold regions, but whether owing to the
+elevation of its mountains, or the influence of the perpetual fogs
+that cover the neighbouring seas, it is as frozen a region as those to
+the west of Hudson's Bay; and though it lies some degrees farther
+south than Greenland, yet the cold during the long winter is far more
+severe, the thermometer being frequently 32&deg; below 0&deg; of Fahrenheit.
+Perhaps the immense quantity of drift ice which accumulates on the
+eastern shores, and which extends for so many miles out to sea, may
+have some influence on the temperature of the climate. The summer, on
+the other hand, during the short time that it lasts, is proportionally
+warmer, the thermometer rising from 70&deg; to 80&deg; above 0. Vegetation
+then proceeds with uncommon rapidity; the shrubs and plants expand as
+if by enchantment; and the country assumes the luxuriance and beauty
+of a European summer. Forests of pine and larch are scattered over the
+country, the trees of sufficient size to be used in building, or to be
+sawn into boards; there are also <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span>willows, birch, aspen, and alder, in
+considerable quantities.</p>
+
+<p>The land animals are the same as those in Greenland. The <i>rein-deer</i>,
+this beautiful and useful creature, is found in considerable herds,
+but has not hitherto been domesticated, being only hunted for its
+flesh, which makes an agreeable variety of food; and its skin, which
+is an elegant and necessary article of clothing, as the fur is always
+richer in proportion to the intensity of the cold, against which it
+forms an excellent defence; they are hunted with dogs, and formerly
+used to be easily killed with the bow and arrow, but the introduction
+of fire arms has proved much more destructive. When hard-pressed, they
+soon take to the water, and swim so well that a four oared boat can
+scarcely come up with them, but an Esquimaux in his kaiak more readily
+overtakes them. <i>Hares</i> are tolerably plenty. The <i>Arctic fox</i> also is
+numerous; their skins are used for the purposes of commerce, and their
+flesh is esteemed preferable to that of the hare. <i>Black bears</i> are
+frequently killed, and are relished as food by the Esquimaux. But the
+most formidable among the tribes of these regions is the <i>Polar bear</i>,
+whose ferocity and courage render him an object of terror even to the
+well <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span>armed European. The <i>dog</i> is the most useful of the quadrupeds
+to the Esquimaux; he bears a strong resemblance to the wolf; is in
+height about the size of the Newfoundland, and is well furnished with
+a thick hairy coat, peculiarly adapted to the climate. As a hunter,
+his scent can trace the seal or the rein-deer at a considerable
+distance, and he does not dread, when in packs, to attack even the
+white bear itself. His chief value, however, consists in his qualities
+as a draught animal; for this he is carefully trained from his
+infancy, and undergoes severe and frequent floggings to break him
+regularly into the team. He becomes then remarkably submissive, comes
+at his master's call, and allows himself quietly to be harnessed to
+the sledge. In fastening them care is taken not to let them go
+abreast: they are tied by separate thongs, of unequal lengths, to a
+horizontal bar on the forepart of the sledge; an old knowing one leads
+the way, running ten to twenty paces a head, directed by the driver's
+whip, which is often twenty-four feet long, and can only be properly
+wielded by an experienced Esquimaux; the other dogs follow like a
+flock of sheep, and if one receives a lash, he bites his neighbour,
+and the bite goes round. Their strength, and speed, even with an
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span>hungry stomach, is astonishing; and to this they are often subjected,
+especially by the heathen, who treat them with little mercy, and force
+them to perform hard duty for the small quantity of food they allow
+them. Their portion upon a journey consists chiefly in offals, old
+skins, entrails, rotten whale flesh, or fins, or whatever else the
+Esquimaux himself cannot use; if these run out, or if the master,
+whose stomach is not of the most delicate contexture, requires his
+dogs' meat, then the poor creatures must go and seek for themselves,
+in which case they will swallow almost any thing, so that it is always
+necessary to secure the harness over night, if the traveller wishes to
+proceed in the morning. The teams vary from three to nine dogs, and
+this last number have been known to drag a weight of more than sixteen
+hundred pounds, a mile in nine minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Like the Greenlanders the inhabitants of Labrador must draw their
+subsistence and their wealth chiefly from the sea; but in this respect
+their circumstances are less favourable than the former. Whales are
+scarce, and the chief species they take is that denominated the white
+fish, of little value in commerce. In pursuing them they have now
+adopted the European boat in preference to their own, and those most
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[xiii]</a></span>frequently employed are six oared, rowed by twelve men. The harpooner
+stands in the bow with his harpoon, or iron spear, which is stuck on a
+shaft one or two fathoms long, and is provided with a leathern thong
+of considerable length, to which are attached from five to ten
+bladders of seal skin. If the whale be struck he immediately dives to
+the bottom of the sea, where he remains till he is quite exhausted,
+when he again comes to the surface of the water to breathe; in the
+meanwhile the boat's crew observe all its motions, and are in
+readiness with their lances to complete the business, during which,
+the person who first struck the fish, falls down on his face in the
+fore part of the boat, and prays that Torngak would strengthen the
+thongs that they may not break; another of the crew allows his feet to
+be bound, as a symbol of what he desires, then attempting to walk,
+falls down and exclaims, "Let him be lame!" and a third, if he
+observes that the whale is dying, calls out, "Now Torngak is there,
+and will help us to kill the fish, and we shall eat his flesh, and
+fare sumptuously, and be happy!" But if the whale appears likely to
+escape, the first continues lying on his face crying out with
+vehemence, "Hear yet, and help us!" If the whale get off, some of
+their conjurors inform <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[xiv]</a></span>them that Torngak was not there, or he did not
+hear, or he was otherwise employed! Seals are more abundant, and are
+the chief dependance of the natives, their flesh serving for food,
+their skins for clothes and covering to their tents and boats, and
+their blubber for oil or for exchange. Catching the seal was formerly
+a tedious and laborious process, but now they are generally taken in
+nets, which the natives have adopted from the Europeans.</p>
+
+<p>Salmon and salmon-trout are caught in every creek and inlet; they
+remain in the rivers and fresh-water lakes during the winter, and
+return to the sea in spring. The Esquimaux about Okkak and Saeglak,
+catch them in winter under the ice by spearing. For this purpose they
+make two holes in the ice, about eight inches in diameter, and six
+feet asunder, in a direction from north to south. The northern hole
+they screen from the sun by a bank of snow about four feet in height,
+raised in a semi-circle round its southern edge, and form another
+similar bank on the north side of the southern hole, sloped in such a
+manner as to reflect the rays of the sun into it. The Esquimaux then
+lies down, with his face close to the northern aperture, beneath which
+the water is strongly illuminated by the sunbeams entering at the
+southern. In his left hand he holds a red string, with which he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[xv]</a></span>plays
+in the water to allure the fish, and in his right, a spear ready to
+strike them as they approach; and in this manner, they soon take as
+many as they want. The trout on this coast are from twelve to eighteen
+inches long, and in August and September so fat, that the Esquimaux
+collect from them a sufficient quantity of oil for their lamps. The
+great shoals of herrings, which are the staple of the Greenlanders, do
+not touch at the shores of Labrador, but they have abundance of cod at
+many of their fishing stations, which the missionaries have shown them
+the method, and set them the example, of curing for their winter's
+supply.</p>
+
+<p>Sea-fowl of the duck and goose species frequent the shores of
+Labrador, and the islands scattered around it, and afford to the
+natives, as they do to the rest of the northern tribes, food, warmth,
+and materials for trade. Of the land birds, the large partridge,
+[reiper,] or American wild pheasant, is the only one which the
+missionaries mention as being used by them as an agreeable variety of
+food, when, other resources failing, they have been confined to salted
+provisions.</p>
+
+<p>The peninsula is chiefly inhabited on the coast, where the Moravians
+have now four settlements. The natives style themselves <i>Innuit</i>,
+<i>i.e.</i> men; and foreigners, <i>Kablunat</i> or <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[xvi]</a></span>inferior beings. Their
+original national name is Karalit, also denoting superiority, and the
+term Esquimaux, by which they are now so generally known, was given
+them by their neighbours the Indians, in whose language it signifies
+"men's raw meat," and probably imports that the Indians were, or it
+may be, are cannibals, and devoted their captives for this horrible
+repast. In lowness of stature, in their flat features, and dark
+colour, they exactly resemble the Greenlanders. Their language is a
+dialect of the same tongue, intelligible by both; but from their
+intercourse with foreigners, and their adopting some foreign customs,
+and becoming possessed of foreign utensils, a number of strange words
+have been introduced into each, only the former borrowed Danish or
+English phrases, while the latter had learned many French words. Their
+dress is nearly similar, being seal-skin coats and breeches, except
+the outer garment of the women ends behind in a train that reaches to
+the ground, and their boats are sufficiently large to carry their
+children if they are mothers&mdash;or provisions, or any other packages, if
+they are not.</p>
+
+<p>Their winter houses are low, long, ill-constructed huts, inhabited by
+several families, and abominably filthy; they are dug deep in the
+earth, but the walls above the surface never <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">[xvii]</a></span>exceed three feet in
+height, the roof is elevated in the middle, and the windows are placed
+to look to the south: the entry can only admit a person to crawl in;
+on one side of it is placed the kitchen, and on the other the
+dog-kennel, but no partition separates the biped from the quadruped
+inhabitant. If constrained to travel in winter, or to remain at a
+distance from their usual homes, they build houses of snow, which
+afford them a tolerably comfortable temporary abode. These habitations
+are very ingeniously constructed; they first search out a heap of
+firmly frozen snow, next they trace out a circular figure, of whatever
+size they think requisite, and then proceed with their long thin
+knives, to cut out square slabs, about three feet in length, two in
+breadth, and one in thickness, and gradually contracting as they rise,
+they form a dome about eight feet high; within, they leave an
+elevation all round the walls of about twenty inches, which, when
+covered with skins, serves both for a seat and a sleeping place; a
+piece of ice serves for a window, and in the evening they close their
+door with a board of snow; a lamp suspended from the roof gives light
+and heat to the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>When missions were first commenced among the Greenlanders, they had
+had but little intercourse with Europeans: it was different when <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">[xviii]</a></span>the
+brethren visited Labrador&mdash;the Esquimaux had been long acquainted with
+Europeans, but of the baser sort, and had lost many of the original
+features of savage life, without, however, gaining any thing better in
+their place. Their communication with these wretches, who disgraced
+the term civilized, corrupted their morals, and did not improve their
+knowledge, taught them wants, without teaching them how to supply
+them, except by theft. When the missionaries latterly came in contact
+with Esquimaux, who were previously unacquainted, or but little
+acquainted, with white men, they found them comparatively mild and
+honest. On a voyage of observation, they landed at Nachrack, and they
+report, "We found," say they, "the people here, differing much in
+their manners from the people at Saeglak. Their behaviour was modest,
+and rather bashful, nor were we assailed by beggars and importunate
+intruders. We had no instance of stealing. Thieves are considered by
+the Esquimaux in general with abhorrence, and with a thief no one is
+willing to trade." Latter voyagers have borne similar testimony to
+their brethren still further north; but their honesty seems to have
+arisen from the want of temptation; for the same missionaries add: "We
+have discovered that this propensity is not altogether wanting in the
+northern <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">[xix]</a></span>Esquimaux, who now and then, if they think they can do it
+without detection, will make a little free with their neighbour's
+property." And a further acquaintance with the natives discovered to
+the northern navigators, that first impressions are not always to be
+relied upon, for even the fair damsels could slyly secrete pewter
+plates, spoons and other valuables in the capacious trunks of their
+hose-boots; but those near the European settlements had improved in
+wickedness, and got ingrafted on their own vicious propensities new
+branches of more vigorous and productive mischief. They were in truth
+in a situation peculiarly adapted to shew the power and the necessity
+of the gospel for reclaiming the moral wilderness, for in them it had
+to overcome the worst vices of barbarous and civilized men.</p>
+
+<p>Their religion too appears to have received no more improvement than
+their morals; from their neighbourhood to nominal Christians their
+creed remained much the same. They believed that Torngak, under the
+figure of an old man, dwelt in the waters, and had the rule over
+whales and seals, and that a female demon, Supperguksoak, under the
+form of an old woman, resided in the interior, and reigned over the
+land animals. But the Angekoks had assumed a secular power, which they
+did not possess in Greenland, and exercised at once the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">[xx]</a></span>office of
+priest and a chief, of a sorcerer, a thief, and a murderer. Of this
+several examples will be found in the subsequent narrative, as well as
+instances of their ridiculous incantations: the females, in some
+cases, showed the authority and influence of their husbands. Their
+notions of futurity were gross and sensual, the highest enjoyment of
+the soul after death, being made to consist in successful hunting and
+gluttony; the sorest punishment, in poverty and hunger.</p>
+
+<p>The Esquimaux on the east coast of Labrador, may be divided into two
+sections: those in the south, who seldom come farther than
+Kangertuksoak, about twenty miles north of Okkak, which lies 57&deg;, 20
+m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>; and those of the north, who seldom come farther
+south than Nachrack 59&deg; &mdash;m. Saeglak lies between, and in winter is
+visited by both in their sledges. Those in the north still retain the
+original native furniture, wooden bowls, and whale-bone water buckets,
+large and small lamps and kettles of bastard marble, and are more
+unvitiated, therefore more to be depended upon than the others. They
+of the south have obtained European pots and kettles of iron,
+hatchets, saws, knives and gimlets, woollen cloths, sewing needles,
+and various other utensils of iron; they are more treacherous, and
+less to be trusted in their dealings.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxi" id="Page_xxi">[xxi]</a></span>So long as Newfoundland remained in possession of the French, the
+traffic of Europeans with the Esquimaux went little farther than the
+bartering of fish hooks, knives, or trifling wares, which they had
+brought with them to the fishing for whale fins. But when that Island
+fell into the hands of the English, they and the Americans, who
+promised themselves great advantages from opening a trade with the
+natives, brought with them a more extensive assortment of goods. The
+traffic at first was mis-managed. In order to ingratiate themselves
+with the savages, the traders both took and allowed greater liberties
+than were calculated to preserve mutual good understanding. The
+foreigners excited the cupidity of the natives, which, though easily
+satisfied at the moment, soon became a constant, increasing, and
+insatiable appetite; and when their whale-fins, furs, or blubber were
+exhausted, and they could purchase no more of the articles they had
+learned to prize, they first quarrelled with those friends who would
+not make them presents of what they wanted, and then proceeded by
+fraud or force to supply themselves. Having a thorough contempt for
+the <i>Kablunat</i>, they imagined that they displayed a virtuous and
+praiseworthy superiority, when they overreached, deceived, and stole
+from them. The traders who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxii" id="Page_xxii">[xxii]</a></span>entertained similar notions respecting the
+Esquimaux, acted in a similar manner, and their intercourse soon
+became productive of murders and robberies, in which the numbers and
+cunning of the latter enabled them for a time to be the most
+successful.</p>
+
+<p>A band of Esquimaux from Avertok, a place not far from where the
+settlement of Nain at present is, commenced their plundering
+expeditions upon system, evincing a depraved ingenuity, converted now
+to better objects. They went regularly to the south with whale fins,
+which they bought up from their neighbours, and under the pretext of
+trading with the Europeans, contrived, either by stratagem or open
+violence, to rob them to an extent far beyond the value of what they
+pretended to barter; this succeeding for a while, they were joined by
+others from various quarters, till they were able to equip a fleet of
+boats amounting to eighteen. In 1763, they so infested the straits of
+Bellisle, that it was not safe for a fishing vessel to enter them
+alone. And so successful were these pirates, that they supplied the
+whole coast, not only with iron utensils and European arms, but
+likewise with boats, sails, anchors, cords and nets; and boats in
+particular were in such plenty, that a good one could have been got
+for a few skins, twelve whale-fins, or two or three <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxiii" id="Page_xxiii">[xxiii]</a></span>dogs. The
+excesses and cruelties with which these depredations were accompanied,
+filled the Europeans and colonists with such extraordinary terror,
+that if but the cry of a bird was heard in the night, every one
+trembled, and made ready to flee.</p>
+
+<p>The savages preferred stratagem, and to accomplish their purpose did
+not hesitate to employ the most insidious treachery. When they
+approached Cape Charles, they never ventured farther, till they
+reconnoitred during the dark in their kaiaks, and ascertained whether
+there were any Europeans on the north side of Chateau Bay; if they
+found none, they advanced in the night, or in foggy weather, to the
+three islands that lie in the mouth of the bay, whence they, under
+cloud of night, examined the bay itself. If they found there only a
+few Europeans, whom they supposed they could easily master, they
+approached softly so near, that they could stare them in the face, and
+then raised a most frightful yell, which commonly terrified the
+Europeans thus taken by surprise, and threw them into such confusion,
+that they left all, and were glad if they escaped with their lives.
+If, however, the Europeans did not allow themselves to be frightened
+by the unexpected cry, but received them in a friendly manner, and
+made offer to trade, the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxiv" id="Page_xxiv">[xxiv]</a></span>Esquimaux would agree with seeming
+cordiality; and having sent off their boats and families, the men
+returned in their kaiaks bringing a few whale-fins to sell, and
+entered upon a very amicable-like traffic. This kind of intercourse
+they would continue for some days, till, having gained the confidence
+of the strangers and thrown them off their guard, then the most
+resolute and strongest of the Esquimaux, concealing their long knives
+in a secret sheath in their left sleeve, would enter upon a bargain
+for some more fins, and while adjusting it with the greatest show of
+friendship, each would seize the trader with whom he was dealing, as
+if he meant to embrace him, and on a given sign by their leader, would
+plunge his knife into his heart. In this manner the whole were cut
+off, and their property became the prey of the savages, who, when they
+had fairly cleaned Chateau Bay, would set sail to renew their
+depredations in other quarters, and if dark and misty weather
+favoured, and their force was sufficient, they would even scour the
+straits of Bellisle, or roam during the night in search of booty
+through the neighbouring islands. Such was the character of the
+savages the Moravians were desirous to civilize; how they succeeded,
+the following pages will show.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span><br />
+
+<h2>THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR</h2>
+
+<h3>CHAPTER I.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.&mdash;J.C.
+Erhardt suggests a mission&mdash;his letter to the Moravian
+Bishop.&mdash;M. Stach consulted.&mdash;London merchants undertake the
+scheme&mdash;engage Erhardt&mdash;its fatal conclusion.&mdash;Jans Haven
+employed by the Brethren, encouraged by the British Government,
+sets out on a voyage of discovery&mdash;his providential arrival at
+Quirpont&mdash;first meeting with the Esquimaux&mdash;his interesting
+intercourse&mdash;returns to England.&mdash;His second expedition,
+accompanied by Drachart and other missionaries&mdash;their
+proceedings.&mdash;Drachart's remarkable conversation with the
+natives&mdash;influence of the missionaries in preserving
+peace&mdash;their religious communications with the savages&mdash;the
+curiosity of the latter&mdash;their thievish tricks&mdash;their kindness
+to the missionaries&mdash;a dreadful storm.&mdash;Drachart and Haven
+entertained by an Angekok&mdash;his incantations&mdash;their parting
+addresses to each other&mdash;the missionaries return to London.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+
+<p>When the original Hudson's Bay Company was formed, 1688, for the
+purpose of trading in furs with the natives, the instructions they
+sent to their factors breathed the most liberal and benevolent
+principles. They directed them to use every means in their power to
+reclaim <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>the heathen from a state of barbarism, and instil into their
+minds the pure lessons of Christianity; and at the same time
+admonished them to trade equitably, and take no advantage of their
+untutored simplicity. It does not appear that much attention was paid
+to either of these injunctions, or if there was, the efforts proved as
+abortive as those they made to discover the western passage. The moral
+wilderness still remains around their settlements on the East Maine,
+while those of the brethren on the opposite coast of Labrador bloom
+and blossom as the rose.</p>
+
+<p>The first thought of attempting to establish a missionary settlement
+in that quarter among the Esquimaux, originated with a Moravian
+brother, John Christian Erhardt, a Dutch pilot. He had in early life
+made several voyages to Davis Straits; but in 1749, when sailing under
+Captain Grierson in the Irene, the vessel touched at New Hernhut in
+Greenland, where he saw the congregation that had been gathered from
+among the heathen in that land; and in conversation with the brethren
+they told him that they supposed the opposite coast of North America
+was peopled by tribes having the same customs and speaking the same
+language as the Greenlanders. This statement made a deep impression on
+his mind, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>during his stay at Hernhaag, 1750, while musing on the
+state of that people sitting in the darkness of heathenism, and on how
+the light of the gospel might be communicated to them, a description
+of the journey undertaken by Henry Ellis, 1746-7, at the desire of the
+Hudson's Bay Company, to try to discover a north-west passage,
+accidentally fell into his hands. The account there given of these
+barbarous regions convinced him that the people were sprung from the
+same origin with the Greenlanders, and the methods suggested by Ellis
+for their moral improvement enabled him to bring his own scheme to a
+bearing.</p>
+
+<p>In a letter, dated 20th May 1750, addressed to Bishop Johannes de
+Watteville, he laid before him his plan for establishing a mission on
+that part of the coast between Newfoundland and Hudson's Straits,
+which had as yet been but rarely visited by Europeans, and offered
+himself to undertake it. "Whoever," says he in this letter, "has seen
+our cause in Greenland, and what the Saviour has done to the poor
+heathen there, surely his heart and his eyes must overflow with tears
+of joy, if he possess any feeling of interest in the happiness of
+others: they are indeed sparkling rubies in the golden girdle of our
+dear Saviour, as the text <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>for the day speaks, Rev 1 13. And I believe
+the Saviour has in these northern waters many such gems that he will
+also gather, and set in it to his praise and glory. My heart is much
+impressed with the thought of carrying the gospel to the before
+mentioned countries and places." "Now, dear Johannes," he concludes,
+"thou knowest that I am an old Greenland traveller; I have also an
+amazing affection for these northern countries, Indians, and other
+barbarians; and it would be a source of the greatest joy if the
+Saviour would discover to me that he has chosen me, and would make me
+fit for this service. It is not for ease or convenience that I so
+earnestly desire it. I think I can say before the Saviour, if this is
+of thee thou wilt cause it to prosper, if not, yet it is a good work,
+and no one will lose any thing by it."</p>
+
+<p>On purpose to further the prosecution of this object, M. Stach, the
+first Greenland missionary, had been recalled to Europe, and in the
+year 1752 was sent for to London by Count Zinzendorff, to be consulted
+with upon the occasion. Application was at the same time made to the
+Hudson's Bay Company, for permission to preach the gospel to the
+savages in the neighbourhood of their factories; but this being
+refused, probably lest it should interfere with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>their mercantile
+projects, M. Stach returned to found new settlements near the scenes
+of his first labours. Meanwhile, three London merchants, but
+unconnected with the Hudson's Bay Company, Messrs Nisbet, Grace and
+Bell, fitted out a vessel for the coast of Labrador, to trade in oil
+and whale fins, and engaged Erhardt, then at Zeist, to act as
+supercargo, who, on account of his knowledge of the north seas, of the
+trade, and of the language, they judged well qualified for that
+office; but they also wished to make some preparation for a missionary
+settlement, and four brethren, Golkowsky, Kunz, Post, and Krumm,
+volunteered to remain in the country to learn the language, and
+endeavour the conversion of the heathen; for this purpose they took
+with them a wooden house ready to set up, a boat, various articles of
+furniture, and some kitchen garden-seeds.</p>
+
+<p>Count Zinzendorff, who, from former experience, was opposed to mixing
+trading transactions with the work of a Christian mission, was not
+without doubts as to the issue of this undertaking, he did not however
+attempt to prevent it. The vessel on board of which this small society
+embarked, named the Hope, reached the south-east coast of Labrador on
+the 11th July 1752. The whole is precipitous, and skirted with
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>numerous barren rocky islands; among these they had to steer their way
+under many difficulties, and with the greatest caution, without any
+proper chart, in misty weather, and with the sounding line constantly
+in their hands. At length they landed, and proceeded in search of the
+Esquimaux in order to traffic with them. On the 29th July they made
+their first appearance in five kaiaks, which they managed with great
+dexterity, and seemed highly delighted with Erhardt, who, from his
+knowledge of the Greenlandish, could make himself understood by them.
+They exchanged some whale fins for knives. July 31 they came to anchor
+55 deg. 31 m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span> in a beautiful harbour, surrounded by a
+wooded high land, and bounded by meadow grounds, to which, from
+respect to the chief owner of the ship, they gave the name of Nisbet's
+Harbour.</p>
+
+<p>There the brethren, with the assistance of the sailors, brought their
+house on shore, and erected it on this pleasant spot&mdash;for it was
+summer<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>&mdash;which they called Hoffenthal, <i>i.e.</i> Hopevale; they
+received from the ship all that was necessary for the supply of their
+present wants, and putting their confidence in the protection <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>of
+their heavenly Father, they took up their habitation.</p>
+
+<p>Erhardt, in the mean time, carried on a considerable trade with the
+natives, who seemed very desirous to assemble around him, and showed
+him particular marks of affection and attachment. Having remained till
+the 5th of September, and having seen the brethren, to all appearance,
+comfortably settled in their dwelling, the vessel left to proceed
+further to the north, for the purpose of completing her cargo, and
+Drachart, who had engaged to return to Europe, received in charge the
+brethren's letters for their friends, and bade them farewell.</p>
+
+<p>Ten days after, on the 15th, the missionaries, to their astonishment,
+perceived the Hope again re-enter Nisbet's Harbour. Upon boarding her,
+they learned the painful heart-rending news, that Erhardt, the
+captain, ship's clerk, and four sailors, had left the ship in a boat
+filled with merchandize, and for one day had conducted a friendly and
+gainful traffic with the Esquimaux; but being enticed by the savages,
+had consented to repeat their visit, perhaps proceed farther into the
+country, or along the coast, and were never seen more. The vessel,
+with the remains of the crew, had waited in a state of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>most
+anxious distressing expectation two days and three nights, in hopes of
+their return; but as they never made their appearance, and they had no
+other boat to send in quest of them, they were constrained to leave
+the district, under the distressing conviction that the natives, who
+had been observed lurking behind some of the small islands, had risen
+on the unsuspecting party, and murdered them for the sake of their
+property.</p>
+
+<p>This intelligence threw the brethren into the greatest perplexity, as
+the person on whom the charge of the Hope now devolved pressed them
+earnestly to give him their boat, and return with him to Europe,
+because, from the loss of his best seamen, without additional hands,
+it would be impossible to navigate the ship. Having come thither at
+the expense of the merchants, the missionaries could not allow them to
+suffer in their temporal concerns; and although they would willingly
+have risked their own lives in the cause, they did not see it equally
+their duty to risk the lives of others, and the property of the
+merchants, on an unknown coast and a tempestuous ocean, and therefore
+agreed to comply with the new captain's request. Leaving provisions in
+the house, from which they departed with sorrowful hearts, in the
+feeble hope that perhaps some of those <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>missing might yet be alive,
+and might be able to find their way thither, on the 20th September
+they bade adieu to the station, reached St John's, Newfoundland, on
+the 31st, and about the latter end of November arrived in London.</p>
+
+<p>An issue so disastrous to an expedition so well planned, which
+apparently carried within itself every rational promise of prosperity,
+was calculated to throw a damp upon any renewal of missionary
+enterprize in that quarter; and it did so with those who imagined that
+they themselves could command success, if their projects were
+judiciously concerted, and the means sufficiently supplied. It had no
+such effect on that eminent servant of God, Count Zinzendorff. When
+the mournful accounts of the uncertain fate of Erhardt and his
+companions reached that nobleman, he was grieved, yet not
+distressed&mdash;perplexed, yet not in despair; for he saw much mercy
+mingled in the dispensation, and was thankful to God that four
+brethren had returned safe. Next year the vessel Hope re-visited the
+coast of Labrador, under the command of Captain Goff. He heard that
+some dead bodies had been found and buried, and that the missionary
+station had been burned, but no further particulars were ever learned.
+In this manner ended the first commercial <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>adventure and first mission
+to Labrador&mdash;enforcing, in a salutary and impressive manner, the
+fundamental maxim of the brethren, that worldly speculation ought
+never to be joined with Christian enterprize.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding this failure, the brethren did not relinquish the hope
+that God would, in some way or other, direct them how to reach these
+savages, and there were not wanting men who showed a strong desire to
+carry the gospel among them. In particular, Jans Haven, a carpenter,
+from the moment he heard that Erhardt had been killed by the
+Esquimaux, could never get rid of the powerful impulse, and in his
+retirement constantly employed himself with charts and books relating
+to the subject, and by every means endeavoured to make himself
+acquainted with the inhabitants, customs, climate and situation of
+Labrador.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1758, Haven received a call to assist the Greenland
+missionaries in founding the new settlement of Lichtenfels. He then
+for the first time told Count Zinzendorff, that during six years he
+had cherished the idea of going to Labrador to make known to the
+heathen their Creator and Saviour. At first the Count hesitated
+whether he should allow him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>to go to Greenland, but upon
+consideration, he thought it would be better for him to proceed
+thither; and on taking leave, and giving him his blessing, he said,
+"Go first to Greenland and learn the language, and the Saviour will do
+the rest." He accordingly went thither, and was honoured, along with
+M. Stach, to promote the second settlement in that country.</p>
+
+<p>With all the attachment and love, however, which he soon conceived for
+the Greenlanders, his predilection for Labrador never abated, while
+his determination to serve the Lord in those regions was ever present
+to his mind; and when in 1762 he returned to Germany, he laid his
+desire before the Conference at Engen, which at that time had the
+direction of the Brethren's Unity, and offered to undertake personally
+a voyage of inquiry into these regions. His proposals met with their
+most cordial approbation, and he took his departure from Hernhut for
+England in the spring of 1764, with the blessing of the congregation.
+He travelled on foot through Germany to Holland, and after
+encountering numberless difficulties&mdash;especially in England from his
+want of a knowledge of the language&mdash;he arrived in London. His first
+intention was to offer himself as a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>common sailor or ship's carpenter
+to the Hudson Bay Company, in order to procure a passage; but the
+brethren advised him rather to try and get to Labrador by the way of
+Newfoundland.</p>
+
+<p>After many fruitless attempts, he was eventually introduced, through
+the means of James Hutton, Secretary to the Brethren's Unity in
+England, to Sir Hugh Palliser, Governor of Newfoundland, and Commodore
+of the squadron which sailed annually from England. Sir Hugh received
+him very kindly, and took a lively interest in what appeared to him so
+praiseworthy an undertaking as the conversion of the heathen; for he
+rationally concluded that it would also be most advantageous for
+commerce, if the population of that country were instructed and
+humanized. He at once promised all his assistance and support, and
+even offered to carry Jans Haven out on board his own ship. This the
+missionary declined, but requested letters of recommendation to the
+government officers at St John's, which were readily granted, and he
+set sail with the first vessel for that port. Upon his arrival (May
+16th) he lodged at the house of a merchant, who treated him with great
+civility, and supported himself by working at his trade as a
+carpenter, while he endeavoured to obtain every <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>information possible
+respecting the scene of his future labours. In the mean time, his
+disinterested love for the work he had engaged in was put to an
+eminently trying test. Many persons who heard of his intentions came
+to see and converse with him; but instead of endeavouring to
+strengthen his hands in his missionary designs, they made him several
+advantageous proposals for settling in Newfoundland, where there would
+have been no doubt of his speedily realizing a fortune. His heart,
+however, was bent on a nobler object. That he did not under-rate the
+difficulties he would have to encounter in his arduous work, appears
+from a letter written about this time; but he knew likewise where his
+strength lay. "Every one here," says he, "paints the Esquimaux in the
+most shocking colours; but I think they are men, and the word of the
+death of Jesus, which has produced such amazing effects on other
+barbarous nations, cannot fail to have an influence also on them."</p>
+
+<p>Immediately upon his arrival in St John's, Newfoundland, the Governor
+issued a proclamation, expressive of his approval of the objects of
+the mission and of his desire to promote them. "As it would," said he,
+"be of the greatest advantage to the trade of His <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>Majesty's dominions
+in North America, if a friendly intercourse could be established
+between the Esquimaux Indians that inhabit the coasts of Labrador, and
+the inhabitants of the colonies; and all attempts hitherto to
+accomplish this desirable object having failed&mdash;partly, it must be
+confessed, owing to the foolish, treacherous and cruel manner in which
+some of our people have treated the natives in their traffic with them
+on their own coasts&mdash;some of them being most deceitfully plundered,
+and others barbarously murdered; in consequence of which we have been
+brought into the greatest contempt, as if our only design was to lay a
+snare to get them extirpated: such flagitious proceedings being
+directly opposed to His Majesty's benign and humane disposition, it is
+his Royal will and pleasure that these Indians be henceforth treated
+with kindness, and encouraged to trade with his Majesty's subjects. In
+conformity with these sentiments of our gracious Sovereign, we deem it
+necessary to recommend to every possible assistance the bearer of
+this, Jans Haven, a member of the Moravian Brethren's Church, who has
+formed the laudable design of visiting these coasts, and if possible,
+to communicate the knowledge of religion to the poor ignorant heathen,
+and also endeavour to remove the prejudices which have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>prevented them
+from having a friendly intercourse with us. And further, we, His
+Majesty's Officers, &amp;c. in Council assembled, having conversed with
+the said Jans Haven, and being highly satisfied with him, command that
+no impediment be thrown in the way of this his attempt, but rather
+that every possible friendship and assistance be given him, in order
+to promote a happy issue to his most Christian undertaking, as by this
+a great service will not only be rendered to the inhabitants of these
+colonies, but to His Majesty's subjects in general. Given under our
+hand, subscribed and sealed at St John's, 1st July 1764. (Signed)
+<span class="sc">Hugh Palliser</span>"</p>
+
+<p>Fortified by this proclamation, which secured to the missionary the
+protection of the British Government, a protection which the Brethren
+have to this day enjoyed, he embarked on board a ship bound for the
+north, from which he was transferred to a French shallop engaged in
+fishing on the shores of Labrador. When they arrived on the coast, Haven
+for the first time saw the Esquimaux rowing about in their kaiaks, but
+none were permitted to approach without being fired upon, so great was
+the dread these savages had inspired. He landed, however, 24th Aug.,
+near Chateau Bay, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>52 degrees <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>; but the inhabitants fled at
+his approach, at least none made their appearance till he left the
+shore, when they came in numbers to the beach, which was the subject of
+much merriment to the sailors, who made both him and his object the
+frequent subjects of their coarse ridicule&mdash;the few who sympathized in
+his disappointment advised him to return, and refused further assistance
+in what they considered so hopeless a cause. At the same time he was
+informed that a murderous project was in contemplation against the
+natives.</p>
+
+<p>All these things filled his heart with the most pungent sorrow, preyed
+upon his mind, and wasted his body&mdash;and he cried to the Lord for
+relief and help in this distressing situation. Once, when writing down
+his heavy mournful cogitations in his journal, the master of the
+shallop entered his cabin, and seeing him in tears, inquired whether
+he was going to make a complaint to the owners? "No," replied he, "but
+I mean to complain of you to God, that he may notice your wicked
+conduct on the present occasion, for ye have taken his name in vain,
+and ye have mocked his word!" Struck with this address, the captain
+entreated his forgiveness, and promised that from henceforth he would
+do every <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>thing to promote his design, which he faithfully performed,
+and landed him next day at Quirpont or Quiverant, a harbour in an
+island, off the north-east extremity of Newfoundland.</p>
+
+<p>Here he landed in a most propitious moment&mdash;a number of unprincipled
+wretches had arrived, and were holding a council to concert a plan for
+destroying the Esquimaux. Instantly the missionary went to them
+boldly, showed them the Governor's proclamation, and strongly
+remonstrated with them; yet it was not without difficulty that he
+persuaded them to lay aside their diabolical design. To this harbour
+the natives frequently resorted to trade, or rather more frequently to
+steal; and here his first interview took place with the Esquimaux,
+which he records in his diary in the following manner: "September 4
+1764 was the joyful day I had so long wished for, when one Esquimaux
+came into the harbour to see if Captain Galliot was there. While I was
+preparing to go to him, he had turned, and was departing to return to
+his countrymen, who lay in the mouth of the harbour, with the
+intelligence that the Captain had sailed. I called out to him in
+Greenlandish that he should come to me, that I had words to say to
+him, and that I was his good friend. He was astonished at my speech,
+and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>answered in broken French; but I begged him to speak in his own
+language, which I understood, and to bring his countrymen, as I wished
+to speak to them also, on which he went to them and cried with a loud
+voice, 'Our friend is come!'</p>
+
+<p>"I had hardly put on my Greenland clothes when five of them arrived in
+their own boats&mdash;I went to meet them, and said, 'I have long desired
+to see you.' They replied, 'Here is an <i>innuit</i>.' I answered, 'I am
+your countryman and friend.' They rejoined, 'Thou art indeed our
+countryman!' The joy on both sides was very great, and we continued in
+conversation for a considerable time, when at last they invited me to
+accompany them to an island about an hour's row from the shore, where
+I should find their wives and children, who would give me a cordial
+welcome. I well knew that in doing this I put myself entirely in their
+power; but conceiving it to be of essential service to our Saviour's
+cause that I should venture my life among them, and endeavour to
+become better acquainted with their nature, I turned simply to Him,
+and said, 'I will go with them in thy name. If they kill me, my work
+on earth is done, and I shall live with thee; but if they spare my
+life, I will firmly believe that it is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>thy will that they should hear
+and believe thy gospel.'</p>
+
+<p>"The pilot and a sailor who put me ashore, remained in the boat, and
+pushed off a little way from the land to see what would become of me.
+I was immediately surrounded, and every one seemed anxious to show me
+his family. I gave every boy two fish-hooks, and every woman two or
+three sewing needles; and after conversing about two hours, left them,
+with a promise of soon being with them again. In the afternoon I
+returned with the pilot, who wished to trade with them. I begged them
+to remain in this place during the night, but not to steal any thing
+from our people, and showed the danger of doing this. They said the
+Europeans steal also. I answered, if they do so, let me know, and they
+shall be punished. I seized every opportunity to say something about
+the Saviour, to which they listened with great attention. I then
+invited them to visit me next morning, and took leave.</p>
+
+<p>"Next morning accordingly, eighteen Esquimaux came in their boats. I
+went out to sea to meet them, and as the French Captain was frightened
+at the sight of such a crowd, I only allowed six of them to come ashore
+with me, and directed the others to land somewhere else. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>I now
+informed them of Commodore Palliser's proclamation, and of the kind
+intentions of the British government towards them, assuring them, that
+in future no one should be allowed to do them the least injury, so long
+as they themselves behaved properly and peaceably&mdash;to all which they
+listened with great attention; but when I offered them the written
+declaration, which I had received from the Commodore, they shrunk back
+terrified, and would not be persuaded to touch it&mdash;for they supposed it
+a living creature, having seen me speak words from it. I then got into
+a boat and went with them again to their families, who received me as
+before, with the greatest show of kindness. In the evening, three
+French and one English boat arrived full of Esquimaux&mdash;the men came
+immediately to see me, and requested I would visit them in their tents.
+I read to them a letter written by the missionary John Beck, in name of
+the Greenlanders; and as I spoke to them of the Saviour's death, they
+appeared struck with terror&mdash;probably supposing that they were
+upbraided with some of their former murders. On which I showed them
+that he was a great friend to mankind&mdash;but they had no understanding of
+spiritual things.</p>
+
+<p>"To my astonishment I spoke to them with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>much more ease than I
+supposed I could have done, and they expressed great affection for me,
+insisting always upon my being present at all their trading
+transactions with the sailors, to adjust matters between them; 'for,'
+said they, 'you are our friend.' When retiring, they entreated me to
+come again, and bring my brethren with me.</p>
+
+<p>"On the day after, twenty-six men arrived, and requested me once more
+to pay them a visit before my departure. I begged the Captain to lend
+me his boat, which he readily did, as he wished to go along with me;
+the pilot, surgeon, and six sailors, all well armed, accompanied me.
+The captain had dressed himself in his most gaudy apparel, but of this
+the Esquimaux took no notice. They asked me if I really intended to
+come again next year? I said, Yes, if they did not murder me as they
+had my countrymen some years before&mdash;they startled, looked to the
+ground, and remained silent. I continued, 'I believe you did it
+through ignorance, but now that I can speak to you, I hope you will
+never do the like again.' They promised unanimously that no one should
+ever receive the least injury from them again. I said farther, 'When I
+come back I shall tell you things of the greatest importance, of the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>God that created you, and that redeemed you; and if you will but
+believe on him, then shall we live happy together.' One of them asked
+if God dwelt in the sun? I replied, 'God made the sun, and them, and
+me, and all things.' Another asked me, if he believed in this Creator,
+if he would be more successful in his business? I answered, there was
+no doubt of it, if he was diligent in his employment; but that the
+future life was of infinitely greater importance than the present, and
+<i>it</i>, those who believed on him, trusted in him, and lived according
+to his will, should enjoy. Some of them begged me to read again the
+letter that I had read yesterday; and when I wished to take leave, one
+of the chief persons among them, the Angekok Seguliak, took me into
+his tent, and embracing and kissing me, said, 'We are timorous now,
+but when you come back again we shall meet one another without fear,
+dread, or suspicion.' Another came with his drum and began to dance
+and sing, repeating often, 'Our friend is come! this makes us glad!'
+When he concluded, he asked me to answer him. I sung, while my heart
+was touched, this verse in the Greenlandish language, 'Jehovah, Lord
+of hosts&mdash;the true God&mdash;thou art the Creator of all nature&mdash;the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>Preserver of the world&mdash;What was ruined thou hast regained by thy
+blood, and by thy blood must sanctify&mdash;consecrated to thee we fall at
+thy feet.' When I had finished, they said, we are without words to
+express our admiration. They took their final departure on the 7th,
+but no sooner had they left the harbour than they began to steal. I
+offered, if they would give me a boat with four men, to go again and
+speak seriously to them, but no one would go with me."</p>
+
+<p>Sir H. Palliser was so well satisfied with the missionary's report,
+that he sent him to Britain in the Lark frigate, to concert measures
+for carrying his benevolent design into execution. The Board of Trade,
+who perceived the immense advantages which would arise from a mission
+among these tribes, in promoting peace with the natives, and the
+security of the traders, were anxious to see the brethren established
+in Labrador; and the Directors of the Unity, under their especial
+patronage, in the year 1765, undertook a second voyage of inquiry upon
+the coast.</p>
+
+<p>On this expedition Jans Haven was accompanied by Christian Laurentius
+Drachart, who had been a Danish missionary in Greenland,<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>John Hill
+and Andrew Schlozer (Schliezer.) The British Admiralty accommodated
+them with a passage in a public vessel, and they (7th May) sailed from
+Spithead, in the Lark, Captain Thomson, the same frigate that had
+brought Jans Haven home. He landed them at Cosque, Newfoundland, where
+another government vessel, the Niger, received them, and conveyed them
+to Chateau Bay, at which place they arrived July 17th; but were there
+obliged to separate, the captain, Sir Thomas Adams, having received
+instructions to detain some of them, to keep up the friendly
+intercourse with the Esquimaux. With these directions, they not
+unwillingly complied, their object being to follow the leadings of
+Providence, and pursue the line which promised to lead to the greatest
+good. Haven and Schliezer therefore proceeded forward, and Drachart
+and Hill remained. The two former embarked in a schooner bound for the
+north, in order to prosecute their intended exploratory voyages; but
+after spending from the 25th of July to the 3d of September, and
+reaching the 56th deg. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span> on the east coast, Labrador, they
+returned without having accomplished any thing of importance, not
+having met with a single native in any place at which they had landed.
+The other <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>two had an opportunity of speaking with hundreds, whom the
+trade attracted to their neighbourhood, of which they gave the
+following account in their journals: "On the 17th August, we heard
+that Esquimaux were coming, and were about twenty English miles off.
+We sailed on the 18th, very early, with Sir Thomas, to meet them, and
+invited them, in the name of the governor, to Pitt's Harbour.<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a> After
+some hours we saw the first kaiak. As they approached, the savages
+began to call out, in broken French, 'tous camarades oui hu!' which
+the sailors answered in the same manner. Drachart allowed the first
+shout to pass over; he then took one of them by the hand and said in
+Greenlandish, 'Ikinguitigangut,' <i>i.e.</i> 'we are friends;' the native
+understood, and answered, 'Ikinguitsgenpogui,' 'we are also thy
+friends.' We then took some of them into the vessel. A man in a white
+woollen coat, said he got it as a keepsake from Jensingoak, <i>i.e.</i>
+Jans Haven, and inquired where he was. At their earnest invitation Mr
+Drachart went with them, and found upwards of three hundred assembled,
+crying out incessantly, 'We are your friends&mdash;be not afraid&mdash;we
+understand your <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>words&mdash;where do you come from?' He answered, 'I have
+words to you;' on which the whole adjourned to a green plain without
+the camp, and sat down around him. He then told them, 'I come from the
+Karalit in East Greenland, where at one time I had a wife, children,
+and servants.' When they heard this, they cried out, 'These Karalit
+are bad people,' thinking he meant the North Indians; but he said, 'I
+come not from the north, I came over the great sea from the Karalit in
+the east, of whom you have heard nothing, for it is very long since
+they went away from this place. But they have heard of you, and
+therefore Jensingoak came last year to visit you, to see if you are
+Karalits, and I now see myself that you are; and I am sent to say,
+that the Karalits in the east are your friends, that they know the
+Creator of all things, who is our Saviour, and they wish you also to
+know him.'</p>
+
+<p>"Greatly perplexed at this discourse, the savages made him repeat it
+again and again, saying to each other, 'saog?' what does he say? when
+an old man undertook to interpret. 'He means,' said he, '<i>Silla</i>,'<a name="FNanchor_D_4" id="FNanchor_D_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a>
+throwing his hands <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>around his head, and at the same time blowing with
+his mouth. 'Yes!' repeated Drachart immediately, 'Silla!&mdash;the great
+Creator of the world, is our Saviour.' A young man, somewhat
+astonished, stepping forward, exclaimed, 'Saviour! what is that? I do
+not understand what that means.' Another asked, 'Where is he?'
+Drachart then moving his hand in circles around his head, as the old
+man had done, said, 'He is every where in Silla, but he became a man,
+as we are.' 'Are you a teacher?' asked one. 'Yes, I was in the east,'
+replied the missionary. 'Are you an Angekok?' was the next question.
+'It may be,' was the cautious response. On which two aged men, with
+long beards, coming up to him, said, 'We are Angekoks.' Drachart took
+them by the hands, and introduced them to Sir Thomas Adams, who, with
+the sailors, had been standing by during the conversation, and told
+them, 'This is our captain, who is sent by a greater captain to invite
+you to visit him to-morrow.' Sir Thomas then hastened back to Pitt's
+harbour, to give an account of this interview to the Commodore, who
+had remained there, and we continued our course a few miles farther
+north in St Louis Bay, where we remained during the night."</p>
+
+<p>Now scarcely a day escaped without the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>brethren's having some
+intercourse with the Esquimaux, though this was attended with much
+difficulty, and many a sleepless night, as, in passing and repassing
+to their encampment, they often had nothing but the canopy of heaven
+to cover them from the wind and the rain. Sir H. Palliser employed Mr
+Drachart as his interpreter in the negociations which followed, for
+placing the trade with the Esquimaux on such a footing that all
+violence should from that time cease on both sides, and that mutual
+confidence might be restored and maintained. He also learned by his
+means the chief places of their residence, and their actual
+numbers&mdash;important points for regulating his future intercourse with
+that nation. In these respects, the missionary was unweariedly
+diligent, and his efforts were so successful, that, during the whole
+time he and his brethren remained, peace and good will was preserved
+among all parties.</p>
+
+<p>But at the same time he neglected no opportunity to exhibit the
+crucified Jesus, and commend him to the heathen as their Saviour. The
+following excerpts from his diary may serve as a specimen:&mdash;When he
+spake to them of the corruption and depravity of all men, they thought
+he only meant the Kablunat, or foreigners, not them, they were good
+Karalit. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>"Have you ever," said he, "any bad thoughts?" "No." "But
+when you think we will kill the Kablunat, and take their boats and
+their goods, are not these bad thoughts?" "Yes." "Would you not then
+wish to be delivered from your bad thoughts, words, and actions?" "We
+do not know,"&mdash;concluded their catechism.</p>
+
+<p>When the missionary told them that the Greenlanders had been washed
+from their sins in the blood of Jesus, they were amazed, and said,
+"they must have been very wicked fellows!" and when he spoke to them
+of eternal damnation, they supposed it was only the Kablunat that were
+sent to hell, (because they did wicked things,&mdash;as for them they were
+good Karalit.) Having upon one occasion mentioned God to them, they
+said, "Thou speakest of Torngarsuk." He then asked them if Torngarsuk
+created all things; they answered, "We do not know." But an Angekok
+said immediately, "Torngarsuk ajungilak,"&mdash;the great spirit is good
+and holy; and another added, "Ajuatangilat,"&mdash;nothing is impossible to
+him; and a third subjoined, "Saimavot,"&mdash;he is gracious and merciful.
+They, however, could form no idea of what he said to them of a Saviour
+and Redeemer; he was obliged to explain that word to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>them by
+parables, when they would ask if this mighty Personage would be their
+good friend, for they could conceive of him in no other way than as a
+great lord who was to come and deliver them from the Kablunat, and
+assist them against the northern Kraler. With the fickleness so
+natural to savages, they would listen attentively to the first
+instructions, but when it was often repeated, they would say, as both
+ancient and modern Athenians, "we know all that already, tell us
+something new," or like the Greenlanders, sometimes profess to believe
+it, and the next moment declare they neither understood nor cared
+about it. With those who had patience, and were so disposed, the
+missionary went over every doctrine about which they spoke in a
+catechetical way, and endeavoured by short questions, to see if they
+comprehended it, and tried to allure them to make further inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>During their whole intercourse, the Esquimaux showed themselves very
+friendly, and were particularly glad when they saw Jans Haven again;
+some of them recollected many things he had told them the year before,
+and praised him for keeping his promise of returning, and others
+boasted of the good they had heard of him from their countrymen. The
+brethren could go any where among them with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>the utmost security; but
+they were under the necessity of submitting to their curiosity, and
+allowing them to handle every thing they saw, even when they perceived
+this liberty to be attended with danger; yet even now, such was the
+influence of their friendly behaviour, that very little damage was
+incurred. In one tent, they searched Drachart's box, and carried every
+thing off, taking also his hat along with them. Without uttering any
+reproachful complaint, the missionary went to some of the older
+people, and said, "Now I have got no hat to skreen me from the sun."
+They instantly called to the young men, and desired them to give him
+back every thing, which they did with the utmost coolness, and only
+requested a knife as a keepsake.</p>
+
+<p>At another time, when they had secretly emptied his box, no sooner did
+the chief elders of the tribe perceive the circumstance, than they
+called every person belonging to the tent to come before them, and
+desired that what had been taken away should be restored; the thief
+immediately came forward, and without betraying any consciousness of
+having done wrong, threw down what he had taken, saying, "Thou needest
+it thyself!"</p>
+
+<p>Though at a great distance, and scattered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>over a considerable extent
+of country, Haven and Drachart were especially anxious to visit them
+in their own houses: this they seized every opportunity of doing,
+searching them out, and under every difficulty wandering after them.
+But they were gratified by the reception they generally met with; for
+when they informed them that they intended next year to come and live
+among them, the answer uniformly was&mdash;"Come and build a house with us,
+and live with us; but do not bring Kablunat with you, bring only
+Innuit&mdash;men as we are, and you are; and Jensingoak shall help us to
+build boats, and to repair them; and Drachart shall teach us to read
+and write, and we shall live together as friends: then our flints<a name="FNanchor_E_5" id="FNanchor_E_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_5" class="fnanchor">[E]</a>
+and harpoons shall no more be used against each other, but against the
+seals and rein deer."</p>
+
+<p>A dreadful storm of wind and rain occurred on the 12th September,
+which gave rise to some interesting incidents, and appears materially
+to have furthered the object of the missionaries, by shewing the
+Esquimaux their fearless intrepidity and unsuspecting confidence,
+which strongly affected the savages, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>and greatly increased the
+affection and respect in which they before held them. The
+missionaries, when attempting to get on board their vessel, were
+prevented by the violence of the tempest. Their shallop was driven on
+shore and grounded on the rocks. In vain they endeavoured, with the
+assistance of the Esquimaux, to get her off: eight of them waded into
+the water breast-deep and toiled for upwards of an hour, but could not
+move her; meanwhile the vessel went away, and they were left alone
+with the natives. Hill and the ship's surgeon endeavoured to follow
+the vessel in a small boat, in order to attempt some arrangement; but
+just as they had reached her, they were dashed by the waves against
+the ship's side and overset, and narrowly escaped with their lives.
+Drachart and Haven now betook themselves to the stranded shallop, but
+they were destitute of provisions, and the rain fell in torrents. The
+Esquimaux, who perceived their wretched situation, came and
+represented to them that the boat could not possibly float before the
+tide returned in the morning, and invited them to lodge for the night
+in their tent, a proposal with which the poor drenched brethren were
+glad to comply. Immediately Segulliak, the Angekok, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>plunged into the
+water and brought them successively on his back to the shore; he
+afterwards carried them to his tent, caused his wife to procure them
+dry garments, and spread a skin on the floor for them to sit and sleep
+on. The tent was soon crowded with people, who frequently asked them
+if they were not afraid? "We do not know what you intend," answered
+they, "but you are our friends, and friends are not afraid of each
+other." "We are good Karalits," was the universal rejoinder, "and now
+we see you are not Kablunat, but Innuits, and our friends; for you
+come to see us without weapons, we will do you no harm." The Esquimaux
+then gave the brethren fish, water and some bread they had got from
+the sailors, and in about half an hour prepared for rest, Segulliak
+kindly covering them with two other skins. The conjurer himself did
+not, however, appear inclined for repose: falling into an ecstacy he
+first sung with his wives, then muttered some unintelligible jargon,
+made strange gestures, blew and foamed at the mouth, twisted his limbs
+and body together as if convulsed, throwing himself into every
+possible posture; and at intervals emitting the most frightful
+shrieks, then again he held his hand on Drachart's face, who was next
+him, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>concluded the first act of his demoniacal pantomime by
+groaning out, "Now is my Torngak come!" Observing Drachart, who was
+awake, appear startled when he came near him, as often as he laid his
+hand on his face he kissed him. He then lay still for a while as if
+dead&mdash;after a little began to moan, and at last raised himself up, and
+requested that they would kiss him, as that gave him some relief,
+after which he sat down and began to sing. The brethren told him they
+would sing something better, and accordingly sung some Greenland
+hymns&mdash;to these the Esquimaux were very attentive, and repeated every
+word, observing, "We know only a little of what you say."</p>
+
+<p>Wearied and restless, the brethren lay down, but could not sleep; they
+therefore frequently arose and went out of the tent: but Segulliak,
+who appeared to view their motions with suspicion, always took care to
+go out along with them: in the morning, at his desire, they divided
+among his people glass-beads, fish-hooks, sewing needles, &amp;c. as
+payment for their night's lodging. At parting, Segulliak addressed
+them, "You may tell your countrymen in the east that you have slept a
+night with me in safety&mdash;you are the first foreigners that ever
+remained a night in my tent&mdash;yet you are not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>foreigners but men, our
+friends, with whom all dread is at an end, for we know each other."
+Drachart being taken ill, it was not till the 21st September that the
+brethren were able to take their final departure, on which occasion
+Jans Haven, when bidding the natives farewell, made them promise that
+they would not forget what Drachart had spoken to them. "We shall
+now," said he, "see you no more this year; but remember your Creator
+and Redeemer, and when we come again next year we shall be happy with
+each other&mdash;The Saviour be gracious unto you and bless you, Amen!" On
+the 30th September the four brethren returned to Newfoundland, and
+after a friendly interview with the governor, embarked on board the
+Niger, Nov 5th, for England, being again granted a free passage by
+government. On the 25th they landed at Plymouth, and reached London on
+the 3d of the same month.</p>
+
+<br />
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The difference of aspect between a spot in summer, for a
+few weeks, and during winter, is altogether extreme.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> Vide "Moravians in Greenland."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_C_3" id="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> Pitt's Bay and St. Louis Bay are creeks quite in the
+neighbourhood of Chateau Bay, or York's Harbour.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_D_4" id="Footnote_D_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_4"><span class="label">[D]</span></a> <i>Silla</i> in Greenlandish, signifies sometimes the air,
+sometimes the understanding, and sometimes the world, or the <span class="Greek" title="pneuma">&#960;&#957;&#949;&#965;&#956;&#945;</span>, the soul of the world.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_E_5" id="Footnote_E_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_E_5"><span class="label">[E]</span></a> A poetical expression for pistols and muskets.</p></div>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER II.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Contests between the Colonists and Savages revive&mdash;Murderous
+skirmish.&mdash;Mikak.&mdash;Karpik, his conversion and death.&mdash;The
+Moravians receive a grant of land on the coast of
+Labrador&mdash;resolve to renew the mission&mdash;voyage to explore the
+land.&mdash;Jans Haven, Drachart, &amp;c., arrive at Labrador&mdash;their
+interview with the natives&mdash;meet Mikak and Tuglavina&mdash;their
+kindness.&mdash;Segulliak the sorcerer.&mdash;Anxiety of the Esquimaux for
+their remaining among them&mdash;ground purchased for a
+settlement&mdash;manner of bargaining with the Esquimaux&mdash;sail for
+Esquimaux bay&mdash;the natives troublesome&mdash;the Captain's method of
+checking them&mdash;conduct of the missionaries&mdash;they preach on
+shore.&mdash;Conversation with the Esquimaux&mdash;search out a place for
+a settlement&mdash;purchase it of the natives&mdash;ceremonies used on the
+occasion&mdash;take formal possession.&mdash;Deputation return to England.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Various impediments prevented any further negociations with the
+government of Great Britain, in regard to establishing a mission among
+the Esquimaux, for nearly five years. During this period the English
+merchants and the natives on the coast of Labrador were anew involved
+in strife and bloodshed. With the missionaries all confidence had left
+the country; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>the colonists had no check, and the savages had no
+friend. The mercenary views of the traders were ever leading them to
+cheat and deceive these poor untutored unprotected beings, who in
+return, deemed retaliation no crime; nor in balancing the amount of
+guilt would it be easy to settle which of the parties were most deeply
+implicated; the one who gave trifles, or worse&mdash;beads or brandy, for
+articles of real value; or the other, who secretly pilfered some
+useless toys or iron implements, for which in fact they had greatly
+overpaid. Both were rogues in their dealings, only the Europeans had
+the advantage of superior knowledge, which enabled them to rob with
+superior dexterity, and to cloak their knavery under the name of
+barter.</p>
+
+<p>But at this date&mdash;1766-9&mdash;the Esquimaux, from their intercourse with
+their civilized neighbours, had learned to estimate the value of
+European arms and vessels, and they stuck at no method by which they
+might possess themselves of them, while the murders which the whites
+committed with impunity, led them on every occasion that offered,
+eagerly to gratify their cupidity and revenge. They accordingly
+watched their opportunity; and in 1768, when the Europeans were off
+their guard, killed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>three men and stole two boats. A battle was the
+consequence, when twenty of the savages were left dead on the field,
+and four women, two boys and three girls were taken prisoners, and
+brought to Newfoundland. Among the women prisoners were
+<span class="sc">Mikak</span>; one of the boys was her son; the other, Karpik, about
+fifteen years of age, had previously lost his mother, and his father
+fell in the engagement. Their own story forms a remarkable episode in
+the history of the mission. These three were sent to England, where
+they were treated with much kindness.</p>
+
+<p>Mikak, who seems to have been a person of very superior understanding,
+was noticed by many of the nobility, and particularly by the Princess
+Dowager of Wales, mother to George III; but nothing could overcome her
+love for her native land, or erase from her mind the deep sense she
+entertained of the sufferings of her kindred. We are not furnished
+with the facts of the case, but it appears sufficiently plain, that
+from all she saw in England, and during the time of her captivity,
+that she discerned and appreciated the immense superiority of the
+Europeans over the Esquimaux, and was extremely anxious to return
+home, and, if possible, carry with her the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>means of their
+amelioration. Providentially Jans Haven came to England in 1769 for
+the purpose of endeavouring to renew the mission, and meeting with
+Mikak, she immediately recognised him as an old acquaintance, who had
+formerly lodged in her tent, and expressed the most unbounded joy at
+meeting with a friend by whom her language was understood. Her first
+and constant theme was the condition of her countrymen; and she
+incessantly entreated Haven to return to Labrador and endeavour to do
+something for their relief. Besides, now that she had a medium of
+communication, she never ceased to urge her prayer among those
+distinguished personages, by whom she had been patronized, and her
+applications had no small influence in paving the way for a renewal of
+the mission. Soon after she was sent home in a King's ship, and
+rendered essential service to the brethren who followed.</p>
+
+<p>By the especial direction of Sir Hugh Palliser, Karpik was consigned
+to the care of Jans Haven for the purpose of being properly educated,
+that he might afterwards be employed in the important service of
+introducing Christianity, and the peaceful arts of civilized life,
+into the savage and inhospitable coasts of Labrador&mdash;the Governor
+being deeply <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>impressed with a sense of the great benefits to be
+derived from a well conducted mission among the wild tribes in the
+neighbourhood of the colony, with whom they meant to carry on a safe
+or a gainful traffic. Naturally ferocious and untractable, Karpik was
+very averse to restraint; and it was not till after the most unwearied
+display of disinterested kindness, that Jans succeeded in gaining the
+affections of this stubborn boy, and persuading him willingly to
+accompany him to his dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>Here, perhaps, the good man's most trying labours began. Karpik
+inherited the prejudices of his nation: he had a high opinion of
+himself, and despised all others; and when told that God the Creator
+of the world desired to make him happy, received the information as a
+matter of course, replying to his teacher with a comfortable
+self-complacency, "That is right, for I am a good <i>karaler</i>!" The
+filthiness of his skin had superinduced a cutaneous disorder, which,
+when the care and attention of Haven had got removed, he expressed
+high delight, but he soon became dissatisfied with the clean plain
+clothing in which he was dressed; boys of any rank at that time being
+absurdly decorated with ruffles and lace, and such like trumpery; and
+as if human folly had wished <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>to caricature its own ridiculous
+extravagance, some of the children were even introduced into company
+with cocked hats and swords.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Karpik, it seems, caught the infection, and conceived a violent
+passion for a hat and coat bedizzened with embroidery; and it is
+amusing to remark his wayward ingenuity, when insisting upon being
+gratified. On one occasion Jans had remonstrated with him upon the
+uselessness of finery, and exhorted him to apply himself to useful
+learning; and above all, to seek to know the Lord who dwells in
+heaven&mdash;"Poor clothes," retorted he instantly, "will not teach me
+that! my countrymen, who have poor clothes, die and know nothing of
+God. The king has fine clothes, and knows God as well as you, and why
+should not I? give me fine clothes, I can still know God and love
+him!" Haven told him he had no money to buy him fine clothes&mdash;"Then go
+to the king," said Karpik, "and get money from him." "Well," replied
+the missionary, "we will go; but if the king asks, what has Karpik
+learned? can he read, or write, or is he acquainted with the God in
+heaven? what shall I say? If I am forced to answer, He has learned
+nothing; the king will say, Take him on board the man of war, let him
+serve my officers and clean their shoes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>for seven years, till he has
+learned something.&mdash;You know how these boys are treated." Karpik
+perceived the force of this simple reasoning, fell on the neck of his
+instructor, and promised all obedience in future. It was not, however,
+till some time after, that eternal things began to make a serious
+impression on his mind.</p>
+
+<p>At length he grew thoughtful, and under the powerful conviction of his
+wretched state as a sinner, would often exclaim, "Woe is me! I am good
+for nothing, I am a miserable creature!" Under these uneasy sensations
+he at first felt exasperated, and he wished he had never heard of a
+God or of a Bible; but as the truth beamed in upon his soul, he became
+calm and peaceful, and manifested a strong desire to be further
+instructed. He was in this interesting state of mind, when Haven,
+being called away, committed him to the charge of Mr Drachart, who was
+then residing at the Brethren's settlement in Yorkshire, under whose
+tutilage he made rapid improvement in knowledge; and evidenced, by the
+change of his disposition, and his mildness of manner, and simplicity
+of conduct, that the gospel had taken powerful hold upon his heart;
+and this he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>evidenced still more clearly, when early called to
+grapple with the last enemy.</p>
+
+<p>From the encouraging progress he was making, his friends were fondly
+anticipating the time when he should go forth as a zealous missionary
+of the Lord Jesus among his benighted countrymen, but their hopes were
+suddenly overcast. On September the 22d, he was seized with the small
+pox, which, in spite of the best medical assistance, speedily proved
+fatal. He bore his distemper with patience, and some of his last
+expressions were, "O! Jesus, I come to thee, I have no where else to
+go. I am a poor sinner, but thou hast died for me! have mercy upon me!
+I cast myself entirely upon thee." The day before his death he was
+baptized by Mr Drachart, who, at his own request, made use of the
+Greenlandish language in administering the rite. On the 4th October
+1769, he expired, the first fruits of Christ's vintage among the
+Esquimaux; and although not employed to spread the savour of his name
+among his heathen kindred by the living voice, yet he was honoured by
+his death to encourage the exertions, and strengthen the faith of
+those soldiers of the Lord who were buckling on their armour for the
+glorious combat.</p>
+
+<p>Whether the ruinous effects of the state of a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>narchy, and murderous
+contests which prevailed whenever the natives and the Europeans came
+in contact, or whether the various memorials with which they had been
+for several years annoyed, had most influence, we know not; but the
+Board of Trade made a representation early in 1769 to the king,
+(George III.) and on the 3d May, the same year, a Privy Council was
+summoned to consider of a petition from the Brethren for establishing
+a mission on the coast of Labrador. The result of their deliberations
+was, "That His Majesty in Council gave, and authorised the Brethren's
+Unity, and the Society for the furtherance of the gospel among the
+heathen, to take one hundred thousand acres of land (<i>belonging to the
+Esquimaux</i>,) on the coast of Labrador, where, and in whatever place of
+the same was most convenient for their purpose." And the Governor of
+Newfoundland was directed to afford the brethren in their settlement
+every protection, and to furnish them from the royal stores with fifty
+muskets and the necessary ammunition.</p>
+
+<p>Following up this favourable opening, the Moravian Synod, which was
+held at Marienborn, resolved to renew the friendly intercourse with
+the Esquimaux, and to search out a convenient<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> situation for the
+establishment of a mission. In consequence, Jans Haven, Drachart, and
+Stephen Jensen, received this in charge; and some other brethren
+resolved to take a part in it, and go themselves as sailors in a ship
+which a Society of the Brethren in London had fitted out, and which
+they resolved should annually visit the coast of Labrador to carry out
+supplies of the necessaries of life to the missionaries. They first
+made land at a place called Arnitok, an island about six miles from
+the spot where Nain now stands; there they found twenty-nine boats
+full of Esquimaux, but they behaved in a very unruly manner and with
+great insolence, till the report of the great guns, fired over their
+heads, frightened them into order; they then showed themselves
+friendly, and the missionaries, who understood the language, preached
+the gospel to them. After this the two brethren, Haven and Jensen,
+traversed the coast unmolested in search of favourable ground for a
+settlement; but being unable to find such a spot they set sail again,
+and on the 15th July ran into an harbour upon the most eastern point
+of the mainland, near Nain, 55 deg. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span> Here they found many
+Esquimaux, and the joy on both sides was greatly heightened, when they
+recognised <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>among them several of their old acquaintances, in
+particular Segulliak, who said to Jans Haven, "When I first saw your
+boat I was afraid, but I no sooner heard that little Jans Haven was
+there than all fear departed, and I am very glad to see you again, for
+I have a great love to little Jans." He then bound a strap of leather
+round Drachart's arm, at the same time saying, "We love thee much!"
+and laying his right hand on Drachart's breast, continued, "This band
+on thy arm shall from henceforth be a sign that our love shall never
+cease. I have not forgot what I heard of the Lord in heaven, and I
+long to hear more." Drachart answered, "You may indeed be assured that
+I have a great love for you, when I, an old man&mdash;he was then in his
+sixtieth year&mdash;have come again to visit you, that you might hear more
+of your Lord in heaven, your Creator, who became a man and died on the
+cross for your sins, for mine, and for the sins of the whole world."
+The Esquimaux replied, "We will hear the word you have for us!"
+Drachart continued, and spoke of the great love of the Creator of all
+things, which moved him to come down from heaven to earth, and by his
+sufferings and death to redeem us from our sins and eternal
+punishment. When the brethren <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>confirmed to the savages what Mikak had
+formerly told them, that they intended to settle among them, they
+rejoiced like little children, and every one of them gave Jans Haven a
+small present.</p>
+
+<p>As Mikak had told them that her relations, who had gone to the south,
+anxiously wished to see them, the missionaries sailed on the 19th July
+back to Byron's Bay, and sent the Esquimaux boats before them. It was
+not long before a kaiak arrived with the father of Mikak, who
+instantly coming on board said, "My daughter and her husband are here
+on the island before you, and they strongly desire to see and speak
+with you." Indeed, scarcely had they cast anchor in the open creek,
+when Mikak with her husband Tuglavina, and their son and daughter,
+came to them. The man had a white woollen coat, but Mikak herself wore
+a finely ornamented dress, trimmed with gold, and embroidered with
+gold spangles, which had been presented to her by the Princess Dowager
+of Wales, when she was in London, and had on her breast a gold medal
+with a likeness of the king. Her father also wore an officer's coat.
+Being invited into the cabin to partake of some refreshments, Jans
+Haven asked her if she would receive the brethren as her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>own people.
+"You will see," she replied, "how well we will behave, if you will
+only come. We will love you as our countrymen, and trade with you
+justly, and treat you kindly." On account of the tempestuous weather,
+the whole party, amounting to fourteen, were detained during the whole
+night on board the vessel. Early next morning they left them, followed
+by Messrs Haven and Drachart, who, going from tent to tent, preached
+the gospel to them. Mikak acted in the most friendly manner&mdash;assuring
+her kindred of the brethren's affection for them, and telling them of
+all the kindness she had experienced in England, where she had lived
+in a great house, and been most liberally treated. The missionaries
+being about to take leave, Segulliak came up to Drachart, and renewed
+his expressions of attachment; the latter replied, "I do not forget
+that five years ago you assured me of your love; and only a few days
+since you bound this thong on my arm as a token of your affection, and
+by this you have declared that you are willing to hear the word of the
+sufferings and death of Jesus." When the others heard this, they all
+cried out, "We also are willing to hear." The missionary then
+mentioned some particulars of the history of the life and sufferings
+of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>the Saviour, and asked if they would wish, as the Greenlanders
+did, to hear something of Jesus everyday? "Yes! yes!" they all
+replied. "Then," said Drachart, "if that be the case, we will look out
+for a piece of land in Esquimaux Bay, where we may next year build a
+house."</p>
+
+<p>Although these good men had received the extensive grant we have
+mentioned from His Majesty of England of the Esquimaux country, they
+did not consider that that gave them any right to take possession
+without the consent of the inhabitants, or without giving them an
+equivalent, notwithstanding the settlement was intended solely for
+their advantage, and was to communicate to them what was of infinitely
+more value than millions of acres in the finest country of the world,
+instead of a patch of barren ground on the bleak and inhospitable
+coast of Labrador. When they mentioned that they meant to "buy" the
+land, the whole crowd, who perfectly understood the term, cried out,
+"Good! good! pay us, and take as much land as you please!" Drachart
+said, "It is not enough that you be paid for your high rocky mountain;
+you may perhaps say in your hearts, when these people come here, we
+will kill them, and take their boats and all their valuable
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>articles." "No! no!" they exclaimed, "we will never kill any more, or
+steal any more; we are brethren!" "That gladdens my heart," said
+Drachart; "but how shall we buy the land? You have no great chief, and
+every one of you will be lord of his land. We will do this: we will
+give each of you what will be more useful to you in your fishing than
+the land you may give us." "Pay us," they repeated, "pay us, and take
+as much land as you please." Drachart and the other brethren then
+going from tent to tent, divided among the men, women, and children,
+all kinds of tools and fishing tackle, which having done, he produced
+a written agreement to which all their names were attached, and
+telling them its import, required each to put a mark before his name
+with his own hand, that it might be a perpetual memorial of their
+having sold the land. When they had done so, he again shewed each his
+name with his mark, adding, "In time to come, when yourselves or your
+children shall learn to read and write, as the Greenlanders have done,
+they will be able to read these names, and they will remember what
+they have just now seen and heard." Drachart next informed them, that
+when they should return to Esquimaux Bay, after the rein-deer hunt,
+they would see four great <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>stones erected with figures on them, which
+were called letters, and these would mark out the boundaries of the
+land which had been bought from them. The Esquimaux, of whom about one
+hundred were present, then gave the brethren their hands, and solemnly
+promised to abide by their agreement "as long as the sun shone."</p>
+
+<p>After this sacred transaction the brethren, along with Mikak and her
+family, returned to the ship, which set sail the same day for
+Esquimaux Bay. On the dangerous passage, Mikak and her husband were of
+essential service in directing their course among rocks and islands,
+and likewise in trading with the Esquimaux they met with on their way,
+and inducing them to receive the brethren favourably, and attend to
+their instructions. Notwithstanding, however, the uniform expressions
+of love with which the savages everywhere hailed them, the
+missionaries found it necessary always to be upon their guard, and use
+the utmost circumspection in their intercourse with their new friends,
+especially on shipboard, where they behaved with a rude intrusion,
+often extremely troublesome, and not always without showing marks of
+their natural propensity to thieving; they therefore prohibited more
+than five from coming on board at one time to trade, and that only
+during the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>day; and informed them that if any were found in the ship
+during the night, they should be treated as thieves; and, to fix the
+time allowed for trading more exactly, a cannon was fired at six
+o'clock in the morning, and another at the same time in the evening.
+Finding that his regulations, however, were not so strictly observed
+as he could wish, and the natives becoming rather troublesome, Captain
+Mugford, while lying off the Island Amitok, deemed it necessary to
+show them that he possessed the power of punishing their misdeeds if
+he chose to employ it. He fired several shot from his great guns over
+their heads against a high barren rock at no great distance. When the
+broken pieces of the rock rolled down threateningly towards them, they
+raised a mournful howl in their tents, as if they were about to be
+destroyed; but they afterwards behaved more orderly, and not with the
+savage wildness they had done before, yet the missionaries were always
+obliged to act with firmness and decision, in order to prevent all
+approaches to any transgression that it might have been necessary to
+punish, or that might have exposed any of the men to danger.</p>
+
+<p>During the voyage, Drachart held a meeting morning and evening, in the
+cabin, with the young Esquimaux, who seemed to take great <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>pleasure in
+it, and were highly attentive. Some of their expressions were
+remarkable. "They wished they had such a desire for the Saviour as a
+child has for its parents"&mdash;"or a man to hunt the rein-deer, and
+obtain his prey."&mdash;"They would not cease to think of Jesus' sufferings
+and death, but would remember that merciful and generous Saviour who
+had died from love to them, and learn to know and love him." In the
+evening of the last day of July they cast anchor in the southernmost
+corner of Esquimaux Bay, and on the following day entered the harbour
+of Nanangoak, in which lay fourteen European and two women's boats,
+and on shore fourty-seven tents were pitched. Here Mikak and her
+husband had wished to rejoin their countrymen. Before they left the
+ship Drachart reminded them of what he had taught them, and
+recommended to them every morning when they rose, and every evening
+before they went to sleep, to think on the Saviour and his sufferings;
+and exhorted them, when any wicked thoughts should arise in their
+minds&mdash;theft, adultery, or murder, or any other bad thing they had
+heard from their youth up from the Angekoks their teachers&mdash;that they
+should pray to him that he would take them away, adding, "if you thus
+turn to Jesus and diligently seek to him, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>then you will no more
+belong to the heathen, but to the Saviour, who will receive you as his
+own, and write your names among the faithful." Jans Haven accompanied
+them to their friends, who rejoiced to receive them in safety, and
+among them Jans found his old acquaintance Seguilliak. Next day
+Drachart and Jensen went on shore, when they were immediately
+surrounded by a great crowd, who took the missionaries under the arm,
+and shook them by the hands, and then conducted them from tent to
+tent, where they proclaimed to them the unsearchable riches of Christ.
+Mikak invited them into her large tent, and begged they might hold a
+meeting in it. Soon upwards of seven hundred Esquimaux were collected
+within and around it, to whom Drachart, for the first time, preached
+the gospel, and was heard here, as elsewhere, with the utmost apparent
+attention. When he had finished, Mikak and her husband began to
+testify, in their own simple manner, how the Lord in heaven had become
+man, and died for their sins. Supposing that this alluded to their own
+murders, some of their countrymen appeared startled, and cried out,
+"Ah! that is true, we are sinners, and old murderers; but we will
+never more carry concealed knives, either under our arms or under our
+clothes; and we shall <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>never have bows and arrows hid in our kaiaks,
+because the Lord in heaven has said, Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by
+man his blood shall be shed. If we kill Europeans, as we did three
+years ago, then we deserve that they should kill us and our
+countrymen." But they seemed likewise alarmed lest the boats they had
+then taken should be demanded back; but Mikak and her husband
+explained that the Europeans did not come to desire them to give back
+the boats, but that certainly if they did so any more they would be
+punished. "That is good!" they replied "we believe your words, Mikak;
+and shall also love the great and powerful chief you saw in London,
+and his people, and will trade honourably with them;" and renewed
+their protestations of affection for the missionaries, telling them,
+"Now we are brethren." Drachart seized the opportunity of explaining
+what he meant by brethren:&mdash;"Ye have heard that many of the
+Greenlanders are our brethren; now you must learn rightly to
+understand why we call one another brethren. Hear what the reason
+is,&mdash;our hearts and the Greenlanders are fast bound together by the
+love of Jesus our Saviour, who died on the cross for our sins,
+therefore do we call the Greenlanders, and all who are united in the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>death of Jesus, our brethren. If you will now be converted to Jesus,
+then shall you be such brethren as the Greenlanders are." At a
+subsequent meeting, the missionaries informed them that they were
+desirous of finding a proper place on which to build a house, as it
+was their intention to return next year and settle among them, and
+requested their opinion as to where would be the best spot. They told
+them there were many good places on the continent which they might
+examine and choose for themselves; or if they would prefer an island,
+they were welcome to the best; and the old men added, "You may build
+and dwell in our country, and do what you will, either on land or
+sea&mdash;you shall have the same liberty as we have, for you are Innuit,
+as we are, and not such Kablunat as the other wicked Europeans."
+"Well," replied Drachart, "you and we and the Greenlanders are also as
+one family." "Yes," returned the old men, "we are friends and
+brethren." "Then, dear men, when you speak thus, do you in your hearts
+really think so?" "Yes! yes! you may firmly believe that." The
+brethren then proceeded from tent to tent, and distributed gifts, and
+obtained the marks of the old men, to the number of sixty-seven, to an
+agreement similar to that which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>they had made with the other
+Esquimaux, and the land from Monenguak to Kangerlack being marked out
+with four great stones, was given to the brethren for a possession.
+The ceremony being concluded, Drachart addressed them thus: "These
+signatures will shew to your children, and your children's children,
+that you have received us as friends and countrymen, and have given us
+the piece of land marked out by these stones, and then your children,
+and your children's children, will remember this transaction after
+your death, as if you spoke to them, and said, We, your fathers and
+grandfathers, called the brethren here for our sakes, and your sakes,
+and they have built a good house to meet daily with you, in that you
+may hear of the Lord in heaven. Do not forget that we your parents
+have given this piece of land for an inheritance to our brethren that
+came to us from the east of Greenland; and when you are converted to
+Jesus, you must live near the meeting house, love your teachers, and
+follow them as the Greenlanders do. Will you," continued he, "tell
+your families what you have now heard, as well as what you have now
+said? that your wives and children may know." They answered, "That we
+will,&mdash;and we have already begun to spread it through our country,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>and shall continue to do so." The missionary proceeded:&mdash;"The Lord,
+your and our Saviour, is over all. He is truly here with us&mdash;I feel
+his presence in my heart; he knoweth all things, and hath heard your
+words and mine; he is calling for your hearts&mdash;will you now give them
+to him? And will you keep to the words you have now said to me?"
+"Yes!" cried all the men, and gave him their hands, and some kissed
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Having concluded the solemn transactions of the day, the missionaries,
+towards evening, returned to the ship, and the next day the Esquimaux
+began to set out for their hunting stations. But Tuglavina and his
+wife remained some days longer to assist the brethren in seeking out
+an island, and then parted with tears on both sides. The missionaries
+rewarded them liberally for their services; and they were not
+forgetful of the favours they had now and formerly received. Mikak
+begged the brethren would take charge of two white fox skins for the
+Dowager Princess of Wales, of a black one for the Princess of
+Glocester, and two red ones for the Governor Palliser, as
+acknowledgments for their kindness.</p>
+
+<p>The place pitched upon by the brethren for their settlement was 56
+deg. 36 m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>, well <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>supplied with good wood for building,
+and numerous rivulets of excellent water, and where ships could
+conveniently find an excellent anchorage. The stones they erected were
+placed, one on King's point, marked G R III. 1770, the other marked U
+F (unitas fratrum,) 1770, and the land was taken possession of in the
+name of King George, for behoof of the United Brethren&mdash;a very
+important process, as it secured the protection of the British
+government for the new settlements; the other two stones were marked
+and placed in the interior merely as boundary stones. This first
+sacred spot was consecrated by thanksgiving and prayer. Amid the
+heathen tribes and their rude rocks, the missionaries kneeled down,
+and with the deepest expressions of humility, thanked the Lord that he
+had thus so far prospered them in their undertaking, had guarded them
+through the perils of their journey, and graciously granted them a
+resting place. Having thus accomplished the object of their mission,
+they returned to England, and reached London 16th November 1770,
+blessing and praising the Lord that no evil had befallen them.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER III<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Preparations for establishing a settlement in Labrador.&mdash;A love
+feast.&mdash;Missionaries leave London&mdash;erect a mission-house at
+Nain&mdash;regulations for their intercourse with the
+natives&mdash;visited by great numbers&mdash;manner of instruction&mdash;they
+retire in winter, are visited by the Brethren in their
+houses.&mdash;Death of Anauke.&mdash;An incantation.&mdash;Adventures in search
+of a dead whale.&mdash;P.E. Lauritz deputed by the conference&mdash;visits
+the missions&mdash;his excursion along the coast.&mdash;A sloop of war
+arrives to examine the settlement&mdash;the Captain's report.&mdash;Jans
+Haven's voyage to the north&mdash;interesting occurrences.&mdash;Lauritz
+leaves Nain&mdash;his concluding address.&mdash;The Brethren propose new
+settlements&mdash;disastrous voyage in search of a
+situation.&mdash;Liebisch appointed Superintendant.&mdash;An Angekok
+baptized&mdash;his address to the natives.&mdash;Jans Haven commences a
+new station at Okkak&mdash;received joyfully by the natives&mdash;six
+Esquimaux baptized&mdash;proceedings at Nain.&mdash;Missionary accompanies
+the Esquimaux to a rein-deer hunt.&mdash;Third settlement&mdash;Hopedale
+founded.&mdash;Remarkable preservation of the Missionaries.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Every thing being now settled for establishing a missionary station
+among the Esquimaux, the Brethren were occupied during the winter in
+making the necessary preparations for carrying their object into
+effect. In this they were essentially aided by the same society who
+had sent out the vessel on the previous year, and who, knowing the
+difficulty Europeans lay <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>under of procuring the necessaries of life
+in that climate, resolved to send out one annually with supplies, and
+to preserve the communication, notwithstanding the previous voyage had
+been but a losing concern. The number of persons destined for this
+arduous undertaking was fourteen, among whom were three married
+brethren, Brazen Schneider and Jans Haven, accompanied by Drachart and
+seven unmarried missionaries. Brazen, who had gone as a surgeon to
+Greenland in 1767, and remained during the winter at one of the
+settlements, was appointed superintendant of this mission. Before
+leaving London, on May 5th, these devoted men had a meeting in the
+Brethren's chapel with the congregation, and a number of other
+Christians who felt interested in the undertaking, and with the most
+delightful feelings they sat down together to a love feast, at which
+the following letter from Mr Drachart to the church was read:</p>
+
+<p>"Dearly beloved Brethren and Sisters,&mdash;We are now for the third time
+going among the wild Esquimaux; and in their name we thank you for the
+assistance you have afforded us in the past year to enable us to
+declare among these savages the gospel of the sufferings and death of
+Jesus. We thank the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>Saviour that he has so illuminated your hearts,
+that you are as willing to give your wealth, as we are to venture our
+lives to promote this cause. We now take our leave, and commend
+ourselves to your love and remembrance before the Saviour. He is
+indeed near to you, and to us, to help in all our difficulties,&mdash;that
+our courage may not fail, but that we may look to him. It is his
+cause, and he will support us; on him we hope, and on him we rely; and
+in his name we venture our lives and all that we have, for he ventured
+his life for us. When we think of this our hearts are melted, and we
+fall down at his pierced feet, and exclaim, O! Lord Jesus, the little
+confidence we have in thee thou hast given us; our goods, our lives,
+we have from thee. Thou knowest we venture to go through the great
+deep, through rocks and ice, that thy holy name may be glorified among
+the Esquimaux. We pray that the angel of thy presence may accompany
+the ship out and home again; be with our brethren, give them courage
+to proclaim the tidings of thy love, which was stronger than
+death&mdash;Dear brethren and sisters, the Saviour is present, he certainly
+hears us when we join together to call upon him for ourselves and
+others <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God be
+with you all. Amen."</p>
+
+<p>On the 8th of May they left London in the ship Amity, commanded by
+Captain Mugford, and on the 9th August reached the place of their
+destination, after a passage of peril and danger. They had constructed
+a wooden house while in London, and had been kindly furnished by their
+friends with household furniture, and a number of implements for
+enabling them to work in carpentry, in iron, and for gardening.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately upon landing they commenced their operations, by
+surrounding the spot upon which they had fixed, and to which they gave
+the name of Nain, with pallisades, and on the 20th of August laid the
+foundation of their wooden house; they soon found their fortification
+was unnecessary, as the natives, so far from offering any obstruction,
+appeared eager to forward the building, which, on the 22d September,
+was so far finished as to be habitable. As on the former occasion, so
+on this, the Governor of Newfoundland issued a proclamation in their
+favour, declaring the missionaries under the immediate protection of
+the British; and at the same time he conveyed to themselves the
+strongest assurances of his personal regard for their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>characters and
+wishes for their success, as what would so materially tend to
+tranquillize the country.</p>
+
+<p>Among the excellent regulations adopted by the brethren, one, and not
+the least important, was, in their transactions with the savages,
+while they did them every kind office, to offer them nothing which
+might appear in the shape of a bribe to induce them to embrace their
+religion: they sometimes built boats for them, and sometimes improved
+and repaired those they had, and furnished them with iron pots, and
+arrows and lances for seal hunting, but they always required payment,
+which the Esquimaux could easily render in whale fins, seals' blubber,
+or such other articles as their dexterity could procure. Very soon,
+instruments of European manufacture became so necessary, that the
+natives were rendered industrious by the desire to possess them, while
+they enabled them to render that industry doubly advantageous. In this
+traffic the annual visits of the Society's vessel were important, and
+the greater part of the barter was carried on through the agent or
+supercargo.</p>
+
+<p>More than a hundred Esquimaux, during the summer, planted their tents
+round Nain, to whom the missionaries preached the gospel. Of the
+manner in which they did this, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>Drachart tells us in his journal, "My
+method," says he, "is first to give a short discourse, and then to ask
+a few plain questions which only require a denial or assent; but they
+do not always content themselves with this&mdash;for instance, if I ask if
+they, as poor sinners, would wish to come to the Saviour, some would
+say, Yes! we cannot deny that we are poor sinners, and we begin to
+reflect upon what we have heard from you about this, and to converse
+with one another on the subject. Others will boldly reply, No! we will
+not think of it; and a third sort will confess they do not understand
+any thing about the matter, but would be glad to know if I had any
+knives to sell, for they had whale fins. I then pray to the
+Saviour:&mdash;Thou hast in Greenland made many stupid minds to understand,
+and many cold hearts warm; O do the same here, and bless my weak
+discourse that I may not be put to shame, for it is indeed thine own
+cause."</p>
+
+<p>During the winter the natives retired to other places, the nearest of
+which was many miles distant from Nain; individuals, however, came
+from time to time to visit the brethren; among these were Mikak,
+Tuglavina, and Segulliak, and the brethren returned their visits, as
+far as the deep snow and excessive cold would <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>permit. The friendly
+reception they met with upon these occasions, and the willingness with
+which the heathen heard the word, reconciled the missionaries to the
+filth and inconvenience they had to encounter. Of these the following
+specimen will enable the reader to form some idea.</p>
+
+<p>About the end of January 1773, the brethren Schneider and Turner
+visited Mikak in the island Nintok, at the distance of five and a half
+hours from Nain. They found here two houses, each of which contained
+twenty persons, the families only separated from each other by skins
+stretched out between them. Mikak directed the brethren to an
+apartment in one of these houses, to which, when they retired, they
+were followed by great numbers of the Esquimaux, who gathered round
+them, and heard in silence Schneider preach to them the death of the
+Lord, and sing some verses on the same subjects. They here met with a
+circumstance which greatly tended to comfort them amid other scenes
+which weighed heavily on their spirits. In a division of the house
+where they lodged, they found three widows dwelling together, and one
+of them informed them that her husband, Anauke, who had died the year
+before, had said to her, when she was mourning over him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>in his last
+illness, "Be not grieved for me,&mdash;I am going to heaven, to Jesus who
+has loved his people so much!" He was one of those who had remained
+during the summer near Nain, and whose countenance bore strong marks
+of the thief and the murderer, and had appeared at first to have more
+than usual savage ferocity in his whole deportment; but it was
+remarked that, before he left that vicinity, his very countenance had
+changed, and his behaviour had become gentle; but the missionaries had
+no decisive proof of his conversion to the Saviour, till they heard,
+to their joy, this his dying profession of the faith. His countrymen
+called him the man whom the Saviour had taken to himself. This man,
+there is every reason to believe, was the first fruits of the mission.</p>
+
+<p>Night is an appropriate time to call on the prince of darkness; and it
+is observable that among all the heathen, that season has generally
+been devoted to his service in deeds that shunned the light. In the
+evening, when the missionaries had laid themselves down to sleep in
+Mikak's house, they had another confirmation of this remark. There had
+been a dreadful storm during the day, so that the natives had been
+prevented from going to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>seal-catching, they therefore assembled in
+her house after nightfall, to entreat her, as she was considered a
+powerful sorceress, to make good weather, bring the seals from the
+deep, and show the holes in the ice to which they came for air; also
+where the greatest number of rein-deer were to be found. All the lamps
+were immediately extinguished, and she began with deep sighs, and
+groans, and mutterings, to call up Torngak. Sometimes she raised her
+voice so loud that the whole house rang. At this signal, the people
+began to sing, and to ask one another, what does Torngak say? At
+length there was a tremendous crash, as if the whole place had been
+falling about their ears, produced, as the missionaries supposed, by
+the stroke of a stick on the extended skins. The sorceress then
+proceeded to the door, beating with her feet, and uttering strange
+sounds, at which some of the more sensible among the worshippers could
+not forbear to express their sense of the ridiculous scene by their
+laughter. Schneider, who had hitherto been silent, now cried to the
+enchantress to cease calling upon Torngak, who was an evil spirit, and
+reigned in darkness, and light the lamps again; but some one replied
+it was the custom of the country, and proposed they should conclude
+with a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>short song, in which all the company joined, after which they
+separated for their resting places before the lamps could be
+relighted.</p>
+
+<p>With a heart greatly touched, and eyes full of tears, the missionaries
+early next morning addressed the inmates of the house upon the true
+light that is come to enlighten men, and to redeem them from the
+spirit of darkness. He entreated them with great earnestness to turn
+to the crucified Jesus, and renounce the evil spirit and his works,
+and commended them in prayer to the compassionate heart of the
+Saviour.</p>
+
+<p>Disinterested exertion, not only to prevent themselves from being
+burdensome to those among whom they labour, but to save as much as
+possible any unnecessary expense to the churches or societies who send
+them out, forms an admirable and a prominent feature in all the
+Moravian missionary brethren. They follow the apostolic example, and
+minister to their necessities by their own hands, and exhibit a
+pattern to their infant establishments, not only of industry to
+procure the means of personal livelihood, but to enable them to assist
+those improvident heathen by whom they are surrounded, even when their
+exertions are attended with danger and repaid by insult; and by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>these
+means they often acquire an influence over the most savage minds,
+which it were otherwise difficult to obtain. Of this we have a most
+remarkable instance which occurred in the beginning of the present
+year. Having received accounts that a dead whale was found at Comfort
+Harbour, about seven miles south of Nain, the brethren, Jans Haven,
+Lister, Morhardt, and Turner, resolved to go thither, accompanied by
+some Esquimaux, in the hope that, by procuring the blubber and the
+fins, they might be enabled to contribute somewhat to the support of
+the mission, while they would assist the starving natives at this
+season in obtaining a supply of provisions; and at the same time, they
+would have an opportunity of commending the Saviour to these poor
+benighted heathen.</p>
+
+<p>They accordingly set out, under the guidance of an Esquimaux,
+Mannmoima, whose house they reached February 17th about mid-day,
+where, on account of the stormy weather, they were forced to remain.
+"If," says Jans Haven, in his diary, "our European sisters had only
+seen us here they would certainly have pitied us. We were forced to
+creep on all fours through a low passage several fathoms long to get
+into the house, and were glad if we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>escaped being bitten by the
+hungry dogs, who take refuge there in bad weather, and who, as they
+lie in the dark, are often trodden upon by the entrant; who, if he
+escapes this misfortune, is compelled to undergo the more disgusting
+salutation of being licked in the face by these animals, and of
+crawling through the filth in which they all mingle. Yet this house,
+notwithstanding our senses of seeing and smelling were most woefully
+offended, in such frightful weather, was of equal welcome to us as the
+greatest palace."</p>
+
+<p>When Haven here began to speak of the Saviour, the Angekoks began to
+exercise their enchantments. One man laid himself on his back, and
+allowed his left leg to be fastened to his neck by a string like a
+bow, while a woman who sat by his side, performed upon it with his
+right as if playing on some musical instrument. The lady was then
+asked if they might hope for good weather, and if the whale would be
+driven away? but the company appeared to be divided; and while some
+thought these operations were under the influence of Torngak, others
+thought they might be directed by Jesus Christ, and asked the brethren
+to pray that there might be good weather, and that the whale might not
+be driven away. Haven <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>answered, "We only pray, Lord be gracious to
+us, and open the eyes of poor ignorant people, that they may know how
+necessary it is for them to be washed in thy blood&mdash;but we are assured
+that he will do nothing but what is good to us, because he loves us."</p>
+
+<p>Next day, the missionaries, accompanied by eleven Esquimaux, attempted
+to reach the whale; but when they were about an hour's distance from
+the house, they perceived from a mountain near where the whale lay,
+that the ice was broken, and encountered such a violent storm of wind
+and snow that they were forced to return; while the frost was so
+intense, that often their mouth and nose were frozen to their skin
+coats, so that they had to break the ice before they could breathe,
+and their eyes were so closed that they had to force them open with
+their fingers.</p>
+
+<p>As hunger now began to torment the party, the brethren were exposed to
+great anxiety, suffering, and danger, from the perpetual importunity
+of the Esquimaux for provisions, which they had no means of supplying,
+but which they supposed they were the means of their being deprived of
+obtaining. An old man began to cry, "Torngak moves me to say that he
+will tell us the cause of this storm, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>the breaking of the ice,
+and the loss of the whale." "Let us hear," said they. "O! the sinews!
+O! the sinews!" replied he.</p>
+
+<p>Rein-deer sinews are what, according to the superstition of the
+country, dare not be brought near a whale. But the brethren that
+morning had plaited some whale sinew, and fastened the haft of the ax
+with which they intended to cut up the whale; and he, supposing that
+they had been the sinews of the rein-deer, raised the cry. Being
+informed of his mistake, he changed his tone and exclaimed, "O! the
+rotten wood! O! the rotten wood!" Rotten wood is expressly forbid to
+be burnt in the preparation of food, but Jans Haven had brought some
+pieces in a sledge along with the rest of the fuel; the Esquimaux, to
+whom the sledge belonged, had carefully picked it out and thrown it
+away, and the conjurer was informed that in this also he was mistaken.
+He was then called upon to say, as he affirmed that Torngak was there,
+how he could be mistaken. With an ingenuity that would have done
+credit to a Jesuit, he answered, "There is one present that keeps us
+back, he cannot go with us." Every person in the company being
+mentioned, he pointed out Jans Haven. Haven immediately rose, and
+looking the sorcerer full in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>face, prayed to the Saviour to stop
+the mouth of that wicked one. Struck with the unexpected intrepidity
+of the missionary, and the appeal to a name of which they all had some
+knowledge, the Angekok was utterly confounded; he grumbled and foamed,
+but could not utter a word. Providentially at this very moment two
+persons arrived with intelligence that the whale was lying safe, and
+had not been driven away; and Haven, charging the fellow with his
+imposture and lies, commanded him not to attempt accompanying them, or
+removing from the place where he was. The astonished sorcerer made no
+attempt to disobey.</p>
+
+<p>The weather increasing in severity, the Esquimaux, who were confined
+to their huts, came to their favourite Jans Haven, saying, "Tell us
+about the Saviour." Jans answered and said&mdash;"What shall I say? I know
+not what to say; I am grieved because I am constrained to hear and see
+that the wicked spirit yet dwells within you and robs you of your
+senses. He will hold your ears that you may not hear the love the
+Saviour has for you, that after death you may dwell with him in utter
+darkness. Yet listen to our words and follow us to the Saviour, who
+will wash you from your sins in his own blood, that you may live
+eternally happy with him, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>after you have left a world where sorrow
+and pleasure are mingled together; where we must suffer hunger, and
+thirst, and cold, and wretchedness, and misery, unless we believe in
+Jesus, who will preserve us, and keep us, and bring us to be for ever
+with himself, where there is no pain, but fulness of joy for
+evermore." Still, on the succeeding day, the weather not abating, the
+party were detained at the station, which the increasing scarcity of
+food rendered now doubly uncomfortable; the brethren were obliged to
+be on the watch whenever they eat, lest the Esquimaux should snatch
+the scanty morsel from them, which now consisted of only one meal a
+day. "One can hardly conceive," say they in their journal, "what we
+endured: we had no rest neither night nor day; when we lay down to
+sleep and gat warm, we were almost devoured with vermin; when we sat
+up during the day, we were almost suffocated with stench and smoke."</p>
+
+<p>At length a sledge, which had been sent off to the whale, returned
+laden with fat and flesh, which afforded relief from the pressure of
+hunger, "and made," say the missionaries, "all our hearts leap for
+joy;" and on the succeeding day, the whole party set off for the
+whale. When they reached it they found it of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>middling size, about
+sixty-four feet long, but covered with ice and snow almost a fathom
+deep. The Esquimaux, however, crept into the mouth and cut off what
+they wanted from the interior to supply themselves; but the wants of
+the brethren were only increased, they could make little use of such
+flesh, and they were without wood to dress it, had it been even more
+palatable. They had no shelter but a snow-house, which they
+constructed with the help of the Esquimaux. The women, however, had
+forgotten their lamps, and the brethren had no resource for rendering
+their habitation comfortable, but to construct a kind of temporary
+lamp from a piece of whale's flesh, into which they cut a hole and put
+a piece of moss, and then to kindle it, but the smoke and disagreeable
+smell were insupportable; they also suffered greatly from the want of
+water, as they could get nothing to drink but ice or snow melted,
+which was done in a manner that in other circumstances would have
+proved an absolute prohibition against tasting it&mdash;the Esquimaux
+filled their gloves with snow, or put it in the intestines of the
+seals which they had wrapped round them, and the natural heat of the
+body reduced into a state of liquifaction&mdash;yet even this they were
+happy to procure.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>Amid these hardships Haven was seized with a violent pain in his side,
+which the Esquimaux, who greatly loved him, much lamented, as they
+said it was the disease that carried off so many of their countrymen.
+Peaceful, however, in the hour of his suffering, the missionary was
+enabled to testify to the heathen that death for him had no terrors;
+nor was it to be dreaded by those who believed in the Saviour. They
+showed their affection by procuring, with much difficulty, a lamp and
+some skins on which they placed the invalid, and by the blessing of
+God, the heat effected his cure. The brethren now began to try to hew
+down the frozen whale, but the want of food had so enfeebled them that
+they found themselves wholly unequal to the task, and were forced to
+give it up and return home, worn out with the fatigue they had
+endured, and without effecting their object.</p>
+
+<p>In the same year, 1773, Paul Eugenus Laritz, from the Elders'
+Conference of the Unity, visited the missions. He was accompanied by
+John Ludwig Beck, who had spent some years in Greenland with his
+father, and learned the language. They came in the ship Amity to
+Newfoundland, which they left there for the purpose of fishing, and
+proceeded to the coast <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>of Labrador in a shallop or sloop with one
+mast, which had been purchased for the use of the mission. On the 20th
+of July they arrived at Nain, where the missionaries welcomed them
+with tears of joy&mdash;the Esquimaux received them with shouting and other
+rude expressions of pleasure. Of these, some hundreds, this summer,
+had set up their tents around the settlements&mdash;many of them strangers
+from a distance. In the evening they had a short discourse in the
+mission-house, after which the brethren visited them in their tents,
+and conversed further with them on what they had heard. The same
+evening Laritz gave a short address to the assembled baptized
+Esquimaux, and delivered the salutations of the European congregations
+to them, Drachart being his interpreter. Then one of the Esquimaux
+answered in name of the rest&mdash;"We, our wives and children, were
+wonderfully glad when we saw the little ship come in; and we thank the
+brethren that they have come to us, and brought us so many good words
+that we have never heard before. We love all the brethren, and will be
+ever their good friends. We will constantly visit them to hear the
+good word of Jesus' sufferings. We think on the Saviour; we love him,
+and will give up our hearts to him, and renounce <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>all our old
+heathenish customs. We agree with the Innuit who live on the east
+coast opposite us. We, and our wives and our children, in our houses
+and our tents, speak of the Saviour becoming man, of his sufferings
+and death. We cannot deny that we are sinners, but we think the
+Saviour will be gracious to us." As there was not room in the
+mission-house to contain all the Esquimaux, wood was cut down to build
+a large meeting-hall. Some appeared deeply impressed by the word of
+God, particularly Manamina, his sister Alingana, and Akaplack, who
+were received as catechumens.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after Laritz's arrival at Nain, a sloop of war unexpectedly made
+its appearance, dispatched by Commodore Shuldam from Newfoundland,
+commanded by Lieutenant Cartes, to explore the coast, and to see if
+the poor people who had settled there were all still in life. The
+Lieutenant stopped some days with the brethren, and expressed his
+astonishment and happiness to find them so well accommodated, and on
+such good terms with the Esquimaux. He had expected to find dark,
+sour, starving fanatics, living in huts of earth, and his
+disappointment was therefore the more agreeable. Through Drachart he
+told the Esquimaux, that they should go no more to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>English
+settlements in the south, nor rob and murder. They answered, We have
+never either robbed or murdered, since the time we heard of the
+Saviour. Robbers and murderers shall be punished as they deserve; and
+when we come to the south to get fir-timber, we will bring with us a
+letter from the brethren to the gentlemen of Cheteau Bay. The officer
+assured them of his love, and said to Drachart, that the great change
+in the behaviour of these people appeared to him a miracle of God, who
+had begun his work among them.</p>
+
+<p>While Laritz remained at Nain, Jans Haven and James Rhodes took the
+vessel which brought him there, and made a voyage on the north coast
+to Nachwach, 59 deg. 30 m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span> It lasted from the 7th August
+to the 17th September. They landed at different places, and the
+Esquimaux everywhere, who had either before known or heard of Jans
+Haven, received him with shouts! He told them what had moved the
+brethren to settle in the country, and invited them to come to him.
+They heard him with astonishment speak of the great love of the
+Saviour to men, and asked if he was an Angekok, as he spoke of such
+high things as they never had heard, even from their own prophets?
+Others asked, why the Saviour, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>who made all things, had not before
+sent some one to tell their fathers these good news, and now they were
+gone where they could hear nothing? Havens answered, that "the times
+of their ignorance God had winked at," but that he now shewed mercy to
+them in sending them the gospel, and they ought to improve this the
+day of their visitation. At Napartok, having declared to the natives
+the counsel of God for their salvation, he thus continued: "I hear
+that there are quarrels and backbitings among you, and that some even
+seek the lives of others; all this proceeds from your not knowing the
+Saviour." He then turned to the Angekok, Aweinak, who was a reputed
+murderer, and said, "Hear these my words, 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood,
+by man his blood shall be shed.' Forgive one another, and live as
+brethren and sisters in love and fellowship; make no difference
+between your own countrymen and those of the north and south." The
+Angekok promised to behave better, and begged Haven to repeat his
+assurance of friendship. Haven did so, and turning to the by-standers,
+said, "You hear his words; forgive him and love him, and if he ever
+again act wickedly, let me know." At Arimek, the Esquimaux thanked him
+for what he had spoken, and concluded by saying, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>"Though thou art not
+big, thou hast a great soul and a brave spirit."</p>
+
+<p>During an abode of two months at Nain, Laritz received every
+information respecting the state of the mission, and having made the
+proper arrangements for their further direction, he assembled the
+brethren in the mission-house at Nain, and read to them a solemn
+farewell address, and left it with them. "From the bottom of my
+heart," he begins, "I praise the gracious counsel of our dear Lord
+towards the poor and blind nations of the Esquimaux, and I return back
+to Europe with a deep impression of it; for though I have as yet only
+seen the springing of the seed, yet I feel in my heart a believing
+confidence, that in the proper time and hour which the Lord himself
+has appointed, a joyful harvest shall appear. Dear brethren and
+sisters, as the Lord of his pure grace has placed you in a land,
+where, since the creation of the world, his name has not been named or
+praised, it seems to me to be more incumbent on you daily to renew the
+deep consideration of your call and appointment to the fulfilling his
+purposes of grace; for you are not called here, either collectively or
+separately, of your own choice, or of the will of men, but of the
+counsel of peace in the heart of Jesus. You must <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>therefore have it as
+a fixed principle in your hearts, and before your eyes, continually,
+that you are sent here to make known among the Esquimaux, the
+character of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his
+marvellous light. If you are not all able to do this in words, you can
+place it before their eyes by a holy walk and conversation, and by
+your earnest prayers and supplications be blessed helpers of their
+joy. And first of all, as their fellow-servant, I pray that all the
+servants of the Lord in this place, who bring the testimony of the
+gospel to the poor heathen, may, as often as they with the mouth
+praise the Saviour, be baptized with the Spirit and with fire, that
+their testimony may appear the power of God, able to make those
+blessed who believe it. And I beseech all the brethren to support and
+help with their prayers, those of them who shall speak and preach to
+the Esquimaux.</p>
+
+<p>"You must not rest satisfied, my dear brethren, with daily meetings,
+but you must carefully visit them in their tents and in their houses,
+and put them in mind of what they have heard; for this end, all our
+dear brethren and sisters must diligently use the gifts and talents
+given them to learn the Esquimaux language. Let the joy of the Lord
+animate <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>you!&mdash;When you perceive the heart of any one awakened by the
+Holy Spirit, and in distress fleeing for mercy to the blood of Jesus,
+baptize such an one, as the Lord has directed, into his death, in the
+name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: there shall be
+joy in heaven over such first fruits, and on earth in the church of
+Jesus. With respect to the Esquimaux, either as to gifts or European
+food, do as we agreed on&mdash;neither, on the one side, neglect what
+necessity or compassion require; nor, on the other, accustom them to
+what would be injurious. When they labour for you, or go messages, pay
+them according to the custom of the country; and when you work for
+them, and make boats, sails, chests, lamps, arrows and lances, let
+them also pay you, that by degrees they may be accustomed to an
+orderly domestic life.</p>
+
+<p>"To your little church in the house, I call in the name of Jesus, love
+ye with a thorough inward sacred impulse; for God hath from eternity
+chosen you to love. Consider this well, that our dear Lord has said,
+'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
+one to another.' You know from what source the apparent want of this
+can be supplied; and I am sure, if every one would search <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>out his own
+fault, with kindness and benevolence acquitting others, then would you
+feel that you loved one another from the heart fervently. Be of one
+mind; live in peace, then shall your conferences be kept with much
+blessing, and you be subject one to another in the fear of God. No one
+will then tenaciously hold his own opinion as the best, or as
+infallible, but every one will gladly take advantage of the other's
+discernment, and rather follow what is likely to attain the desired
+end, than his own private inclination. In the division of your labour
+consider yourselves as members of one body&mdash;that the eye cannot be
+supposed to do what the hand can, and the hand cannot do what the foot
+can; and if ye are each of you conscious that you have, according to
+the words of our Lord, done what thou couldst, let no one even in his
+heart think that one of his brethren has done too little. Whatever the
+congregation sends for your support and clothing, receive with
+thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who has enabled his people to
+minister to you in these things: at the same time you must frugally
+and faithfully improve every opportunity afforded by providence to
+supply your necessary expenses, by working with your own hands, and
+his blessing shall certainly accompany your labours.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>"Commend us to the Lord, that his inestimable presence may be near us
+by sea and by land; and, dearest brethren and sisters, I commend you
+to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and
+give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. The God of
+love and peace sanctify you wholly, that your whole spirit, soul and
+body, may be kept unblameable to the coming of the Lord Jesus; that
+then you, with a great number of believing Esquimaux, may appear
+before his presence with exceeding joy&mdash;'Faithful is he who hath
+called you, and also will do it.'"</p>
+
+<p>With this excellent address, the labours of Mr Laritz ended. After
+partaking of the communion together, he bid adieu to the brethren on
+the 29th September, and went on board the ship Amity, which had come
+from Newfoundland, according to appointment, and arrived in London on
+the 29th of October.</p>
+
+<p>Circumstances, apparently the most unpropitious, frequently
+contribute, in the course of Providence, to promote the most important
+and most happy issues. While the brethren at Nain continued with
+unwearied diligence to make known the salvation of Christ among the
+Esquimaux, they observed with grief, that their deep-rooted heathenish
+superstitions, and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>violent and gross, but natural evil passions
+which they delighted to indulge, and which led to the frequent
+perpetration of adultery and murder, obstructed the entrance of the
+word of God into their hearts, and had as yet rendered almost all
+their labours fruitless. But what particularly distressed them was,
+when they saw that the impressions which had been made on some of the
+natives on hearing the gospel, while residing in the neighbourhood of
+the mission-settlement, were wholly effaced when they removed to a
+distance, and associated with their heathen countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>Anxious, therefore, to retain them around their station, the brethren
+proposed a method for rendering them comfortable during the winter, by
+building a store-house where their provisions might be laid up, so
+that the superfluities of summer should supply the wants of winter.
+But the savages could not understand the use of refusing to gratify
+their present appetites in order to provide for any distant
+emergency&mdash;they preferred to revel in the plenty of summer, and to
+rove to other places in winter in search of food, by which propensity
+they were scattered above one hundred and twenty miles along the
+coast. Yet, even these wanderers were the means of exciting the
+attention of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>their kindred to the gospel, by telling them of the
+strange things they had heard at Nain. It was therefore resolved to
+follow the leadings of Providence, and, as soon as possible, to
+establish two other missionary settlements, the one towards the north,
+the other south of the present.</p>
+
+<p>For this purpose, application was made to the Society of the Brethren
+in London, who, entering fully into their views, obtained from the
+Privy Council an order granting them liberty to search out and take
+possession of land sufficient for their object. A commission was
+accordingly sent for the brethren to explore the coast, and Brazen,
+Lister, Lehman, and Jans Haven, offered themselves for this service.
+On the 5th of August they set out for the north. "But just as we were
+setting out," says Jans Haven, "an uncommon horror and trembling
+seized me, so that, contrary to my former experience, I was
+exceedingly intimidated, and wished rather to stay at home." They
+proceeded however, and were every where received in a friendly manner
+by the Esquimaux, and invited to settle among them. Their return
+justified the presentiment of Jans Haven. Not far from Cape Keglapeit
+they had the misfortune to encounter a dreadful storm, and when only
+three miles from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>Nain, their vessel struck on a sunk rock where she
+was wrecked.</p>
+
+<p>After a fearful night, about 2 o'clock next morning they attempted to
+get at the boat that belonged to their shallop, but through the
+violence of the waves it was driven on a rock and almost dashed to
+pieces. Brazen and Lehman were drowned, but Haven and Lister, together
+with the sailors, succeeded in reaching a barren rock, where they
+suffered much from cold and hunger&mdash;where they must have perished
+miserably had they not providentially got their boat, which was in
+tatters, drawn on shore, and with all the woollen clothes and seal
+skins they could spare, patched it together. Still it was a wretched
+barque, but they had no other resource, and were obliged to venture to
+sea in it such as it was. The wind was favourable, and at length they
+happily met Manamina in his kaiak, who towed them safely to Nain,
+where they arrived on the evening of the 18th of September, truly
+thankful to the Lord for his wonderful assistance. "After our return,"
+Haven says in the account of his life, "I was overwhelmed with
+sorrow&mdash;spent days and nights in sighs and tears&mdash;thought much of my
+whole past life&mdash;cried to the Lord for help and forgiveness of all my
+many failings, and renewed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>my vows to devote myself entirely to his
+service." The bodies of both the brethren who were drowned were driven
+on shore, and afterwards brought to the settlement, where they were
+decently interred.</p>
+
+<p>Sad as this catastrophe was, it did not prevent the brethren, in the
+year 1775, from undertaking new journies to explore the south and
+north coast; nor deter others from offering themselves to supply the
+place of those who had perished in the cause. When the accounts of
+Brazen's departure reached the Unity Elders' Conference, they
+appointed Samuel Liebisch superintendant of the mission, who, on the
+16th August, the same year, arrived at Nain with some new assistants
+to the mission.</p>
+
+<p>As usual, about the month of November, all the Esquimaux left the
+neighbourhood of Nain for their winter places, but towards Christmas
+great numbers came on their sledges over the frozen sea to visit the
+brethren. Among their visitors was Kingminguse, who had formerly been
+an Angekok, but who, by the preaching of the word of God, had
+experienced such an apparent change of mind as to give hopes of his
+conversion; and, indeed, early next year, on the 19th of February, the
+day on which the meeting-hall at Nain was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>consecrated, he was
+baptized as the first fruits of that mission, and received the name of
+Peter. Some days before his baptism he told the brethren, "that he had
+been an Angekok, and believed what his forefathers said, but now he
+believed it no more; that he would give up all his former evil customs
+and follow the Lord Jesus, though he should be persecuted by his
+countrymen; that he was ignorant, but what the brethren who had come
+thither had told him of the Lord who made heaven and earth, who had
+become a man, and shed his blood from love to us, had taken fast hold
+of his heart&mdash;he had rejoiced in it, and would forsake all for it. He
+knew but little of the Saviour, but was willing to learn, and placed
+his confidence alone on him, because he truly believed he only was
+good; and that when the body died the soul went to the place of rest
+to be with him, and happy for ever." Shaking hands with every brother,
+individually, he promised that he would remain with the congregation
+of the believers, to be constantly obedient to his teachers, and walk
+worthy of the gospel. In the administration of the ordinance he was
+quite overcome, as were also several of the other Esquimaux, who
+expressed their wishes likewise to be baptized, which afforded the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>missionaries an opportunity of speaking earnestly and affectionately
+to them.</p>
+
+<p>Peter, likewise, every where testified to his people his great joy
+that he now belonged to the faithful; they viewed him with particular
+respect, and listened attentively to his discourse about the Saviour,
+which was remarkably urgent and affectionate. For instance, upon one
+occasion he expressed himself in the following manner to them: "You
+must turn wholly to the Saviour and place your confidence on him
+alone, so shall he by his precious blood purify and fill your hearts.
+You know that I am baptized, for this I am very thankful; and it would
+be well with you would you but learn to know Jesus in time, for we
+have no other Saviour either in this world or in the future. If we are
+washed in his blood we need no more fear death or darkness, we shall
+then come where it is ever light, and where we shall ever see the
+Saviour. When we are sick or in pain, we must turn to him, for he hath
+born all our sicknesses. He still calls us to come to him; this call
+we have never hitherto understood, therefore he has sent the brethren
+who know him, to shew our souls the way to him. You know they have
+built a house, and ask nothing but to make the Saviour known to our
+hearts. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>We cannot be grateful enough to him who sent them thither,
+for it is of the greatest importance to us; and, even those among them
+who do not know our language sufficiently to speak to us, pray to him
+that we may feel the power of his blood on our hearts. I have learned
+sorcery, and I have practised it, but that is the road to the greatest
+darkness, and can give no peace to the heart; but he who looks to the
+Saviour, and to his wounds, receives peace and joy in his heart, and
+that is the only thing of any value in this world." In the following
+summer there were above two hundred Esquimaux in thirty-seven tents
+near Nain, and they were so assiduous in their attendance on the
+meetings, that the new hall could not contain the crowd that anxiously
+pressed to hear, and some were entered among the candidates for
+baptism.</p>
+
+<p>Liebisch brought with him a commission for Jans Haven to commence a
+new settlement. "I felt," said Haven, "not a little anxiety on this
+occasion, knowing the difficulties attending such a commission, but
+accepted it in reliance on our Saviour's help." He accordingly,
+accompanied by Stephen Jensen, proceeded in an Esquimaux boat to a
+little creek, afterwards Okkak, which had been formerly fixed on as a
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>most eligible spot for a settlement, and purchased from the Esquimaux
+a hundred thousand acres, or three German square miles, of land; they
+expressing great joy at the prospect of the brethren coming to reside
+among them. Stones were placed to mark the boundaries, and the place
+taken possession of with the usual formalities. The following was the
+mode of expression used by the brethren upon the occasion: "In the
+name of our God and Saviour, and under the protection of our gracious
+monarch, George III King of England, we take possession of this land
+for the purpose of a missionary settlement for the Brethren's Unity,
+and the Society for propagating the gospel."</p>
+
+<p>During the following year, [1776,] the brethren were busily employed
+in cutting down wood in the forest near Nain, and preparing it for a
+dwelling-house at the new station; and so diligent were they in their
+work, that in August, when the ship Good Intent arrived from England
+with the other necessary articles for building the house, the timber
+was all ready to be shipped for Okkak. On the 13th September, Jans
+Haven, with his family and three other missionaries who had been
+appointed for the new settlement, arrived there, and immediately went
+to work and erected their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>house. "I had," says the devoted Haven,
+"the peace in all trying circumstances to cleave to my Saviour, of
+whose gracious assistance I had manifold experience. He was with us,
+and gave us success in our present enterprise. Having finished the
+building of our house, we moved into it; and in our first conference,
+were so united by the power of Jesus' grace in brotherly love and
+harmony, that we made a covenant with each other to offer soul and
+body to the Lord, to serve him without fear, and bear each others'
+burdens with a cheerful heart. Nor did we meet with the least
+interruption during the whole year, so that I justly count it the
+happiest of my life."</p>
+
+<p>This station lies thirty German miles north from Nain, in 58 deg. 20
+m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>, and is of great consequence both to the European
+settlers and the Esquimaux, of whom above three hundred always live
+near it. There is a good harbour for ships and boats&mdash;a supply of wood
+and of fresh water in summer and winter&mdash;great quantities of fish,
+particularly haddocks&mdash;also some whales, but few seals, so that the
+Esquimaux are obliged to go to various places at a considerable
+distance for this valuable animal, whose skins are among their
+absolute necessaries for their tents and clothing. The mission-house
+is built <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>at the side of a high mountain, which serves as a protection
+from the north-west wind.</p>
+
+<p>The natives received the brethren with great joy, and evinced a
+pleasing desire to hear the gospel; but it was not till the 29th of
+August 1778, that any baptism took place. On this occasion, however,
+six adults were received into the church by this holy ordinance, and
+several others soon followed. The baptized lived for the greater part
+of the winter in the mission-house, where daily meetings were held,
+and where they received farther instruction, for which purpose a
+larger meeting-hall was built in 1779.</p>
+
+<p>At length at Nain, also, the brethren had the pleasure in the winter
+of 1779-80, to see five Esquimaux families, consisting of thirty-seven
+souls, come to the resolution of remaining during that season in their
+neighbourhood, and the year after their number increased from seventy
+to eighty; by this means the brethren were enabled to collect small
+congregations at each station, and in the winter at least carefully to
+observe their conduct, and to give them regular employment. Meanwhile
+the mission work proceeded; they held daily meetings, where the gospel
+was preached to the resident Esquimaux and numerous visitors. A school
+was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>opened for children, besides which, the baptized were twice
+a-week instructed in writing. A weekly meeting was likewise kept with
+the latter for furthering their knowledge on doctrinal points,
+particularly on the meaning of the Lord's supper. During the season
+when the baptized were necessarily called away from the settlement,
+one of the missionaries generally attended them. In the year 1780,
+William Turner made two visits of twenty miles each into the interior
+of the country from Nain in their company when they went to hunt the
+rein-deer, along with a number of the Esquimaux; the first in
+February, and then from the 8th of August to the 25th of September.
+They travelled over wild mountains between lakes and pools. The
+rein-deer, which sometimes passed in large herds, were driven into the
+water by the Esquimaux and there killed. In the winter journey, Turner
+suffered much from the cold and the want of warm food, and was also
+frequently in imminent danger from the snow storms, when the great
+drift-heaps collected upon the mountains rolled down in tremendous and
+threatening masses like Alpine avalanches. Nor was the summer
+expedition free from its dangers and difficulties. The party consisted
+of fifty men, who travelled on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>foot; about a hundred dogs followed,
+laden with the baggage that was to be transported over barren
+mountains and through morasses; and often, after all their exertions
+and deprivations, they got very few rein-deer. The main design of his
+journeys too, was but imperfectly obtained, as his people were so very
+much occupied in the hunt that they could pay but little attention to
+the preaching of the word; and their heathen companions disliked the
+presence of a missionary, as it caused those to keep back who believed
+in their superstitious customs and practices, and who practised them,
+and on whom, according to their notions, the success of the hunt
+depended.</p>
+
+<p>From the promising appearances of the two settlements, the brethren
+now began to think of a third, to be situated south from Nain; and in
+July 1779, Schneider, Lister and Jensen went to Arvertok, which Jans
+Haven, Lister and Beck had formerly visited, and pitched upon a spot
+deemed the most proper for a missionary station. Having purchased the
+land from the Esquimaux, and fixed the boundaries, placing stones as
+on the former occasion; they then returned to Nain, where the wood was
+prepared as for the missionary house at Okkak, and brought to its
+destination by the Good <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>Intent, on her arrival from England. In the
+meantime, Jans Haven, who had been on a visit to Europe, arrived with
+his wife, after having experienced a wonderful escape on their voyage.
+When approaching near the coast of Labrador, they discovered an
+ice-berg of prodigious extent and height approaching them, and had
+scarcely passed it in safety ere it fell to pieces with a tremendous
+crash, putting the surrounding sea into the most dreadful agitation
+and foam. Had it happened but a few minutes before, they must every
+soul have perished in the immense ruin.&mdash;All the preparations being
+finished, the building was begun in 1782 at the new station, and Jans
+Haven was employed as first architect. On the 21st September of that
+year it was finished so as to be habitable.</p>
+
+<p>This settlement, which is thirty German miles south of Nain, and lies
+in 55 deg. 40 m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>, was called Hopedale, in remembrance of
+those brethren, who, in 1752, had erected their dwelling a little
+farther to the south, at Nisbet's Harbour, and given it this name; the
+ruins of which had been discovered in the exploratory voyage, 1775.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of the ships, which were now annually sent from England
+to Labrador, was hailed with joy. They visited all the three
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>stations, supplied them with necessaries, and made considerable profit
+by what they got in exchange. In the interim, the brethren held as
+much intercourse as possible together, during summer, by the Esquimaux
+boats that sail along the coast, and in winter, by travelling from one
+station to another, in sledges drawn by dogs. The land-road was
+extremely difficult on account of the steep rocky mountains. The way
+over the frozen sea was much more easy and pleasant, but often
+extremely dangerous, as, where it is not inclosed and fixed by the
+islands, in changeable and stormy weather it is liable to be broken
+up, and exposes the travellers to almost inevitable destruction. A
+most remarkable interposition of providence in behalf of two of the
+brethren, which occurred this year, will illustrate both the danger of
+that mode of travelling, and the peculiar protection afforded by God
+to those who have devoted their lives to his service. We shall relate
+it in the words of the Rev. C.J. Latrobe, Secretary to the mission,
+who compiled the narrative from the private journal of one of the
+party:</p>
+
+<p>"Brother Samuel Liebisch being at that time entrusted with the general
+care of the brethren's missions on the coast of Labrador; the duties
+of his office required a visit to Okkak, the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>most northern of our
+settlements, and about one hundred and fifty English miles distant
+from Nain, the place where he resided. Brother William Turner being
+appointed to accompany him, they left Nain on March the 11th, early in
+the morning, with very clear weather, the stars shining with uncommon
+lustre. The sledge was driven by the baptized Esquimaux Mark, and
+another sledge with Esquimaux joined company. The two sledges
+contained five men, one woman, and a child. All were in good spirits,
+and appearances being much in their favour, they hoped to reach Okkak
+in safety, in two or three days. The track over the frozen sea was in
+the best possible order, and they went with ease at the rate of six or
+seven miles an hour. After they had passed the islands in the bay of
+Nain, they kept at a considerable distance from the coast, both to
+gain the smoothest part of the ice, and to weather the high rocky
+promontory of Kiglapeit. About eight o'clock they met a sledge with
+Esquimaux turning in from the sea. After the usual salutations, the
+Esquimaux alighting, held some conversation, as is their general
+practice, the result of which was, that some hints were thrown out by
+the strange Esquimaux that it might be as well to return. However, as
+the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>missionaries saw no reason whatever for it, and only suspected
+that the Esquimaux wished to enjoy the company of their friends a
+little longer, they proceeded. After some time their own Esquimaux
+hinted that there was a ground-swell under the ice. It was then hardly
+perceptible, except on lying down and applying the ear close to the
+ice, when a hollow disagreeable grating and roaring noise was heard,
+as if ascending from the abyss. The weather remained clear except
+toward the east, where a bank of light clouds appeared, interspersed
+with some dark streaks; but the wind being strong from the north west,
+nothing less than a sudden change of weather was expected.</p>
+
+<p>"The sun had now reached his height, and there was as yet little or no
+alteration in the appearance of the sky; but the motion of the sea
+under the ice had grown more perceptible, so as rather to alarm the
+travellers, and they began to think it prudent to keep closer to the
+shore. The ice had cracks and large fissures in many places, some of
+which formed chasms of one or two feet wide; but as they are not
+uncommon even in its best state, and the dogs easily leap over them,
+the sledge following without danger, they are only terrible to new
+comers.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>"As soon as the sun declined towards the west, the wind increased and
+rose to a storm, the bank of clouds from the east began to ascend, and
+the dark streaks to put themselves in motion against the wind. The
+snow was violently driven about by partial whirlwinds, both on the ice
+and from off the peaks of the high mountains, and filled the air. At
+the same time, the ground-swell had increased so much, that its
+effects upon the ice became very extraordinary and alarming. The
+sledges, instead of gliding along smoothly upon an even surface,
+sometimes ran with violence after the dogs, and shortly after seemed
+with difficulty to ascend the rising hill; for the elasticity of so
+vast a body of ice of many leagues square, supported by a troubled
+sea, though in some places three or four yards in thickness, would in
+some degree occasion an undulatory motion, not unlike that of a sheet
+of paper accommodating itself to the surface of a rippling stream.
+Noises were likewise now distinctly heard in many directions like the
+report of cannon, owing to the bursting of the ice at some distance.</p>
+
+<p>"The Esquimaux therefore drove with all haste towards the shore,
+intending to take up their night's quarters on the south side of the
+Uivak. But as it plainly appeared that the ice would <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>break and
+disperse in the open sea, Mark advised to push forward to the north of
+Uivak, from whence he hoped the track to Okkak might still remain
+entire. To this proposal the company agreed; but when the sledges
+approached the coast, the prospect before them was truly terrific&mdash;the
+ice having broken loose from the rocks, was forced up and down,
+grinding and breaking into a thousand pieces against the precipices
+with a tremendous noise, which, added to the raging of the wind, and
+the snow driving about in the air, deprived the travellers almost of
+the power of hearing and seeing any thing distinctly. To make the land
+at any risk, was now the only hope left, but it was with the utmost
+difficulty, that the frightened dogs could be forced forward&mdash;the
+whole body of ice sinking frequently below the surface of the rocks,
+then rising above it. As the only moment to land was that when it
+gained the level of the coast, the attempt was extremely nice and
+hazardous. However, by God's mercy, it succeeded; both sledges gained
+the shore, and were drawn up the beach with much difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"The travellers had hardly time to reflect with gratitude to God on
+their safety, when that part of the ice from which they had just made
+good their landing, burst asunder, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>the water, forcing itself from
+below, covered and precipitated it into the sea. In an instant, as if
+by a signal given, the whole mass of ice, extending for several miles
+from the coast, and as far as the eye could reach, began to burst and
+to be overwhelmed by the immense waves. The sight was tremendous, and
+awfully grand&mdash;the large fields of ice, raising themselves out of the
+water, striking against each other, and plunging into the deep with a
+violence not to be described, and a noise like the discharge of
+innumerable batteries of heavy guns. The darkness of the night, the
+roaring of the wind and sea, and the dashing of the waves and ice
+against the rocks, filled the travellers with sensations of awe and
+horror, as almost to deprive them of the power of utterance. They
+stood overwhelmed with astonishment at their miraculous escape, and
+even the heathen Esquimaux expressed gratitude to God for their
+deliverance.</p>
+
+<p>"The Esquimaux now began to build a snow-house, about thirty paces
+from the beach; but before they had finished their work, the waves
+reached the place where the sledges were secured, and they were with
+difficulty saved from being washed into the sea.</p>
+
+<p>"About 9 o'clock all of them crept into the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>snow-house, thanking God
+for this place of refuge; for the wind was piercingly cold, and so
+violent, that it required great strength to be able to stand against
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"Before they entered their habitation, they could not help once more
+turning to the sea, which was now free from ice, and beheld with
+horror, mingled with gratitude for their safety, the enormous waves
+driving furiously before the wind, like huge castles, and approaching
+the shore, where, with dreadful noise, they dashed against the rocks,
+foaming, and filling the air with the spray. The whole company now got
+their supper; and having sung an evening hymn in the Esquimaux
+language, lay down to rest about ten o'clock. They lay so close, that
+if any one stirred, his neighbour was roused by it. The Esquimaux were
+soon fast asleep, but brother Liebisch could not get any rest, partly
+on account of the dreadful roaring of the wind and sea, and partly
+owing to a sore throat which gave him great pain. Both missionaries
+were also much engaged in their minds in contemplating the dangerous
+situation into which they had been brought, and amidst all
+thankfulness for their great deliverance from immediate death, could
+not but cry unto the Lord for his help in this time of need."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>The wakefulness of the missionaries proved the deliverance of the
+whole party from sudden destruction. About two o'clock in the morning,
+brother Liebisch perceived some salt water to drop from the roof of
+the snow-house upon his lips. Though rather alarmed on tasting the
+salt, which could not proceed from a common spray, he kept quiet till
+the same dropping became more frequently repeated. Just as he was
+about to give the alarm, on a sudden a tremendous surf broke close to
+the house, discharging a quantity of water into it; a second soon
+followed, and earned away the slab of snow placed as a door before the
+entrance. The missionaries immediately called aloud to the sleeping
+Esquimaux to rise and quit the place. They jumped up in an instant.
+One of them with a large knife cut a passage through the side of the
+house; and each seizing some part of the baggage, it was thrown out
+upon a higher part of the beach, brother Turner assisting the
+Esquimaux. Brother Liebisch, and the woman and child, fled to a
+neighbouring eminence. The latter was wrapped up by the Esquimaux in a
+large skin, and the former took shelter behind a rock, for it was
+impossible to stand against the wind, snow and sleet. Scarcely had the
+company retreated to the eminence, when an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>enormous wave carried away
+the whole house, but nothing of consequence was lost.</p>
+
+<p>They now found themselves a second time delivered from the most
+imminent danger of death; but the remaining part of the night, before
+the Esquimaux could seek and find another more safe place for a snow
+house, were hours of great trial to mind and body, and filled every
+one with painful reflections. Before the day dawned, the Esquimaux cut
+a hole into a large drift of snow, to screen the woman and child, and
+the two missionaries. Brother Liebisch, however, could not bear the
+closeness of the air, and was obliged to sit down at the entrance,
+when the Esquimaux covered him with skins to keep him warm, as the
+pain in his throat was very great.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as it was light, they built another snow house; and miserable
+as such an accommodation is at all times, they were glad and thankful
+to creep into it. It was about eight feet square, and six or seven
+feet high. They now congratulated each other on their deliverance, but
+found themselves in very bad plight. The missionaries had taken but a
+small stock of provisions with them, merely sufficient for the short
+journey to Okkak. Joel, his wife and child, and Kassigiak the
+sorcerer, had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>nothing at all. They were therefore obliged to divide
+the small stock into daily portions, especially as there appeared no
+hopes of soon quitting this place, and reaching any dwellings. Only
+two ways were left for this purpose&mdash;either to attempt the land
+passage across the wild and unfrequented mountain Kiglapeit, or to
+wait for a new ice-track over the sea, which it might require much
+time to form. They therefore resolved to serve out no more than a
+biscuit and a half per man per day. But as this would not by any means
+satisfy an Esquimaux's stomach, the missionaries offered to give one
+of their dogs to be killed for them, on condition that in case
+distress obliged them to resort again to that expedient, the next dog
+killed should be one of the Esquimaux's team. They replied they should
+be glad of it, if they had a kettle to boil the flesh in; but as that
+was not the case, they must suffer hunger, for they could not even yet
+eat dogs' flesh in its raw state. The missionaries now remained in the
+snow-house, and every day endeavoured to boil so much water over their
+lamp as might serve them for two dishes of coffee a piece. Through
+mercy, they were preserved in good health, and brother Liebisch quite
+unexpectedly recovered on the first day of his sore throat. The
+Esquimaux <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>also kept up their spirits, and even the rough heathen
+Kassigiak declared that it was proper to be thankful that they were
+still alive, adding, that if they had remained a very little longer
+upon the ice yesterday, all their bones would have been broken to
+pieces in a short time. He had however his heels frozen, and suffered
+considerable pain. In the evening the missionaries sung an hymn with
+the Esquimaux, and continued to do it every morning and evening. The
+Lord was present with them, and comforted their hearts by his peace.</p>
+
+<p>Towards noon of the thirteenth, the weather cleared up, and the sea
+was soon, as far as the eye could reach, quite freed from ice. Mark
+and Joel went up the hills to reconnoitre, and returned with the
+disagreeable news that not a morsel of ice was to be seen even from
+thence in any direction, and that it had been forced away from the
+coast at Naasornak. They were therefore of opinion that nothing could
+be done, but force their way across the mountain Kiglapeit. This day
+Kassigiak complained much of hunger, probably to obtain from the
+missionaries a larger proportion than the common allowance. They
+represented to him that they had no more themselves, and reproved him
+for his impatience. Whenever the victuals were distributed, he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>always
+swallowed his portion very greedily, and put out his hand for what he
+saw the missionaries had left, but was easily kept from any further
+attempt by serious reproof. The Esquimaux eat to-day an old sack made
+of fish skin, which proved indeed a dry and miserable dish. While they
+were at this singular meal, they kept repeating in a low humming tone,
+"You was a sack but a little while ago, and now you are food for us."
+Towards evening, some flakes of ice were discovered driving towards
+the coast, and on the 14th, in the morning, the sea was covered with
+them. But the weather was again very stormy, and the Esquimaux could
+not quit the snow-house, which made them very low-spirited and
+melancholy. Kassigiak suggested that it would be well "to attempt to
+make good weather," by which he meant to practise his art as a
+sorcerer to make the weather good. The missionaries opposed it, and
+told him that his heathenish practices were of no use, but that the
+weather would become favourable as soon as it should please God.
+Kassigiak then asked, "Whether Jesus could make good weather?" He was
+told that to Jesus was given all power in heaven and in earth, upon
+which he demanded that he should be applied to. Another time he said,
+I shall tell my countrymen at Seglek <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>enough about you, how well you
+bear this misfortune. The missionaries replied, "Tell them that in the
+midst of this affliction, we placed our only hope and trust in Jesus
+Christ, our Saviour, who loves all mankind, and has shed his blood to
+redeem them from eternal misery." To-day the Esquimaux began to eat an
+old filthy and worn out skin, which had served them for a mattress.</p>
+
+<p>On the 15th the weather continued extremely boisterous, and the
+Esquimaux appeared every now and then to sink under disappointment.
+But they possess a good quality, namely, a power of going to sleep
+when they please, and if need be they will sleep for days and nights
+together.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening, the sky became clear and their hope revived. Mark and
+Joel went out to reconnoitre, and brought word that the ice had
+acquired a considerable degree of solidity, and might soon be fit for
+use. The poor dogs had meanwhile fasted for near four days, but now,
+in the prospect of a speedy release, the missionaries allowed to each
+a few morsels of food. The temperature of the air having been rather
+mild, it occasioned a new source of distress; for by the warm
+exhalations of the inhabitants, the roof of the snow-house got to be
+in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>a melting state, which occasioned a continual dropping, and by
+degrees made every thing soaking wet. The missionaries report, that
+they considered this the greatest hardship they had to endure, for
+they had not a dry thread about them, nor a dry place to lie down in.</p>
+
+<p>On the 16th the sky cleared, but the fine particles of snow were
+driven about like clouds. Joel and Kassigiak resolved to pursue their
+journey to Okkak by the way of Nuasornak, and set out with the wind
+and snow full in their faces. Mark could not resolve to proceed
+farther north, because, in his opinion, the violence of the wind had
+driven the ice off the coast at Tikkerarsuk, so as to render it
+impossible to land; but he thought he might proceed to the south with
+safety, and get round Kiglapeit. The missionaries endeavoured to
+persuade him to follow the above mentioned company to Okkak; but it
+was in vain, and they did not feel at liberty to insist upon it, not
+being sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. Their present
+distress dictated the necessity of venturing something to reach the
+habitations of men, and yet they were rather afraid of passing over
+the newly frozen sea under Kiglapiet, and could not immediately
+determine what to do. Brother Turner, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>therefore, went again with Mark
+to examine the ice, and both seemed satisfied that it would hold. They
+therefore came at last to a resolution to return to Nain, and commit
+themselves to the protection of the Lord. On the 17th, the wind had
+considerably increased with heavy showers of snow and sleet, but they
+set off at half-past ten o'clock in the forenoon. Mark ran all the way
+round Kiglapiet before the sledge to find a good track, and about one
+o'clock, through God's mercy, they were out of danger and reached the
+bay. Here they found a good track, upon smooth ice, made a meal of the
+remnant of their provisions and got some warm coffee. Thus refreshed,
+they resolved to proceed without stopping till they reached Nain,
+where they arrived at twelve o'clock at night. The brethren at Nain
+rejoiced exceedingly to see them return, for by several hints of the
+Esquimaux, who first met them going out to sea, and who then, in their
+own obscure way, had endeavoured to warn them of the ground swell, but
+had not been attended to, their fellow missionaries, and especially
+their wives, had been much terrified. One of these Esquimaux, whose
+wife had made some article of dress for brother Liebisch, whom they
+called Samuel, addressed sister Liebisch in the following manner:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>"I should be glad of the payment for my wife's work." "Wait a little,"
+answered she, "and, when my husband returns, he will settle with you,
+for I am unacquainted with the bargain made between you." "Samuel and
+William," replied the Esquimaux, "will not return any more to Nain."
+"How, not return, what makes you say so?" After some pause, the
+Esquimaux returned in a low tone, "Samuel and William are no more! all
+their bones are broken and in the stomachs of the sharks." Terrified
+at this alarming account, sister Liebisch called in the rest of the
+family, and the Esquimaux was examined as to his meaning; but his
+answer was little less obscure. He seemed so certain of the
+destruction of the missionaries, that he was with difficulty prevailed
+on to wait some time for their return. He could not believe that they
+could have escaped the effects of so furious a tempest, considering
+the course they were taking.</p>
+
+<p>It may easily be conceived with what gratitude to God the whole family
+at Nain bid them welcome. During the storm, they had considered with
+some dread what might be the fate of those brethren, though at Nain
+its violence was not felt so much as on a coast unprotected by any
+islands. Added to this, the hints <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>of the Esquimaux had considerably
+increased their apprehensions for their safety, and their fears began
+to get the better of their hopes. All therefore joined most fervently
+in praise and thanksgiving to God for their signal deliverance.</p>
+
+<p>In August 1783, Liebisch returned to Europe, and took his place in the
+Unity's Elders Conference as a member, and Lister, with some
+assistants, exercised the office of superintendant until 1786, when
+John Christian Ludwig Rose was appointed to this office.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Esquimaux visit the English settlements&mdash;pernicious
+consequences&mdash;dreadful accident&mdash;famine&mdash;unexpected supply of
+food and skins.&mdash;Emigration from Okkak&mdash;missionaries' care of the
+wanderers, who return disappointed.&mdash;Terrible tales from the
+south.&mdash;Inquirers separated from the heathen.&mdash;Popish priest
+attempts to seduce the converts.&mdash;Brother Rose inspects
+Hopedale.&mdash;Karpik the sorcerer.&mdash;Peter's fall.&mdash;Visits to the
+south renewed.&mdash;Parting address of the
+brethren.&mdash;Epidemic.&mdash;Death of Daniel&mdash;of Esther.&mdash;Conversion and
+peaceful end of Tuglavina.&mdash;Last days of Mikak.&mdash;Indians come to
+Hopedale.&mdash;Rose's remarks on the internal state of the
+missions.&mdash;Instances of the power of grace among the
+Esquimaux&mdash;striking observation of one of the
+baptized.&mdash;Jonathan's letter to the Greenlanders.&mdash;Affecting
+confession of Solomon.&mdash;Conduct of a young woman sought in
+marriage by a heathen.&mdash;State of the settlements at the close of
+the century.&mdash;Prospects begin to brighten.&mdash;Remarkable
+phenomenon.&mdash;Avocations of the missionaries&mdash;their
+trials&mdash;preservation of their vessels&mdash;of their
+settlements&mdash;their brotherly love.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Eleven years had the brethren now laboured for the conversion of the
+Esquimaux amidst many difficulties and dangers, when circumstances
+occurred which threatened to blast these fair hopes of success. In the
+summer of 1782, the Esquimaux, for the first time since missionaries
+had settled in the country, visited the English settlements in the
+south. Tuglavina had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>persuaded Abraham, one of the baptized of Nain,
+to go with him to Chateau Bay; and when they returned in October, they
+reported that the Commander-in-chief had been quite overjoyed to see
+baptized Esquimaux, and wished that more of them might come to visit
+him, for he also had been baptized, and hoped that his soul after
+death would go to heaven. He had reproved Mikak for not being
+baptized, and warned then all against murders and adultery. Abraham
+had bought a boat and still owed half of the price, yet he and
+Tuglavina had each received a present of a musket and powder and ball,
+nor had the women been sent empty away; also, while they were there,
+they had had plenty to eat, a gratification of no minor importance.</p>
+
+<p>By these splendid accounts of their kind reception, a general desire
+was excited among their countrymen to go likewise to the south; and
+the next consequence was, insolence and opposition to the missionaries
+and teachers. If they were reminded to be sparing of their winter
+provisions, they sarcastically replied, by reminding the brethren of
+the manner in which Tuglavina and Abraham had been treated by the
+"good" Europeans in the south; or if they came into the mission-house
+and got <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>nothing to eat, they immediately exclaimed, with the
+Europeans in the south we can have plenty to eat. And when one was
+turned out from the palasadoes, he angrily remarked, the Europeans
+have no palasadoes. By these representations the greater part of the
+baptized were seduced and deceived; the brethren with meekness
+endeavoured to put them right, reminded them that at their baptism
+they had promised to love Jesus only, and to follow him, not to leave
+the congregation of the faithful, and to obey their teachers. They
+also particularly described the dangers to which they would be exposed
+in their journey to the south, and desired them to consider the
+impressive warnings the Commander-in-chief had so lately given
+them&mdash;but all was in vain.</p>
+
+<p>In the following winter, a famine broke out among the Esquimaux in
+Nain; their number amounted to eighty-two souls, whereof thirty-five
+were baptized and candidates for baptism. All these looked to the
+brethren when in want of the necessaries of life, who afforded them
+assistance to the utmost of their ability; but received little thanks
+for their kindness, for if they did not give them what they thought
+enough, they upbraided them with the conduct of the good Europeans in
+the south.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>On the 4th December a dreadful accident happened at Ankpalluktak,
+about six hours distant from Nain. A large mass of snow was
+precipitated from a mountain and overwhelmed an Esquimaux winter
+house, wherein were thirty persons, young and old. No one could escape
+to tell the tale of their disaster or procure assistance; but it
+happened, by the merciful providence of God, that Nathaniel, with
+another Esquimaux, went to Ankpalluktak to bring Sirmek to Nain; to
+their astonishment they found him lying half-frozen, unable either to
+stand or walk, yet still alive. They then heard a voice from the midst
+of the ruins, by which they perceived there were still some persons
+alive beneath the snow; and hastening back to Nain with Sirmek, they
+returned with additional hands, and the necessary tools from the
+brethren. They soon found that there were more Esquimaux within, and
+by great exertion and labour succeeded in extricating nine persons
+from the rubbish, but one of them was so much bruised that she died
+very soon after. By this visitation twenty-one persons lost their
+lives. The Esquimaux were greatly alarmed by it for a little, but the
+impression soon wore off, and all was forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>In January and February 1783, the famine <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>increased among the natives,
+and the brethren redoubled their endeavours to supply their
+necessities, which however appears only to have had the effect of
+encouraging their indolence, for so long as they could get food in
+this way they would not stir abroad, or make the least exertion to
+supply their own wants. If urged to go in search of food, they alleged
+that hunger prevented them; "for," said they, "when we go out and
+catch nothing it makes us the more hungry." If advised to go and hunt,
+they replied, "We have no gun." Yet did not this waywardness tire the
+patient benevolence of the missionaries; but, like children of their
+Father in heaven, who causeth his sun to rise on the evil and the
+good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust, when the famine had
+reached its height, brother Lister sent to Okkak to fetch a sledge
+load of dried fish.</p>
+
+<p>Ere they arrived, news was brought that the Esquimaux in the island of
+Kerniteksut, two hours distant from Nain, had been so fortunate as to
+find a dead whale. On hearing this, the whole inhabitants of the
+country hastened to the place to satisfy their hunger; an immense
+number of foxes came for the same purpose; these they killed, and thus
+the starving natives were supplied both with food and riches, the
+skins of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>these animals forming a principal article of exchange with
+the Europeans. But this last occurrence proved that wealth among
+savages, as well as in more civilized countries, is not always a
+blessing; it renewed anew the desire to go to the south, as the
+greater part were now in circumstances to carry merchandize thither,
+to barter with the good and kind Europeans. Nothing then was spoken of
+but trade in the south, and they could hardly wait for the season to
+undertake the journey. When the brethren visited them in the spring,
+they treated them with the greatest indifference and even insolence;
+the gospel of Jesus found no access to them; and though, through a
+certain dread of the missionaries, which they could not cast off, they
+were not so outrageously brutal as formerly; yet in secret they
+returned to the indulgence of many of their vile practices.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the approaching summer, more than eighty Esquimaux went from
+the country round Nain to the south, among whom were nineteen of the
+baptized, and even Peter, the first fruits of the mission, accompanied
+them. The majority had determined to spend the winter there, and get
+plenty to eat, and tobacco, and guns, and powder, and ball, and other
+articles which they could not purchase so advantageously from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>the
+brethren. From the country round Okkak too, above an hundred of the
+natives went south in four boats, among whom were Luke and his family,
+who were baptized.</p>
+
+<p>When the brethren saw that the baptized would not be prevented from
+going to the south, though sorely grieved, yet anxious for their
+welfare in their ill advised expedition, they gave them a written
+certificate, stating that they, the missionaries, had been sent there
+by an agreement with the governor of Newfoundland, in the years 1771
+and &mdash;2; that they had lived in love and concord with the Esquimaux,
+and had no cause of complaint against them; that there was no other
+reason for their present journey than the invitation of Europeans in
+the south; then recommended them to the care and friendly treatment of
+the colonists, and concluded by giving a short account of the progress
+of the mission since its commencement.</p>
+
+<p>At the new mission station, Hopedale, some beginnings of a stirring
+among the heathen were perceived, but the same giddy infatuation which
+had seized their countrymen laid hold on them also, and blasted this
+pleasing prospect. A boatful of them undertook the voyage to the
+south, while the others who remained, had their minds wholly
+dissipated.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>From this propensity of the Esquimaux to go to the colony, the outward
+circumstances of the mission appeared to be in great danger. For as
+the wanderers carried considerable quantities of merchandize to the
+southern settlements, the home freight of the Society's ship, the
+Amity, which consisted of the same articles, was much less this, than
+it had been in any former year.</p>
+
+<p>On the 5th of October five families of Arcktok came from Chateau Bay
+back to Nain; they now spoke in a very different tone respecting the
+"good and kind" Europeans; they had quarrelled with their friends, who
+had seized their wives, and afterwards maltreated and threatened to
+shoot themselves; while they, probably, had not altogether refrained
+from their old thievish practices. The year before, they said, the
+people in the south are better than you, they give us plenty to
+eat;&mdash;now they said, "You are the <i>Innuit</i>, our true friends, we will
+never leave you more."</p>
+
+<p>The following year, 1784, Tuglavina arrived at Nain on the 6th of
+September with three boats, on his return from Chateau Bay&mdash;the
+accounts which he and others gave of their residence there pierced the
+missionaries to their inmost souls. Of the nineteen baptized who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>went
+south five had perished, David, Abraham, Moses, Timothy, and Deborah;
+the latter, there was ground to hope, had a blessed departure. David
+was drowned in a kaiak on the sea, and on this account, by the counsel
+of old Nerkingoak, his sister Killatsiak was ordered to be burnt to
+death. Abraham, while striking fire for this purpose, slightly wounded
+his finger; but trifling as the hurt appeared, it brought him to his
+miserable end. Moses was shot by Tuglavina. Timothy was likewise
+assassinated. When Tuglavina touched at Hopedale, being asked, "Where
+is Moses?" he coolly answered, "He is lost." "Where is he lost? is he
+gone over the sea?" was next asked. "No! I have killed him," answered
+the savage. "And wherefore did you kill him?" said they. "Because he
+was good for nothing," was the careless reply. It was apparent,
+however, that they had been murdered for the sake of their women.
+Moses had three baptized wives, who were given or sold to three
+northern men; Kathmina was purchased by her brother, Kekluana of
+Pitteklaluk, for a great coat, a hatchet, a folding knife, and a
+spoon. These conjugal bargains Tuglavina related to brother Lister,
+quite unasked and without emotion; indeed his whole appearance was as
+if he had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>been possessed by an evil spirit. The brethren slept none
+that night for grief.</p>
+
+<p>By such horrible occurrences the desire of the baptized to travel to
+the south was somewhat checked, and the following year only a single
+boat went thither. But the colony possessed particular attractions for
+the natives; as there they could be supplied with muskets, powder, and
+ball, which having learned the use of, had now become absolutely
+necessary for them in hunting. The missionaries had, hitherto, doubted
+the propriety of arming them with such dangerous weapons; but as they
+could no longer be kept from them, they got themselves supplied with
+them from England as articles of trade, to prevent, if possible, the
+Esquimaux from making this a pretext for emigrating.</p>
+
+<p>Daily observation more and more convinced the brethren of the injury
+the baptized and the inquirers had sustained while they continued to
+live among their heathen countrymen; the constant incitements to their
+superstitious sinful customs, and to their heathenish juggling and
+games, they were frequently little able to resist, especially when
+their old inclinations were seconded by the calls of affection or
+friendship. When, for example, some spell was to be tried on a sick
+relative, and any of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>those who had been taught something of
+Christianity opposed it, they were reproached with hating the invalid,
+and wishing him dead. Another source of seduction to the half-informed
+heathen, was the use which the Angekoks made of the little knowledge
+of Christianity which they had obtained. These sorcerers, who are held
+in great veneration and dread by the people, and whose atrocities, as
+well as their pretended inspirations, render them objects of terror;
+when they saw the influence of the missionaries, and felt their own
+importance begin to shake, introduced into their incantations the name
+of Jesus, whom they acknowledged to be a powerful supernatural being,
+inferior only to Torngak&mdash;and the believers themselves were apt to
+retain and to mix some of their old opinions with their new creed.</p>
+
+<p>To preserve these tender plants from the contagious breath of a
+heathen atmosphere, the brethren determined that in future, they
+should have fixed habitations adjacent to their own dwelling, and they
+erected houses in a substantial fashion not far from the missionary
+station, into which they received no Esquimaux except such as
+expressed their sincere resolution to renounce heathenism. In Hopedale
+they had often experienced the baleful consequences of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>being in the
+neighbourhood of the heathen at Avertok. This was peculiarly evident
+from a declaration of some of the baptized who had spent the winter
+among them. A meeting was called on the 12th April 1786, to consult
+about the subject, when all the men inhabiting the station attended;
+it was held in the open air, and as the weather was exceedingly fine,
+continued for upwards of three hours. Here the brethren were informed
+of the transactions which had taken place the winter before, and one
+professed believer thought himself bound to make a confession of the
+superstitious and sinful practices in which he had formerly engaged.
+As these were among the actions and deeds which ought not so much as
+to be named among Christians, the brethren strictly forbade any such
+confessions in future, but particularly in public, and before the
+heathen; who being strongly addicted to the same abominations, and
+unable to distinguish between a penitent confession and an actual
+approval, might be hardened in their sins by hearing such narratives,
+which they would naturally conclude proceeded from the pleasure the
+persons still took in practices they delighted to talk of.</p>
+
+<p>A new trial, of perhaps a more distressing kind, afflicted the brethren,
+from an attempt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>made by a Roman catholic priest to seduce the baptized
+and the inquirers, by presenting them with a form of Christianity which
+had some appearance to that they saw among the Moravians, while it
+permitted an indulgence in those vices which the doctrines of the latter
+could not tolerate. A warm and a flattering invitation sent by a
+Frenchman named Macko, from Canada, who had an establishment in the
+south at Avertok, awakened with redoubled force the propensity of the
+Esquimaux to go to the south, though they now could get shooting
+materials at the settlements, better, and on more advantageous terms,
+than they could there. This Frenchman, who acted not only as a merchant,
+but as a Roman catholic priest, made them the most extravagant promises;
+and besides, he said he would pray daily with them to Jesus, and that he
+had the most beautiful writings&mdash;<i>i.e</i>. pictures&mdash;of the Saviour. In
+consequence, a company of thirty-two persons, and among them fourteen of
+the baptized, went thither in the summer of 1787, so that the number of
+inhabitants in Hopedale was reduced from fifty-nine to thirty. Macko
+invited the Esquimaux to worship God with him; this seemed more pleasant
+and convenient than to remain under restraint with the brethren, for
+there they saw <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>"Christian" sailors who allowed themselves to follow
+every species of sinful dissolute conduct. On their return they said,
+the Europeans have meetings yonder as you have, and they have Jesus as
+you have here.</p>
+
+<p>The repeated distressing accounts from the brethren of the apparently
+insurmountable obstacles with which they had to struggle in attempting
+the conversion of the heathen, gave occasion to the venerable Bishop
+Spangenberg to write an impressive letter to the believing Esquimaux.
+This letter was translated into their language, and read to the
+baptized and the candidates for baptism at all the stations.</p>
+
+<p>Particularly anxious to root out these heathenish weeds which were
+chocking the growth of the good seed, Superintendant Rose, in 1787,
+inspected Hopedale, where they appeared most thickly scattered, and
+producing the most baneful effects. He spoke to every member of the
+congregation separately; and when they had given their assent to the
+contents of the letter, he made them, in a fellowship meeting,
+solemnly promise to give up their feasts with their heathen
+neighbours, and withdraw from the government of Kapik, a powerful
+Angekok in Avertok. This sorcerer, whenever he chose, seduced the
+Esquimaux to commit the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>greatest enormities, by threatening to kill
+them through the power of Torngak, if they did not obey his commands.
+But coming soon after to Hopedale, the missionary spoke seriously with
+him, and extorted a reluctant promise from him to renounce his usurped
+authority over the believers.</p>
+
+<p>Although the journies to the south were a great hindrance to the
+collecting of congregations, yet in all the three settlements some
+were almost yearly added to the Christian church by baptism; and the
+number of baptized, and candidates for baptism, in the year 1789,
+amounted to about eighty. Yet, alas! even with the baptized little
+fortitude and growth in grace could be observed&mdash;many deviated
+grievously from the right path. In Nain, Nathaniel, a baptized
+Esquimaux, had taken a baptized woman for a second wife and had gone
+with her to the heathen, with whom a plurality of wives is very
+common, and is considered as a mark of superiority; he being
+considered a great man who possesses two or three wives, and as soon
+as any one possesses a European boat he is, according to the opinion
+of the country, in circumstances to have at least four helpmates. Even
+Peter had so far again <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>sunk into heathenism, that he had taken
+several, and among others, a mother and her daughter. Bishop
+Spangenberg was so touched with the case of this poor wanderer that he
+wrote him, representing the nature of his conduct in the most
+affectionate manner, and earnestly exhorting him to return. When the
+letter was read to him at Nain, 1779, he said Joseph has spoken pure
+truth, and I love him for it; his words are right, but I require the
+women for my boat and I cannot send them away. He was again put in
+remembrance of the letter in the following year, when he assured the
+brethren it had made such an impression on him that he could not sleep
+for three nights; but he continued in his evil course of conduct, and
+still kept the mother and the daughter among his wives. He went
+afterwards to the south, where he remained two or three winters, but
+whether he ever obtained repentance must remain a secret till "that
+day."</p>
+
+<p>Reports of many horrible murders committed in the north in the year
+1790 having reached the brethren, they were not a little comforted by
+the remark of an Esquimaux living at one of the settlements, "As many
+murders," said he, "would have been committed here if you had not come
+and brought us the good word of our Creator <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>becoming our Redeemer, of
+his great love to us, and of our duty to love him and our neighbour."</p>
+
+<p>A strong desire to travel to the south became again prevalent among
+the Esquimaux in the summer of 1791; they said one could get a large
+boat there for a small price, and plenty to eat, as the Europeans
+caught the seals in nets and gave away the flesh for nothing, and they
+gave them also bread and rum at a low rate, and all this was good for
+the <i>Innuit</i>. A hundred persons, of whom fifteen were baptized, and
+three candidates for baptism, went from Nain and Okkak in eleven
+boats. The sad experience of former years had shewn the brethren the
+destructive effects that the frequent dispersion, and the constant
+intercourse with their heathen countrymen and careless Europeans, had
+in bewildering the Esquimaux, and erasing all their religion; they
+therefore determined at parting to give them a serious and
+affectionate admonition. In this they reminded them that the members
+of the congregation, in going away, were departing from what they had
+heard of the Saviour, and what they had promised at their baptism, and
+from what the ordinance of the holy supper required them to be. That
+they&mdash;the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>missionaries&mdash;ever since the time of their backsliding, had
+never ceased to cry to the Saviour, as they well knew that he was
+merciful and gracious, and would again receive repenting sinners; that
+though they would not now follow the counsel of their teachers, and
+would separate from them, yet it might be, that when they were in
+necessity or affliction, they might think on what they had heard of
+Jesus, and take refuge in him; and then, though their bodies should
+return to the dust, their souls, purchased by his precious blood,
+would be saved. One of the baptized replied that he knew all that, and
+understood it quite well, but he must be allowed to follow his own
+discretion. He promised, however, at parting, that he would continue
+to love his teachers&mdash;would think on their words, and if he should die
+in the south, he would order that his baptized children should be sent
+back to the congregation and put under their care.</p>
+
+<p>During the winters 1796 and 1797, an infectious disease visited all
+the settlements, a violent cough, accompanied with fever and pleurisy;
+it attacked both Europeans and Esquimaux, but proved fatal chiefly to
+the latter, and lasted for about two months; at Nain it was so
+universal, that when they met together they could not proceed, as the
+coughing rendered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>the service altogether unintelligible. When an
+Esquimaux is taken ill, he expects, from any medicine that may be
+prescribed, an immediate cure, and if this does not take place grows
+dejected; and now, fears at the thoughts of death, which are deeply
+rivetted, shewed themselves even in believers. The missionaries were
+assiduous in their attendance, and in using every means they possessed
+for their cure; but learned, to their inexpressible grief, that the
+impatience of some also who had received the gospel, led them to
+follow the old superstitious ways of the sorcerers to procure relief,
+and this at the very time when they were professing to follow
+implicitly the prescriptions of the brethren. They were very cautious,
+however, lest it should reach the missionaries' ears; nor do the
+latter seem to have been aware of it, till one of the communicants at
+Okkak, constrained by uneasiness of mind, confessed the whole with
+many tears, saving that he had grievously sinned against the Lord. The
+hypocrisy and equivocation which many, of whom they had hoped better
+things, evinced, added greatly to the anguish of the missionaries; but
+they had great consolation in the death of others, who departed happy
+in the faith to their Saviour. Among these was Daniel, a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>communicant;
+he said in his last illness, "All the things I had confidence in are
+now in the depths of the sea, my only refuge is the Saviour; all my
+thoughts rest on him." The widow Esther, however, deserves particular
+notice; she was bred at Kilanok north from Okkak, and when a child
+came on a visit to Nain in 1773, where she and her countrymen heard
+for the first time the missionaries speak of the Creator and Redeemer
+of men; this made a great impression upon her, and though a child, and
+surrounded only by the heathen, it constantly occurred to her mind,
+"It is he who made all things and knows all things; he, therefore,
+knows me and can help me." Often she told the missionaries, that when
+she was at Kilanok, she would go out to a mountain and weep and pray
+to Jesus, particularly when any thing painful happened to her. After
+her father's death a man took her for his third wife, which placed her
+in the most painful circumstances, as he was a rude wicked wretch, a
+sorcerer, and a murderer. In the year 1787 he died, and she was left
+with two children completely destitute, for every one hated them on
+his account. Her children were so dreadfully beaten that they both
+died in consequence; but though they were thus cruelly treated in her
+presence she durst not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>interfere, as the savages in ridicule
+pretended it was the Torngak that bid them, and threatened her also
+with death. At last Rebecca, one of the baptized, had compassion on
+her in this disconsolate situation, and brought her to Okkak. Here the
+missionaries soon perceived such an earnest desire after salvation as
+they say they had never before seen in any Esquimaux, though she at
+first spoke but little. In 1789, she was baptized, and soon after was
+a partaker of the holy supper. She lived in constant communion with
+her Saviour, for she had learned to know him as her comforter, her
+counsellor and help, and often said, "He is indeed my Father; wherever
+I go, and wherever I am, he is with me, and I can tell him every
+thing." Esther was the first converted person among the Esquimaux who
+continued faithful unto the end, without allowing herself in any thing
+sinful, and though often asked in marriage by unbelievers, so far was
+she from listening to such proposals, that her reply was, "I would not
+disturb my present enjoyment even to marry a believer." For had she
+married, she must have gone in summer with the other Esquimaux to the
+distant places where they procured their furs and skins, while in her
+present state she could always remain at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>the settlement, and enjoy
+the privileges of a Christian church. She learned to read and write,
+so that she wrote letters with her own hand to the sisters at Nain. In
+June 1792, when she was taken ill, she sweetly repeated, "Whether I
+live I am the Saviour's, whether I die I am the Saviour's&mdash;living or
+dying I am the Saviour's! Yes! he hath bought me with his blood, and
+he will take me to himself!" She died after three days illness, aged
+thirty years.</p>
+
+<p>About this time the hearts of the missionaries were revived by the
+joyful news, that Tuglavina had begun to think about his soul, and
+seemed in earnest. This furious savage, by strength, courage, and
+activity, had procured a commanding influence among his countrymen;
+who so highly dreaded him as a chief, and trembled at his supernatural
+powers as an Angekok, that his word was a law; and he had only to
+signify to them his pleasure as a revelation from Torngak, when it was
+instantly executed. Whoever he pointed out as a victim, his deluded
+followers were ready to sacrifice. Besides the numerous murders thus
+perpetrated, he committed many with his own hands; nor was there any
+method of controlling or bringing him to an account. He had, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>however,
+at first, and upon many occasions, been of essential service to the
+mission; and entertained a peculiar respect for the missionaries,
+particularly "little Jans," of which a striking instance is narrated
+in the journals. At one time, when he returned from the south from
+Chateau Bay, where he had purchased a two masted shallop, arms and
+ammunition, &amp;c. he presented himself before Haven dressed in an
+English officer's old uniform, swaggering with a cocked hat, and sword
+by his side. Haven, with a grave aspect looking him in the face,
+asked, "What do you want here, Kablunat?" "Do you not know me?"
+replied the other, "I am Tuglavina." "Art thou Tuglavina?" retorted
+Jans, "then set off this moment, I have nothing to say to you in that
+attire; but put on thy own dress, and come again and act like a
+rational Esquimaux, and I will speak to you." Tuglavina, confounded,
+made no reply, but left the room; and without regarding the pitiful
+figure he was about to cut before his countrymen, laid aside his
+splendid apparel, resumed his seal skin clothes, and returned to the
+missionaries. These holy men, who neglected no opportunity of
+representing to him the guilt of his crimes, now pointed out the
+atrocity of the murders he had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>committed, or occasioned, and sharply
+reproved him for seducing the baptized to participate with him in his
+heathenish abominations. Tuglavina trembled, grew pale, and confessed
+he was an horrible sinner; but, like some men who call themselves
+Christians, excused himself on the ground of necessity. "I must sin,"
+said he, "for Torngak drives me to it." He frequently repeated this
+confession of his sins; but dazzled by the respect in which he was
+held by his countrymen, it was extremely difficult for him to think of
+relinquishing this flattering distinction, and humble himself under
+the mighty hand of God. But at length the time came when this once
+dreaded chieftain must lose his influence. His bodily vigour began to
+decline, and he saw and feared an enemy in every one of those whose
+relations he had murdered. He began to grow poor, and his numerous
+wives either deserted him or were carried away by force; of the whole
+number one only clave to him in his adversity. Amid this extraordinary
+change of circumstances conscience awoke, and in his desolate state he
+had nothing with which to still its voice&mdash;his sins and his evil deeds
+stood in array before him, and he resorted to the brethren for
+consolation. He declared his resolution <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>now cordially to renounce
+heathenism; and in October 1793, was permitted, with his wife and
+children, to reside at Nain.</p>
+
+<p>Though he experienced many changes, yet at last the grace of God
+triumphed over this great sinner, and he remained firmly opposed to
+all the importunities of his friends, who, upon his returning
+prosperity, used every artifice to decoy him to another southern
+journey. Formerly, when living in the south, he had a dangerous
+illness; and, at the request of the governor of Chateau Bay, he had
+been baptized by an English minister and got the name of William. On
+Christmas-day he was received into the brethren's congregation; and on
+the 2d of April 1795, admitted as a communicant to the Lord's table.
+His conduct after this, and his expressions of gratitude for the mercy
+bestowed on him by the Lord, who had forgiven him his sins and
+received him graciously, proved very pleasing and encouraging to the
+brethren. But afterwards they perceived, with grief, that he began to
+entertain high thoughts of himself, which made them apprehend some
+lurking deviation. And so it proved; for being led into temptation, he
+conducted himself in such a manner as obliged them to exclude him from
+the holy communion. But <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>he soon acknowledged it with deep contrition,
+and sought and found forgiveness with the Saviour, and was then
+re-admitted to the Lord's supper. He now took every opportunity of
+telling his countrymen what Jesus had done for him; "because," said
+he, "I am anxious that many more should he converted to him."</p>
+
+<p>On the 29th September 1799, he returned home from a rein-deer hunt
+sick of a pleurisy; and the disorder increased on the following day so
+much, that all the remedies applied were in vain. From the very first
+the brethren suspected that his illness would end in his dissolution,
+and mentioned to him their fears without reserve; on which he declared
+that he was ready to go to Jesus, and hoped his Saviour would not
+despise him. One of the brethren was constantly with him; and, at his
+request, sung verses expressive of the change in view, in which he
+joined as long as he was able. He frequently testified that he was
+happy, and put all his confidence in our Saviour alone; "and we," say
+the missionaries, "felt the peace of God attending his sick-bed." He
+breathed his last, October 4th, in the most gentle manner, while the
+waiting brother was engaged in prayer. "A singular object," says the
+missionary diary, "of the mercy of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>our Saviour, who followed him
+through all his perverse and wicked ways with infinite patience and
+long-suffering, until at last he drew him to himself. He was sixty
+years of age."</p>
+
+<p>Before this Mikak died. She had resided chiefly in the south since the
+year 1783, and thus lost the advantage of hearing the gospel, which
+she seemed latterly to view with indifference. But on the approach of
+death her impressions revived. The last two days of her life she spent
+at Nain. Immediately on her arrival, being very ill, she sent to
+Brother Burghardt, to request assistance and advice. He found her
+extremely weak, and apparently without hopes of recovery. However,
+after giving her some medicine, he took occasion to speak seriously
+with her concerning the state of her soul, advising her to return to
+Jesus Christ as a repentant sinner, who will surely receive all poor
+prodigals, if with their hearts they confess their deviations; and he
+also reminded her of the promises she had formerly made to devote her
+whole heart to him. She assented to the truth of all he said, and
+exclaimed, "Ah! I have behaved very bad, and am grieved on that
+account; but what shall I do? I cannot find Jesus again!" Brother
+Burghardt exhorted her not to desist from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>crying to him for mercy,
+for he came to seek and save the lost, and would not cast her out. In
+the following days she seemed to receive these admonitions with
+eagerness, and declared that she had not forgotten what she had heard
+of her Saviour in former days, nor what she had promised when she
+became a candidate for baptism. She departed this life Oct 1; and was
+buried in the brethren's burying ground; and they were willing to
+entertain the hope that this straying sheep had found mercy at last.</p>
+
+<p>Ever since the brethren had been in Labrador, they had heard the
+Esquimaux speak of Indians in the interior, of whom they seemed
+greatly afraid; frequently a sudden terror would be diffused among
+their tribes, if they discovered any trace of that formidable people
+near them. But in the summer of 1798, they were alarmed with the
+certain intelligence that five or six of their families had arrived at
+a European settlement, at Kippakak, about five or six miles distant
+from Hopedale; and in April 1799, some of them for the first time paid
+the mission-station a visit. They were a father and son, who came with
+the design of buying tobacco from the brethren. They lived with some
+Christians of French extraction in the southern settlements, and had
+been baptized <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>by a French priest. All the Esquimaux immediately
+gathered round the strangers, and eyed them as objects of jealous
+curiosity. The old man appeared exceedingly alarmed at this, and was
+extremely glad when the brethren invited him and his son into the
+mission-house. The latter understood the Esquimaux language and
+English; but the father, when any one wished to speak with him,
+pointed to his ears, giving them to understand that he could hear
+nothing. When food was placed before them they took off their caps and
+crossed themselves; and before they went to bed they kneeled down and
+repeated a long prayer.</p>
+
+<p>An Esquimaux wished them to lodge in his house, but when they came to
+the door they would not enter; the old man began to tremble, and made
+signs that they would rather sleep in the bushes. As the brethren
+tried to quiet them, the son cried out in the Esquimaux language,
+"They are so filthy," and added in English, "We cannot sleep with the
+Esquimaux, nor eat out of their dirty vessels. We have been accustomed
+to live as cleanly as the Europeans." The brethren, who saw that they
+were afraid of the great number of the Esquimaux, but wished to
+conceal their terror under the pretence of disgust at their
+filthiness, showed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>them into one of their own workshops, where beds
+were quickly prepared.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning they asked them if they knew any thing of the
+crucified Jesus, in whose name they had been baptized; and showing
+them a picture of the Saviour's crucifixion, told them that he had
+suffered thus, and died that they might not everlastingly perish. The
+history of Jesus seemed not unknown to them; and they said, that they
+would not go down into the fire, but up into glory. As they saw a book
+lying on the table, they said, their priests, morning and evening,
+read kneeling, from such a book, that all the people listened to them,
+and in their meetings they made the sign of the cross. They also said
+that a great many Indians lived not far from thence, who, for fear of
+the Europeans, never ventured near the coast; that they had no
+fire-arms, but used bows and arrows in hunting. They wore a thin
+dress, evidently not calculated for a cold climate; their skin was
+brown, their hair black, and their features bore a greater resemblance
+to the Europeans than the Esquimaux. The morning after, they prepared
+to return; and on taking leave, reached over their hands to the
+brethren, and said, "You shall in future see more Indians." Since then
+the terror of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>the Esquimaux for the Indians, and their enmity towards
+them, have been greatly diminished.</p>
+
+<p>Frederick Burghardt being appointed superintendant of the mission in
+room of Rose, who, after twelve years' service, returned to Europe,
+the latter, before leaving, transmitted home the following remarks on
+the internal state of the mission at the close of the year 1799. "It
+is the cause of great pain and grief to me and my sister, and my
+spirit often sinks within me, when I see those on whom the greatest
+care and faithful labour has been bestowed, so easily fall back to
+their heathenish practices; and who, if they are not treated with the
+greatest patience and tenderness, would be wholly carried away. In
+these cases it always occurs to me, how would the Saviour have acted
+with such persons? The hypocrisy that appears in many is abominable,
+and could we have received them upon a mere verbal profession of love
+to the doctrine of Jesus, we might in a short time have baptized the
+whole nation, as far as we could reach. Many would have come here to
+live, but we were obliged to prevent them, and many expressed a desire
+to be converted, though they felt little interest in the subject, and
+did not so much as know <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>what conversion meant. Others, who had
+obtained rather more knowledge, and whose relations lived here, would
+pretend to be converted, and these we would receive in hope, but they
+only proved sources of affliction and sorrow. When I read the reports
+of other missions, and reflect on the little fruit of our many years'
+labour, how my heart is grieved, and I say, 'Ah! why is the hour of
+visitation to the Esquimaux so long delayed!' I expect not this for
+any faithful labours of ours&mdash;for when I think on them, I can only
+pray and entreat the Lord Jesus to forgive our great guilt, our many
+errors and mistakes in His service&mdash;but <span class="sc">He</span> shall see of the
+travail of his soul and shall be satisfied; this makes me many times
+think, and why not among the Esquimaux? With all this, however, I am
+constrained to render thanks to the Saviour for what he has done in
+winning souls for himself even here, for there are a few who have
+received forgiveness of sins, who know the Saviour, and live in the
+enjoyment of communion with him. O! that this were the case with all
+the baptized; it is, however, with the greater part; although, alas!
+there are others who do not yet feel heathenish customs to be a
+burden, and many that, having tasted the good word of God, have been
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>deceived and involved in the commission of sin."</p>
+
+<p>Of those who appeared truly converted there are some delightful
+examples in the diary of 1799, who evince the power of the grace of
+God; though the missionary, under a sense of his own unworthiness,
+cried out, "My leanness! my leanness!" It is a practice with the
+missionaries, occasionally, to read to the Esquimaux extracts from the
+accounts of other missions, particularly those of Greenland, that
+nation having so great a resemblance to themselves, in their language,
+manners, and way of procuring their livelihood; these generally give
+rise to interesting conversations, and draw from the natives some
+striking remarks. At Nain, upon an occasion of this kind, one of the
+baptized observed, "If we had so far advanced in grace, that our walk
+and conversation shone as a light among our heathen countrymen; and if
+some who are baptized had not, after their baptism, behaved again as
+bad as the heathen themselves, we should soon see an increase of our
+number; for the heathen would soon perceive the difference between a
+believer and an infidel, and seek to obtain the same happiness, but we
+ourselves are in fault." Upon a similar occasion Jonathan&mdash;of whom the
+missionaries write, "He is, without a particular <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>commission, a
+faithful assistant among his nation, and proves useful in averting
+much mischief, and in exhorting them to obedience to the
+Saviour,"&mdash;dictated the following remarkable letter to the believing
+Greenlanders:</p>
+
+<p>"My brethren and sisters, you who live on the other side of the water,
+and are baptized, I salute you by these lines, and send my words to
+you in the name of Jesus. When I hear your words come forth out of the
+written accounts, I ardently desire to be a partaker of your faith;
+for whenever these writings are read to us, my heart begins to burn
+within me. Of that long period since my baptism, (fifteen years) I can
+reckon but about three years during which I have had solid and
+constant thoughts towards Jesus; and have begun to enjoy my Saviour's
+peace in my heart. I reflect also, that the time of my life in this
+world may possibly be soon past, since I begin to grow old. At the
+time when I was baptized I was still very ignorant, and for some time
+after walked in error and darkness. But now, I cleave with my whole
+heart to Jesus, my Lord and God, and weep for desire after him. I
+search my heart frequently, and examine my conduct on account of my
+sinfulness; for I find myself exceedingly depraved and sinful,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>therefore it is my concern that I may never lose sight of him again.
+Of myself I am not able to abide faithful; but Jesus my lover will
+help and protect me.</p>
+
+<p>"I will relate to you something of my chief wanderings and perverse
+ways in which I have lived:&mdash;I was not clever enough to have to do
+with Satan, and to use sorceries; but I have lived in the sins of the
+flesh&mdash;from these I have now ceased, for I perceive I should be worse
+than a beast if I were to go to the holy communion, to partake of the
+body and blood of Jesus, with a heart defiled with such impurities.
+Henceforth I could not bear to be separated from my teachers, for I
+think thus&mdash;Why was Jesus crucified and put to death? Surely for this
+cause, because he would atone for me, an exceeding sinful creature.
+When I was a poor orphan child, for I have seen neither father nor
+mother, then Jesus became my father. As long as I live I will not
+forget him, and even in eternity I shall be with Him.</p>
+
+<p>"I sometimes think, if I were with you and beheld your faith, I should
+be much more happy and cheerful than I am now; however, though I be
+ever so needy&mdash;be it so&mdash;yet, like Thomas, I will call him my Lord and
+my God! This, 'tis true, I cannot do of myself; but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>when I continue
+asking it as a favour he grants it me, and I experience it.</p>
+
+<p>"With respect to my countrymen, I must tell you, that they often
+grieve me when they will not follow my advice. I do not say this as if
+I fancied myself to be a man of importance, for I will gladly be the
+meanest of these before the eyes of Jesus. When I think on my former
+resistance and stiff-necked behaviour in the work of conversion, I
+could strike myself. It causes deep sorrow and repentance within me,
+when I consider that I have been most faithfully instructed by my
+teachers for so many years, and yet have been like one that had no
+ears to hear. But now, not my ears only are unstopped to hear and
+understand the doctrine of Jesus and the hymns we sing, but I feel
+that what I hear and learn penetrates into my heart, and since I am
+thus inwardly affected, warmed, and enlivened, I am the more
+astonished and amazed at the change, when recollecting, that I have
+been so hard and callous, that whenever any of my nearest relations
+departed this life, being taken from my side by death, I was not able
+to weep a tear for them; but now I can shed a flood of tears, both
+from a fervent desire of living intimately attached to Jesus, and for
+delight and pleasure to think what happiness I should <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>enjoy if
+incessantly thus disposed. However, since I am so poor and defective,
+I find that I cannot procure it by my own efforts; but I am taught
+that I may yet enjoy this constant happiness, by entreating our
+Saviour for it to-day, to-morrow, and every day. As long as I am on
+this earth, I shall remain like a sick one, and be always apt to
+stray; for my heart is naturally untoward and hard as a stone, but
+when Jesus softens it, then it becomes truly soft and tender. Ah! that
+I had not such corrupted senses! yet, being conscious that I am
+constantly in danger on account of my depravity, I am determined
+faithfully to attend to the gospel, and to my teachers, to be guided
+and advised by them and to follow after righteousness. When I search
+my own heart, I still find many things condemnable in the sight of
+Jesus, of which I had never thought before. Hear these my poor words
+to you in love. <span class="sc">Jonathan</span>."</p>
+
+<p>At Okkak, Solomon, a baptized man, thus complained to the brethren: "I
+will now utter words of truth only. I am unhappy because I cannot
+regain that state of mind I enjoyed when I was baptized. There is as
+it were a dark shadow between me and our Saviour; this is the only
+thing that gives me pain at present. I feel, 'tis true, some desire
+after <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>Jesus, but I cannot always pray to him. This is, alas, my case,
+for whole days together, and yet I cannot live without him. I know,
+also, that it was he alone who first saved me from my evil ways, for
+neither you nor I could do it!" Here he was so much affected, that he
+burst into tears. The missionaries encouraged him, and bid him not
+cast away his confidence in Jesus; for since he, according to his own
+confession, had bestowed such mercy upon him, he might believe and be
+sure, that he would not suffer him to weep in vain for a new
+manifestation of his love towards him.</p>
+
+<p>There is not, perhaps, any surer test of a young woman's Christianity
+than the choice she makes of an husband; and the missionaries were
+highly gratified in this respect, with the conduct of a young girl, a
+candidate for baptism. When the winter meetings were resumed, she
+expressed her joy, for she was desirous of learning the doctrine of
+Jesus, and wished to know and love him more; and she said she was
+resolved never again to leave the fellowship of believers. Her
+resolution was almost immediately tried; a heathen, from Kivalek,
+proposed marriage to her, but she at once declared she would never
+take a husband who would lead her astray from God and his people.
+Some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>time after, her parents, Joseph and Justina, came from Okkak to
+Nain, to inquire whether Anauke, who seems to have been a rich
+Esquimaux, was a candidate for baptism, or had ever spoken to the
+missionaries on the subject of conversion; and when informed that he
+had not, they said that since their daughter had declared her
+attachment to the believers, and her purpose to live with Jesus, they
+would never bestow her upon a stranger. On which the missionaries
+observe, "Whoever knows the natural dispositions and habits of the
+Esquimaux, will, from this instance, see that there is a manifest
+influence of the Spirit of God in their hearts, to cause them to act
+with such willing conformity to the doctrine of the Scriptures, and
+such attention to their souls' welfare."</p>
+
+<p>As the century closed, the prospects of the missionaries brightened,
+and they therefore with greater earnestness entreated the prayers of
+their brethren. "The more we perceive," say they, "our own
+insufficiency, the more we perceive how much we stand in need of the
+support and prayers of God's children, in this our important calling,
+to win to Christ, souls, harder than the rocks on which they dwell,
+and to be melted only by the fire of his love unto death." "We find
+every year," was the report <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>from Okkak, "when we receive the various
+accounts from our congregations, abundant cause to rejoice over all
+the manifold proofs of His grace and faithfulness towards them; and as
+to ourselves, we may confidently assert, that his goodness towards us
+has been daily new. He has granted us the grace to preach him to the
+Esquimaux, both living in our land and elsewhere, as the Saviour of
+men, who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of
+the truth, with courage and with joyful hearts, though under a sense
+of our own poverty and weakness;" and many heathen, who came hither
+from a great distance from the north for the sake of trade, heard it
+with attention. There was also a particular awakening among the
+baptized, who expressed an ardent desire to be admitted to partake of
+the Lord's supper, and they in general acknowledged to the praise of
+the Lord, that he had owned their small Esquimaux flock, and blessed
+them with his presence. The state of the settlement at Nain was
+equally pleasing. "We have had much joy," the missionaries write, "in
+observing the course of our small Esquimaux congregation; having
+perceived that they are more and more desirous to live in a manner
+acceptable to God, and to be cleansed from all those <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>things which
+might grieve the Holy Spirit, and be a disgrace to the cause of our
+Saviour. In our meetings we frequently experience his gracious
+presence, and, more than ever before, felt the true spirit of a
+congregation of Jesus, especially during two baptismal transactions we
+have had. It proves a great encouragement to us, when we see that
+people, who, only a short time ago, hardly knew that there exists a
+divine Being, and lived in all manner of sin and abomination, now that
+they have learned to know the Saviour, shed tears from a sense of God
+in their hearts, and of their fellowship with him as their Redeemer."
+Nor was Hopedale less favoured. "We can declare to you with joy," was
+the language of missionaries in their letters to England, "that there
+has been a manifest work of God and his Spirit upon the souls of the
+Esquimaux in the year past. Most of them are in a hopeful state, and
+intent upon cleaving to the Lord, that they may partake of the
+blessings he has purchased for us by his bitter sufferings and death."</p>
+
+<p>Of four families at Arvertok, not far from Hopedale, consisting of
+thirty persons, the greater part were awakened to a concern for their
+soul's conversion, by a remarkable appearance in the sky, which was
+repeated three <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>times, particularly on the night of January 14th. It
+consisted of a vast quantity of inflammable matter in the air, which
+seemed to ascend from all parts of the horizon, and then to pour
+itself towards the earth, in immense fiery rays and balls. Karpik and
+his people, who first saw the phenomenon, ran to Hopedale in the
+greatest agitation and amazement, and awakened the Esquimaux there,
+with the awful intelligence that the world was at an end. They, upon
+suddenly rising from bed, struck with the spectacle, imagined that the
+stars were falling from heaven, and that they were the signs which
+announced the near approach of the Lord, as he had foretold. Karpik
+cried out in agony, "Let us turn with our whole hearts to our
+Saviour&mdash;this is the hour;" and began to pray aloud to Jesus, to sing
+hymns, and to entreat, with the greatest concern, all his household to
+unite with him.</p>
+
+<p>These Esquimaux now attended the meetings daily, and evinced by their
+conduct a change in their minds; for they were not only anxious
+themselves about their eternal concerns, but were desirous that their
+children should also regard them. Instead of preventing them as
+formerly, they now intreated that they might be allowed to send them
+to school, which from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>this time was well attended by both old and
+young. Among the primary objects of the brethren is the instruction of
+the youth. Old trees are ill to bend, but the tender sapling is more
+easily impressed, and there are peculiar promises to bless the
+instruction of children, and to encourage to a patient and proper
+performance of a very trying, and not unfrequently a very irksome
+task. But while the brethren communicate to their interesting charge
+the elements of knowledge, they employ as the grand instrument for
+shaping their characters, the word of the gospel of Christ, and
+subject their pupils to a moral training, without which, the mere
+communication of knowledge, whether sacred or profane, is often a
+curse rather than a blessing. So soon as they had attained a
+sufficient knowledge of the language, the missionaries composed
+elementary books, and for those who were farther advanced they
+translated a history of the sufferings of Jesus, which was gratefully
+received by those who could read and eagerly listened to by those who
+could not.</p>
+
+<p>About three months after this occurrence, Karpik declared that he was
+now in his heart convinced that the blood of Jesus could blot out his
+exceeding great sins&mdash;that he wept daily before him, entreating him to
+wipe away his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>iniquities, and declared that the ardent desire of his
+soul was to cleave more closely to the Saviour; that he was resolved
+to follow him only, and to give up all connection with the
+unbelievers. And he was diligent in speaking to all the strangers who
+passed that way, beseeching and exhorting them to turn to the Lord.</p>
+
+<p>When the century closed, after thirty years' labour, the missionaries
+at the three different stations had the pleasure of numbering two
+hundred and twenty-eight resident Esquimaux under their care, of whom
+one hundred and ten were baptized. This involved them in various other
+avocations. They had not only to instruct them in matters of religion,
+but to teach them habits of industry and of economy and to show them
+the example; they induced them to build, and assisted them in
+building, substantial houses; they made them tools for working and
+implements for fishing<a name="FNanchor_F_6" id="FNanchor_F_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_6" class="fnanchor">[F]</a> and gardening, which last process they had
+to superintend and to direct. Besides, they erected and kept in repair
+their own dwellings, cultivated their own gardens, fabricated tools
+for themselves, and used every <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>exertion to lessen the demand for, or
+supply the deficiency of their European food. They had also to collect
+and bring home firewood for their domestic purposes&mdash;no small labour;
+and to fell timber and build boats for the purposes of barter, as they
+took nothing gratuitous from the natives, heathen or Christian.</p>
+
+<p>Since the mission commenced, they had, in the mysterious ways of
+providence, lost two missionaries by shipwreck; and in 1800, they were
+tried with the loss of another, in a yet more distressing manner. One
+of their new assistants, Rieman, on the 2d December, had gone out to
+hunt alone, and had wandered, but whither was never known, as he never
+returned; nor, though diligent search was made for him five successive
+days, could any traces be found.</p>
+
+<p>During the period that had elapsed since the foundation of the
+mission, they had been repeatedly tried both by pestilence and famine,
+but they now found their heavenly Father a ready help in every time of
+need. In one season, when the seal-catching had entirely failed, and
+the Esquimaux were deprived of the means of subsistence for the
+winter, the brethren joined with them in crying aloud to God for help,
+and he so directed it, that in a short time two dead <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>whales were
+found, which preserved them from starving. The missionary families
+depended chiefly upon the supplies from Europe for their healthful
+subsistence, and it is an instance of the superintending providence of
+a gracious God which these missionaries acknowledged with humble
+thankfulness, that the voyages of the vessels which carried their
+stores, were never interrupted by storms or enemies. The Amity was
+preserved so long as employed in the service, but the very year when
+about to quit it on her return home, she was taken by the French, yet
+was restored without much detriment. And the Harmony, which had been
+purchased to supply her place, had now for more than twenty-six years
+traversed the wild and icy ocean, amid sunken rocks and in the sight
+of enemies, without accident.<a name="FNanchor_G_7" id="FNanchor_G_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_G_7" class="fnanchor">[G]</a> The missionary settlements during
+this period, had been threatened with an attack from the French. Two
+of their ships of war arrived on the coast in 1796, but having landed
+at Chateau Bay, after <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>plundering and burning that town and blowing up
+the fort, they were mercifully restrained from harming the more
+peaceful habitations of the brethren.</p>
+
+<p>In concluding the account of this past century, it is impossible not
+to notice the extraordinary spirit of love and of Christian affection
+which pervaded the missionaries in Labrador and their brethren in
+Europe; they loved each other with pure hearts fervently; and it is
+remarkable, and worthy of peculiar observation, that before these
+servants of God were honoured to carry the tidings of the gospel to
+the heathen, a spirit of love for the brethren, and for all the
+members of the body of Christ, was poured out largely upon the
+churches at home.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty-six missionaries were employed in Labrador in the year 1800.</p>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_F_6" id="Footnote_F_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_F_6"><span class="label">[F]</span></a> This refers to them making their nets for catching
+salmon-trout, of which there are immense numbers. In 1798, in six
+nights, 5000 were taken, and in 1799 they got 1800 at one haul.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_G_7" id="Footnote_G_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_G_7"><span class="label">[G]</span></a> The Brethren's Society in London, now undertook to supply
+the missions, and relieved the merchants from a losing concern; they
+built the brig Harmony of 133 tons, which made her first voyage, 1787,
+under Captain James Fraser, and continued to sail in safety till 1802,
+when she was laid aside, and the Resolution was employed.</p></div>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER V.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Variable appearances of the mission at Nain and Okkak&mdash;more
+favourable at Hopedale.&mdash;Death of Benjamin.&mdash;Spirit of love
+among the converted.&mdash;Happy communion and close of the
+year.&mdash;Providential escape of the Resolution.&mdash;New epoch in
+Labrador.&mdash;A remarkable awakening commences at
+Hopedale&mdash;meetings&mdash;schools.&mdash;Letter from a converted Esquimaux
+to his teacher.&mdash;Industry of the awakened.&mdash;Declension of
+religion at Nain, and Okkak.&mdash;State of the children at
+Hopedale.&mdash;Progress of the adults in knowledge, love, and
+zeal&mdash;instances.&mdash;Striking conversion of two young Esquimaux,
+its effects upon their countrymen.&mdash;Awakening spreads to Nain
+and to Okkak.&mdash;Zeal of the converts towards the heathen&mdash;rouses
+backsliders.&mdash;Behaviour of the awakened in sickness, and the
+prospect of death.&mdash;Remarkable accessions from the heathen.&mdash;The
+son of a sorcerer.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Chequered as life is with joy and grief, there is perhaps no section
+of it so much so as that of the missionary. Those in Labrador had, for
+thirty years, been going forth weeping and bearing the precious seed;
+they were now to perceive it beginning to spring, and to rejoice in
+the prospect of bringing back their sheaves. The concern about eternal
+things which had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>been observed the former year at Hopedale, continued
+to increase, and appeared evidently a work of Divine grace. At first
+only a few individuals found their minds stirred up to seek their
+salvation; but in the beginning of the year 1801, a fresh and general
+awakening took place. Those who had shewn the greatest enmity to the
+gospel now began to form the serious resolution of being converted to
+Jesus. In February 1802, a noted sorcerer, Siksigak, and two women,
+were admitted candidates for baptism at Nain; and on March 4th, a man
+was baptized, and named Isaac.&mdash;"This transaction," say the
+missionaries, "was distinguished by a most encouraging perception of
+the presence of God among us." At Okkak they believed that the Saviour
+had granted a particular blessing to their feeble testimony of his
+love to sinners, in preaching the word of his cross.</p>
+
+<p>They had at these two last stations, however, much cause for mingling
+grief with their joy; for several of those of whom they hoped well
+drew back, and some of the baptized even forsook them and returned to
+the heathen. "We compare," say they in one of their letters, "our
+Esquimaux congregations to an infirmary, in which patients of all
+descriptions <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>are to be met with. However, we can plainly discover the
+power of God manifested among our people, and upon the whole we have
+had more cause for joy than grief. Whoever is acquainted with this
+people in their natural and unconverted state, and sees them met
+together at the church, attentively listening to the word of God,
+tears flowing down the cheeks of many, or beholds a company of
+converted Esquimaux surrounding the table of the Lord, and favoured to
+enjoy his body and blood sacramentally, under a deep and comfortable
+sense of his gracious presence, must stand astonished at the power of
+Jesus' love, which is able to melt the hardest heart, and make them
+partake of heavenly blessings." 1803 was a year of trial at Okkak;
+several of their members were seduced to go south among the heathen,
+and the arrival of some Europeans who came to hunt, and took up their
+habitation within the bounds of the settlement, caused the brethren
+many a heavy hour. An epidemic distemper visited them; but although
+many in the time of sickness promised to love the Saviour and seek to
+know him, no permanent effect followed; yet they attended the daily
+meetings during the passion-week to hear of his sufferings, and seemed
+attentive to what they heard, which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>somewhat encouraged their
+teachers, who thus wrote to England, "We do not despair. We believe
+that the agonies of Jesus are not in vain, and that the Esquimaux
+shall share in the merits of his passion." Nain was similarly
+situated&mdash;their wine also was mixed with water.</p>
+
+<p>But at Hopedale the work of the Lord went steadily forward; several
+were added to the church, and those who departed gave good evidence
+that they went to the Saviour, particularly Benjamin, who died of an
+inflammatory fever in the month of February. From the first he was
+convinced that his dissolution was at hand. Being asked whether he
+thought he should go to Jesus, he cheerfully answered in the
+affirmative. After some conversation on the subject, the missionary
+present sung that verse:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The Saviour's blood and righteousness<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My beauty are&mdash;my glorious dress;"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="noin">and others of the same import, in which he joined with great fervency
+of devotion. He then, of his own accord, began to sing other hymns,
+"Christ my rock, my sure defence" "Jesus my Redeemer liveth" "No, my
+soul he cannot leave" "Thy blood, thy blood, the deed hath wrought."
+Before his departure he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>was frequently delirious; but even during
+this period of his illness, we, and the Esquimaux who visited him,
+were delighted and greatly affected by the subjects his spirit seemed
+always engaged in. His thoughts were occupied with nothing but Jesus
+Christ his Saviour; and he kept repeating the most beautiful and
+appropriate texts of Scripture: "This is a true and faithful saying,
+and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world
+to save sinners." "The blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
+cleanseth us from all sin;" never failing to add, "Yes! on account of
+<i>my</i> sins he shed his blood." He often pronounced with great
+earnestness, "Little children abide in Him, that when he shall appear
+we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His
+appearing." 1 John ii 28. Nor did he cease, in the midst of his
+greatest sufferings, to speak of the love of the Saviour, till he drew
+his last breath. He was 40 years of age, and left a widow and two
+young children. He had sometimes fallen into deviations, which
+occasioned the missionaries many fears and much anxiety about his
+perseverance in the faith; but his last illness fully satisfied and
+comforted them respecting the state of his soul. And it made a deep
+and salutary impression <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>upon the Esquimaux at the station, who
+expressed themselves, when speaking of his happy departure, in a
+manner which proved it had been sanctified for their real spiritual
+benefit and instruction.</p>
+
+<p>When the people returned from their summer occupations, 1803, &mdash;4, the
+missionaries spoke with each of them, both baptized and unbaptized,
+and had the pleasure to find that during their absence, they had been
+preserved from falling a prey to the seductions and wicked practices
+of the heathen, with whom they had been forced to associate. The
+communicants they conversed with, previous to their partaking of the
+Lord's supper, afforded them much satisfaction; while they, on the
+other hand, expressed their thankfulness for their exhortations, by
+which they had been led to forgive and forget old injuries and
+quarrels, and to speak freely with each other in love. On this point
+their tenderness of conscience was strikingly in contrast with that of
+the promiscuous multitudes who rush to the table of the Lord, in the
+professing congregations of more civilized lands. Peter observed, that
+his mind was not quite at ease respecting the subjects in dispute
+between him and others, and that he had better not go to the table of
+the Lord with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>an unreconciled heart. He at the same time spoke humbly
+of himself; and added, that he did not wish to grieve the Spirit of
+God by indulging anger. One of the women, Brigitta, said, that she was
+not quite sure whether she dared approach the Lord's table, feeling
+still much uneasiness and displeasure in her mind; but that she would
+once more in prayer cry unto our Saviour to help her, and take away
+those evil things that separated her from Him. On the day following
+she came again to the missionaries, and, with many tears, declared her
+thanks to the Lord, that he had delivered her from her perplexing
+thoughts, and granted to her his peace in her soul, and therefore
+begged to be admitted to the holy communion. On the 3d of December
+they partook of this heavenly feast; and it proved a time of
+refreshing to them all. The season of Christmas was celebrated with
+much blessing, and they rejoiced with thanksgiving in the incarnation
+of God our Saviour, this amazing proof of his infinite love to the
+lost human race! Again, on the 31st, they were strengthened anew by
+participating in the sacred ordinance together, and closed the year
+with praise and prayer, thankful to the Lord for the numberless
+favours they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>had experienced, and particularly for his mercy to the
+Esquimaux congregation.</p>
+
+<p>This year the brethren had another proof of the kind and watchful
+providence of God&mdash;their vessel which, on her return home, usually
+took advantage of the Hudson Bay ships' convoy from the Orknies to
+London, left Hopedale on the 11th of October, and in sixteen days was
+within three days' sail of these islands, when strong easterly gales
+drove her back and kept her three weeks longer at sea. But these
+apparently adverse storms proved, by God's great mercy, the very means
+of the hallowed barque's deliverance from the enemy. On the 18th
+November she was chased by a French frigate, brought to, and forced to
+keep her company; but the sea ran so high that it was impossible for
+the frigate to get out a boat to board the Resolution, and continued
+so during that night and the following day. The second night proving
+extremely dark and boisterous, the Captain set as much sail as the
+ship could carry, and before morning was out of sight of the frigate.
+But two days after he had the mortification to meet her again, and to
+be brought to a second time. Again the Lord interposed in his behalf,
+the wind was so violent that the Frenchman could not put out a boat,
+and during the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>following night, the Captain, crowding all sail,
+escaped, and saw no more of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>A new epoch in the Labrador mission commenced in 1804. Amid all the
+cheering realities and promising appearances which had hitherto
+sustained the spirits of the missionaries, there had been much
+hypocrisy, cold-heartedness, self-deceit, backsliding, and apostasy,
+among those who formed their congregations; and what was painful
+almost beyond conception, even in their church. But now the Lord
+appeared in their behalf, and in his adorable procedure, the most
+unlikely were the first objects of his awakening grace; and that
+station, which for many years had been so barren, that the brethren at
+one time had contemplated giving it up as hopeless, was that to which,
+in his inscrutable sovereignty, he chose to give the precedence in his
+gracious visitation. The beginning of the year had proved very
+unfavourable, and the Esquimaux at Hopedale had experienced
+considerable distress for want of provisions; but amid all their
+difficulties they attended church with cheerful countenances, and some
+of them would say, "If we only feel in our hearts the presence of our
+Saviour, who has loved us so much, and died and shed his blood that
+our sins might be forgiven, we may <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>well be cheerful and contented,
+though our outward circumstances are difficult, and we have not much
+to eat, for we trust he will care for us in that respect, and we look
+to him for help." The behaviour of the people during this time of
+trial gave the missionaries much pleasure and encouragement. There was
+a general and powerful awakening among them, which first began to be
+perceived among some women who were baptized the winter before, but
+who appeared to have become cold and lifeless. These were led by the
+Spirit of truth, in a particular manner, to a knowledge of their
+sinful and depraved hearts. An earnest desire was at the same time
+created within them, not only to experience the forgiveness of all
+their sins, but to know the crucified Saviour, so often described to
+them as their reconciler; and by the testimony of their own hearts and
+consciences, to be assured of their interest in Him and his atonement.
+Their declarations on this occasion were such, that the missionaries
+were quite surprised at the knowledge they had already gained by the
+Spirit's light, and not by the instruction of man; and with fervent
+thanksgivings to the Saviour they joined frequent prayer, that he
+would grant them grace and wisdom to lead these souls, awakened <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>from
+death unto life, according to their measure, and in the best manner,
+so as to farther their progress on the way to everlasting life.</p>
+
+<p>The first person with whom this delightful and amazing work of grace
+began, was a female, and such an atrocious sinner, that she was
+abhorred even of the heathen. Hearing a discourse from these words,
+"The son of man came to seek and save that which was lost," she was
+much struck with it, and asked herself, "Can this be true, that the
+Saviour came to save such sinners as me? ah! there are none so wicked
+as I!" Wholly absorbed in these thoughts, she remained in the
+meeting-hall when the others had left it, unconscious that she was
+alone. Then suddenly starting up, she ran to a solitary mountain to
+give vent to her full heart, where, falling down upon her knees, she
+cried, "O! Jesus, I have heard that thou camest to save the wicked&mdash;is
+that true? make me also to know it. See I am the most wicked of all,
+let me also be delivered and saved&mdash;O! forgive me all my sins!" While
+she continued fervently praying, she experienced a peace in her heart
+she had never felt before, and returned from this exercise so
+completely altered that it was evident to every <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>one; her mouth now
+overflowed with praises for what her Saviour had done for her soul.</p>
+
+<p>Her change made a deep impression on a moral, intelligent, but
+self-righteous unbaptized woman. She could not comprehend how one so
+wicked and debased could speak of Jesus with so much joy and praise,
+when she, who was so very superior a character, felt nothing of the
+kind. On this she became unhappy; she began to perceive her hitherto
+supposed righteousness was only a filthy garment, and in an agony, ran
+to her she had formerly despised as a sinner, to ask how she could
+obtain forgiveness of sin, and love to Jesus. The latter took her by
+the hand, and both went to a solitary place, where she prayed that the
+Saviour might also shew mercy to her; and now these women got rest to
+their souls, and with one mouth declared what great things the Lord
+had done for them. Shortly after, two other women joined them, and
+these four were of one heart and one mind. Their uncommon spirituality
+attracted the notice of the congregation, and they were honoured by
+the formalists among them, with the epithet of "enthusiasts," but soon
+the Spirit of God was shed abroad on them also, and new life was
+infused into the members of the church, and throughout the
+settlement.</p>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+<p>In the meetings an extraordinary degree of eagerness and devotion was
+perceived&mdash;they no longer went to church merely for form's sake, but
+from the impulse of their hearts, and to find comfort and enjoyment;
+and after the meetings, many came into the house to express their
+thankfulness that they now experienced the truth of what was spoken,
+and could bear witness of its power; or to request an explanation of
+what they yet but partly understood. The schools were diligently
+attended, and many of them, especially the men, showed a great desire
+to learn to write. Some proceeded so far, though with but little
+instruction, as to be able to write a pretty legible hand; a few
+copied out the collection of hymns, and several seemed to take a
+particular delight in letter writing, of which the following, from
+Jonathan to William Turner, formerly a missionary in Labrador, but
+then residing at the brethren's settlement at Fulneck in Yorkshire,
+may serve as a specimen&mdash;Jonathan and his wife Sibylla were the first
+Esquimaux baptized at Hopedale. It was dated October 1804&mdash;&mdash;"My
+beloved William, First I will tell you, that since we two travelled
+together in a boat, and you then spake so much to me about the state
+of my soul, I have never forgot your words of instruction. I was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>a
+very bad man at that time, and also when you lived here I walked in
+darkness, and continually did that which was bad. After I was baptized
+I was not much better, and when I went with you to the holy communion
+while you lived here, I had many bad thoughts, of which I very much
+repent. But since you left us, I have turned with my whole heart to
+Jesus, and all my thoughts and desires are drawn towards him.&mdash;Now
+that I begin to be old, the feeling of his forgiveness is my only
+comfort, and I have nothing which I so much desire after as Him, and
+to enjoy His peace in my heart. I will never more leave my teachers. I
+can be satisfied no longer with anything but my loved Jesus, therefore
+I wish I loved my Saviour more than I do. He loves me much, that I
+feel and know, but I am a poor human creature, and know by experience,
+that I can do nothing of myself, no, not even love him as I would. I
+pray constantly that he would keep me and instruct me, and my heart
+feels that when I go daily to him and crave his help, he hears me, and
+lets me experience that he is a loving Saviour, ready and willing to
+help. I do not forget him when I am in my usual occupations, but my
+mind is always craving after Jesus; when I go about with my boat, and
+am <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>absent from my brethren, still my soul is taken up with Him. My
+wish is, also, that I may have a pleasant grave for my body when I
+die," meaning that he might be with believers in their burying ground.
+"I love my wife as I ought. When you was here, I was always leading
+her into bad things, but now we often speak together, that we will fix
+our minds only upon Jesus, and both live only for him, loving and
+following him. I am your poor <span class="sc">Jonathan</span>. William! I salute you
+and your wife."</p>
+
+<p>The awakened Esquimaux were also examples of industry to their
+countrymen, and in the years of scarcity, the brethren remarked with
+pleasure, that they had a sufficiency, while the heathen were
+starving; for with their Christianity, they had not only learned
+diligence, but economy and foresight. Nor did they now, as formerly,
+depend upon the stores of the missionaries, or tease them for food
+after they had wasted their own; but rather suffered hunger, or were
+contented with a very scanty meal, while they showed a readiness to
+assist them in all their undertakings, in cutting wood, building
+houses, or making roads which were found necessary for the convenience
+of the station.</p>
+
+<p>While the missionaries in Hopedale were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>rejoicing in the great mercy
+shown to their beloved Esquimaux, the brethren at Nain were mourning
+over the sore backslidings of many of their congregation. "We are
+sorry to say," are the lamentations of their letter, "that most of our
+Esquimaux flock seem to fall very far short of what we might expect,
+and the craft and power of Satan is but too often visibly exerted to
+pluck up and to destroy the good seed sown into their hearts. We
+discovered grievous deviations into which some had fallen last summer,
+during their absence from us; and we perceived with pain, that in
+difficult occurrences, or in sickness, they are too hasty to listen to
+the sorcerers, and take refuge to their legerdemain tricks for help,
+rather than call upon our Saviour, and trust to him. Some, however,
+are of a different description, and give us good hopes of their being
+faithful."</p>
+
+<p>The brethren at Okkak likewise hung their harps upon the willows. "Our
+baptized brethren have not," say they sorrowfully, "been as steady as
+they ought. When we spoke with individuals after their return to us,
+concerning their spiritual condition, we discovered, to our great
+grief, among some of them, offences and wicked practices which had
+long been kept secret. We were obliged to advise several rather <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>to
+leave us quietly than serve sin in secret, and attempt to deceive us
+by their untruths and hypocrisy. With some this produced repentance
+and reflection, and they begged to be forgiven and borne with; but two
+persons were dismissed, and two excluded from the communion. In
+general there was great lukewarmness of heart observed among the
+people, and we had but few instances of genuine conversion." They were
+also invited by their heathen friends in the north to come and eat
+whale-flesh, and all our remonstrances were in vain, for they
+answered, "that if they stayed at Okkak they must suffer hunger." An
+epidemic disease again visited this settlement, and carried off seven
+individuals very suddenly, which struck such terror among the people,
+that the greater part of them fled from the place to escape the
+contagion; but the missionaries remarked, that neither upon the sick
+or the dying, nor upon the healthy, was any salutary effect produced.
+The dogs too were attacked with a similar disorder, and many died
+along the coast&mdash;a serious loss to the Esquimaux.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the awakening at Hopedale continued to go forward, and early
+in the summer extended itself to the children. The young, as well as
+the old, had been addicted to a gross <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>and loathsome sensuality,
+which, although both they and their parents considered as trivial, yet
+they kept it carefully concealed from the missionaries. It happened
+now, however, that a grandmother, who herself perceived the iniquity
+of these depraved practices, caught her grand-daughter repeating some
+of the acts for which she had formerly chastised her; but instead of
+beating her, she carried her to the missionary to whom she was ordered
+to confess every thing. Surprised and horror-struck at the disclosure,
+the missionaries immediately spoke to the parents and children, and
+with great earnestness and plainness represented to them the
+criminality of such doings. To their inexpressible grief they found
+that the corruption had extended even to the youngest, and that some
+of the parents had concealed, and even now excused their conduct; they
+therefore held a special meeting with the parents and children, and
+addressing them according to their capacities, warned them in the most
+forcible manner of the frightful consequences of these secret sins,
+and exhorted all earnestly and affectionately to flee to the
+Saviour&mdash;throw themselves at his feet&mdash;implore his mercy and
+forgiveness, and pray to be delivered from the slavery of sin and
+Satan. Then kneeling down <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>with the whole company, they entreated the
+Saviour to heal the deep wounds they had inflicted on their souls, and
+the injury they had done to his cause. Their prayers were heard. A
+pungent sorrow for their former sinful lives, was felt and expressed
+by old and young; this was followed by a general awakening among the
+children, which again had a powerful effect in stirring up the more
+advanced to seek a closer union with Christ, and to strive more
+earnestly after holiness. Children were now observed to retire to
+mountains and to vallies, where, on their knees alone, and in groupes,
+they besought the Saviour with tears to have mercy on them, forgive
+their sins, and receive them into the number of his children: and many
+of the unbaptized little ones showed a great anxiety to be favoured
+with that ordinance.&mdash;It was a blessed time&mdash;all hearts were opened to
+attend to the instructions and exhortations brought from the word of
+God&mdash;all were inflamed with the love of Jesus, and the eagerness to
+hear more and more of Him who was the friend of sinners, was
+indescribable.</p>
+
+<p>When the Esquimaux returned from their summer places, and settled at
+Hopedale for the winter 1804-5, their teachers found, to their great
+comfort, that they had not only been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>preserved from sinful practices,
+but that the work of the Holy Ghost, so manifest during the foregoing
+winter, especially in the hearts of some of the women, had made
+farther progress. They had become better acquainted with the natural
+depravity of their own hearts, and the wretched state of a soul
+without Christ, which made them cry to him for mercy; and they had
+truly experienced grace and the forgiveness of sin in his precious
+blood, by which their hearts were filled with joy and comfort in
+believing. Out of the abundance of their hearts, therefore, their
+mouths spake of the love and power of Jesus, by which a very serious
+impression was made on the whole inhabitants of the settlement, and
+all longed to be partakers of the same grace. This spark of the Lord's
+own kindling spread rapidly; and the missionaries had daily visits,
+either from inquirers crying out, what shall we do to be saved? or
+from those who had obtained peace, to tell them what the Lord had done
+for them. A widow, in reference to a conversation she had with one of
+the missionaries the day before, expressed herself thus: "Now I
+rejoice that I can again visit the meetings, where I hear of Him who,
+notwithstanding all my worthlessness, has <i>so</i> loved me! When we are
+assembled, I will ever <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>pray to Jesus that he would put such words in
+your mouth as will speak to my heart." Another said, "I am often moved
+to tears when I consider what God my Saviour has done for me. I start
+back with terror when I reflect upon my former wicked life. I have
+been an abominable sinner; and that Jesus should have received me in
+mercy, and granted me to believe that his blood can wash away all my
+sins, and deliver me from the power of evil, is a favour so great that
+I am amazed at it, and sink down with shame and gratitude. I can do
+nothing but look to him. I am as one walking upon a smooth sheet of
+ice, and obliged at every step to guard against falling. He must
+uphold me, and for this my heart is constantly lifted up in prayer to
+him." The observation of a third was, "I am convinced that I have
+hitherto failed in truly hungering and thirsting after the love of the
+Saviour; since my baptism I have been as one standing where the road
+is divided." Several others made similar declarations.</p>
+
+<p>While this heavenly flame was in full blaze at Hopedale, two young
+Esquimaux, Siksigak and Kapik, arrived there from Nain, February 1805.
+Their parents were both baptized; they were as wild as the wildest of
+the heathen. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>The former had separated from his wife, who was
+baptized, for some time and meant to convey her back to her mother, to
+get rid of an incumbrance, intending to marry another at Nain, who
+promised to second him better in his heathenish abominations&mdash;to leave
+the believers altogether, and along with his companion, to enjoy his
+freedom, and live with him in the gratification of every evil lust.
+But they were both arrested by the power of the Lord. Siksigak, as
+soon as they reached Hopedale, took his wife, Benigna, to her mother,
+the widow Rachel's, and pushing her in said, "Never come more in my
+sight." He then went to his own mother's house, on entering which he
+found the Esquimaux engaged in prayer, as was their custom before they
+went to rest; for she had been converted, joined the church, and was
+married to a second husband. The family did not allow themselves to be
+disturbed by his arrival, and he sat down quite astonished at what he
+saw and heard, till prayer was ended, when he informed them for what
+purpose he had come. The whole company then began to entreat him most
+earnestly not to part from his wife, but rather to turn with his whole
+heart to Jesus. The missionaries likewise added their exhortations,
+but without avail; he still <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>persisted in his determination. His
+relations perceiving that he was immoveably fixed, resorted to prayer;
+and, on the following day, they all assembled around him in his
+mother's house, kneeled down, and cried unto our Saviour that he would
+convert him. The mother expressed herself thus, "O! my Lord Jesus!
+behold this is my child, I now give him up to thee! O accept of him,
+and suffer him not to be lost forever!"</p>
+
+<p>Such a scene, so unprecedented and so unexpected, had an immediate
+effect on the young man; he was filled with concern for his soul's
+salvation. He burst from them, and in the greatest distress ran to
+brother Kohlmeister's, where Kapik was waiting for him with the
+greatest impatience.</p>
+
+<p>Provisions being placed before them, Kohlmeister sat down to write at
+a table with his back turned to them. While attempting to eat,
+Siksigak repeatedly sighed deeply, and at length began bitterly to
+lament his wretched state in disjointed exclamations: "O! how
+agonizing the thought! I am so wicked! I am lost!" "What is it? what
+do you want?" asked his companion in a rude and angry tone. "O! I am
+so wicked! I am lost!" replied the tortured Siksigak. Kohlmeister, who
+thought <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>some accident had befallen him, turned round in an
+indifferent manner and asked him what is your name? Kapik, supposing
+the question addressed to him, answered, "Kapik." "And will you always
+continue to be Kapik?" said Kohlmeister. "I will always be Kapik,"
+returned the other.<a name="FNanchor_H_8" id="FNanchor_H_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_H_8" class="fnanchor">[H]</a> "Wilt thou go away then and be quiet?" said the
+missionary, sharply. Meanwhile, he was observing Siksigak, who, in his
+agony and confusion, was turning the spoon in his hand, and bringing
+it to his mouth empty, apparently without knowing what he was about.
+Kapik, still more distracted than his companion, threw his spoon from
+him and rushed out of the house. He was met at the door by another
+missionary who, seeing his wild appearance, asked him, "Will you never
+change your life&mdash;never be converted?" "I know nothing about
+conversion," replied Kapik, and went off in a rage. Coming to his
+cousin's where he was to sleep, he found the whole family engaged in
+their evening worship, and at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>the instant he entered, he heard his
+relative praying for his conversion. That night he retired silently to
+bed.</p>
+
+<p>Siksigak, so soon as his companion was gone, broke out, and like one
+in despair, paced the room with quick and hurried steps, tearing his
+clothes and his hair, and crying aloud, "O! unhappy man! I am so
+wicked! I am lost! I am lost!" Kohlmeister now asked him
+affectionately who told him that he was so wicked and must be lost?
+Siksigak related what had taken place at his mother's, and how her
+words had pierced him; and with much compunction ingenuously confessed
+the abominations of which he had been guilty, and the sins in which he
+had still intended to indulge. The missionary then asked him, whether
+he sincerely resolved to amend his life? and being answered in the
+affirmative, told him, he had put away his wife, that was a great sin,
+wholly contrary to the will of God; and if he would be delivered from
+his present agony, he must, in the first place, openly take her back.
+"That," cried out Siksigak, "I will gladly do; my wife is good, but I
+am bad! very bad!" Immediately he ran to his mother and told her all;
+and with such humility, that his countenance indicated the change that
+had taken place in his mind, and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>begun answer to her prayer. They
+then proceeded together to his wife, of whom he begged forgiveness for
+all the ill usage she had received from him, and promised, by the
+assistance of God, never more to give her cause to complain, if she
+would consent to come and live again with him. Agreeably surprised at
+so sudden and unlooked for a change, she cheerfully and readily agreed
+to return. Siksigak having given this proof of his sincerity, went to
+the missionary&mdash;for still he had got no rest to his soul; and he
+preached to him the Saviour who receiveth sinners, and called upon him
+to turn to Jesus and pray to him, though he could say nothing else
+but, "Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy upon me!" He followed this
+counsel, and that same night was delivered from all his distress, and
+could believe that his sins were forgiven.</p>
+
+<p>Kapik had spent the same night restless and almost hopeless&mdash;convinced
+that he deserved, and afraid that he would be everlastingly lost. Ere
+the morning had scarcely broken he came to Kohlmeister, who presented
+to him the same Saviour and Redeemer, who would not reject him, and in
+whom he shortly found peace to his soul.</p>
+
+<p>These two now joyfully thanked and praised <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>God their Saviour, who had
+redeemed them; and, filled with life and spirit, set out on their
+return to Nain, where they testified with boldness of what they had
+heard, seen, and experienced at Hopedale. They related to the
+missionaries with an ingenuousness and sincerity, which the latter say
+they had never before known among Esquimaux, how the Almighty power of
+Jesus had awakened them, by giving them a proper sense of the
+wickedness of their ways, and caused them to resolve to turn to Him in
+truth as their Saviour. Now they began earnestly to declare to their
+countrymen the necessity of a thorough conversion of heart,
+representing how they ought to believe and acknowledge themselves
+sinners, confess and repent of their sins, and flee to Jesus for
+pardon and deliverance from the power of sin; for without this, all,
+so called conversion, was ineffectual, and no fruits of righteousness
+would appear. Some of the baptized received their exhortations in the
+true spirit of the Pharisees of old, and in a rage upbraided them,
+saying, "Ye wicked and abandoned fellows, will ye speak to us?" "That
+we are wicked we well know," was the meek reply; "but yonder, in
+Hopedale, we learned that there is a Jesus <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>who came to die for
+sinners, who receives such even as we, and saves them."</p>
+
+<p>Their old acquaintance heard them with astonishment&mdash;some mocked, and
+others hated them for it; but several, who had been admitted members
+of the congregation, became gradually convinced, and began to doubt
+whether their cold formal Christianity were of the right kind, and
+whether they had not been deceiving themselves and others. They came
+spontaneously to their teachers, and with tears, and in a manner the
+latter had never before witnessed, confessed their sins, wept on
+account of the deceit they had so often practised; and declared that
+the more they were led to consider their former life, the more deeply
+they were convinced of the treachery of their own hearts. The
+sensations of the missionaries are thus described by themselves.
+"Though we could not but feel pain on account of their former
+hypocrisy, our grief was counterbalanced by the joy we felt at the
+amazing power of our Saviour's grace, by which their hearts were thus
+broken and melted. Our faith and courage, which in some of us was
+indeed very weak, revived; and we saw clearly, that with God, nothing
+is impossible. Thus the many prayers offered up, and tears shed by
+our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>brethren and sisters in Labrador, on account of the conversion of
+the Esquimaux nation, began, after <i>thirty-four</i> years, to shew their
+fruit. And we now often encourage each other to pray our Saviour to
+give us the needful grace, strength, and gifts to declare the gospel
+unto them; and so to fill our hearts with his love, that we may lead
+and serve those, his sheep, so as to promote their growth in grace,
+and in his love and knowledge." The awakening here, as at Hopedale,
+extended to the children. The frequent visits of the Hopedale
+Esquimaux were made very useful to the congregation at Nain; many of
+whom moved to Hopedale, among whom were Siksigak and Kapik, who wished
+to reside where they had been so powerfully laid hold of by the grace
+of Jesus; "and," to use their own expressions, "be there thoroughly
+converted to Him"&mdash;hoping to receive much advice and assistance from
+the believers at Hopedale; and being afraid that their old heathen
+associates might hinder their progress at Nain; nor could they bear
+the thought of remaining longer at a place where they had spent their
+former lives in sin, and might again be led into temptation.</p>
+
+<p>By means of these two converts the report of the awakening among the
+Hopedale <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>Esquimaux spread to Okkak, and even farther north, creating
+a very considerable sensation among the heathen, three families of
+whom arrived at that settlement with the avowed determination of
+becoming obedient to the gospel, and turning to Jesus with their whole
+heart. The schools were also attended with the blessing of God, and
+both children and adults made good progress in their learning; and the
+missionaries remark, "That it was very edifying to hear them
+exercising themselves in their own dwellings, in reading and singing
+hymns." Morning and evening prayer, ere the close of the year, had
+been set up in every family; and while the melody of praise ascended
+from every dwelling, tears of holy gratitude mingled with the
+brethren's prayers for the stability and increase of the Redeemer's
+kingdom among the Esquimaux. The intercourse between the settlements
+became now more frequent, interesting, and profitable; the converted
+natives, particularly the sisters, when on these visits, showed such
+an ardent desire to describe to their countrymen the love and mercy of
+God, which they themselves had so savingly experienced, that they went
+about from tent to tent, and particularly to their own sex spoke so
+powerfully and movingly of the compassion of Jesus, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>and his desire to
+save them from sin and perdition, that many were convinced of their
+dangerous state, and earnestly inquired what they should do to be
+saved? The zeal of the newly baptized had often likewise a powerful
+effect on the old, in rekindling the dying embers of their profession.
+Several of these expressed their surprise at their former
+indifference, and seemed to doubt if they had ever truly given
+themselves to Jesus; and old and young now declared, weeping, that
+their only desire was to obtain peace and rest in their souls, and to
+be enabled to live in the undisturbed enjoyment of the Saviour. With
+their emotions of love were mixed deep shame and abasement, that they
+had not before perceived their true happiness; but by their lifeless
+profession, and inconsistent conduct, had crucified the Saviour
+afresh, and put him to open shame.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were they less assiduous with the heathen who visited the
+settlements, and their love for the truth was manifested in the
+gladness they expressed at every new accession to the congregation
+from among them, the kindness they showed, and the eagerness with
+which they endeavoured to retain them. Some of these new comers, at
+Hopedale, having expressed their desire to receive the gospel, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>to
+submit to the rules of the place, young and old instantly ran to help
+them with their baggage, to arrange their little affairs, and
+cheerfully built new winter houses for their reception. Another party,
+however, refusing to stop, left a man with his wife and child, who
+were disinclined to go, wishing, as he said, to be converted. He had
+pitched his tent at some distance, but no sooner did the baptized
+Esquimaux learn his determination, than they immediately went, took it
+down, and set it up in the midst of their own dwellings, with such
+demonstrations of welcome, that he exclaimed, he had never met with
+any thing like it before; nor could he understand why they should shew
+such disinterested love to him, a stranger. In visiting the sick, the
+missionaries had much satisfaction; there was now no horror at the
+thought of death&mdash;no disposition to return to their sorcerers; but
+calm, peaceful resignation to the Divine will, or holy joy in the
+prospect of soon seeing their Redeemer, face to face. Magdalene, in
+the view of departure, said, "I weep not over the pain I feel, though
+that is very great, but for joy that my Saviour is near my heart. O
+would but Jesus come and take me to himself! I long to go to him, as a
+child longs for its parent, to behold him, and to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>embrace his feet. I
+feel no gloom; my heart is filled with joy in believing on him."
+Benigna, upon her recovery from a dangerous illness, thus expressed
+herself: "I think that it pleased the Lord to afflict so many in our
+house with illness, and to restore them again, that he might prove us,
+to know whether we could place all our hopes in him, even in
+perplexity and pain; and I have now found that he is able, not only to
+bring us safe through the most distressing circumstances, but to
+establish us more and more in full reliance upon his help alone.
+During this illness, the Lord has given me to feel his presence so
+sweetly, that if it had been his will, I should have rejoiced to go
+and be with him for ever; but since it has pleased him to restore me
+to health, my heart is filled with gratitude towards him." Among the
+strangers, the power of God was no less wonderfully displayed in
+awakening them from the deep sleep of sin and death: they came and
+confessed their sins and their crimes, which, though formerly deemed
+light matters, now heavily burdened their consciences. "Human nature
+shudders and starts back," says the missionary diary, "on hearing the
+horrid detail of the abominations practised among the heathen;" and
+they themselves would often exclaim, "O! <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>how shocking the way in
+which we lived in sin; but we were quite blind, and chained down by
+the fetters of Satan; we will serve him no longer, but belong only to
+Jesus."</p>
+
+<p>One instance deserves more particular notice, that of a young man
+named Angukualak, the son of a most noted sorcerer, Uiverunna. His
+parents had instructed him in all the secrets of their art, and his
+confession gives at least plausibility to the opinion, that the
+influence of Satan is permitted to be sometimes visibly exercised, in
+the dark places of the earth, though, while the effects of that
+influence are palpable in the perpetration of the grossest vices and
+most barbarous cruelty, it is very immaterial whether it assumes a
+perceptible form, or merely acts upon the imagination. His own account
+to the missionaries, was as follows: "My parents told me, that their
+familiar spirit, or Torngak, lived in the water; if I wished to
+consult him, I must call upon him, as the spirit of my parents, to
+come forth out of the water, and remember this token, that I should
+observe, in some part of the house, a vapour ascending, soon after
+which, the spirit would appear, and grant what I asked. Some years
+ago, when my little brother was very ill, I tried this method for the
+first time, and called upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>the Torngak, when I really thought I saw
+a small vapour arising, and shortly after, the appearance of a man in
+a watery habit stood before me. I was filled with horror, my whole
+frame shook with fear, and I covered my face with my hands."</p>
+
+<p>His brother recovered, and the impression of this strange occurrence
+appears to have been forgotten, when a terrible dream overwhelmed his
+mind with anguish and terror. "I thought," to resume his own language,
+"I thought I saw a very deep, dark cavern, the descent to which was a
+narrow, steep chasm. In this horrible place, I discovered my mother,
+my relations, and many others whom I had known, and who had led a very
+wicked life upon earth, sitting in great torments, and exhibiting a
+dreadful appearance. I was already with my feet slipping down the
+chasm; and it seemed as if somebody said to me, 'Unto that dark place
+thou must likewise depart!' From that moment I found no rest anywhere,
+but having heard that true believers lived at Hopedale, I resolved to
+come hither, and with my whole family to be converted to Jesus, that I
+may not likewise descend into the place of torment, and be lost for
+ever. But alas! I know not how to get released from evil, for I still
+feel as if I was bound with the chains of sin."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>To this account, the brethren added the following pertinent remark:
+"We often hear the Esquimaux relate dreams; and certain it is, that
+several of our Esquimaux have been led to very serious reflections, by
+occasion of a remarkable, and, perhaps, terrifying dream, and been
+convinced of their lost and wretched state. We do not encourage a
+belief in the fulfilment of dreams, nor pay any regard to them in
+general; but yet we find the words of Scripture true, Job xxxiii.
+14-17. 'God speaketh once, yea, twice, but man perceiveth it not. In a
+dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men; in
+slumberings upon the bed: then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth
+their instruction, that he may withdraw them from their purpose.'"</p>
+
+<p>Towards the end of this remarkable year, the missionaries, in their
+diary, thus exultingly break forth: "O! that we were able, by words,
+to convey to our dear brethren and sisters, some faint idea of our
+sensations, and of the joy and gratitude we feel in beholding this
+work of the Lord among our dear Esquimaux. Could they but see the
+marvellous change wrought in the minds and conduct of some of these
+people, who were lately such avowed enemies of the truth, led captive
+by Satan at his will, and delighting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>in the most filthy and
+outrageous practices, they would mingle their tears of joy with us. We
+now hear backsliders as well as heathen, those who have long heard,
+but never believed in the gospel, speaking the same language as those
+who have never, till now, heard of a Saviour; all confess themselves
+most vile and unworthy, weep over their sins, and cry for mercy
+through the atonement of Jesus. Thus, in Labrador also, the word of
+the cross is the power of God unto salvation. We regard this gracious
+work of the Saviour, as the blossoming of a precious plant, which has
+been long germinating in the earth, and on whose growth we have been
+waiting with the utmost anxiety;&mdash;now that it has at last sprung up,
+and is bearing beautiful flowers, may He cause it to prosper and bring
+forth fruit unto eternal life!"</p>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_H_8" id="Footnote_H_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_H_8"><span class="label">[H]</span></a> The Esquimaux always receive a new name at baptism, and
+most of them have such an abhorrence at the recollection of their
+early life as heathens, that it sickens them when any one calls them
+by their old Esquimaux names. They regard the days past, in which they
+fulfilled the lusts of the flesh, as almost literally a state of
+death.</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Mutual affection of the Christian Esquimaux and
+Greenlanders&mdash;their correspondence&mdash;letter from Timothy, a
+baptized Greenlander.&mdash;Delight of the Esquimaux in religious
+exercises.&mdash;Order of the congregations&mdash;distressing events,
+apostasy of Kapik&mdash;awful end of Jacob&mdash;peaceful death of
+believers&mdash;Judith, Joanna.&mdash;Revival among the communicants.&mdash;A
+feast by a Christian brother, to the Esquimaux.&mdash;Winter
+arrangements.&mdash;Childrens' meetings&mdash;schools.&mdash;The brethren's
+settlements contrasted with the heathen.&mdash;Progress of religion
+at the different stations.&mdash;Books printed in the Esquimaux
+language.&mdash;Number of the settled Esquimaux.&mdash;Epidemic at
+Nain&mdash;its consequences.&mdash;General view of the mission.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Love to all the members of the body of Christ, is the visible token of
+the vitality and truth of a Christian profession; and as it rises or
+falls, the progress of an individual or a community waxes or wanes. At
+this period, the converted Esquimaux felt a lively interest, not only
+in their countrymen, but likewise in their fellow-Christians in
+Greenland; the affection was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>reciprocal, and though they had never
+seen each other in the flesh, they rejoiced over each other's welfare,
+and communicated their feelings in affectionate letters. Jonathan had
+dictated an epistle to the baptized Greenlanders, in 1799; the annexed
+was from the Christian Greenlander, Timothy, an assistant at
+Lichtenfels, in return. "My beloved, ye who live just opposite us, on
+the other side of the great water!&mdash;You have the same mode of living
+that we have; you go out in your kaiaks as we do; you have the same
+method of procuring your livelihood as we have; our Saviour has given
+you teachers, as he has given us: be thankful to him that they make
+known to you his precious words, and all his deeds, which are full of
+life and happiness. I have, from my earliest infancy, been instructed
+in this blessed doctrine, for I have grown up in the congregation.
+When you read this, you may very likely think that I have always lived
+to the joy of our Saviour; but, alas, I have been, particularly in my
+youth, very often ungrateful towards him who died for me. But when
+this was the case, I was never happy, and I found no rest for my soul,
+until I cast myself at the feet of Jesus, and implored his
+forgiveness; and even now I can do nothing else, when I am distressed
+about myself <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>and my great sinfulness. When I am in my kaiak procuring
+provisions, or on other occasions alone, and I call to mind that my
+Saviour was for my sake nailed to the cross, and suffered for my sins,
+which are numberless, I acknowledge myself the chief of sinners; I
+then pray to our Saviour with deep abasement, and often with loud
+weeping. At such times I feel that he draws nigh, and fills my heart
+with such comfort that I am quite melted by his love. This is also the
+reason why I make our Saviour my most important object; I cleave to
+him as a child does to its mother, and I will never turn away from
+Him. Nothing is more profitable to me than the contemplation of his
+sufferings. Of this alone I speak to my fellow-men.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear brethren and sisters, I must still tell you that I have been
+four times in danger of my life when running in my kaiak, for so often
+have I been overset when I was quite alone. When almost suffocated in
+the water, I prayed to our Saviour for deliverance. Each time I raised
+myself up by means of the bladder, but it was God my Saviour who saved
+me from these dangers. In him alone I trust, and provide for myself,
+my wife and children with pleasure. Although, as long as I am upon
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>earth I shall feel my weakness and corruption, yet I go with it all to
+our Saviour, as a child does for help to its parent. I pray thus: 'O!
+my Jesus! thou lover of my soul, let me feel thy nearness, impress thy
+sufferings and death upon my heart, melt it and make it tender through
+the power of thy blood, and according to thy good pleasure, make me
+well-pleasing unto thee. Thou hast bought me with thy blood, that I
+might be saved; throughout my whole life will I rely upon thee, my God
+and Redeemer! I will place thee before my heart, as thou for my sake
+in agony and sore distress in the garden of Gethsemane wast weighed
+down to the ground with my guilt, until sweat mixed with blood, forced
+itself through thy body, and fell in great drops to the ground.' At
+such times my heart grows warm, and my eyes overflow. This alone is
+able to soften our hard hearts&mdash;this I experience, and your hearts
+cannot be subdued and softened by any thing else. You must go to
+Jesus' cross, for there is no other way to happiness.&mdash;Take these my
+imperfect words to heart, which I write out of love to you, as a
+people related to us. Your Jonathan's words which he caused to be
+written to us, we have received to our joy; we have not forgotten
+them. It is very pleasing to hear <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>such accounts. O that we all, as
+one people, might put in practice what our Saviour has commanded in
+his word, love him above all things, give him joy by our conduct, and
+never again cause him grief. I write to encourage the heathen in your
+country, of whom there are still many, to be converted to the Creator.
+Let them hear much of his incarnation, sufferings, and death, and
+relate it to them when you are with them. Remember us also, and pray
+for us to our Saviour. We will also pray for you, and when we do this
+we shall also reap those blessings which our Saviour has promised to
+those who pray to Him.&mdash;I am your brother, <span class="sc">Timothy</span>."</p>
+
+<p>Diligence in the improvement of the means of grace, particularly in
+not forsaking the assembling of themselves together, is another
+evidence of the reality and health of the Christian life in any
+community: this awakening bore that stamp also of the genuineness of
+its nature; and from the frequency of their meetings, which were
+punctually and cheerfully attended by the people, some idea may be
+formed of the hungering and thirsting after divine things which marked
+the Esquimaux congregations. The order of the different meetings of
+the congregation at Hopedale during winter&mdash;and in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>the other
+settlements it was pretty much the same&mdash;was as follows:&mdash;Sunday.
+Public service in the fore and afternoon. In the morning the Litany
+was read. The children then met. After the afternoon's service the
+communicants sung a liturgical hymn, or the candidates for the Lord's
+supper held a meeting for instruction.&mdash;Monday Evening. All the
+baptized had a meeting, when a suitable discourse was delivered to
+them. After a short pause, a singing-meeting was held.&mdash;This is a
+service peculiar to the brethren's church, in which some doctrinal
+subject, commonly that contained in the Scripture-text appointed for
+the day, is contemplated by singing verses or hymns relating to it, so
+as in their connection to form, as it were, a homily on the text,
+according to the words of the Apostle, "Speaking to yourselves in
+psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs."&mdash;Tuesday Evening: A public
+meeting, with a discourse.&mdash;Wednesday Morning. The children had a
+meeting, the one Wednesday for all the children, and the next, for the
+baptized only. On the evening, there was a public service, when a
+portion of the harmony of the four Evangelists was read and
+explained.&mdash;Thursday Evening: The same.&mdash;Friday. Both the baptized and
+the candidates for baptism met, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>where, after a discourse on the text,
+a hymn treating of the Saviour's passion was sung.&mdash;On Saturday there
+was no service in the church. Besides these meetings, the believing
+Esquimaux had the worship of God regularly morning and evening in
+their own houses. But the crowning sheaf in this harvest of mercy, was
+the permanence of the awakening; the impressions were lasting, not
+like a momentary blaze occasioned by some temporary excitement, but a
+pure and steady flame, which in a majority increased in brightness,
+till it was lost in glory.</p>
+
+<p>Lovely however, and heart-cheering as this delightful period was, it
+is not to be imagined that it was a period of unmingled joy; there
+were several instances in which strong and violent emotions were
+succeeded by coldness, formality, and hypocrisy, and in some cases by
+open apostasy, or by unequivocal marks of reprobation. The most
+remarkable were Kapik and Jacob; the former had been baptized by the
+name of Thomas, and his declarations breathed, or seemed to breathe,
+the very essence of a more than ordinary spirituality. "I have no
+other desire," said he upon one occasion to the missionaries, "but
+Jesus my Saviour, who has had mercy even upon me, the very worst of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>men; and I pray, that I may now give him joy, and cleave to him to the
+end. Alas! alas! that I have known him so late! Formerly I could not
+believe one word of what your predecessors and yourselves told us of
+Jesus, and of the necessity of believing on him, and becoming his
+property. I only laughed, and mocked, and gave pain and trouble to my
+teachers. But how is this? I now believe it all, and our Saviour has
+so powerfully drawn my heart towards himself, that I can find no words
+to describe what I feel." By this and similar speeches he so far
+imposed upon the brethren, that they believed him a humble follower of
+the good Shepherd, and a true child of God.</p>
+
+<p>But being attacked, autumn 1806, by a malignant disorder somewhat
+resembling the smallpox and measles, which raged in the settlement,
+the severe pain he suffered from the virulence of the disorder, as the
+irruption in his face struck inward, and assuming a cancerous form
+destroyed his upper jaw bone, he became impatient, forsook his
+professions of confidence in the Saviour, and sought for help in
+heathenish practices, and if he had had opportunity would have
+proceeded to greater lengths in these abominations, than ever before.
+His behaviour in his family too, had become very oppressive, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>and all
+the kind exhortations, as well as the serious remonstrances of the
+missionaries, produced no effect; even after he recovered, he remained
+quite hardened. He some years afterwards professed sincere repentance,
+but his artifice had been so deep before, that the missionaries could
+only say, that nothing was impossible to God.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob came first to the brethren at Nain. He was in the beginning
+apparently very earnest in seeking his soul's salvation and was
+baptized in 1801. But he afterwards fell into temptation, and again
+took refuge in his old practices, playing at the same time the part of
+a most consummate hypocrite: being discovered, he was excluded; yet
+when his health began to decline, the missionaries waited upon him,
+and as they saw him drawing apparently near his end, were the more
+earnest in exhorting him to turn to Jesus, who alone could deliver him
+from the bondage of sin and Satan. For some time he seemed to attend
+to their advice, but his last days and final exit out of the world,
+gave sufficient proof that his heart was untouched. As his pains
+increased, his impatience increased with them. He demanded with
+violent cries that a knife might be given him to stab himself, which
+being refused, he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>called for a rope, and persisted with such
+vehemence that his wife and son, wearied out by his constant
+shrieking, gave him one, with which he put an end to his own
+existence. Lamentable as these awful examples of the deceitfulness and
+depravity of the human heart were, yet they operated more powerfully
+than many exhortations, in inculcating upon the baptized the solemn
+warning, "Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall."</p>
+
+<p>At the same time there wanted not instances of an opposite
+description, to prove the reality of God's work, and the power of
+divine grace, to recall and establish the deluded wanderer, and to
+preserve the humble believer amid the strongest temptations and the
+sorest trials; to enable him to maintain a consistent conduct through
+life, and to seal the sincerity of his faith by a peaceful, if not a
+triumphant death. Early in the year, Judith, a full communicant, died.
+She had come to Hopedale with her husband, Tuglavina, and always
+conducted herself with great propriety. After his death she married
+Abel in 1801, and with him came to live at Hopedale, 1804. When the
+awakening took place she was greatly enlivened; but like many of the
+old baptized people, who thought themselves converted because they
+had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>some knowledge, and a fluent way of expressing themselves on
+religious subjects, she did not at first shew much of the Divine life
+in her soul; till by the powerful work of the Holy Ghost she was
+brought to see and acknowledge herself an unworthy sinner, and no
+better than those who were just then alarmed and brought from darkness
+unto light, and from the power of Satan to the living God. Before
+partaking for the last time of the Lord's supper, she was much
+affected. "I perceive now," said she, "that I am a great sinner, and
+am so ashamed that I dare hardly open my lips, for it is clear to me
+that I am far behind others in love to our Saviour. It appears as if
+he and I were yet strangers to each other, and I can do nothing but
+weep for him." Afterwards she became composed, and earnestly longed
+after communion with God. In her last illness, however, she showed
+much uneasiness of mind, as if something disturbed her peaceful
+expectation of dismissal. Brother Kohlmeister, who visited her very
+faithfully, encouraged her to look up to Jesus, the author and
+finisher of our faith; and on one occasion, particularly, offered up a
+most fervent prayer to the Lord that he would remove all her doubts by
+a full assurance that her sins were forgiven through the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>merits of
+his precious blood, during which the poor patient and all present
+melted into tears, and felt that their prayer was heard and answered.
+Then she unbosomed herself to her teachers, and confessed that she had
+hitherto concealed some deviations which burdened her conscience, and
+which she must make known before she departed. Having done so, she
+declared her firm trust that God her Saviour would wash away all her
+sins and remember them no more; after which she exclaimed, "Now I am
+ready, and will go to Jesus. He will receive me in mercy just as I am,
+for he has died for me." She now lay still in the joyful hope of being
+soon released. Both the missionaries' wives and Esquimaux sisters
+visited her frequently, to whom she declared the happiness of her
+soul; and on the night previous to her departure, conversed in a most
+edifying manner with those that watched with her of the near prospect
+she had of seeing her Saviour face to face. She requested her husband
+to bring her clean white dress, which she always wore at the Lord's
+supper, and to dress her in it after her decease. Her two youngest
+children she earnestly recommended to his care, and that they might be
+instructed in the ways of the Lord; and sent a message as her last
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>will, to the two eldest who live at Nain, that they should remain with
+the congregation, and devote their whole hearts to Jesus. When the
+sisters took leave of her with a kiss, she exclaimed with joy in her
+countenance, "I shall now go to Jesus and kiss his feet, adoring him
+for all his love to me, and that he has redeemed me also, a vile
+sinner, and called me to eternal life."</p>
+
+<p>Joanna, who died in child-bed, was another example of the faithfulness
+and rich mercy of the Redeemer; in the autumn, a wild ignorant savage,
+she came to the settlement with her husband Aulak, and when asked what
+was her intention in coming&mdash;if she wished to be converted? answered,
+"That's more than I know. I follow my husband, and as he chooses to
+live here, I will live here too!" But soon after she learned to know
+what true conversion of heart means, and would not be satisfied with
+any thing of a superficial nature. "She cried to the Lord for mercy,
+and obtained," says the diary, "real saving faith; it was surprising
+to observe how well she comprehended the meaning of the gospel, and in
+how clear a light the mystery of the cross of Christ was revealed to
+her soul, insomuch that she could apply to herself the sufferings of
+Jesus, as meritorious and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>allsufficient for the remission of sin, and
+the sanctification of soul and body. She adored the crucified Jesus in
+truth, as her Redeemer, and nothing was so delightful to her, as to
+hear of him, and all he had done and suffered, to save her from sin
+and destruction. She sought him with earnestness, and found rest for
+her soul in his sufferings and death. Her whole walk and conversation,
+from the time she joined the church, testified of the new birth which
+had taken place within her, and of a total change of heart and
+sentiment. Immediately after her delivery, there appeared symptoms of
+inward inflammation. She lay still and resigned to the will of the
+Lord, and seemed to take no more notice of any thing that was said;
+but towards morning, raising herself up in the bed, she exclaimed,
+'Jesus is coming, and I am ready to meet him; a very short time will
+bring me to him. Jesus' bleeding love is not cold toward those who are
+longing for him.' So composed was she, that, observing the place dark,
+she desired them to 'trim the lamps, and make the room light and
+pleasant,' and when the company present proposed to join in a hymn,
+but could not immediately remember a suitable one, she herself pointed
+out that hymn of praise, 'Unto the Lamb of God,' at page 92. of the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>Hymn book. After it was ended, she fainted, and sunk down upon the
+bed; her sight and hearing failed, and she fell gently asleep in
+Jesus." During her short Christian career, she had become universally
+beloved; and the happy manner in which she left the world, made a deep
+impression upon the minds of the Esquimaux, "stronger," say the
+missionaries, "than all our words could do."</p>
+
+<p>Previously to the administration of the Lord's Supper, the
+missionaries usually have some conversation with the communicants, and
+at this time they were greatly refreshed by their simple, artless
+declarations. One said, "I am struck with astonishment when I reflect
+that Jesus can, and does receive such abominable creatures as I am.
+Indeed I am one of the worst, but his love is infinite. He bled and
+died for me, that I might be saved. Oh! how often have I crucified him
+afresh by my sins, and bid defiance to his mercy. But now he has
+forgiven me, and granted me to hunger and thirst after him. I pray to
+him continually that he would not forsake me, for I can do nothing of
+myself as I ought. The holy communion is, every time that I enjoy it,
+more valuable to me, because I feel the power of my Saviour's death,
+more than I can express in words." <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>Another: "I have now only one
+object, and that is Jesus; may I never more part with him. Since I
+have had the favour to partake of his holy body and blood in the
+Sacrament, I continually cry to him to keep me under his direction,
+and to preserve me from the evil one, for I am indeed weak. He alone
+is my strength and refuge."</p>
+
+<p>A peculiar blessing also attended the administration of the ordinance,
+not only to those who partook, but to those, likewise, who were
+permitted to be spectators. At Nain, in the month of February, when
+that holy feast was celebrated, three Esquimaux, Joseph, Lydia, and
+Kitura, were present as candidates, and Sarah with a view to
+confirmation; the three women were so much affected that they cried
+and sobbed aloud, and after the service was concluded were so
+overpowered that they could hardly stand, and still continued weeping.
+Being brought into the mission-house, when they recovered themselves
+they said they were so overcome by a sense of the presence of the Lord
+Jesus, that they knew not where they were nor what they did. They wept
+on account of their unworthiness, and would now give their whole
+hearts to him who died for them. On the following day Sarah came, and
+brought all the metal rings with which she had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>decorated her fingers
+after the Esquimaux fashion, and wished to part with them, and
+assigned as her reason, that she wished to delight herself in nothing
+now but Jesus. Lydia, Louisa, and others followed, and brought their
+pearl ornaments to dispose of, as they thought it improper for
+Christian women to be gaudily decked out in costly pearls; and this
+they did spontaneously, without being spoken to by the missionaries,
+who never begin with finding fault with the dress or ornaments of
+inquirers.</p>
+
+<p>Before the Esquimaux set out for their fishing or hunting stations,
+the members of the church usually partook of a love feast together,
+and united in thanksgiving and prayer for the mercies they had
+received, and for the continuance of the Divine blessing. Siksigak,
+now named Mark, and Joseph, at their return, having been remarkably
+successful, treated all the inhabitants of Nain with a meal of seals'
+flesh. The entertainment was given in the open air, and Mark opened it
+in an edifying manner by singing some verses of a hymn expressive of
+thanks to their heavenly Father, for providing for their bodily wants,
+in which all the Esquimaux joined most devoutly, exhibiting a very
+different scene from the riotous gluttony of the heathen.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>After the people reassembled at the end of the season, the winter
+arrangements were made. The communicants were divided into classes,
+male and female, the former under the care of the missionaries, and
+the latter under that of their wives. In their meetings the
+conversation was unrestrained and profitable, many little grievances
+were done away, and brotherly love promoted. "That of the communicant
+sisters," the diary of Dec 11 remarks, "was remarkably lively; their
+conversation treated of the great love of the Saviour in dying on the
+cross to save them from death, and their own unworthiness to be so
+highly favoured as to be permitted to approach unto his table, and
+there to feed on him by faith, and to experience the power of his
+sufferings and death in the quickening of their souls." They added,
+that upon that occasion they sometimes felt a desire to depart out of
+the world, to see him face to face, and thank him for his mercy
+revealed to them. Mark thus addressed his countrymen: "If we who
+belong to this class are with our whole hearts converted to Jesus, and
+determine, by his help, to put aside all the old deceitful and evil
+ways, and give ourselves up entirely to him, then we shall feel his
+power within us. It has been a very painful thing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>for me to leave my
+brethren at Hopedale, but I shall live here with pleasure if I
+perceive that we are come together with a view to belong to our
+Saviour, and in truth to believe on him, and to become his faithful
+followers. I am indeed not fit to teach you, but yet I wished to say
+what I hope from your love, and our being bound together in one mind,
+to live unto the praise of God. You all know that formerly I led a
+very wicked life, but at Hopedale Jesus Christ called me by his
+powerful voice, saved me from death, and forgave my sins. As my
+conversion to him began at that place, I feel a peculiar attachment to
+it." He was heard with great attention, and all exclaimed, "Yes! we
+all desire to become such people, over whom Jesus may rejoice, and
+pray him to grant us all true conversion."</p>
+
+<p>The children likewise had their meetings, in which they sung hymns and
+prayed, during which they were frequently so sensibly affected that
+they would burst out into weeping. A boy who gave evidence of being
+truly awakened, called upon the missionaries and told them, "We boys
+have been sitting together by ourselves and speaking, both of our own
+sinfulness and of the mercy we have experienced from our Saviour. At
+the close of our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>conversation we kneeled down and prayed to him in
+fellowship, that he would deliver us from all power of sin, during
+which my heart grew so warm that I felt it penetrate to my feet"&mdash;a
+phrase used by the Esquimaux to express great inward joy. "Jesus,"
+continued he, "was very near us. I will give him my whole heart as his
+property." The schools were diligently attended, both by young and
+old, whose improvement in Christian knowledge, and in the facility of
+reading, advanced steadily, while several among the scholars evinced a
+strong desire to know Jesus, and live to him. But at Okkak in the
+following year an unusual emotion appeared among the scholars. One
+day, while the teachers were closing the schools as usual by singing a
+verse, there arose such an affection of heart, that all melted into
+tears, and at last without any direction they all fell on their knees.
+The missionary, therefore, who was keeping the school knelt down also,
+and was powerfully excited to fervent prayer for these dear little
+ones, commending them to the grace of the Saviour, that he would
+preserve them from the many snares of Satan, and sanctify and build
+them up in the faith. Some of the more advanced youths gave the
+missionaries much pleasure by their simplicity and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>frankness in
+speaking of their hearts; two of them&mdash;companions&mdash;conversing with one
+of the brethren, said, "When we are out together hunting we speak of
+Jesus and pray to him, and often feel such power and happiness in
+thinking of him that we weep for joy. But how is it that we have so
+long heard of him, and he is but just now become precious to us?" They
+could not explain the phenomenon; but they felt that a long train of
+historical proof, or of external evidence, was unnecessary to
+establish the authenticity of the gospel-message. "How is it," added
+one of them, "that formerly I used to think&mdash;It is all fiction! There
+is no Jesus! And now I know in truth that Jesus lives and loves me,
+and sometimes draws so near to me that I weep for gratitude and
+delight. To him I will give myself both soul and body."</p>
+
+<p>In the back ground, at the distance, stand out in horrible and
+melancholy contrast the effects of satanic influence on the conduct of
+his votaries. The wife of the old sorcerer, Uiverunna, having died,
+the old monster seized a poor orphan child, whom they had formerly
+adopted, and murdered him; then cut him across all the joints of his
+fingers and toes, ripped open his belly, and threw the body <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>naked
+into the sea, an offering to appease the wrath of the water-devil he
+worshipped, and by whose aid he pretended to work great wonders, but
+who now required a greater sacrifice than usual, as he had not saved
+his wife's life. But his day of retribution did not long linger.
+Having boasted that his Torngak had killed a man, Kullugak's two
+wives, who died suddenly within a few hours of each other at Okkak,
+where the family had obtained leave to settle, Kullugak, in company
+with another Esquimaux, assassinated the poor wretch within eight days
+after he had sacrificed the unfortunate infant.</p>
+
+<p>For several succeeding years the progress of the awakening continued
+to advance at all the three settlements, both among the heathen by
+whom they were visited, and among the residents, while the believers
+grew in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord their Saviour; and the
+decided nature of the change which had taken place was evidenced by
+the professing Esquimaux declining their pernicious intercourse with
+the Europeans, while their heathen countrymen, who were determined to
+retain the abominations of their forefathers, were as unwilling to
+reside among them; so much so, indeed, that the missionaries at
+Hopedale, writing to Europe in 1807, remarked, "No <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>heathen families
+have lived near us, and it appears as if that old den of Satan at
+Avertok would remain unoccupied. Three Europeans lived about half a
+day's journey from hence, but as none of our Esquimaux went to them
+they did not call here." The report of the brethren in 1809 was:
+"Concerning our dear Esquimaux congregation, we may truly and
+thankfully declare that we have perceived a continued work of the Holy
+Spirit within their souls, leading them to a better acquaintance with
+themselves as depraved creatures, who stand in daily need of the
+saving grace of our Almighty Saviour. They are earnest in prayer to
+him that he would preserve them from falling back into their former
+wicked and superstitious courses." The accounts from Nain were to the
+same effect: "Our communicants," say they, "have made a perceptible
+advance both in the knowledge of themselves as sinners, and of Jesus
+as their Saviour. They have been taught to know how needful constant
+dependance on, and communion with him is, if they would walk worthy of
+their heavenly calling." It is a melancholy and stumbling remark, that
+as the converted Esquimaux advanced in knowledge and in decency of
+conduct, so in proportion those who formed an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>intimate connexion with
+the Europeans in the south increased in enmity to the word of God, and
+to the Saviour's name in particular, declaring they would hear or
+listen to nothing about him.</p>
+
+<p>Oral instruction has, from the beginning, been the principal, and most
+efficient means, which God has employed in propagating the gospel; but
+the written word has been always necessary for establishing and
+building up the churches in their most holy faith. Never did Satan
+employ a more effectual method for covering the earth with thick
+darkness, than by instigating his servants, under pretence of a high
+reverence for the holy word, to shut it up from the people; and when
+God wills mercy to a nation, he removes all the hindrances which
+obstruct its diffusion. As the Esquimaux advanced in their course,
+they were furnished, by means of the press, with portions of the
+Scriptures as they could be got translated. The brethren, however,
+wisely prepared the way for this important work, by translating hymns
+and tracts, and a harmony of the Gospels, where any deficiency in the
+language could be more easily rectified than in a book, destined to be
+left as a permanent legacy to future generations. The joy of the
+Esquimaux on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>receiving the hymn books in 1809, was inexpressibly
+great. "We wish," the missionaries write, "our dear brethren had been
+present at the distribution, to see the fervent gratitude with which
+they were received. They entreated us, with tears, to express their
+thankfulness to their fathers and brethren in the east, for this
+present." In 1810, they received the Harmony of the Gospels, also
+printed by the Brethren's Society in London for the furtherance of the
+Gospel, and the Gospel of John and part of Luke, printed at the
+expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who undertook to
+print the other parts as they could be got ready. Meanwhile the
+superintendant, Burghardt, finished the translation of the Acts, and
+the epistles to the Romans and Ephesians, which were read from the MS
+to the Esquimaux congregation, who were highly delighted to hear the
+words and exhortations of our Saviour's apostles, and particularly
+struck with the character and writings of the apostle Paul. Along with
+their activity in the Christian life, the activity of the converted
+Esquimaux, in their temporal concerns, increased. The missionaries in
+the different settlements had erected saw mills; the Esquimaux, under
+their direction, kept them frequently in employment, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>built
+substantial store-houses for themselves, for preserving their winter's
+stores; and when the scarcity of food in their own neighbourhood
+obliged them to go to a distance in search of seals or whales, or to
+the cod-fishing, their anxiety to return, to enjoy the benefits of
+instruction from their teachers, and of communion with their
+fellow-Christians, quickened their diligence in their necessary
+avocations. At the close of 1810, the number of the inhabitants at the
+three settlements amounted to 457, of whom 265 belonged to the
+different classes of communicants, baptized and candidates for
+baptism.</p>
+
+<p>Hitherto the settlements, though occasionally visited by the
+contagious diseases that periodically afflicted the country, had never
+known more than a partial sickness; but in 1811, the small society at
+Hopedale suffered severely from an epidemic, which, so far as we are
+able to judge from the symptoms mentioned in the diary, quoted below,
+bore some distant resemblance to the spasmodic cholera. "On the
+evening of the 24th of July, we were all suddenly thrown into the
+greatest confusion, by the arrival of a boat, with our people, from
+Tikkerarsuk, one of their provision-places in the south:
+Mark&mdash;formerly Siksigak&mdash;was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>dead, and several others dangerously
+ill. When they went out in the morning, they were all in good health,
+but were suddenly seized with a nervous affection, which, in a very
+short time, terminated fatally; notwithstanding every assistance,
+Samuel died in the night. Next morning another boat arrived, and
+brought Adam and Isaac, both dead, though they had yesterday been both
+fishing in their kaiaks; the four dead bodies were obliged to be
+immediately buried, as they quickly showed signs of corruption. The
+same evening, Daniel brought in his boat four dying persons; at five
+o'clock the younger, Mark, died. On the 26th, early in the morning,
+the widow Rebecca, and in the forenoon, young Philip departed; before
+twelve o'clock, the bodies became so offensive, that it was necessary
+to inter them. All were filled with alarm and terror, but to our
+comfort we also remarked submission to the will of the Lord. The sick,
+in general, declared they were willing to go to the Saviour when he
+should call them; some said they felt their unworthiness to appear
+before him, and yet expressed their reliance upon his sufferings as
+their only refuge; but from total debility and oppression they could
+speak very little: they complained of great weakness, lameness,
+blindness, and a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>feeling of suffocation. At four in the afternoon
+little Abel, and in the same tent, the widow Salome, and at six
+o'clock old Thomas, (Kapik,) died. 27th, There was little improvement;
+besides those who remained ill many more began to complain, and cried
+out to us for assistance, so that we knew not where to go or who to
+help first. At eleven o'clock the four dead were buried, which made
+ten. On the 29th a great many were taken ill; at four in the
+afternoon, Magdalene departed comfortable and happy. Father Abel, who
+had willingly assisted in burying the dead, followed the same evening.
+His wife, Benigna, who had faithfully attended the sick, was prevented
+from nursing him, being herself laid up. The dead bodies were laid in
+their place of rest next day. We now felt that all of us were more or
+less worn out by this great affliction, some of us actually sick, and
+none certain but he might be seized the next moment. To add to our
+distress, many children were rendered orphans by the loss of both
+father and mother, which called forth our sighs to our gracious and
+merciful God and Lord for his compassion and assistance, and felt
+revived with the hope that he would hear and help us. Some of the sick
+began to recover: but on the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span>evening of the 31st the Saviour took
+Abel's wife, Benigna, home to her blessed rest, and on the following
+morning, August 1, she was laid in her grave; at seven o'clock in the
+evening we held a meeting with the Esquimaux, especially with regard
+to improve the solemn warning given in that harvest the Lord had
+gathered from this church. From conversations held with several of the
+sisters on the 12th, we clearly perceived that the removal of so many
+of our number had made a deep impression on them, and had brought them
+to reflect on the necessity of constantly depending on the Saviour,
+and being ever ready to meet him when he shall come to gather them
+also into his garner."</p>
+
+<p>But to their great grief the missionaries discovered that this was not
+the happy state of all. When the disease abated they learned with the
+utmost pain, that some, even of their communicants, in their agony and
+terror, had had recourse to their old heathenish practices; and what
+was worse, had endeavoured to appease their consciences by attempting
+to assimilate them to Old Testament rites imperfectly understood. They
+had killed a dog, and cut the ears off many others, that by sprinkling
+themselves with the blood of the dog they might prevent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>death from
+approaching them. Under the influence of a fanatical delusion, they
+compared this with the offerings of the Jews, and particularly with
+the slaying of the Paschal Lamb, and sprinkling the blood on the
+lintel and posts of the door. "Our situation we feel very difficult,"
+complained the anxious missionaries, "as the enemy uses all his
+ingenuity to blind the poor people, and knows how to employ their fear
+and distress to harden their hearts, and to prevent them from
+discerning their sins and repenting. It appears as if he exerted every
+power to destroy this little congregation, but we hope that God will
+shortly bruise Satan under our feet, and not allow his attempts to
+prosper."</p>
+
+<p>They found it necessary to exclude several from partaking of the holy
+supper, and this severity was the blessed mean of soon bringing them
+to repentance and sorrow for their sins. Others who had fainted, but
+not fallen in the day of trial, expressed themselves now convinced of
+the necessity of watching over their hearts, that they might not be
+seduced to seek false comfort or unlawful assistance: they had, during
+the time of this awful visitation, as well as they could, kept close
+to Jesus and prayed to him; but they were nevertheless troubled <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>with
+fearful thoughts&mdash;as that they might all perish, and how sad it would
+be if their teachers should turn away from them, when there was no one
+to come to their assistance, and when they could not help themselves.
+But they now saw that they had greatly erred in indulging these hard
+thoughts, for Jesus had delivered them in their necessity. They felt
+that they ought to be thankful, but they came far short of that
+gratitude they owed to him.</p>
+
+<p>Nain and Okkak were mercifully spared this year, and in the grand
+object of their labours the brethren had still occasion to bless the
+Lord that he graciously owned the preaching of the glad tidings of
+salvation, and accompanied it with power and the demonstration of his
+Spirit: often was his presence powerfully felt, particularly when,
+from time to time, individuals were added to the church by baptism, or
+when they partook of the holy sacrament of our Lord's body and blood,
+in fellowship together.</p>
+
+<p>The outward circumstances of the missions in Labrador this year were
+uncommonly prosperous&mdash;they sent to England upwards of 100 tons of
+blubber, 2000 seals' skins, and 2750 fox skins.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Desire of the heathen to hear the Gospel.&mdash;Brethren meditate a new
+settlement&mdash;voyage to explore the country.&mdash;Quiet course of the
+mission&mdash;advantages of their church discipline.&mdash;Death of
+Burghardt.&mdash;Exertions of the aged survivors.&mdash;Schreiber,
+superintendant, arrives.&mdash;Anxiety of the native Christians to
+attend the ordinances of religion.&mdash;Advantages of the Bible as a
+school-book.&mdash;Four missionaries unexpectedly carried to
+England.&mdash;Baptized Esquimaux seduced by traders.&mdash;Perilous
+voyage of the returning missionaries.&mdash;striking
+accident.&mdash;Schreiber retires from the
+superintendance&mdash;Kohlmeister succeeds&mdash;his journeyings to Okkak,
+to Nain.&mdash;Stability of the work of God at Nain&mdash;hopeful
+deaths&mdash;conversion and recovery of a young native.&mdash;Remarkable
+preservation of an Esquimaux youth.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Ever since the settlement of the brethren on the east coast of
+Labrador, scarcely a year had passed, without their being visited by
+great numbers of Esquimaux from the north, either for the purposes of
+traffic or curiosity; and latterly, to visit their friends and
+acquaintances who had become residents. From these strangers, the
+missionaries obtained much <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>interesting information respecting the
+inhabitants along the coast; they were told that the most considerable
+part of the nation dwelt beyond Cape Chudleigh, lat. 60 deg. 17 m.,
+called by them Killineck; that accounts of the settlement had reached
+them, and that they were desirous of teachers to instruct them in the
+good words. When some of these natives were asked by the brethren to
+remain and settle with them, they expressed a great inclination to
+have done so, but urged as an objection, the difficulty of procuring
+food for their families, and requested the missionaries rather to come
+to them, where they could be easily able to obtain a comfortable
+supply. The brethren, in consequence, had long meditated a new
+settlement, and the Society for the furtherance of the Gospel had
+repeatedly consulted with them about the best plan for carrying their
+wishes into execution. Various obstacles had, however, always
+prevented any effectual steps being taken, till, in consequence of
+repeated invitations, it became a subject of serious consideration, by
+what means a more correct idea of the extent and dwelling places of
+the Esquimaux nation might be obtained, and a general wish was
+expressed, that one or more of the missionaries would undertake the
+perilous task of visiting such places <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>as were reported to contain
+more inhabitants than the southern coast, but remained unknown to
+European navigators.</p>
+
+<p>When brother Kohlmeister was in Europe, it was arranged with the
+Synodal Committee for the management of the missions of the United
+Brethren, that an exploratory voyage should be undertaken, for which
+Kohlmeister made preparation on his return to Labrador, and on the
+17th of June, he and brother Kmoch set out from Okkak. The vessel
+engaged for the arduous undertaking, was a two masted shallop, 45 feet
+long, 12 broad, and 5 deep, belonging to Jonathan, (vide p. 213) who
+also accompanied them as their captain. Jonathan was a man of superior
+understanding and skill, possessed of uncommon intrepidity, and looked
+up to, at Hopedale, as the chief of his nation. It was therefore no
+small sacrifice on his part, to agree to leave, for an indefinite
+time, the place where he was so much respected; but he was ready to
+forsake all, and enter on an expedition of unknown length and peril,
+in the hope that it would be a means of introducing the gospel among
+his countrymen. The greater part of the other Esquimaux thought the
+voyage impracticable, and an old Angekok predicted that if the
+adventurers did not perish in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>the violent currents that set in round
+Cape Chudleigh, they most certainly would never return.</p>
+
+<p>But none of these dark forebodings made any impression on the mind of
+Jonathan. When told that the wild heathen would kill him, he generally
+answered, "Well we will try, we shall know better when we get there;"
+and once, when conversing with the missionaries, who were not
+altogether without apprehension, remarked, "When I hear people talking
+about the danger of being killed, I think&mdash;Jesus went to death out of
+love to us; what great matter would it be, if we were to be put to
+death in his service, should that be his good pleasure concerning us."
+Nor did his conduct belie his profession: under all circumstances,
+during the voyage, his firm, cheerful faithfulness, proved honourable
+to his character as a true convert. Besides the missionaries, the
+expedition consisted of four Esquimaux families from Hopedale, and one
+from Okkak, who attended with a skin, or woman's boat, in case of any
+accident befalling the shallop, and to be used in landing, as the
+larger vessel could never safely be brought close to the shore&mdash;in all
+eighteen persons.</p>
+
+<p>As they coasted along, they met several <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>Christian Esquimaux, who were
+scattered at different summer provision places. At Kangerlualuksoak,
+sixty miles north of Okkak, a fishing station, with a fine strand and
+excellent harbour, where they rested on the 30th, [Lord's day,] the
+missionaries went on shore, and visited the Christian families, whom
+they assembled together for public worship. The congregation amounted
+to about fifty, including the boat's company. Brother Kohlmeister
+addressed them, and expressed his hope that they were all walking
+worthy of their Christian profession&mdash;presenting a good example to
+their heathen neighbours. A number of strangers sat as listeners, and
+the missionaries felt their hearts dilate with joy, to hear the
+cheerful voices of converted heathen melodiously sounding forth the
+praises of God, and giving glory to the name of Jesus their Redeemer,
+in a place which had but lately been a den of murderers, and dedicated
+by sorcerers to the service of the devil. Proceeding northward, they
+soon found their progress obstructed by drift ice, which forced them,
+after two days of incessant labour, to seek shelter in the estuary of
+a river, Nullatartok, where being blocked up, they went on shore, and
+pitched their tents on a beautiful valley, enamelled with potentilla
+aurea in full bloom, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>resembling a European meadow covered with
+butter-cups. The river abounded with salmon-trout; and their hunters
+killed two rein-deer, a seasonable supply, as they were detained here
+twelve days. On the 16th July, they reached Nachvak, where the high
+rocky mountains, glowing in the splendour of the morning sun,
+presented a most magnificent prospect. About fifty heathen Esquimaux,
+who had encamped here, received them with loud shouts and the firing
+of muskets, and while they remained, behaved with great modesty,
+neither annoying them by impertinent curiosity, nor harassing them by
+importunate begging; they also attended their morning and evening
+prayers with great silence, and apparent devotion. They heard the
+discourses of the missionaries with respectful stillness, but they
+listened with much greater eagerness to the exhortations of their own
+countrymen. Jonas, a son of Jonathan, addressed them thus: "We were
+but lately as ignorant as you are now; we were long unable to
+understand the comfortable words of the gospel; we had neither ears to
+hear, nor hearts to receive them, till Jesus by his power, opened our
+hearts and ears. Now we know what Jesus did for us, and how great the
+happiness of those is, who come unto him&mdash;love him as their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>Saviour,
+and know that they shall not be lost, when this life is past. Without
+this, we live in constant fear of death. You will enjoy the same
+happiness, if you turn and believe on Jesus. We are not surprised that
+you do not yet understand us. We were once like you, but now we thank
+Jesus our Redeemer with tears of joy, that He has revealed himself
+unto us." This address, delivered with great energy, produced, at
+least, a temporary effect, for one of the leading men of the party,
+Onalik, exclaimed, "I am determined to be converted to Jesus;" and
+another, Tallagaksoak, made the same declaration, adding, "He would no
+longer live among the heathen."</p>
+
+<p>Having spent two days with these people, the expedition proceeded on
+their voyage, and passing Nennoktok, were constrained by tempestuous
+weather to anchor in Kummaktorvik-bay. Here they met with four
+Esquimaux families, of whom John, and Mary his mother, had once been
+residents at Okkak, but had left the brethren, and retired to the
+heathen; with them Kohlmeister spoke very seriously, representing the
+danger of their state as apostates from the faith, but they showed no
+symptoms of compunction, and seemed determined to persist in their
+ways. When the storm ceased, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>they resumed their course, and after a
+providential escape from shipwreck on a sunken rock, they arrived it
+Oppernavik, where they found Uttakyak, a chief of superior
+understanding, and of great influence among his countrymen, with his
+two wives and youngest brother, waiting to receive them. He had, while
+on a voyage to Okkak in 1800, given the brethren particular accounts
+of these regions, and as he had learned that the missionaries intended
+to take a voyage to Ungava-bay, he had waited during the whole spring
+for them, and put up signals on all heights surrounding his tent, that
+they might not miss him. Successive storms, and accumulating ice,
+prevented the progress of our adventurers till the 1st of August, when
+they left their harbour, and entered Ikkerasak, a narrow channel
+between Cape Chudleigh Islands, and the continent; it is ten miles in
+length, and dangerous from the currents and whirlpools occasioned by
+the flowing and ebbing of the tide, but the missionaries passed
+through in safety at low water with a fair wind. On quitting the
+channel, the coast ran S.S.W. low, with gently sloping hills, and the
+sea [Hudson's straits] appeared studded with small islands. Here they
+saw the Ungava country at a distance, stretching to the south before
+them.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>Three skin boats, filled with Esquimaux, came to bid them welcome, and
+followed them to Omanek, a small island, where they pitched their
+tents; brother Kohlmeister visited them on shore, and explained to
+them the design of their voyage: they listened, but could not
+comprehend the scope of his discourse; they shouted, however, with
+joy, when he told them that he would come and see them in their own
+country. Many among them had never seen a European before, and not
+content with accurately inspecting them on every side, came close up
+to the travellers, and "pawed" them all over.</p>
+
+<p>Dismissing them highly grateful with some trifling presents, the
+voyagers proceeded, and on the 7th reached the entering of the great
+river Kangerlualuksoak, 140 miles S.S.W. of Cape Chudleigh, lat. 58
+deg. 57 m. Sailing up the bay, they found a fine slope or terrace
+facing the south, covered with shrubs, from whence a wooded valley
+extended to the left, which they fixed upon as the most suitable place
+for a settlement. Uttakisk, who had spent more than one winter in the
+Ingura country, assured them that there was an ample supply of native
+provisions both summer and winter, and that many of the Esquimaux
+would resort to them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>from every quarter, if they were once fairly
+settled. And the missionaries were satisfied that Europeans might find
+the means of existence, as the place was accessible to ships, and had
+wood and water in plenty. Before departing therefore, they set up high
+marks of stones on two opposite hills at the entrance of the bay, and
+placed a board on the declivity of a hill to the right, on one side of
+which they cut G. III. R. and S.U.F.&mdash;Georgius III Rex, Societas
+Unitatis Fratrum; and on the other, the initials of the missionaries,
+with the date of their arrival. This tablet was raised with some
+solemnity in presence of Uttakisk and his family, as representatives
+of the people of Ungava; and the missionaries informed them, that they
+had taken possession of the place, in case they or their brethren
+should think proper to settle there, and called all present to bear
+witness; they then proclaimed that the name of the river should
+henceforth be called George River, after which three vollies were
+fired by those on shore, and answered from the boat.&mdash;The texts of
+Scripture for the day, were very encouraging:&mdash;"From the rising of the
+sun, even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among
+the Gentiles, saith the Lord of hosts," Mal. ii 1. "At the name of
+Jesus every knee <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
+and things under the earth; and every tongue shall confess that Jesus
+Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," Phil. ii 10, 11.
+After the ceremony, pease and bread and beer were distributed among
+the Esquimaux, which enabled them to make a splendid feast, and the
+day was spent in the most agreeable manner.</p>
+
+<p>Next day [Aug. 13th] they left George River, and after beating about
+till the 17th, they cast anchor near a point of land, Kernertut, where
+they expected to lie in safety [the whole of the crew, except Jonas
+and his children and two boys, had gone on shore in the skin boat;]
+but during the night, the wind blew a gale, which increased in
+violence till daybreak; the sea rose to a tremendous height, and the
+rain fell in torrents. Notwithstanding the shallop had three anchors
+out, she was tossed about dreadfully, the sea frequently breaking
+quite over her, insomuch that they expected every moment to be
+swallowed up in the abyss. Jonathan, and the rest of their company,
+were obliged to be passive spectators from the beach, where they
+waited the event in silent anguish, looking every moment when the
+vessel should break from her moorings, and be driven on the rocks.
+About noon, the rope by which the small boat was fastened brake; she
+was immediately <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>carried up the bay, and thrown, by the violence of
+the surf, on the top of a rock, where she stuck fast, keel upwards.
+When the tide turned, the raging of the sea and the wind began to
+abate, and Jonathan and the other men, as soon as it was practicable,
+came to the assistance of the distressed and worn-out brethren. He was
+quite overcome with joy, unable to utter a word; he held out his hand,
+and shed tears of gratitude at meeting with them alive, for he had
+given them up as irremediably lost. The little boat was brought down
+from her pinnacle, to the great surprise of all, without material
+injury.</p>
+
+<p>Since leaving George's river, the expedition had made little more than
+fourteen or fifteen miles, and were at least seventy or eighty, as far
+as they could judge, from the river Koksoak, the western boundary of
+the Ungava country, which they had fixed upon as the final object of
+their voyage. The season was far advanced, and the Esquimaux
+represented to them, that if they proceeded farther, it would be
+impossible to return to Okkak before winter. In this dilemma, the
+missionaries, unable to decide, retired to their hut, and after
+weighing all the circumstances maturely, determined to commit their
+case to Him in whose name <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>they had entered upon this voyage, and
+kneeling down entreated him to hear their prayers in their
+embarrassing situation, and to make known to them his will concerning
+their future proceedings, whether they should persevere in fulfilling
+the whole aim of their voyage, or give up a part and return
+home.&mdash;"The peace of God," add the missionaries, "which filled our
+hearts on this memorable occasion, and the strong conviction wrought
+in us both, that we should persevere in his name to fulfil the whole
+of our commission, relying without fear on his help and preservation,
+no words can describe; but those who believe in the fulfilment of the
+gracious promises of Jesus given to his poor followers and disciples,
+will understand us when we declare, that we were assured that it was
+the will of God our Saviour, that we should not now return and leave
+our work unfinished, but proceed to the end of our proposed voyage.
+Each of us communicated to his brother the conviction of his
+heart&mdash;all fears and doubts vanished&mdash;and we were filled anew with
+courage and willingness to act in obedience to it in the strength of
+the Lord." When they made known their determination to Jonathan, and
+the reasons which swayed them, he without hesitation replied, "Yes!
+that is also <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>my conviction! We will go whither Jesus directs us. He
+will bring us safe to our journey's end, and safe home again." With
+renewed strength and spirits, the missionaries set forward, and their
+companions, who had been wonderfully refreshed and invigorated by
+their success among the seals and the rein-deer, willingly followed.
+They encountered a severe storm, and escaped many hidden dangers, as
+they coasted along a dangerous and unknown shore; but, guided by His
+hand in whom they trusted, they had the pleasure of reaching the mouth
+of the Koksoak, August 25th, 58 deg. 36 m. <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span> about 700
+miles from Okkak&mdash;Cape Chudleigh half way. To the west the country is
+called by the natives Assokak, the coast turning again W.N.W. The
+Koksoak here is about the breadth of the Thames at Gravesend, and with
+its various windings, much resembles that river for twenty-four miles
+inland. As they sailed upwards, they were hailed by the natives in
+their kaiaks, with "<i>Innuit, Innuit!</i> man, man;" and when they hoisted
+their colours there was a general cry of "Kablunat, Kablunat!
+Europeans! Europeans!" About one <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> they cast anchor close
+to an encampment, containing fourteen families, some from a distant
+district called Rivektok. At <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span>first they appeared shy, but upon
+receiving a few trifling presents became quite familiar; and as many
+of them had never seen a European, walked round them, and inspected
+them narrowly to see what manner of animals they were, having
+previously received some account of them from Uttakiyok's brother, who
+had joined them. Proceeding farther up the river, accompanied by most
+of the men and some women, they arrived at a bay, which by the winding
+of the stream appears like a lake surrounded on all sides with gently
+rising grounds, well planted with woods of moderate size, chiefly
+birch. Behind the woods are some low hills. This place they named
+Unity's Bay.</p>
+
+<p>Here they found another good situation for a missionary settlement&mdash;a
+fine slope, extending for about half an English mile, bounded on each
+extremity by a hill, on both of which they erected high signals.
+Juniper, currants, and other berries, were growing in abundance&mdash;and
+some rivulets of water at no great distance. This spot they named
+Pilgerruh, Pilgrim's rest. The view of the interior was in general
+flat, with a few low hills and ponds in some places full of wild
+geese; the largest trees were not more than eight inches in diameter,
+and fifteen or twenty feet high. The Esquimaux <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>informed them that
+farther up the trees were larger. The inhabitants were poor, and
+miserably equipped in comparison of the Esquimaux near the brethren's
+settlement; as those who accompanied the expedition, and who, from
+their intercourse with the Europeans, had obtained many conveniences
+by barter, and from the teaching of the missionaries had acquired a
+knowledge of the gospel. These advantages the latter did not fail to
+expatiate upon to their heathen countrymen; and once the brethren met
+with Sybilla, Jonathan's wife, surrounded by a company of women under
+the shadow of a skin boat, set on edge, exhorting them with great
+simplicity and fervour to hear and believe the gospel. Even Uttakiyok
+occasionally engaged in advocating the same cause, explained as well
+as he could the reason of the Brethren's living in Labrador, and
+exclaimed, "My friends, let us all be converted to Jesus." Having
+finished their observations on this quarter, the missionaries resolved
+to return, as, from the account given by their able and faithful
+conductor, Uttakiyok, whose information they had hitherto found
+correct, the western coast on the opposite side of the bay was bare
+and without any proper landing place, and at this season of the year
+uninhabited, the Esquimaux <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>being generally employed in the interior
+in hunting the rein-deer; they, therefore, Sept. 1., left the river
+and shaped their course homeward. The natives shewed the greatest
+reluctance to part with them, and called after them, "Come soon again;
+we shall always be wishing to see you." Several of them, and among
+these their disinterested friend, Uttakiyok, followed them for some
+miles, repeating their entreaties for their speedy return, and
+promising to settle beside them when they came. At parting, they
+presented Uttakiyok with their skin boat and several useful articles,
+as a recompense for the important, essential, and affectionate
+services he had rendered them. On the 4th October they reached Okkak
+in safety, after an absence of three months and ten days, having
+performed a voyage of from twelve to thirteen hundred miles. An
+account of their expedition was transmitted home,<a name="FNanchor_I_9" id="FNanchor_I_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_I_9" class="fnanchor">[I]</a> but circumstances
+prevented the mission from being undertaken for several years.</p>
+
+<p>No very remarkable alteration took place at any of the different
+stations, during the two succeeding years. The increase of their
+number was gradual, and their advance in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>Christian course quiet
+but perceptible; and at Okkak they had the pleasure of readmitting,
+upon their repentance and acknowledgment of their sin, the members
+they had been forced to exclude for their misconduct during the past
+season; and it is not the least among the mercies of God towards the
+brethren, nor one which ought to be passed over in silence, the
+benefit which their congregations derive from the kind and judicious,
+yet firm administration of church discipline; in a majority of
+instances it answers the ends for which it was instituted&mdash;the brother
+is gained instead of being driven away to associate with the world,
+and to nourish a spirit of dislike, if not of hatred, towards those
+with whom he was formerly in fellowship&mdash;a melancholy consequence when
+this ordinance of the Saviour is not attended to in the spirit of
+love.</p>
+
+<p>In 1812, the superintendant, Burghardt, was called to his reward; he
+had been able to fulfil the duties of his office till within three
+days of his departure. He was obliged to take to his bed on the 24th
+of July, and had appointed the 28th to confer with his brethren on
+various subjects, but when that day came, he was so much exhausted,
+that this was found impracticable. He had done with active service
+upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>earth. He now lay quiet, in peaceful expectation of the happy
+moment when his Lord and Master would call him to rest. About three
+o'clock in the afternoon, he breathed his last in a most gentle and
+peaceful manner, in presence of the family gathered around his bed.
+"During this transaction," the missionaries add, in their letter
+announcing the event, "a powerful feeling of divine peace prevailed
+among us, and many tears were shed by us who are left behind, to
+follow the example of this devoted servant of Jesus. He had attained
+to the age of seventy nine years."</p>
+
+<p>His removal brought forward, in a very prominent point of view, the
+unwearied diligence of the Moravian missionaries, who unite so much
+active exertion in temporal affairs, with such devotedness to
+spiritual exercises, and, in a pre-eminently apostolic conduct,
+exhibit the import of the injunctions, "not slothful in
+business,"&mdash;"fervent in spirit,"&mdash;"serving the Lord." "In consequence
+of this vacancy," they continue, "and the age of two others of us, who
+are fast approaching their seventieth year, we are not able to do any
+great things by manual labour; however, we contrive to perform what is
+absolutely requisite, and intend, with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>the Lord's blessing, to
+prepare for the building of a new church, as the present is much too
+small, and gone to decay, We thank you for your readiness to assist us
+with the necessary help."</p>
+
+<p>Next year, 1813, brother Schreiber arrived to succeed the late
+lamented Burghardt as superintendant, and brought with him two
+efficient missionaries. The general course of the mission for some
+time continued pretty uniform, the meetings were always well attended,
+and so great was the desire of the people to be present, that some
+came at the hazard of their lives; especially the sisters, who, when
+they had no boat of their own, would venture across bays some miles in
+breadth, sitting behind their husbands on their narrow kaiaks. The
+number of printed books circulated in the congregations, and now
+constantly increasing, kept alive the desire to learn to read and
+understand the holy Scriptures. The schools were thronged by young and
+old.</p>
+
+<p>It has sometimes been asserted that the sacred writings are ill
+adapted for school books; that they are above the capacity of
+children, and do not possess those attractions which little stories,
+extracts from entertaining <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>writers, histories of our own and other
+countries present.<a name="FNanchor_J_10" id="FNanchor_J_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_J_10" class="fnanchor">[J]</a> Without entering upon any argument, it may be
+sufficient to remark, that at no time did our native Scotland produce
+a more intelligent, acute, and moral race, than that generation which
+was educated in schools where the Bible and the Shorter Catechism were
+the chief, if not the sole, medium of their instruction. At the
+Moravian settlements the same effects flow from a similar mode of
+tuition, and the mind that has been early exercised in searching out
+the meaning of the Divine Oracles of truth, comes well prepared to
+estimate the realities of life, and form a true and correct judgment
+upon common topics and matters of daily occurrence: they have been
+taught that the present ought to be improved with a reference to the
+future, not only in spiritual but in temporal matters, and the natural
+consequence is, that the converted Esquimaux and their children become
+at once an intelligent and a provident race. So long as they continued
+heathen their intellect in general appeared incapable of comprehending
+any thing beyond the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>immediate and grosser cravings of nature, but
+now they understood and could converse upon more rational subjects;
+then no arguments could induce them, not even their own necessities,
+to build store houses, but now they willingly assisted the
+missionaries in erecting these buildings for public use, while in some
+of the settlements they erected new ones for themselves. Along with
+reading, the natives were taught writing and arithmetic, in which many
+of them made no inconsiderable proficiency. Yet, notwithstanding all
+their care and watchfulness, the brethren were not without their
+trials from the members of their congregations, and they, commonly sum
+up their accounts of the prosperous state of their people with some
+such conclusion as this:&mdash;"We must after all confess that much
+imperfection is yet seen, and some of those living here are not what
+they ought to be. The enemy is not idle, but endeavours to sift those
+who believe on Jesus; and we grieve to be obliged to mention, that
+even of our communicants there are who have fallen into temptation and
+sin. This shall not damp our courage, but we will continue to direct
+them to Jesus."</p>
+
+<p>Hitherto little interruption had taken place in the communication
+between Labrador and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>England; the vessel had sailed in safety amid
+enemies and storms, and although in some voyages had been in jeopardy,
+and in others detained, had always made it out to visit all the
+stations; but in 1806 the Jemima was not only prevented from reaching
+Hopedale, but carried four of the missionaries on an involuntary trip
+to England. The ship arrived at the drift ice on the Labrador coast on
+the 16th of July, which Captain Fraser found extending about two
+hundred miles from the land, and after attempting to get in first to
+Hopedale, then to Nain, and last of all to Okkak, he was at length
+completely surrounded by it and in the most imminent danger during six
+days and nights, expecting every moment that the ship would be crushed
+to pieces, till after very great exertions he got towards the outer
+part of the ice. Nevertheless he was still beset with it, and did not
+reach Okkak before August 29. The very next day the whole coast, as
+far as the eye could reach, was entirely choked up by ice, and after
+laying at Okkak nearly three weeks, he was twice forced back by it on
+his passage to Nain, which place he did not reach till Sept 22. After
+staying the usual time the captain proceeded, Oct 3., from Nain for
+Hopedale with fine weather; yet, on account of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>lateness of the
+season, and a great deal of drift ice, with but little prospect of
+reaching that settlement. This circumstance he mentioned to the
+brethren at Nain, notwithstanding which, however, Brother Kmoch and
+his wife, and two single brethren, Korner and Christensan, who were
+going to Hopedale, went on board and they set sail; but the same
+evening it came on to blow exceedingly hard, with an immense fall of
+snow and very thick weather, so that they could not see the length of
+the ship, and being within half a mile of a dangerous reef of rocks,
+the captain was obliged to carry a press of sail to clear them, which
+he did but just accomplish, for after that the gale increased to such
+a degree, the wind being right on shore, that he could not carry sail
+any longer, and was obliged to lay the ship to, when the sea broke
+often over her, and he was at last forced, seeing every attempt to
+reach Hopedale vain, to bear away for England. He again experienced a
+gale equal to a hurricane, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of October,
+which, during the evening between the 9th and 10th, was so violent
+that the captain expected the vessel would have foundered. She was at
+one time struck by a sea that twisted her in such a manner that the
+seams on her larboard side opened, and the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span>water gushed into the
+cabin and into the mate's birth as if it came from a pump, and every
+body at first thought her side was stove in; however the Lord was
+pleased to protect every one from harm, nor was the ship very
+materially damaged, neither was any thing lost.</p>
+
+<p>Winter set in severely on the Labrador coast, but this proved an
+advantage to the missions, as those at Nain were enabled to forward
+supplies by sledges to their brethren at Hopedale, who, although
+curtailed of some of their comforts, acknowledged with cheerful
+thankfulness that they had suffered no essential deprivation. The
+Esquimaux were also deprived of their usual supply of food by the
+early winter, which prevented them from taking many seals, either by
+the net or in kaiaks; but, as not unfrequently happened in their times
+of extremity, they were successful in killing a whale, which preserved
+from suffering much from famine, and for which they joined their
+teachers in returning thanks to their heavenly Father. Their number
+was reduced by the death of a venerable brother, Sueb Andersen, who
+had served the mission forty years, as well as Christensan, who had
+been carried to England; but nevertheless, besides their usual daily
+labour, they were able to erect for their own use a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>building
+containing rooms for holding provisions and fuel, and a bakehouse.</p>
+
+<p>Easily contented, however, as they were with their stinted fare, and
+pleasantly as they could undergo both privation and manual labour;
+they could not see, without the most poignant sorrow, those who had
+begun to run well, hindered in their progress, and the greatest
+affliction they felt, and the only one which extorted from them a
+complaint in this trying season, was the seduction of several of their
+congregation. Four traders from the south, with an Esquimaux family in
+company, spent that winter in their neighbourhood. They sent European
+provisions to the native inhabitants, and invited them to come and
+traffic, which proved a great snare, and disturbed the peaceful course
+of the congregation; for many of the baptized had lived formerly in
+the south, and contracted a taste for European indulgences,
+particularly for strong liquors, from which they had been weaned since
+their settling at Hopedale; but these propensities revived when
+temptation was presented. The brethren spared no pains, by friendly
+exhortations and affectionate remonstrances, to avert the calamity,
+yet they had the grief to see three families of eighteen persons
+desert the station; among whom were six <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span>communicants and several
+hopeful young people. The women and children wept bitterly at parting,
+and even the men seemed affected, but the latter, led captive by the
+wiles of the seducer, forced their families to follow. "We cannot
+describe," say the missionaries, "the pain we felt in seeing these
+poor deluded people running headlong into danger, and we cried to our
+Saviour to keep his hand over them in mercy, and not to suffer them to
+become a prey to the enemy of their souls."</p>
+
+<p>Kmoch and his wife, and the single brother Korner, who had so
+unexpectedly visited England, returned to Labrador in the brig Jemima
+in 1817, accompanied by single brother Beck, a descendant of the
+Greenland missionary, who in the third generation inherited the same
+spirit. Their voyage was perilous, and their preservation afforded a
+new display of the mercy of God towards his devoted servants, engaged
+to proclaim salvation to the utmost ends of the earth. On the 2d of
+June the Jemima left London, and after stopping at the Orkneys, they
+reached within 200 miles of the Labrador coast before the 4th of July;
+the weather had been remarkably fine, and they were pleasing
+themselves with speedily arriving at their destination, when the
+ice-birds gave notice of their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>approaching the ice.<a name="FNanchor_K_11" id="FNanchor_K_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_K_11" class="fnanchor">[K]</a> Now the wind
+shifted, and on the 7th the drift was seen in every direction: for six
+days they made several attempts to penetrate through different
+openings, but in vain; fields of ice beset the ship on all sides, and
+towards the evening of the 13th they discovered an immense ice-berg
+approaching. They were sailing before the wind, and just when they
+neared it, became enveloped in so thick a fog that they could not see
+a yard from the ship, nor use any means to avoid a concussion which
+threatened instant ruin. After an hour of helpless anxiety the fog
+dispersed, and they perceived that they had providentially passed at a
+very short distance. Next morning land was discovered a-head, which
+the captain endeavoured to reach, but was forced to seek shelter by
+fastening the vessel to a large field of ice three hundred feet in
+diameter, elevated about six above the water, and between fifty and
+sixty in thickness below. Here they lay with little variation from the
+14th to the 20th; when they attempted with a fine breeze to get clear
+out. In the evening, the sky lowered, and it grew very dark. At
+midnight the passengers <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>were roused by a noise on deck, and hastening
+to learn the cause, found they were driving fast towards a huge
+ice-mountain, on which they expected every moment to suffer shipwreck.
+The night was excessively cold with rain, and the sailors suffered
+much before they could again bring the vessel to her moorings. But
+this was only the prelude to greater terrors: shortly after mid-day on
+the 21st, the wind having risen to a tempest, the missionaries were
+alarmed by a tremendous outcry; they instantly ran upon deck, and saw
+the ship with the field to which she was fastened, rapidly driving
+towards another immense mountain, nor did there appear the smallest
+hope of escaping being crushed to pieces between it and the field.
+They all cried fervently to the Lord for speedy help in this most
+perilous situation&mdash;for if they had but touched the mountain they must
+have been instantly destroyed. And he heard them: the ship got to such
+a distance that the mountain passed between them and the field, but
+one of their cables was broken and they lost an anchor; and were left
+to the mercy of the storm and the current, in the midst of large
+masses of ice from ten to twenty feet thick. The following night was
+dreadfully dark and tempestuous, and the howling of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>the wind, and the
+roaring of the ice, as the fields were dashed against each other by
+its fury, rendered it truly terrific; while the fragments, as they
+were dispersing by the storm, struck violently against the vessel, and
+each blow sounded like the harbinger of instant fate. Such shocks were
+repeated every five or ten minutes and sometimes oftener; nor was
+there any possibility of avoiding them. In this awful situation they
+offered up earnest prayers to Him who alone is able to save, and about
+six in the morning they were carried into open water not far from the
+coast, after having spent ten long hours in a state more easily to be
+conceived than described. During the remainder of their voyage they
+encountered several heavy gales, and were threatened occasionally with
+the gathering ice, and their vessel was leaky, but they happily
+arrived at their desired haven in safety. On the 9th of August they
+cast anchor at Hopedale.</p>
+
+<p>Amid the trials which the brethren had to encounter, they acknowledge,
+with gratitude, the mercies that intervened: they witnessed many
+instances of the faithful leading of the Holy Spirit among the
+Esquimaux, particularly in the return of many to the good Shepherd,
+from whom they had strayed&mdash;and during the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span>winter, the station of
+Hopedale was preserved from moral contagion by a striking providence.
+Some heathen who had set out to seduce their countrymen to go to the
+south, were overtaken at sea by a violent storm, which dashed their
+large boat in pieces, and being thrown on an unknown desert region,
+where no assistance could be obtained, perished miserably by cold and
+hunger.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of 1819, brother Schreiber returned to Europe, and
+brother Kohlmeister succeeded him as superintendant of the Labrador
+missions, for which he was well adapted, both by his knowledge of the
+country and the language. In the former year he had performed a voyage
+from Okkak to Nain, very different from that remarkable journey in
+1804. The weather was fine and warm, with a gentle favourable breeze,
+and the varied scenery was delightful. He doubled the promontory of
+the Kiglapeit mountains with the greatest ease, and was wafted through
+the narrow channel to Nain, charmed with the verdure that decked the
+shores, the woods in foliage, the hills covered with grass, and the
+vallies spangled with innumerable flowers. Early next year he visited
+Hopedale, and the weather being again fine, he accomplished the
+journey in two days. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>dogs drew the sledge over the frozen snow
+with great rapidity; no English post-horses could have done better. He
+had formerly ministered in this settlement, and the inhabitants came
+out to some distance to meet, and bid him welcome. "I was deeply
+affected," says he, in a letter to Mr Latrobe, "on again entering this
+place, in which I had spent so many happy days in the year 1804, when
+it pleased the Lord to send forth his Spirit, and awaken in the hearts
+of the Esquimaux, that hunger and thirst after righteousness and
+salvation, the fruits of which have been so manifest and encouraging
+ever since. I was then eye-witness of astonishing proofs of His power
+and love, and my heart and spirit revived in the recollection of the
+all-conquering and superabounding grace which then prevailed, and by
+which he drew all hearts unto himself."</p>
+
+<p>To the continuance and advancement of this blessed work, the brethren
+were able to bear joyful testimony in the succeeding year. July 31,
+1820, they thus write: "The Lord is graciously pleased to cause his
+power to be made manifest in the conversion of sinners, and in the
+building up our dear Esquimaux flock in the faith by which we are
+saved. This we may truly testify to his praise. The Father draws <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>them
+to the Son, and the Holy Spirit leads them in the way of life
+everlasting. We find open ears and hearts when we declare to them the
+love of Jesus as their Saviour, and his blessing rests upon our feeble
+testimony of his atoning death and passion. Many a heart, by nature
+hard as the surrounding rocks, has been broken by the divine power of
+the word of the cross."</p>
+
+<p>They had, however, to mourn over the loss of three of their most
+approved native Esquimaux brethren, in the prime of life; they were
+suddenly seized with a mortal illness, which, after a short suffering
+of twelve hours, brought them to the grave; but the joyful hope of
+seeing their Saviour face to face, and celebrating the praises of his
+redeeming love, supported them in their dying moments, and comforted
+the hearts of their teachers. Their widows, also, distinguished
+themselves by their resignation to the Lord under this severe
+dispensation, which rendered them desolate, placing their whole trust
+in Him who is the faithful friend of the widow and the fatherless. A
+young married man, a candidate for baptism, was seized with the same
+complaint, and brought to the brink of the grave. In his extremity, he
+complained to one of the missionaries that he had never been truly
+converted to Jesus. "O!" exclaimed he, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span>"if but one drop of the
+precious atoning blood of Jesus would flow upon my soul to cleanse me
+from guilt, that I might be assured in my inward parts, of the
+forgiveness of my many sins!" He was baptized on his sickbed&mdash;it was
+an affecting scene&mdash;a sense of the presence of the Lord was felt on
+the occasion by all present, by the peace and grace that accompanied
+the administration of the ordinance. The answer to the sick penitent's
+fervent prayer, seemed like that given to the poor repenting thief on
+the cross when he cried, "Lord remember me"&mdash;it was immediate. To the
+surprise of all, he recovered, and remained an instance of the love of
+Jesus, even to the chief of sinners.</p>
+
+<p>A remarkable preservation of another Esquimaux youth, was likewise the
+cause of much joy at Hopedale. On the 10th of June, 1819, this lad had
+been carried out to sea upon a flake of ice, which separated from the
+main mass in a terrible storm, and was given up for lost. He, however,
+after having, for some time, been driven about, gained the larger body
+of drift ice, and was carried towards an island, on which he landed.
+Here he staid about two months. He had only a gun, a small knife, and
+a few pieces of cord with him, but neither powder nor shot. Of the
+cord he made nooses and caught eider-ducks, by which, and their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>eggs,
+he kept himself alive; in the night, he crept under an overhanging
+rock to sleep. At length he discovered a piece of wood floating to the
+shore; of this he made an oar, and, getting on a flake of ice, rowed
+himself to an island nearer the main land, whence he reached two more
+islands nearer still. About the beginning of August, he observed two
+boats steering towards the south, and made signals: these were not
+noticed by the first, which passed on; but the second approached and
+took him in. They were southlanders from Kippolak, with whom he was
+obliged to go on to the south, and remain there till the ice was
+strong enough to admit of his travelling to Hopedale. He removed
+thence to Okkak, where he most unexpectedly arrived, to the
+astonishment of all his relations, who received him as one from the
+dead. He declared that in his banishment from human society, Jesus had
+been his hope and refuge, though the prospect before him was indeed
+terrific. While he gave this account of his escape, his eyes
+overflowed with tears of joy and gratitude; and at the conclusion of
+his narrative, he said to brother Kohlmeister&mdash;"Benjamin! I declare to
+you that I was never alone; Jesus was always with me, and I will ever
+follow Jesus, and belong to him in time and eternity."</p>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_I_9" id="Footnote_I_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_I_9"><span class="label">[I]</span></a> The Journal of the Voyage, illustrated with a map, was
+published in a separate form. London, 1814.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_J_10" id="Footnote_J_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_J_10"><span class="label">[J]</span></a> "The children and young people have given us much
+pleasure; they have made good progress in reading, and often speak to
+us of the pleasure it affords them to be able to read the Scriptures
+at home."&mdash;Periodical Accounts, vol. 6 p. 241.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_K_11" id="Footnote_K_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_K_11"><span class="label">[K]</span></a> This bird is about the size of a starling, black, with
+white and yellow spots, flies about a ship chiefly in the night, and
+is known by its singular notes, which resemble a loud laugh.</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VIII<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">Fiftieth anniversary of the missionary vessel's first arrival in
+Labrador&mdash;jubilee of the mission celebrated at Nain.&mdash;Summary
+view of the success of the gospel in Labrador during that
+period.&mdash;Instance of maternal affection.&mdash;Esquimaux contribute
+to the Bible Society.&mdash;British sloop of war, Clinker, visits
+Hopedale.&mdash;Captain Martin's testimony to the good effect of the
+brethren's labours&mdash;visits Nain and Okkak&mdash;consequences of his
+favourable report.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Fifty years had now elapsed since the first ship arrived at Nain, 9th
+August 1771, with missionaries on board for the service of the
+Esquimaux, and in the morning of the same day of the same month,
+August the 9th, 1820, at eight o'clock, the Harmony cast anchor in the
+same bay, bringing stores and provisions for a Christian settlement
+containing one hundred and sixty-eight inhabitants, chiefly gathered
+from among the heathen, and exercising the habits of civilized life,
+instead of roaming the wilds as rude savages, or infesting the seas
+as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>ruthless pirates. The day of the vessel's arrival was always a day
+of gladness, as she brought tidings from their Christian friends in
+Europe to the missionaries; and good tidings from a far country,
+especially when brought to such a secluded spot, were doubly welcome.
+That this communication should, notwithstanding all risks, have been
+uninterrupted, afforded much subject for thanksgiving, which the
+brethren expressed by hymns, and likewise endeavoured to show by some
+little external tokens. They hoisted two old small flags and a white
+one, on which the sisters had marked, in large figures, the number 50,
+surrounded by a wreath of green laurel; their small cannon fired
+several shot, which were answered by the ship, and the Esquimaux fired
+their pieces as long as their powder lasted. Meanwhile, some tunes of
+hymns, expressing thanksgiving to God for his mercies, were played on
+wind instruments, which altogether made a good impression on the
+Esquimaux, and gave them an idea of a jubilee rejoicing. Brother
+Kohlmeister explained to them the meaning of the number 50 on the
+flag, and made them understand that it was the fifteenth time that a
+ship had come safely to Nain for their sakes, and how it had been
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>preserved, by the wonder-working hand of God, from all harm in these
+dangerous seas, and that this was the cause of these extraordinary
+demonstrations of a joyful gratitude; they listened with great
+attention, and then exclaimed, "Yes! Jesus is worthy of thanks!" nor
+were the sailors unmoved.</p>
+
+<p>Next year, 1821, completed half a century which the brethren had spent
+in Labrador, and was celebrated as the jubilee year at the three
+settlements. At Nain the commemoration day was the 9th of August, in
+all the services of which a spirit of joy and thanksgiving prevailed
+throughout the whole congregation. The baptism of two adults tended
+much to solemnize the festival. "We praised the Lord," say the
+missionaries, "with heart and voice, for all the wonders he has
+wrought in behalf of the mission in Labrador during half a century, in
+which he has led, preserved, and blessed us abundantly. His mighty arm
+has protected us in many dangers, and the preaching of his cross has
+been attended with power and the demonstration of his Spirit in many
+hearts; and many heathen have been brought in as a reward for the
+travail of his soul." An account of the beginning of the mission, and
+of all the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span>remarkable incidents and proofs of the mercy and grace of
+our Saviour during that period, was read to all the congregations in
+their native tongue, and heard with the greatest attention and
+surprise. Since the commencement, 48 brethren and 28 sisters had been
+employed, and at this time there were 15 brethren and 10 sisters at
+the three mission stations of Nain, Okkak and Hopedale. Of the
+Esquimaux nation, there had been baptized 392 adults and 388 children;
+and at the end of this year, there were residing in the different
+settlements, 471 baptized, 45 candidates for baptism, and 68 new
+people, making a total of 584 persons. Truly it might be said of the
+Esquimaux nation, that for them who sat in the shadow of death, under
+the cruel bondage of Satan, God our Saviour wrought deliverance, and
+brought many of them into the glorious liberty of the children of God.</p>
+
+<p>Many had, during that period, departed full of hope, and in the
+preceding summer, among others, a sister of much worth, Joanna, had
+been taken away at Hopedale, under very interesting circumstances.
+While on the ice with her daughter, it gave way, and they both fell
+in. The mother made great exertions to save her child, and with much
+difficulty succeeded, but, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span>her strength failing, she was unable to
+extricate herself, and was drowned. She had led a humble, consistent,
+and exemplary life, and her last words, when in the act of sinking,
+was to commend her departing spirit to the mercy of her Saviour. This
+happy year was likewise marked as that on which the Esquimaux received
+complete copies of the New Testament in their own language, printed at
+the expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and also for the
+proof they gave of the value they set upon the Holy Scriptures, by the
+desire they express that other nations should enjoy similar advantage.
+Having been informed of the nature and aim of the Bible Society, and
+of its labours in the distribution of the Scriptures, the Esquimaux of
+their own accord, began to collect seals' blubber, as a contribution
+towards the expenses of the Society. Some brought whole seals, or half
+seals, or pieces, as they could afford it. Others brought portions of
+blubber in the name of their children, requesting that their poor
+gifts might be accepted. And when they heard that other converted
+heathen, even poorer than they, had contributed to spread the word of
+God, they exclaimed: "How long have not <i>we</i> heard the pleasant and
+comfortable words concerning Jesus Christ our Saviour, and how many
+books <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>have <i>we</i> not received, treating of Him, and yet we have never
+known and considered whence they come. We have indeed sometimes spoken
+together, and observed that these many books given to us without pay,
+must cost a great deal somewhere; but we never have before now known,
+that even poor people bring their money out of pure love, that we may
+get these comfortable words of God. We are indeed poor, but yet might
+now and then bring some blubber, that others who are as ignorant as we
+were formerly, may receive the same gospel which has been so sweet to
+our souls, and thereby be taught to find the way to Jesus and believe
+on him." The donations of these poor Esquimaux were accompanied with
+expressions of thanks for the favours they had received, and earnest
+requests to the Society, that more heathen might be presented with
+"that Book, so far more precious than any thing else in the world."</p>
+
+<p>Various hindrances had prevented the formation of a fourth settlement,
+and during this interval, the tongue of slander had not been silent.
+Mercenary traders had represented to the British authorities, the
+brethren's conduct as hostile to the interest of the colony and their
+traffic with the natives: but fortunately the authorities were not
+disposed to receive <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span>implicitly these reports, and the governor of
+Newfoundland, Sir Charles Hamilton, dispatched a sloop of war, the
+Clinker, Captain William Martin, to examine the coast of Labrador, and
+with an express direction to visit the different Moravian stations. He
+arrived a few days after the celebration of the jubilee, and the
+missionaries, in their diary, give the following account of his visit:</p>
+
+<p>"August 15th, in the afternoon, we received a letter from William
+Martin, Esq., commander of a British ship of war, which lay at anchor
+four hours from this, informing us that the governor of Newfoundland
+had ordered him to take a survey of that part of the coast of Labrador
+where the brethren's settlements were situated, and to visit the
+settlements. On hearing this, the Captain (Fraser) of the mission
+vessel, at present lying at anchor here, sent the pilot in a boat, to
+bring the Clinker into the harbour, and at three o'clock <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>
+a ship of war, with three masts and fourteen cannon, anchored in our
+harbour, not far from us. Immediately two of us, with Captain Fraser,
+went on board to welcome the commander, who repeated his commission,
+and conversed with us in the most friendly manner. We expressed our
+happiness at his arrival, and invited him on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>shore to examine
+minutely into every thing of which he wished to obtain information. He
+accordingly landed in the evening, and came to the mission-house.</p>
+
+<p>"Soon after his arrival, our usual meeting was held with the
+Esquimaux, whose good conduct, quietness, and piety, seemed to strike
+him; and he afterwards confessed his expectation in this respect had
+been greatly exceeded. He asked us several questions&mdash;First, What
+means we had used to civilize such rude and savage men? We answered
+that whatever good he observed in the Esquimaux, was entirely to be
+ascribed to the power of the gospel, the preaching of which was the
+only purpose of our being here; besides this, we possessed no other
+power, nor did we believe any other could deliver savage men,
+accustomed to murder, and given up to every vice, from their
+detestable habits, and introduce them into the circle of social order.
+Nothing but the operation of the Spirit of God on their hearts,
+convincing them of the truth of the gospel, and the happiness of true
+Christians, could induce them to deny their evil propensities, and
+incline them to receive instruction, and walk according to the
+commandments of Jesus; it is this, we said, that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>causes them to live
+in peaceful and happy society together.</p>
+
+<p>"He next wished to be informed of the reason of our conduct with
+regard to merchandize, as he had heard that we did not wish our
+Esquimaux to trade with the Europeans in the south; and when they did
+so, if we did not drive them away from our settlements? To this we
+replied as follows: 'Nothing is so painful to us, as when any of the
+members of our congregation fall back into heathenism, which easily
+happens when they go to the south to trade with the Europeans, where
+they are exposed to many temptations. On this account we find it
+necessary to warn them against such journeys, and if they pay no
+attention to these admonitions, intended chiefly for their own
+advantage, we cannot regard them as any longer belonging to us. And
+our conduct is the same towards those who reside among us, who have
+not received the gospel, when we find all our affectionate and serious
+exhortations in vain, and they persist in returning thither to trade.
+But no Esquimaux is driven away from our settlements on this account,
+for he does not sell his merchandize to us alone, but to any person
+with whom he chooses to trade. It must, however, be remarked, that
+many Esquimaux <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span>when pressed by hunger in winter, take refuge with us,
+to whom we give every possible assistance; there are also some, who,
+during their harvest, save a portion against a time of need, which we
+lay up for them, and they receive the full value, when their
+necessities require it. Now, when these, regardless of their
+obligations to us, take their articles elsewhere to barter, we frankly
+tell them our opinion of their conduct, and endeavour to impress their
+minds with a sense of their ingratitude, not only to us, but to the
+Society in England, who from love to them, sends every year a ship
+with the necessary supplies. If any one take offence at our reproofs,
+and leave us in anger for the south, we cannot help it, but we are
+certain he dare not affirm any such falsehood to the Europeans, as to
+say, that he was driven from our settlement because he treated with
+them.' Captain Martin replied that he had not the least doubt of what
+we said, and was perfectly satisfied, by what he had seen and heard,
+that we laboured to promote the best interests of the Esquimaux."</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, 19th, "All the officers and forty of the crew of the ship
+of war, assembled with us in our meeting for public worship, when we
+recommended them to the gracious <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>protection of our almighty Lord and
+God; and we have much pleasure in being able to say, that, during the
+whole time they remained here, their behaviour was as orderly and
+friendly as we could have wished. The Captain having lodged a night
+with us, at taking leave together with the surgeon, shook us heartily
+by the hand, and thanked us for our kind attention, and expressed his
+delight at the happy results of our endeavours to improve the
+Esquimaux. All the officers likewise bade us farewell in the most
+friendly manner, and said they would always reflect with pleasure on
+their visit to us. After they went on board Captain Martin sent us a
+letter, in which he thus expressed himself: 'My Dear Friends&mdash;I cannot
+leave this place without expressing my thanks in a few lines to the
+worthy brethren who received me in so friendly a manner, and by their
+attention rendered my stay here so pleasant. I regret that it has been
+so short, but it has been sufficiently long, to convince me that your
+labours have been crowned by a blessed success; this must animate you
+under many difficulties, to continue to devote yourselves with zeal to
+the service of our Lord, your great example. One must be an
+eye-witness to judge of the mighty change that has already taken place
+in these <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>Esquimaux, both in regard to body and mind. It will give me
+the most heart-felt joy, to communicate this to his Excellency, the
+governor of St John's, and also to bear testimony in England, to the
+happy progress of your labours.' Next day, at 6 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> the ship
+of war set sail, when we, with our Esquimaux, ascended the height
+nearest the shore, and by signs took our last farewell of the crew.</p>
+
+<p>"Continuing her course, the Clinker reached Nain on the 21st, where
+Captain Martin behaved in the same friendly manner. He was frequently
+on shore at the mission-house, and likewise attended worship in the
+church. On the 23d he invited the missionaries aboard, and shewed them
+the arrangement in a sloop of war. His vessel was decorated with fifty
+flags of different nations, in honour of the commemoration of the
+jubilee. The day after, he furnished a feast of boiled pease and
+biscuit, for all the Esquimaux living on the missionaries' land, and
+was himself present at the entertainment. The Esquimaux sat on pieces
+of timber, placed in a square. Before they began their meal, they sang
+a hymn, 'Now let us praise the Lord, &amp;c.' and at the close, 'Praise
+God for ever.' All of them expressed great thankfulness for this
+condescending mark of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>Captain's good will; and each of them had a
+goodly portion of biscuit left to carry home."</p>
+
+<p>From Nain the Clinker sailed for Hopedale in company with the Harmony,
+on board of which were the superintendant Kohlmeister and his wife.
+The latter thus speaks of the excursion, which she appears to have
+highly enjoyed: "We had the pleasure to sail in company with his sloop
+[Captain Martin's] to Hopedale, and had a most agreeable voyage. He
+came twice on board the Harmony to pay us a visit. As we approached
+Hopedale, the brethren and the Esquimaux not having received any
+account of the arrival of the sloop of war, were rather alarmed at its
+appearance, but we found means before we cast anchor, to send them
+word that all was peace and friendship, upon which the music began to
+play a hymn of praise, and the Esquimaux afterwards fired a salute
+with their pieces. The sloop answered with the great guns, but the
+Esquimaux were determined to have the last word, and went on firing
+after the cannon had ceased to roar. It was a calm night without moon,
+but the brilliant display of numberless stars, and a glorious Aurora
+Borealis, increased the enjoyment. The brethren, Stock and Haller,
+coming on board, we could not quit the deck till midnight; sleep was
+not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span>thought of. Captain Martin also displayed a number of blue
+lights, to the great astonishment and gratification of the Esquimaux."
+The Captain having here also given a feast of bread and pease, she
+adds, "We were present, and were pleased to hear how the Esquimaux
+expressed their thankfulness, and afterwards sung the anthem, 'Glory
+to God in the highest,' and 'Hosanna.'" When he had accomplished the
+object of his cruise, Captain Martin returned to St John's.</p>
+
+<p>By this extraordinary and friendly visit, the brethren remarked, "the
+celebration of the jubilee of the mission acquired a peculiar and new
+feature, as we were at the same time assured of the favour of those,
+whom God has appointed to rule over us, and may hope in future also to
+experience a continuance of that protection we have hitherto enjoyed.
+The Lord has also caused his work to be glorified in the sight of
+men." But this visit was still further important, as it tended to
+accelerate the formation of a fourth settlement.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IX.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">The Brethren obtain a further grant of land on the east coast of
+Labrador.&mdash;projected fourth settlement delayed.&mdash;Progress of the
+three settlements in the interval.&mdash;Instances of wonderful
+preservation&mdash;Ephraim&mdash;of Conrad, Peter, and Titus.&mdash;Report of
+the Superintendant, Kohlmeister, on the general state of the
+Mission.&mdash;Commencement and progress of Hebron, the fourth
+station.</p></div>
+<br />
+
+<p>Much as the brethren desired to establish a settlement on the Ungava
+country, and anxious as the Esquimaux there were, that they should
+reside among them, providential difficulties, as above alluded to,
+prevented what appeared so urgent a call from being complied with, and,
+in a manner, forced upon the brethren's consideration the propriety of
+forming a fourth station on the east coast. They had, therefore, applied
+to the British Government for a further grant of land; and the report of
+Captain Martin having been so highly favourable, all obstructions were
+removed, and next year the order which had been granted by the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>Prince
+Regent in Council, 13th May 1818, securing to them the possession of the
+coast from Okkak to the 56th deg <span class="fakesc">N.L.</span>, including the bays of
+Napartok, Kangertluksoak, and Saeglak, was transmitted to Nain through
+Governor Hamilton, accompanied by a letter written under his own hand,
+wishing them every success in their Christian undertaking. From the
+great increase of the population at Okkak, the attention of the
+missionaries was principally directed to Kangertluksoak as the fittest
+place for a new station; as, in the spring, a great many of their own
+Esquimaux went thither to obtain a livelihood, the distance being about
+sixty miles yet several years elapsed before they were able to carry
+their plan into execution. During this interval, the missionaries had
+the pleasure of seeing the work of the Lord continue to prosper in the
+three settlements, and a spirit of love spread abroad among their
+flocks. "Our Saviour's grace and power," say they, July 1822, "have been
+made manifest in young and old, and the word of his cross, sufferings,
+and death, performs the same miracles, as in the earliest periods of
+Christianity. When we met to celebrate the holy communion, as well as on
+the different festival and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span>memorial days of the church, the grace and
+presence of our Lord and Saviour revived our hearts and filled us with
+joy, and with praise and thanksgiving to him for all the good which he
+has done unto this people."&mdash;Procuring their food almost always at the
+hazard of their lives, instances of wonderful preservations were not
+uncommon among the Esquimaux, and their observations on their
+deliverances had generally a pious simplicity, which rendered them
+extremely pleasant. This year, Ephraim, a communicant, went with five
+others to catch seals at the edge of the ice, about sixty miles from
+Nain. Being at some distance from his party, the ice broke under him,
+and he had only time to grasp the rim of the hole made in the ice to
+prevent his sinking under it. In this situation, hanging over the sea,
+the cold being intense, his fingers froze fast to the ice, which helped
+to support him; for his immediate cries for assistance were not heard,
+and he remained for a quarter of an hour in dreadful suspense. At
+length, just when his voice failed him, he was perceived by his
+companions and his life saved. Though his fright and anxiety were in the
+beginning very great, he said, that he committed himself to our Saviour,
+and felt resigned to his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span>will; and when the danger seemed most
+imminent, help was afforded, for which he gave thanks to Him who alone
+could deliver in such distress.</p>
+
+<p>But an interposition of providence, which rescued two Christian
+Esquimaux, belonging to the congregation at Hopedale, who were carried
+out to sea on a field of ice, and were nine days driven about at the
+mercy of the waves, is not the least extraordinary among the many which
+occurred. A party of three, Conrad, Peter, and Titus, being engaged in
+fishing on the ice, that part on which they were standing broke loose
+from the shore, and was driven by a strong south-west wind out to sea.
+Conrad having a sledge with him, fastened some seal-skins and bladders
+to it to keep him buoyant, and turning it upside down used it as a raft;
+in this he paddled a full English mile back to the firm ice, being
+commissioned by his companions to procure a boat, and send it to their
+assistance. The sea, by God's mercy, being calm, he reached the shore in
+safety, but before he could procure the boat, the field of ice with his
+two companions on it had drifted nearly out of sight, and there was no
+possibility of overtaking it. The size and strength of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span>ice was such
+that it afforded them the means of building a snow-house upon it, in
+which they took shelter during the night, and in rainy weather. They had
+caught eight seals on the day of their departure, which afforded them
+nourishment, though for want of fuel they could make no fire, but ate
+the meat raw and drank the blood. Of their feelings during nine dreadful
+days of anxiety and suspense, they wrote the following affecting
+account. Peter for himself says, "When on the 4th of June (1824,) we
+were driven off the coast upon the field of ice, I was not much alarmed,
+for I did not apprehend much danger. At night when we lay down to rest
+we commended ourselves in prayer to God our Saviour, and gave up our
+lives into his hands, which we always continued to do. On the 5th, as we
+were floating pretty near to the point of Tikkerarsuk, I hoped that our
+brother Conrad, who had been with us, would come to help us with kaiaks.
+We repeatedly thought we heard the report of fire-arms, and therefore
+fired off our pieces, but towards evening, we perceived that we had been
+mistaken. Now I began to feel great fears about the preservation of my
+life, and thinking of my poor family, I wept much. With many tears I
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>cried fervently to Jesus to save me. I could speak with him as if he
+stood by me, and said; 'I pray that I may not be carried to the other
+side of the water, nor to the south, nor too far to the north among the
+unbelievers, but that my body may have a decent burial in the earth. O!
+shew mercy to me, and do thou, the only helper in need, take care of my
+poor family!' Then these words occurred to my mind, 'Hold that fast
+which thou hast, that no man take thy crown,' which made me shed tears
+of gratitude and love to our Saviour, like a child, though at so great a
+distance from home. I entered our snow-house weeping, and we both joined
+in calling upon Jesus for help and comfort. This we did every morning
+and evening. On the 6th, in the morning, finding ourselves carried far
+away from the land into the ocean, we again looked for comfort to Jesus,
+and prayed to him with many tears to help us, and direct our course. We
+sung that verse together, 'O lift up thy countenance upon us,' and these
+words were impressed upon my mind, 'I am the good Shepherd, and know my
+sheep, and am known of mine.' I felt my unworthiness deeply, and nothing
+but the words of Jesus could give me joy. I prayed fervently to him,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span>that he would give his angels charge over me. I spent the whole day in
+prayer, and as I walked about alone, several parts of Scripture occurred
+to my recollection, especially the account of my Saviour's being taken
+captive. The prayer he offered up for his disciples, John <span class="fakesc">XVII.</span>
+was peculiarly precious to me, and gave me great comfort. Frequently I
+felt joy in my heart on remembering our Saviour's words, and that he
+said to his disciples, 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost.' On the 7th, the fog
+was so dense that we could not see whither we were driven. I cried to
+Jesus, 'O! help,' and his words came sweetly into my mind, 'Come unto me
+all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon
+you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.' Then I felt
+comforted. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th, we could see nothing on account of
+the fog. I wept, and longed only to enjoy the inexpressible love of
+Jesus. I remembered how the apostle Peter was frightened in the storm,
+and was comforted by our Saviour. Thus also he comforted us in our
+dreadful situation. I cried continually to him to bring us again to the
+shore, for the thought of my poor bereaved family caused many tears to
+flow from my eyes." At length, on the 12th, the field of ice on <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span>which
+they were, was driven nearer the shore, and on the 13th, they reached
+home by travelling over the drift.</p>
+
+<p>This year the superintendant, Kohlmeister, who had served the Labrador
+mission thirty-four years, was constrained, by his increased
+infirmities, and by the severe indisposition both of himself and his
+wife, to return to Europe. His last report respecting the state of the
+settlements, is therefore too important to be abridged or omitted&mdash;it
+is as follows: "The work of God in the hearts of our dear Esquimaux,
+proceeds in the power of the Spirit, and with rich blessing; and I may
+with truth assert, that they grow in grace, and in the love and
+knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Their number is
+likewise on the increase. The congregation at Okkak, in particular,
+obtains a great increase from year to year, by the arrival of heathen
+from the coast to the north of the settlement; the number of heathen
+Esquimaux in their neighbourhood is indeed decreasing, but Okkak may
+yet be called a mission among the heathen. Nain and Hopedale are now
+Christian settlements, all the inhabitants being initiated into the
+Christian church by holy baptism, except a few children, and no
+heathen live in their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span>neighbourhood. Their increase, therefore,
+depends upon the rising generation, and upon the accession of persons
+coming from a distance to reside among them. On this account the
+endeavours of the missionaries, in these two settlements, are
+particularly directed to instil into the minds of the youth the
+principles and precepts of vital Christianity; and to see to it, that
+by the grace of our Saviour, all the souls committed to their care
+become more firmly grounded and established in faith and love, and
+walk worthy of their high and heavenly calling. This is done by
+faithful admonition, accompanied with watchfulness and prayer. The
+most efficacious means of promoting their growth in grace, is the
+reading of the New Testament, which they have now in their hands
+through the generosity of the venerable British and Foreign Bible
+Society. They read therein daily in their houses and tents with the
+greatest earnestness, delight, and edification. We have, indeed, ever
+since the arrival of this most precious gift, observed a great change.
+Their understanding of the word of God, and the doctrines which it
+contains, has greatly increased; and the influence upon their moral
+conduct is manifest, for they now more than ever desire to regulate
+their walk and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span>conversation in conformity to truly Christian
+principles.</p>
+
+<p>"The schools, which are held, with both children and adults, from
+November to April, are a most powerful means of forwarding their
+improvement in every thing good and profitable for them. Most of the
+people attend them with great diligence, and with an earnest desire to
+be soon able to read the New Testament for themselves. There are among
+the children some of five, and even of four years of age, who read
+well. The severest punishment than can be inflicted on a child is to
+keep him from school. The new Hymn Book is a truly valuable present.
+The whole number of Christian Esquimaux under the care of the
+brethren, at present, is 705, old and young."</p>
+
+<p>Excepting that their numbers continued gradually to increase, the
+above report may be considered as a correct view of the state of the
+Moravian settlements in Labrador for several succeeding years.</p>
+
+<p>Some Ladies in Scotland, who had admired the exertions of the
+Moravians in Labrador, had about this time sent as a token of their
+Christian affection a small present to the beloved labourers in that
+distant inhospitable clime; they were gratified, nearly under the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span>above date [at the close of 1831,] by the following letter from two
+aged servants of the Lord, the venerable missionary Kmoch and his
+wife, who, after nearly half a century of active exertion, reluctantly
+retired from the heat of the day&mdash;it was addressed to a friend in
+Edinburgh, and shortly but sweetly corroborates the account of
+Kohlmeister.</p>
+
+<p>"The Saviour continues," say they, "to bless his own work in Labrador.
+In Okkak, during the last winter, eight adults and thirteen children
+were baptized, and six persons are longing for the enjoyment of the
+holy supper for the first time. In the harvest of 1830 a malignant
+cold and cough raged in Okkak, of which eighteen persons died, but
+last winter the weather was very mild. I have been 34 and my wife 19
+years in Labrador. I would willingly have remained among our dear
+Esquimaux much longer, but old age and sickness are the cause of our
+return. The parting with our Esquimaux, and our dear fellow-labourers,
+was very affecting."</p>
+
+<p>At length the obstacles in the way of a new settlement began to
+dissipate; and in the mean time, to secure possession of the bounds
+allotted to them by the British Government, the missionaries, Kmoch
+and Sturman, in 1828, erected a block-house twelve feet long and
+eight <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span>broad, which the summer before had been prepared at Okkak, and
+sent to Kangertluksoak by some Esquimaux returning to the north. They
+completed the journey on sledges in fifteen hours, of which they
+transmitted the following notes&mdash;"May 19th, at eight in the evening we
+arrived at Apparnaviarsak, in the neighbourhood of Kangertluksoak;
+here we found four tents of our Esquimaux, and in three, others of the
+Nain people who had resolved the next summer to go to Okkak: all
+expressed the greatest joy at our coming, and all frankly reached out
+their hands to welcome us. Immediately a tent was erected for us, and
+the floor covered with bears' skins. As we had not tasted any thing
+warm the whole day, we got some coffee, after which we put our beds in
+order&mdash;these consist of a sack of rein-deers' skin with the hair
+inmost, and a sack of seals' skin drawn over it&mdash;it is just large
+enough to admit one person, who first slips in his feet, and gradually
+inserts the whole body, which, when fairly in, soon gets comfortably
+warm. The day after, we invited the Esquimaux to a meeting, when,
+after singing a hymn, brother Sturman saluted them in the most
+affectionate manner; assured them of our constant remembrance and
+prayers; then begged them to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span>consider their present happy
+circumstances, and reminded them that but a few years since they were
+heathens, living in deplorable ignorance of their Creator and
+Redeemer, and without hope of that eternal happiness which he hath
+purchased for us. The tears of many shewed the joy of their hearts in
+believing. We intimated to them that, during our stay, we would have
+prayers morning and evening."</p>
+
+<p>The promontory of Apparnaviarsak, where our Esquimaux were, is joined
+to the continent of Kangertluksoak, on which their winter houses were
+built. Between the rocks, the ground is everywhere covered with grass,
+the snow was already melted, and the young grass began most
+beautifully to shoot up. The spring appeared to be much earlier here
+than at Okkak, where, at present, every thing was covered with deep
+snow; the mountains are not so steep, the land lies lower and nearer
+the open sea: but the flat where the houses of the Esquimaux are, is
+surrounded by numerous small islands. From the declivity behind, in
+many places the open sea can be seen, with the promontory of Saeglak,
+the distance to which is only about 5 or 6 hours, with a good sledge
+path; consequently, it appeared admirably adapted for a mission
+station. Saeglak would afford <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span>excellent fishing ground for our
+people, should the heathen leave it, which must very soon happen, as
+within these last few years, the inhabitants of these parts have
+greatly diminished, many of them coming to reside among us. Upon the
+whole, from all that we have heard or seen, Kangertluksoak is one of
+the best fishing places, and as some remain here the whole year, we
+can have the Esquimaux more with us than at any of the other
+settlements. There are, however, many other advantages we must give up
+here; the nearest forest lies to the south of Nappartok, and is about
+eighteen or twenty miles distant, the nearest road by land; by water
+it is greater. While we sent the Esquimaux for the frame of our little
+house, which lay about half an hour's journey from this, we went to
+take a view of the place, near the winter houses of the Esquimaux.
+Adjoining these, at a little distance from the beach, we found a plain
+sufficiently large for buildings, gardens, &amp;c.; and after we had
+examined all the country round the river, we resolved to erect our
+little dwelling here, and our Esquimaux having brought the wood, it
+was soon erected. All the natives who were present willingly assisted
+in laying the foundation with stones, and filling it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span>up with
+sand&mdash;part of the boards were nailed on the same day. The house stands
+on an eminence, in the neighbourhood of a small lake, which the
+Esquimaux assured us had water in it during the greater part of the
+summer, and probably, by a little labour, it may be formed into a good
+reservoir. We continued our building, without intermission, till the
+21st, when we finished. On the 22nd we floored the house, prepared the
+bed-rooms, fixed a table and bench between two windows, and set up a
+little oven. In the evening, brother Kmoch held a meeting to take
+leave, and affectionately exhorted our Esquimaux to approve themselves
+the children of God under every circumstance, to give themselves up at
+all times to be led by the Spirit of the Lord, and faithfully to
+follow his admonitions. On the 25th inst. at 3 o'clock, <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>,
+we set out on our return, but the newly fallen snow mixing with the
+water on the ice, so obstructed our path, that we were nine hours
+longer on the way than we were before, but we reached Okkak on the
+26th, at three in the morning, full of gratitude to the Saviour, whose
+presence had so comforted us on this visit, and filled us with the
+joyful conviction, that he also had left a blessed impression on the
+Esquimaux.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span>Preparations were now commenced at the different stations for
+forwarding the erection of the new settlement, and early in the year
+1829, rafters, boards, and shingles, were transported to
+Kangertluksoak from Okkak by sledges, which performed no less than one
+hundred and five journies, and seldom spent more than a day upon the
+road, the tract having been extraordinarily fine, beyond what the
+oldest inhabitant remembered to have seen, and which the brethren
+considered as the mark of a kind providence smiling on their new
+undertaking. When the frame work of the mission-house was finished, on
+the 13th of April brother Mentzel and Beck, with six young Esquimaux,
+set out for the spot. On the 8th of July the frame was set up, and on
+the 21st it was covered with weather boarding on three sides.</p>
+
+<p>The Society in London in the meantime had not been idle; they had, in
+addition to the ordinary vessel, hired a consort, the Oliver, which
+they sent out with materials, to enable the missionaries to go on with
+their new settlement, named <i>Hebron</i>, and which opportunely arrived,
+just when the house was made ready to receive, and place the stores
+under cover. Another missionary, Ferdinand, arrived with the Harmony
+to assist brother Beck. Immediately they commenced unloading the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span>Oliver, in which they were stoutly assisted by about thirty Esquimaux,
+with their wives and children. In less than a week, the whole was
+landed, and after consulting with the brethren at Okkak, the resident
+missionaries proceeded with their labour: notwithstanding several
+interruptions, first by the loss of their assistants for a time, who
+went to the rein-deer hunt, and afterwards by a violent storm, which
+carried away the scaffolding, and part of their materials, they got so
+far finished, that on the 18th of September, one room was habitable,
+and they could quit the small and uncomfortable hut, in which they had
+hitherto lived. During the winter months their work was suspended, but
+in spring, 1831, they recommenced with fresh diligence, and on the 7th
+of May, the second story of their house was floored, and likewise
+habitable. They had constructed besides some outhouses as cellars and
+store houses; and when the vessels from Europe again visited the
+settlement in July, bringing a further supply of building materials,
+brother Mentzel, who had gone to England and returned in her, was much
+surprised to see the premises so far advanced, and thus reported: "Our
+dear brethren," says he, "must have laboured diligently to effect what
+they have done. It is true every <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span>thing is in a rude and unfinished
+state; chairs, tables, bedsteads, and the like, have still to be made.
+Our fellow traveller, brother Freytag has his bed at present upon a
+heap of shavings. The reading table in the temporary church, is a box
+set on end, upon which a flat board has been nailed, and the whole is
+covered with a piece of coarse cloth, but in due time we hope all will
+be in order."</p>
+
+<p>In the course of the winter, nine persons came to reside at the
+settlement, professing to enquire for rest to their souls; the
+missionaries gladly received them, and directed their attention to our
+Saviour's invitation to the weary and heavy laden. Among them an
+Esquimaux woman came from Saeglak, and requested leave to reside at
+the station; the missionaries informed her that she was welcome to do
+so, but that she must give up all heathenish practices. She replied
+that for some time past, both her husband and herself had discontinued
+these things, and had been long thinking about their conversion, and
+therefore they had come to them. About a week after, the husband
+himself came, and confirmed what his wife had said. On the 12th of
+July three boats' companies arrived from the north, and several of the
+Esquimaux paid the brethren a visit, but seemed little disposed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span>to
+listen to the gospel. Only one young man remained with his mother.
+Many Esquimaux arrived in the following year [1832] for the sake of
+trade; but when the brethren advised them to make the salvation of
+their soul their chief concern, they all began to offer excuses, yet
+on being spoken to about the consequences of death, they did not, as
+formerly, treat it with levity; some even appeared thoughtful after
+such conversations, and five persons removed from the heathen to the
+settlement. Of those who had resided with them for some time, they had
+the pleasure, on Easter Sunday, to baptize four adults and one child,
+being the first accession to the church at Hebron from among the
+heathen. The number of their congregation in August, the date of their
+latest accounts, amounted in all, to 162 persons, of whom 72 had
+joined from Okkak, and 10 from Nain.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h4>THE END.</h4>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h5>PRINTED BY J. RITCHIE, 3. EAST ADAM STREET.</h5>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>Typographical errors corrected in text:</p>
+<br />
+Page iii: &nbsp; Draehart corrected to Drachart<br />
+Page iii: &nbsp; Quinport corrected to Quirpont<br />
+Page iv: &nbsp; diastrous corrected to disastrous<br />
+Page iv: &nbsp; Anake corrected to Anauke<br />
+Page iv: &nbsp; Leisbisch corrected to Liebisch<br />
+Page vi: &nbsp; Schrieber corrected to Schreiber (two cases)<br />
+Page vii: &nbsp; connnection corrected to connection<br />
+Page vii: &nbsp; Belisle corrected to Bellisle<br />
+Page ix: &nbsp; Farnheit corrected to Fahrenheit<br />
+Page xx: &nbsp; sowing corrected to sewing<br />
+Page xxiv: &nbsp; Belisle corrected to Bellisle<br />
+Page 41: &nbsp; Zinzendorf corrected to Zinzendorff<br />
+Page 63: &nbsp; Lous corrected to Louis<br />
+Page 71: &nbsp; demonaical corrected to demoniacal<br />
+Page 97: &nbsp; Liesbisch corrected to Liebisch<br />
+Page 120: &nbsp; sppear corrected to appear<br />
+Page 145: &nbsp; Leibisch corrected to Liebisch<br />
+Page 150: &nbsp; Tikkeronsuk corrected to Tikkerarsuk<br />
+Page 226: &nbsp; surprized corrected to surprised<br />
+Page 229: &nbsp; Esquimanx corrected to Esquimaux<br />
+Page 239: &nbsp; Lichtenfells corrected to Lichtenfels<br />
+Page 247: &nbsp; recal corrected to recall<br />
+Page 258: &nbsp; Uverunna corrected to Uiverunna<br />
+Page 263: &nbsp; Tikkerarsuck corrected to Tikkerarsuk<br />
+Page 269: &nbsp; Schrieber corrected to Schreiber (two cases)<br />
+Page 270: &nbsp; Chudliegh corrected to Chudleigh<br />
+Page 277: &nbsp; Kangertlualuksoak corrected to Kangerlualuksoak<br />
+Page 280: &nbsp; Koksock corrected to Koksoak<br />
+Page 288: &nbsp; Screiber corrected to Schreiber<br />
+Page 288: &nbsp; Burghart corrected to Burghardt<br />
+Page 319: &nbsp; Saeglek corrected to Saeglak<br />
+Page 322: &nbsp; Tikkerarsoak corrected to Tikkerarsuk<br />
+Page 330: &nbsp; Kangerluksoak corrected to Kangertluksoak<br />
+Page 331: &nbsp; Kangerluksoak corrected to Kangertluksoak<br />
+Page 335: &nbsp; Saeglek corrected to Saeglak
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Moravians in Labrador, by Anonymous
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Moravians in Labrador
+
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+
+
+Release Date: May 14, 2006  [eBook #18391]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR***
+
+
+E-text prepared by a www.PGDP.net Volunteer, Jeannie Howse, Mark C. Orton,
+Suzanne Lybarger, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) from page images generously made
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+(http://www.canadiana.org/eco/index.html)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      Early Canadiana Online. See
+      http://www.canadiana.org/ECO/mtq?doc=38020
+
+
+      +----------------------------------------------------------------+
+      | Transcriber's Notes:                                           |
+      |                                                                |
+      | The lone Greek word is transliterated and surrounded with +'s  |
+      |                                                                |
+      | The original images were of very poor quality, some            |
+      | punctuation has been inferred.                                 |
+      |                                                                |
+      | This document was originally published in 1822 and contains    |
+      | archaic spelling, as well as a number of obvious typographical |
+      | errors which have been corrected. For a complete list of       |
+      | corrected words, please see the end of this document.          |
+      |                                                                |
+      +----------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.
+
+
+
+From Greenland's icy mountains
+The joyful sound proclaim,
+Till each remotest nation
+Has learnt the Saviour's name.
+Waft, waft, ye winds, his story,
+And you, ye waters, roll,
+Till like a sea of glory,
+It spreads from pole to pole.
+                             HEBER.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Edinburgh:
+Printed by J. Ritchie.
+Sold by W. Whyte & Co., W. Oliphant, Waugh
+& Innes, and J. Lindsay & Co., Edinburgh;
+M. Ogle, and W. Collins, Glasgow; Hamilton,
+Adams & Co., and J. Nisbet, London.
+M.DCCC.XXXIII.
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+The present small volume which, in some measure, owes its origin to
+the suggestion of that long tried, excellent, and first friend of the
+Moravians in Scotland, R. Plenderleath, Esq., and being cordially
+approved of by the Rev P. Latrobe, London, though connected with
+considerable labour, great part of it having been translated from the
+German, has been cheerfully executed, and is intended to promote a
+purpose similar to that of the first edition of the Moravians in
+Greenland--to aid the subscriptions of some private friends who wish
+to communicate occasionally with the Missionaries in Labrador, and
+send them a few articles of comfort which the general funds do not
+supply. In allusion to this, the following extract from a letter,
+addressed to a friend in this city, from one of these devoted men,
+will be pleasant to the friends of the missions--"Dear Sister A ----,
+You kindly mention that a Society of Christian Ladies was formed in
+Edinburgh in aid of the missions in Greenland and Labrador, and had
+sent a gift of clothes, for which I beg you will accept of our united
+thanks. There are many poor widows and orphans in our Esquimaux
+congregations who are in the greatest necessity, to whom any little
+article of clothing will be most welcome. When our dear friends send
+us any thing of this kind, we always keep it till Christmas, and then
+divide them, that they may appear clothed on Christmas night. The
+dividing scene is often very affecting, their sobbing and weeping
+prevents their expressing _their gratitude_ in words, but one may
+easily perceive how deeply they feel their kindness."
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+Introduction.                                                 Page vii
+
+CHAPTER I.
+ Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.--J.C.
+  Erhardt suggests a mission--his letter to the Moravian
+  Bishop.--M. Stach consulted.--London merchants undertake the
+  scheme--engage Erhardt--its fatal conclusion.--Jans Haven
+  employed by the Brethren--encouraged by the British
+  Government, sets out on a voyage of discovery--his
+  providential arrival at Quirpont--first meeting with the
+  Esquimaux--his interesting intercourse--returns to England.
+  His second expedition, accompanied by Drachart and other
+  missionaries--their proceedings.--Drachart's remarkable
+  conversation with the natives--influence of the missionaries
+  in preserving peace--their religious communications with the
+  savages--the curiosity of the latter--their thievish
+  tricks--their kindness to the missionaries--a dreadful
+  storm.--Drachart and Haven entertained by an Angekok--his
+  incantations--their parting addresses to each other--the
+  missionaries return to London.                                    37
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+ Contests between the colonists and savages revive--Murderous
+  skirmish.--Mikak.--Karpik, his conversion and death.--The
+  Moravians receive a grant of land on the coast of Labrador--
+  resolve to renew the mission--voyage to explore the land.--
+  Jans Haven, Drachart, &c., arrive at Labrador--their
+  interview with the natives--meet Mikak and Tuglavina--their
+  kindness.--Segulliak the sorcerer.--Anxiety of the Esquimaux
+  for their remaining among them--ground purchased for a
+  settlement--manner of bargaining with the Esquimaux--sail for
+  Esquimaux bay--the natives troublesome--the Captain's method
+  of checking them.--Conduct of the missionaries--they preach on
+  shore.--Conversation with the Esquimaux.--Search out a place
+  for a settlement--purchase it of the natives--ceremonies used
+  on the occasion--take formal possession. Deputation return to
+  England                                                           73
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+ Preparations for establishing a settlement in Labrador.--A
+  love feast.--Missionaries leave London--erect a mission-house
+  at Nain---regulations for their intercourse with the
+  natives--visited by great numbers--manner of instruction--they
+  retire in winter, are visited by the Brethren in their
+  houses.--Death of Anauke.--An incantation.--Adventures in
+  search of a dead whale.--P.E. Lauritz deputed by the
+  conference--visits the missions--his excursion along the
+  coast.--A sloop of war arrives to examine the settlement--the
+  Captain's report.--Jans Haven's voyage to the north--
+  interesting occurrences.--Lauritz leaves Nain--his concluding
+  address.--The Brethren propose new settlements--disastrous
+  voyage in search of a situation.--Liebisch appointed
+  Superintendant.--An Angekok baptized--his address to the
+  natives.--Jans Haven commences a new station at Okkak--received
+  joyfully by the natives--six Esquimaux baptized--proceedings at
+  Nain.--Missionary accompanies the Esquimaux to a
+  rein-deer-hunt.--Third settlement--Hopedale founded.--Remarkable
+  preservation of the Missionaries.                                 97
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+ Esquimaux visit the English settlements--pernicious
+  consequences--dreadful accident--famine--unexpected supply
+  of food and skins.--Emigration from Okkak--missionaries' care
+  of the wanderers, who return disappointed.--Terrible tales
+  from the south.--Inquirers separated from the heathen.--Popish
+  priest attempts to seduce the converts.--Brother Rose inspects
+  Hopedale.--Karpik the sorcerer.--Peter's fall.--Visits to
+  the south renewed.--Parting address of the brethren.--Epidemic.--
+  Death of Daniel--of Esther.--Conversion and peaceful end of
+  Tuglavina.--Last days of Mikak.--Indians come to Hopedale.--
+  Rose's remarks on the internal state of the missions.--Instances
+  of the power of grace among the Esquimaux--striking observation
+  of one of the baptized.--Jonathan's letter to the Greenlanders.--
+  Affecting confession of Solomon.--Conduct of a young woman
+  sought in marriage by a heathen.--State of the settlements at the
+  close of the century.--Prospects begin to brighten.--Remarkable
+  phenomenon.--Avocations of the missionaries--their trials--
+  preservation of their vessels--of their settlements--their
+  brotherly love.                                                  154
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+ Variable appearances of the mission at Nain and Okkak--more
+  favourable at Hopedale.--Death of Benjamin.--Spirit of love
+  among the converted.--Happy communion and close of the
+  year.--Providential escape of the Resolution.--New epoch in
+  Labrador.--A remarkable awakening commences at Hopedale--
+  meetings--schools.--Letter from a converted Esquimaux to his
+  teacher.--Industry of the awakened.--Declension of religion
+  at Nain and Okkak.--State of the children at Hopedale.--
+  Progress of the adults in knowledge, love, and zeal--instances.--
+  Striking conversion of two young Esquimaux, its effects upon
+  their countrymen.--Awakening spreads to Nain and to Okkak.--Zeal
+  of the converts towards the heathen rouses backsliders.--
+  Behaviour of the awakened in sickness, and the prospect of
+  death.--Remarkable accessions from the heathen.--The son of a
+  sorcerer.                                                        201
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+ Mutual affection of the Christian Esquimaux and
+  Greenlanders--their correspondence--letter from Timothy, a
+  baptized Greenlander.--Delight of the Esquimaux in religious
+  exercises.--Order of the congregations--distressing events,
+  apostasy of Kapik--awful end of Jacob--peaceful end of
+  believers--Judith, Joanna.--Revival among the communicants.--A
+  feast by a Christian brother to the Esquimaux.--Winter
+  arrangements.--Childrens' meetings--schools.--The brethren's
+  settlements contrasted with the heathen.--Progress of religion
+  at the different stations.--Books printed in the Esquimaux
+  language.--Number of the settled Esquimaux.--Epidemic at
+  Nain--its consequences.--General view of the mission.            238
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+ Desire of the heathen to hear the Gospel.--Brethren meditate a
+  new settlement--voyage to explore the country.--Quiet course of
+  the mission--advantages of their church discipline.--Death of
+  Burghardt.--Exertions of the aged survivors.--Schreiber,
+  superintendant, arrives.--Anxiety of the native Christians to
+  attend the ordinances of religion.--Advantages of the Bible as
+  a school-book.--Four missionaries unexpectedly carried to
+  England.--Baptized Esquimaux seduced by traders.--Perilous
+  voyage of the returning missionaries--striking accident.--
+  Schreiber retires from the superintendance--Kohlmeister
+  succeeds--his journeyings to Okkak, to Nain.--Stability of
+  the work of God at Nain--hopeful deaths--conversion and
+  recovery of a young native.--Remarkable preservation of an
+  Esquimaux youth.                                                 269
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+ Fiftieth anniversary of the missionary vessel's first arrival
+  in Labrador--jubilee of the mission celebrated at Nain.--
+  Summary view of the success of the gospel in Labrador during
+  that period.--Instance of maternal affection.--Esquimaux
+  contribute to the Bible Society.--British sloop of war,
+  Clinker, visits Hopedale.--Captain Martin's testimony to the
+  good effect of the brethren's labours--visits Nain and
+  Okkak--consequences of his favourable report.                    304
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+ The Brethren obtain a further grant of land on the east coast
+  of Labrador--projected fourth settlement delayed.--Progress of
+  the three settlements in the interval.--Instances of wonderful
+  preservation--Ephraim--of Conrad, Peter, and Titus.--Report of
+  the Superintendant, Kohlmeister, on the general state of the
+  Mission.--Letter from Brother and Sister Kmoch, to a friend in
+  Edinburgh.--Commencement and progress of Hebron, the fourth
+  station.                                                         318
+
+
+
+
+THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The Moravian Mission in Labrador was attempted under circumstances
+scarcely less discouraging than those under which the brethren were
+enabled to achieve the moral conquest of Greenland, was attended with
+incidents still more romantic, and blest with a success equally
+remarkable. But it possesses a peculiar interest to British readers,
+having been commenced under the auspices of the British government,
+and promising a more extensive influence among tribes with whom
+British intercourse is likely to produce a wider and more intimate
+connection.
+
+The Peninsula of Labrador extends from the 50th to the 61st deg. N.L.
+It is somewhat of a triangular form; bounded on the north by Hudson's
+Straits, and indented by Ungava Bay; on the east by the northern
+ocean; on the south by Canada and the Gulph of St Lawrence; and on
+the west by Hudson's and James' Bay, which last coast, by a kind of
+anomaly in nomenclature, has been called the East Main, from its
+situation to that great inland sea.
+
+The German geographers do not appear to doubt, what some of our own
+have called in question, that the discovery and the name of this
+Peninsula, at least of its eastern shores, were owing to the
+Portuguese, Gaspar Cortereal, who, in the years 1500 and 1501, in an
+expedition fitted by the king to discover a western passage to India,
+reached the coast of Newfoundland about the 50th deg. N.L., and sailed
+northward to nearly the entrance into Hudson's Bay. This tract of
+country was originally called after its discoverer, Terra Cortereali,
+a name since superseded by that of Terra de Labrador--the land capable
+of cultivation. Davis Straits, here about one hundred miles broad,
+separates it from Greenland, whose southernmost point, Cape Farewell,
+lies in the same degree of latitude, [60 N.L.] with Cape Chudleigh,
+the northernmost extremity of Labrador. The Straits of Bellisle run
+between it and Newfoundland. The land along the shore is abrupt and
+precipitous, indented with many little creeks and vallies, surrounded
+by innumerable islands, and rendered extremely dangerous of access
+from the multitude of sunken rocks. The interior is mountainous,
+intersected by marshes, and abounding with streamlets and lakes.
+
+Detached from the Arctic lands, this country ought to partake in some
+degree of the temperate cold regions, but whether owing to the
+elevation of its mountains, or the influence of the perpetual fogs
+that cover the neighbouring seas, it is as frozen a region as those to
+the west of Hudson's Bay; and though it lies some degrees farther
+south than Greenland, yet the cold during the long winter is far more
+severe, the thermometer being frequently 32 deg. below 0 deg. of Fahrenheit.
+Perhaps the immense quantity of drift ice which accumulates on the
+eastern shores, and which extends for so many miles out to sea, may
+have some influence on the temperature of the climate. The summer, on
+the other hand, during the short time that it lasts, is proportionally
+warmer, the thermometer rising from 70 deg. to 80 deg. above 0. Vegetation
+then proceeds with uncommon rapidity; the shrubs and plants expand as
+if by enchantment; and the country assumes the luxuriance and beauty
+of a European summer. Forests of pine and larch are scattered over the
+country, the trees of sufficient size to be used in building, or to be
+sawn into boards; there are also willows, birch, aspen, and alder, in
+considerable quantities.
+
+The land animals are the same as those in Greenland. The _rein-deer_,
+this beautiful and useful creature, is found in considerable herds,
+but has not hitherto been domesticated, being only hunted for its
+flesh, which makes an agreeable variety of food; and its skin, which
+is an elegant and necessary article of clothing, as the fur is always
+richer in proportion to the intensity of the cold, against which it
+forms an excellent defence; they are hunted with dogs, and formerly
+used to be easily killed with the bow and arrow, but the introduction
+of fire arms has proved much more destructive. When hard-pressed, they
+soon take to the water, and swim so well that a four oared boat can
+scarcely come up with them, but an Esquimaux in his kaiak more readily
+overtakes them. _Hares_ are tolerably plenty. The _Arctic fox_ also is
+numerous; their skins are used for the purposes of commerce, and their
+flesh is esteemed preferable to that of the hare. _Black bears_ are
+frequently killed, and are relished as food by the Esquimaux. But the
+most formidable among the tribes of these regions is the _Polar bear_,
+whose ferocity and courage render him an object of terror even to the
+well armed European. The _dog_ is the most useful of the quadrupeds
+to the Esquimaux; he bears a strong resemblance to the wolf; is in
+height about the size of the Newfoundland, and is well furnished with
+a thick hairy coat, peculiarly adapted to the climate. As a hunter,
+his scent can trace the seal or the rein-deer at a considerable
+distance, and he does not dread, when in packs, to attack even the
+white bear itself. His chief value, however, consists in his qualities
+as a draught animal; for this he is carefully trained from his
+infancy, and undergoes severe and frequent floggings to break him
+regularly into the team. He becomes then remarkably submissive, comes
+at his master's call, and allows himself quietly to be harnessed to
+the sledge. In fastening them care is taken not to let them go
+abreast: they are tied by separate thongs, of unequal lengths, to a
+horizontal bar on the forepart of the sledge; an old knowing one leads
+the way, running ten to twenty paces a head, directed by the driver's
+whip, which is often twenty-four feet long, and can only be properly
+wielded by an experienced Esquimaux; the other dogs follow like a
+flock of sheep, and if one receives a lash, he bites his neighbour,
+and the bite goes round. Their strength, and speed, even with an
+hungry stomach, is astonishing; and to this they are often subjected,
+especially by the heathen, who treat them with little mercy, and force
+them to perform hard duty for the small quantity of food they allow
+them. Their portion upon a journey consists chiefly in offals, old
+skins, entrails, rotten whale flesh, or fins, or whatever else the
+Esquimaux himself cannot use; if these run out, or if the master,
+whose stomach is not of the most delicate contexture, requires his
+dogs' meat, then the poor creatures must go and seek for themselves,
+in which case they will swallow almost any thing, so that it is always
+necessary to secure the harness over night, if the traveller wishes to
+proceed in the morning. The teams vary from three to nine dogs, and
+this last number have been known to drag a weight of more than sixteen
+hundred pounds, a mile in nine minutes.
+
+Like the Greenlanders the inhabitants of Labrador must draw their
+subsistence and their wealth chiefly from the sea; but in this respect
+their circumstances are less favourable than the former. Whales are
+scarce, and the chief species they take is that denominated the white
+fish, of little value in commerce. In pursuing them they have now
+adopted the European boat in preference to their own, and those most
+frequently employed are six oared, rowed by twelve men. The harpooner
+stands in the bow with his harpoon, or iron spear, which is stuck on a
+shaft one or two fathoms long, and is provided with a leathern thong
+of considerable length, to which are attached from five to ten
+bladders of seal skin. If the whale be struck he immediately dives to
+the bottom of the sea, where he remains till he is quite exhausted,
+when he again comes to the surface of the water to breathe; in the
+meanwhile the boat's crew observe all its motions, and are in
+readiness with their lances to complete the business, during which,
+the person who first struck the fish, falls down on his face in the
+fore part of the boat, and prays that Torngak would strengthen the
+thongs that they may not break; another of the crew allows his feet to
+be bound, as a symbol of what he desires, then attempting to walk,
+falls down and exclaims, "Let him be lame!" and a third, if he
+observes that the whale is dying, calls out, "Now Torngak is there,
+and will help us to kill the fish, and we shall eat his flesh, and
+fare sumptuously, and be happy!" But if the whale appears likely to
+escape, the first continues lying on his face crying out with
+vehemence, "Hear yet, and help us!" If the whale get off, some of
+their conjurors inform them that Torngak was not there, or he did not
+hear, or he was otherwise employed! Seals are more abundant, and are
+the chief dependance of the natives, their flesh serving for food,
+their skins for clothes and covering to their tents and boats, and
+their blubber for oil or for exchange. Catching the seal was formerly
+a tedious and laborious process, but now they are generally taken in
+nets, which the natives have adopted from the Europeans.
+
+Salmon and salmon-trout are caught in every creek and inlet; they
+remain in the rivers and fresh-water lakes during the winter, and
+return to the sea in spring. The Esquimaux about Okkak and Saeglak,
+catch them in winter under the ice by spearing. For this purpose they
+make two holes in the ice, about eight inches in diameter, and six
+feet asunder, in a direction from north to south. The northern hole
+they screen from the sun by a bank of snow about four feet in height,
+raised in a semi-circle round its southern edge, and form another
+similar bank on the north side of the southern hole, sloped in such a
+manner as to reflect the rays of the sun into it. The Esquimaux then
+lies down, with his face close to the northern aperture, beneath which
+the water is strongly illuminated by the sunbeams entering at the
+southern. In his left hand he holds a red string, with which he plays
+in the water to allure the fish, and in his right, a spear ready to
+strike them as they approach; and in this manner, they soon take as
+many as they want. The trout on this coast are from twelve to eighteen
+inches long, and in August and September so fat, that the Esquimaux
+collect from them a sufficient quantity of oil for their lamps. The
+great shoals of herrings, which are the staple of the Greenlanders, do
+not touch at the shores of Labrador, but they have abundance of cod at
+many of their fishing stations, which the missionaries have shown them
+the method, and set them the example, of curing for their winter's
+supply.
+
+Sea-fowl of the duck and goose species frequent the shores of
+Labrador, and the islands scattered around it, and afford to the
+natives, as they do to the rest of the northern tribes, food, warmth,
+and materials for trade. Of the land birds, the large partridge,
+[reiper,] or American wild pheasant, is the only one which the
+missionaries mention as being used by them as an agreeable variety of
+food, when, other resources failing, they have been confined to salted
+provisions.
+
+The peninsula is chiefly inhabited on the coast, where the Moravians
+have now four settlements. The natives style themselves _Innuit_,
+_i.e._ men; and foreigners, _Kablunat_ or inferior beings. Their
+original national name is Karalit, also denoting superiority, and the
+term Esquimaux, by which they are now so generally known, was given
+them by their neighbours the Indians, in whose language it signifies
+"men's raw meat," and probably imports that the Indians were, or it
+may be, are cannibals, and devoted their captives for this horrible
+repast. In lowness of stature, in their flat features, and dark
+colour, they exactly resemble the Greenlanders. Their language is a
+dialect of the same tongue, intelligible by both; but from their
+intercourse with foreigners, and their adopting some foreign customs,
+and becoming possessed of foreign utensils, a number of strange words
+have been introduced into each, only the former borrowed Danish or
+English phrases, while the latter had learned many French words. Their
+dress is nearly similar, being seal-skin coats and breeches, except
+the outer garment of the women ends behind in a train that reaches to
+the ground, and their boats are sufficiently large to carry their
+children if they are mothers--or provisions, or any other packages, if
+they are not.
+
+Their winter houses are low, long, ill-constructed huts, inhabited by
+several families, and abominably filthy; they are dug deep in the
+earth, but the walls above the surface never exceed three feet in
+height, the roof is elevated in the middle, and the windows are placed
+to look to the south: the entry can only admit a person to crawl in;
+on one side of it is placed the kitchen, and on the other the
+dog-kennel, but no partition separates the biped from the quadruped
+inhabitant. If constrained to travel in winter, or to remain at a
+distance from their usual homes, they build houses of snow, which
+afford them a tolerably comfortable temporary abode. These habitations
+are very ingeniously constructed; they first search out a heap of
+firmly frozen snow, next they trace out a circular figure, of whatever
+size they think requisite, and then proceed with their long thin
+knives, to cut out square slabs, about three feet in length, two in
+breadth, and one in thickness, and gradually contracting as they rise,
+they form a dome about eight feet high; within, they leave an
+elevation all round the walls of about twenty inches, which, when
+covered with skins, serves both for a seat and a sleeping place; a
+piece of ice serves for a window, and in the evening they close their
+door with a board of snow; a lamp suspended from the roof gives light
+and heat to the apartment.
+
+When missions were first commenced among the Greenlanders, they had
+had but little intercourse with Europeans: it was different when the
+brethren visited Labrador--the Esquimaux had been long acquainted with
+Europeans, but of the baser sort, and had lost many of the original
+features of savage life, without, however, gaining any thing better in
+their place. Their communication with these wretches, who disgraced
+the term civilized, corrupted their morals, and did not improve their
+knowledge, taught them wants, without teaching them how to supply
+them, except by theft. When the missionaries latterly came in contact
+with Esquimaux, who were previously unacquainted, or but little
+acquainted, with white men, they found them comparatively mild and
+honest. On a voyage of observation, they landed at Nachrack, and they
+report, "We found," say they, "the people here, differing much in
+their manners from the people at Saeglak. Their behaviour was modest,
+and rather bashful, nor were we assailed by beggars and importunate
+intruders. We had no instance of stealing. Thieves are considered by
+the Esquimaux in general with abhorrence, and with a thief no one is
+willing to trade." Latter voyagers have borne similar testimony to
+their brethren still further north; but their honesty seems to have
+arisen from the want of temptation; for the same missionaries add: "We
+have discovered that this propensity is not altogether wanting in the
+northern Esquimaux, who now and then, if they think they can do it
+without detection, will make a little free with their neighbour's
+property." And a further acquaintance with the natives discovered to
+the northern navigators, that first impressions are not always to be
+relied upon, for even the fair damsels could slyly secrete pewter
+plates, spoons and other valuables in the capacious trunks of their
+hose-boots; but those near the European settlements had improved in
+wickedness, and got ingrafted on their own vicious propensities new
+branches of more vigorous and productive mischief. They were in truth
+in a situation peculiarly adapted to shew the power and the necessity
+of the gospel for reclaiming the moral wilderness, for in them it had
+to overcome the worst vices of barbarous and civilized men.
+
+Their religion too appears to have received no more improvement than
+their morals; from their neighbourhood to nominal Christians their
+creed remained much the same. They believed that Torngak, under the
+figure of an old man, dwelt in the waters, and had the rule over
+whales and seals, and that a female demon, Supperguksoak, under the
+form of an old woman, resided in the interior, and reigned over the
+land animals. But the Angekoks had assumed a secular power, which they
+did not possess in Greenland, and exercised at once the office of
+priest and a chief, of a sorcerer, a thief, and a murderer. Of this
+several examples will be found in the subsequent narrative, as well as
+instances of their ridiculous incantations: the females, in some
+cases, showed the authority and influence of their husbands. Their
+notions of futurity were gross and sensual, the highest enjoyment of
+the soul after death, being made to consist in successful hunting and
+gluttony; the sorest punishment, in poverty and hunger.
+
+The Esquimaux on the east coast of Labrador, may be divided into two
+sections: those in the south, who seldom come farther than
+Kangertuksoak, about twenty miles north of Okkak, which lies 57 deg., 20
+m. N.L.; and those of the north, who seldom come farther south than
+Nachrack 59 deg. --m. Saeglak lies between, and in winter is visited by
+both in their sledges. Those in the north still retain the original
+native furniture, wooden bowls, and whale-bone water buckets, large
+and small lamps and kettles of bastard marble, and are more
+unvitiated, therefore more to be depended upon than the others. They
+of the south have obtained European pots and kettles of iron,
+hatchets, saws, knives and gimlets, woollen cloths, sewing needles,
+and various other utensils of iron; they are more treacherous, and
+less to be trusted in their dealings.
+
+So long as Newfoundland remained in possession of the French, the
+traffic of Europeans with the Esquimaux went little farther than the
+bartering of fish hooks, knives, or trifling wares, which they had
+brought with them to the fishing for whale fins. But when that Island
+fell into the hands of the English, they and the Americans, who
+promised themselves great advantages from opening a trade with the
+natives, brought with them a more extensive assortment of goods. The
+traffic at first was mis-managed. In order to ingratiate themselves
+with the savages, the traders both took and allowed greater liberties
+than were calculated to preserve mutual good understanding. The
+foreigners excited the cupidity of the natives, which, though easily
+satisfied at the moment, soon became a constant, increasing, and
+insatiable appetite; and when their whale-fins, furs, or blubber were
+exhausted, and they could purchase no more of the articles they had
+learned to prize, they first quarrelled with those friends who would
+not make them presents of what they wanted, and then proceeded by
+fraud or force to supply themselves. Having a thorough contempt for
+the _Kablunat_, they imagined that they displayed a virtuous and
+praiseworthy superiority, when they overreached, deceived, and stole
+from them. The traders who entertained similar notions respecting the
+Esquimaux, acted in a similar manner, and their intercourse soon
+became productive of murders and robberies, in which the numbers and
+cunning of the latter enabled them for a time to be the most
+successful.
+
+A band of Esquimaux from Avertok, a place not far from where the
+settlement of Nain at present is, commenced their plundering
+expeditions upon system, evincing a depraved ingenuity, converted now
+to better objects. They went regularly to the south with whale fins,
+which they bought up from their neighbours, and under the pretext of
+trading with the Europeans, contrived, either by stratagem or open
+violence, to rob them to an extent far beyond the value of what they
+pretended to barter; this succeeding for a while, they were joined by
+others from various quarters, till they were able to equip a fleet of
+boats amounting to eighteen. In 1763, they so infested the straits of
+Bellisle, that it was not safe for a fishing vessel to enter them
+alone. And so successful were these pirates, that they supplied the
+whole coast, not only with iron utensils and European arms, but
+likewise with boats, sails, anchors, cords and nets; and boats in
+particular were in such plenty, that a good one could have been got
+for a few skins, twelve whale-fins, or two or three dogs. The
+excesses and cruelties with which these depredations were accompanied,
+filled the Europeans and colonists with such extraordinary terror,
+that if but the cry of a bird was heard in the night, every one
+trembled, and made ready to flee.
+
+The savages preferred stratagem, and to accomplish their purpose did
+not hesitate to employ the most insidious treachery. When they
+approached Cape Charles, they never ventured farther, till they
+reconnoitred during the dark in their kaiaks, and ascertained whether
+there were any Europeans on the north side of Chateau Bay; if they
+found none, they advanced in the night, or in foggy weather, to the
+three islands that lie in the mouth of the bay, whence they, under
+cloud of night, examined the bay itself. If they found there only a
+few Europeans, whom they supposed they could easily master, they
+approached softly so near, that they could stare them in the face, and
+then raised a most frightful yell, which commonly terrified the
+Europeans thus taken by surprise, and threw them into such confusion,
+that they left all, and were glad if they escaped with their lives.
+If, however, the Europeans did not allow themselves to be frightened
+by the unexpected cry, but received them in a friendly manner, and
+made offer to trade, the Esquimaux would agree with seeming
+cordiality; and having sent off their boats and families, the men
+returned in their kaiaks bringing a few whale-fins to sell, and
+entered upon a very amicable-like traffic. This kind of intercourse
+they would continue for some days, till, having gained the confidence
+of the strangers and thrown them off their guard, then the most
+resolute and strongest of the Esquimaux, concealing their long knives
+in a secret sheath in their left sleeve, would enter upon a bargain
+for some more fins, and while adjusting it with the greatest show of
+friendship, each would seize the trader with whom he was dealing, as
+if he meant to embrace him, and on a given sign by their leader, would
+plunge his knife into his heart. In this manner the whole were cut
+off, and their property became the prey of the savages, who, when they
+had fairly cleaned Chateau Bay, would set sail to renew their
+depredations in other quarters, and if dark and misty weather
+favoured, and their force was sufficient, they would even scour the
+straits of Bellisle, or roam during the night in search of booty
+through the neighbouring islands. Such was the character of the
+savages the Moravians were desirous to civilize; how they succeeded,
+the following pages will show.
+
+
+
+
+THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.--J.C.
+   Erhardt suggests a mission--his letter to the Moravian
+   Bishop.--M. Stach consulted.--London merchants undertake the
+   scheme--engage Erhardt--its fatal conclusion.--Jans Haven
+   employed by the Brethren, encouraged by the British Government,
+   sets out on a voyage of discovery--his providential arrival at
+   Quirpont--first meeting with the Esquimaux--his interesting
+   intercourse--returns to England.--His second expedition,
+   accompanied by Drachart and other missionaries--their
+   proceedings.--Drachart's remarkable conversation with the
+   natives--influence of the missionaries in preserving
+   peace--their religious communications with the savages--the
+   curiosity of the latter--their thievish tricks--their kindness
+   to the missionaries--a dreadful storm.--Drachart and Haven
+   entertained by an Angekok--his incantations--their parting
+   addresses to each other--the missionaries return to London.
+
+
+When the original Hudson's Bay Company was formed, 1688, for the
+purpose of trading in furs with the natives, the instructions they
+sent to their factors breathed the most liberal and benevolent
+principles. They directed them to use every means in their power to
+reclaim the heathen from a state of barbarism, and instil into their
+minds the pure lessons of Christianity; and at the same time
+admonished them to trade equitably, and take no advantage of their
+untutored simplicity. It does not appear that much attention was paid
+to either of these injunctions, or if there was, the efforts proved as
+abortive as those they made to discover the western passage. The moral
+wilderness still remains around their settlements on the East Maine,
+while those of the brethren on the opposite coast of Labrador bloom
+and blossom as the rose.
+
+The first thought of attempting to establish a missionary settlement
+in that quarter among the Esquimaux, originated with a Moravian
+brother, John Christian Erhardt, a Dutch pilot. He had in early life
+made several voyages to Davis Straits; but in 1749, when sailing under
+Captain Grierson in the Irene, the vessel touched at New Hernhut in
+Greenland, where he saw the congregation that had been gathered from
+among the heathen in that land; and in conversation with the brethren
+they told him that they supposed the opposite coast of North America
+was peopled by tribes having the same customs and speaking the same
+language as the Greenlanders. This statement made a deep impression on
+his mind, and during his stay at Hernhaag, 1750, while musing on the
+state of that people sitting in the darkness of heathenism, and on how
+the light of the gospel might be communicated to them, a description
+of the journey undertaken by Henry Ellis, 1746-7, at the desire of the
+Hudson's Bay Company, to try to discover a north-west passage,
+accidentally fell into his hands. The account there given of these
+barbarous regions convinced him that the people were sprung from the
+same origin with the Greenlanders, and the methods suggested by Ellis
+for their moral improvement enabled him to bring his own scheme to a
+bearing.
+
+In a letter, dated 20th May 1750, addressed to Bishop Johannes de
+Watteville, he laid before him his plan for establishing a mission on
+that part of the coast between Newfoundland and Hudson's Straits,
+which had as yet been but rarely visited by Europeans, and offered
+himself to undertake it. "Whoever," says he in this letter, "has seen
+our cause in Greenland, and what the Saviour has done to the poor
+heathen there, surely his heart and his eyes must overflow with tears
+of joy, if he possess any feeling of interest in the happiness of
+others: they are indeed sparkling rubies in the golden girdle of our
+dear Saviour, as the text for the day speaks, Rev 1 13. And I believe
+the Saviour has in these northern waters many such gems that he will
+also gather, and set in it to his praise and glory. My heart is much
+impressed with the thought of carrying the gospel to the before
+mentioned countries and places." "Now, dear Johannes," he concludes,
+"thou knowest that I am an old Greenland traveller; I have also an
+amazing affection for these northern countries, Indians, and other
+barbarians; and it would be a source of the greatest joy if the
+Saviour would discover to me that he has chosen me, and would make me
+fit for this service. It is not for ease or convenience that I so
+earnestly desire it. I think I can say before the Saviour, if this is
+of thee thou wilt cause it to prosper, if not, yet it is a good work,
+and no one will lose any thing by it."
+
+On purpose to further the prosecution of this object, M. Stach, the
+first Greenland missionary, had been recalled to Europe, and in the
+year 1752 was sent for to London by Count Zinzendorff, to be consulted
+with upon the occasion. Application was at the same time made to the
+Hudson's Bay Company, for permission to preach the gospel to the
+savages in the neighbourhood of their factories; but this being
+refused, probably lest it should interfere with their mercantile
+projects, M. Stach returned to found new settlements near the scenes
+of his first labours. Meanwhile, three London merchants, but
+unconnected with the Hudson's Bay Company, Messrs Nisbet, Grace and
+Bell, fitted out a vessel for the coast of Labrador, to trade in oil
+and whale fins, and engaged Erhardt, then at Zeist, to act as
+supercargo, who, on account of his knowledge of the north seas, of the
+trade, and of the language, they judged well qualified for that
+office; but they also wished to make some preparation for a missionary
+settlement, and four brethren, Golkowsky, Kunz, Post, and Krumm,
+volunteered to remain in the country to learn the language, and
+endeavour the conversion of the heathen; for this purpose they took
+with them a wooden house ready to set up, a boat, various articles of
+furniture, and some kitchen garden-seeds.
+
+Count Zinzendorff, who, from former experience, was opposed to mixing
+trading transactions with the work of a Christian mission, was not
+without doubts as to the issue of this undertaking, he did not however
+attempt to prevent it. The vessel on board of which this small society
+embarked, named the Hope, reached the south-east coast of Labrador on
+the 11th July 1752. The whole is precipitous, and skirted with
+numerous barren rocky islands; among these they had to steer their way
+under many difficulties, and with the greatest caution, without any
+proper chart, in misty weather, and with the sounding line constantly
+in their hands. At length they landed, and proceeded in search of the
+Esquimaux in order to traffic with them. On the 29th July they made
+their first appearance in five kaiaks, which they managed with great
+dexterity, and seemed highly delighted with Erhardt, who, from his
+knowledge of the Greenlandish, could make himself understood by them.
+They exchanged some whale fins for knives. July 31 they came to anchor
+55 deg. 31 m. N.L. in a beautiful harbour, surrounded by a wooded high
+land, and bounded by meadow grounds, to which, from respect to the
+chief owner of the ship, they gave the name of Nisbet's Harbour.
+
+There the brethren, with the assistance of the sailors, brought their
+house on shore, and erected it on this pleasant spot--for it was
+summer[A]--which they called Hoffenthal, _i.e._ Hopevale; they
+received from the ship all that was necessary for the supply of their
+present wants, and putting their confidence in the protection of
+their heavenly Father, they took up their habitation.
+
+Erhardt, in the mean time, carried on a considerable trade with the
+natives, who seemed very desirous to assemble around him, and showed
+him particular marks of affection and attachment. Having remained till
+the 5th of September, and having seen the brethren, to all appearance,
+comfortably settled in their dwelling, the vessel left to proceed
+further to the north, for the purpose of completing her cargo, and
+Drachart, who had engaged to return to Europe, received in charge the
+brethren's letters for their friends, and bade them farewell.
+
+Ten days after, on the 15th, the missionaries, to their astonishment,
+perceived the Hope again re-enter Nisbet's Harbour. Upon boarding her,
+they learned the painful heart-rending news, that Erhardt, the
+captain, ship's clerk, and four sailors, had left the ship in a boat
+filled with merchandize, and for one day had conducted a friendly and
+gainful traffic with the Esquimaux; but being enticed by the savages,
+had consented to repeat their visit, perhaps proceed farther into the
+country, or along the coast, and were never seen more. The vessel,
+with the remains of the crew, had waited in a state of the most
+anxious distressing expectation two days and three nights, in hopes of
+their return; but as they never made their appearance, and they had no
+other boat to send in quest of them, they were constrained to leave
+the district, under the distressing conviction that the natives, who
+had been observed lurking behind some of the small islands, had risen
+on the unsuspecting party, and murdered them for the sake of their
+property.
+
+This intelligence threw the brethren into the greatest perplexity, as
+the person on whom the charge of the Hope now devolved pressed them
+earnestly to give him their boat, and return with him to Europe,
+because, from the loss of his best seamen, without additional hands,
+it would be impossible to navigate the ship. Having come thither at
+the expense of the merchants, the missionaries could not allow them to
+suffer in their temporal concerns; and although they would willingly
+have risked their own lives in the cause, they did not see it equally
+their duty to risk the lives of others, and the property of the
+merchants, on an unknown coast and a tempestuous ocean, and therefore
+agreed to comply with the new captain's request. Leaving provisions in
+the house, from which they departed with sorrowful hearts, in the
+feeble hope that perhaps some of those missing might yet be alive,
+and might be able to find their way thither, on the 20th September
+they bade adieu to the station, reached St John's, Newfoundland, on
+the 31st, and about the latter end of November arrived in London.
+
+An issue so disastrous to an expedition so well planned, which
+apparently carried within itself every rational promise of prosperity,
+was calculated to throw a damp upon any renewal of missionary
+enterprize in that quarter; and it did so with those who imagined that
+they themselves could command success, if their projects were
+judiciously concerted, and the means sufficiently supplied. It had no
+such effect on that eminent servant of God, Count Zinzendorff. When
+the mournful accounts of the uncertain fate of Erhardt and his
+companions reached that nobleman, he was grieved, yet not
+distressed--perplexed, yet not in despair; for he saw much mercy
+mingled in the dispensation, and was thankful to God that four
+brethren had returned safe. Next year the vessel Hope re-visited the
+coast of Labrador, under the command of Captain Goff. He heard that
+some dead bodies had been found and buried, and that the missionary
+station had been burned, but no further particulars were ever learned.
+In this manner ended the first commercial adventure and first mission
+to Labrador--enforcing, in a salutary and impressive manner, the
+fundamental maxim of the brethren, that worldly speculation ought
+never to be joined with Christian enterprize.
+
+Notwithstanding this failure, the brethren did not relinquish the hope
+that God would, in some way or other, direct them how to reach these
+savages, and there were not wanting men who showed a strong desire to
+carry the gospel among them. In particular, Jans Haven, a carpenter,
+from the moment he heard that Erhardt had been killed by the
+Esquimaux, could never get rid of the powerful impulse, and in his
+retirement constantly employed himself with charts and books relating
+to the subject, and by every means endeavoured to make himself
+acquainted with the inhabitants, customs, climate and situation of
+Labrador.
+
+In the year 1758, Haven received a call to assist the Greenland
+missionaries in founding the new settlement of Lichtenfels. He then
+for the first time told Count Zinzendorff, that during six years he
+had cherished the idea of going to Labrador to make known to the
+heathen their Creator and Saviour. At first the Count hesitated
+whether he should allow him to go to Greenland, but upon
+consideration, he thought it would be better for him to proceed
+thither; and on taking leave, and giving him his blessing, he said,
+"Go first to Greenland and learn the language, and the Saviour will do
+the rest." He accordingly went thither, and was honoured, along with
+M. Stach, to promote the second settlement in that country.
+
+With all the attachment and love, however, which he soon conceived for
+the Greenlanders, his predilection for Labrador never abated, while
+his determination to serve the Lord in those regions was ever present
+to his mind; and when in 1762 he returned to Germany, he laid his
+desire before the Conference at Engen, which at that time had the
+direction of the Brethren's Unity, and offered to undertake personally
+a voyage of inquiry into these regions. His proposals met with their
+most cordial approbation, and he took his departure from Hernhut for
+England in the spring of 1764, with the blessing of the congregation.
+He travelled on foot through Germany to Holland, and after
+encountering numberless difficulties--especially in England from his
+want of a knowledge of the language--he arrived in London. His first
+intention was to offer himself as a common sailor or ship's carpenter
+to the Hudson Bay Company, in order to procure a passage; but the
+brethren advised him rather to try and get to Labrador by the way of
+Newfoundland.
+
+After many fruitless attempts, he was eventually introduced, through
+the means of James Hutton, Secretary to the Brethren's Unity in
+England, to Sir Hugh Palliser, Governor of Newfoundland, and Commodore
+of the squadron which sailed annually from England. Sir Hugh received
+him very kindly, and took a lively interest in what appeared to him so
+praiseworthy an undertaking as the conversion of the heathen; for he
+rationally concluded that it would also be most advantageous for
+commerce, if the population of that country were instructed and
+humanized. He at once promised all his assistance and support, and
+even offered to carry Jans Haven out on board his own ship. This the
+missionary declined, but requested letters of recommendation to the
+government officers at St John's, which were readily granted, and he
+set sail with the first vessel for that port. Upon his arrival (May
+16th) he lodged at the house of a merchant, who treated him with great
+civility, and supported himself by working at his trade as a
+carpenter, while he endeavoured to obtain every information possible
+respecting the scene of his future labours. In the mean time, his
+disinterested love for the work he had engaged in was put to an
+eminently trying test. Many persons who heard of his intentions came
+to see and converse with him; but instead of endeavouring to
+strengthen his hands in his missionary designs, they made him several
+advantageous proposals for settling in Newfoundland, where there would
+have been no doubt of his speedily realizing a fortune. His heart,
+however, was bent on a nobler object. That he did not under-rate the
+difficulties he would have to encounter in his arduous work, appears
+from a letter written about this time; but he knew likewise where his
+strength lay. "Every one here," says he, "paints the Esquimaux in the
+most shocking colours; but I think they are men, and the word of the
+death of Jesus, which has produced such amazing effects on other
+barbarous nations, cannot fail to have an influence also on them."
+
+Immediately upon his arrival in St John's, Newfoundland, the Governor
+issued a proclamation, expressive of his approval of the objects of
+the mission and of his desire to promote them. "As it would," said he,
+"be of the greatest advantage to the trade of His Majesty's dominions
+in North America, if a friendly intercourse could be established
+between the Esquimaux Indians that inhabit the coasts of Labrador, and
+the inhabitants of the colonies; and all attempts hitherto to
+accomplish this desirable object having failed--partly, it must be
+confessed, owing to the foolish, treacherous and cruel manner in which
+some of our people have treated the natives in their traffic with them
+on their own coasts--some of them being most deceitfully plundered,
+and others barbarously murdered; in consequence of which we have been
+brought into the greatest contempt, as if our only design was to lay a
+snare to get them extirpated: such flagitious proceedings being
+directly opposed to His Majesty's benign and humane disposition, it is
+his Royal will and pleasure that these Indians be henceforth treated
+with kindness, and encouraged to trade with his Majesty's subjects. In
+conformity with these sentiments of our gracious Sovereign, we deem it
+necessary to recommend to every possible assistance the bearer of
+this, Jans Haven, a member of the Moravian Brethren's Church, who has
+formed the laudable design of visiting these coasts, and if possible,
+to communicate the knowledge of religion to the poor ignorant heathen,
+and also endeavour to remove the prejudices which have prevented them
+from having a friendly intercourse with us. And further, we, His
+Majesty's Officers, &c. in Council assembled, having conversed with
+the said Jans Haven, and being highly satisfied with him, command that
+no impediment be thrown in the way of this his attempt, but rather
+that every possible friendship and assistance be given him, in order
+to promote a happy issue to his most Christian undertaking, as by this
+a great service will not only be rendered to the inhabitants of these
+colonies, but to His Majesty's subjects in general. Given under our
+hand, subscribed and sealed at St John's, 1st July 1764. (Signed) HUGH
+PALLISER"
+
+Fortified by this proclamation, which secured to the missionary the
+protection of the British Government, a protection which the Brethren
+have to this day enjoyed, he embarked on board a ship bound for the
+north, from which he was transferred to a French shallop engaged in
+fishing on the shores of Labrador. When they arrived on the coast,
+Haven for the first time saw the Esquimaux rowing about in their
+kaiaks, but none were permitted to approach without being fired upon,
+so great was the dread these savages had inspired. He landed, however,
+24th Aug., near Chateau Bay, 52 degrees N.L.; but the inhabitants
+fled at his approach, at least none made their appearance till he left
+the shore, when they came in numbers to the beach, which was the
+subject of much merriment to the sailors, who made both him and his
+object the frequent subjects of their coarse ridicule--the few who
+sympathized in his disappointment advised him to return, and refused
+further assistance in what they considered so hopeless a cause. At the
+same time he was informed that a murderous project was in
+contemplation against the natives.
+
+All these things filled his heart with the most pungent sorrow, preyed
+upon his mind, and wasted his body--and he cried to the Lord for
+relief and help in this distressing situation. Once, when writing down
+his heavy mournful cogitations in his journal, the master of the
+shallop entered his cabin, and seeing him in tears, inquired whether
+he was going to make a complaint to the owners? "No," replied he, "but
+I mean to complain of you to God, that he may notice your wicked
+conduct on the present occasion, for ye have taken his name in vain,
+and ye have mocked his word!" Struck with this address, the captain
+entreated his forgiveness, and promised that from henceforth he would
+do every thing to promote his design, which he faithfully performed,
+and landed him next day at Quirpont or Quiverant, a harbour in an
+island, off the north-east extremity of Newfoundland.
+
+Here he landed in a most propitious moment--a number of unprincipled
+wretches had arrived, and were holding a council to concert a plan for
+destroying the Esquimaux. Instantly the missionary went to them
+boldly, showed them the Governor's proclamation, and strongly
+remonstrated with them; yet it was not without difficulty that he
+persuaded them to lay aside their diabolical design. To this harbour
+the natives frequently resorted to trade, or rather more frequently to
+steal; and here his first interview took place with the Esquimaux,
+which he records in his diary in the following manner: "September 4
+1764 was the joyful day I had so long wished for, when one Esquimaux
+came into the harbour to see if Captain Galliot was there. While I was
+preparing to go to him, he had turned, and was departing to return to
+his countrymen, who lay in the mouth of the harbour, with the
+intelligence that the Captain had sailed. I called out to him in
+Greenlandish that he should come to me, that I had words to say to
+him, and that I was his good friend. He was astonished at my speech,
+and answered in broken French; but I begged him to speak in his own
+language, which I understood, and to bring his countrymen, as I wished
+to speak to them also, on which he went to them and cried with a loud
+voice, 'Our friend is come!'
+
+"I had hardly put on my Greenland clothes when five of them arrived in
+their own boats--I went to meet them, and said, 'I have long desired
+to see you.' They replied, 'Here is an _innuit_.' I answered, 'I am
+your countryman and friend.' They rejoined, 'Thou art indeed our
+countryman!' The joy on both sides was very great, and we continued in
+conversation for a considerable time, when at last they invited me to
+accompany them to an island about an hour's row from the shore, where
+I should find their wives and children, who would give me a cordial
+welcome. I well knew that in doing this I put myself entirely in their
+power; but conceiving it to be of essential service to our Saviour's
+cause that I should venture my life among them, and endeavour to
+become better acquainted with their nature, I turned simply to Him,
+and said, 'I will go with them in thy name. If they kill me, my work
+on earth is done, and I shall live with thee; but if they spare my
+life, I will firmly believe that it is thy will that they should hear
+and believe thy gospel.'
+
+"The pilot and a sailor who put me ashore, remained in the boat, and
+pushed off a little way from the land to see what would become of me.
+I was immediately surrounded, and every one seemed anxious to show me
+his family. I gave every boy two fish-hooks, and every woman two or
+three sewing needles; and after conversing about two hours, left them,
+with a promise of soon being with them again. In the afternoon I
+returned with the pilot, who wished to trade with them. I begged them
+to remain in this place during the night, but not to steal any thing
+from our people, and showed the danger of doing this. They said the
+Europeans steal also. I answered, if they do so, let me know, and they
+shall be punished. I seized every opportunity to say something about
+the Saviour, to which they listened with great attention. I then
+invited them to visit me next morning, and took leave.
+
+"Next morning accordingly, eighteen Esquimaux came in their boats. I
+went out to sea to meet them, and as the French Captain was frightened
+at the sight of such a crowd, I only allowed six of them to come ashore
+with me, and directed the others to land somewhere else. I now
+informed them of Commodore Palliser's proclamation, and of the kind
+intentions of the British government towards them, assuring them, that
+in future no one should be allowed to do them the least injury, so long
+as they themselves behaved properly and peaceably--to all which they
+listened with great attention; but when I offered them the written
+declaration, which I had received from the Commodore, they shrunk back
+terrified, and would not be persuaded to touch it--for they supposed it
+a living creature, having seen me speak words from it. I then got into
+a boat and went with them again to their families, who received me as
+before, with the greatest show of kindness. In the evening, three
+French and one English boat arrived full of Esquimaux--the men came
+immediately to see me, and requested I would visit them in their tents.
+I read to them a letter written by the missionary John Beck, in name of
+the Greenlanders; and as I spoke to them of the Saviour's death, they
+appeared struck with terror--probably supposing that they were
+upbraided with some of their former murders. On which I showed them
+that he was a great friend to mankind--but they had no understanding of
+spiritual things.
+
+"To my astonishment I spoke to them with much more ease than I
+supposed I could have done, and they expressed great affection for me,
+insisting always upon my being present at all their trading
+transactions with the sailors, to adjust matters between them; 'for,'
+said they, 'you are our friend.' When retiring, they entreated me to
+come again, and bring my brethren with me.
+
+"On the day after, twenty-six men arrived, and requested me once more
+to pay them a visit before my departure. I begged the Captain to lend
+me his boat, which he readily did, as he wished to go along with me;
+the pilot, surgeon, and six sailors, all well armed, accompanied me.
+The captain had dressed himself in his most gaudy apparel, but of this
+the Esquimaux took no notice. They asked me if I really intended to
+come again next year? I said, Yes, if they did not murder me as they
+had my countrymen some years before--they startled, looked to the
+ground, and remained silent. I continued, 'I believe you did it
+through ignorance, but now that I can speak to you, I hope you will
+never do the like again.' They promised unanimously that no one should
+ever receive the least injury from them again. I said farther, 'When I
+come back I shall tell you things of the greatest importance, of the
+God that created you, and that redeemed you; and if you will but
+believe on him, then shall we live happy together.' One of them asked
+if God dwelt in the sun? I replied, 'God made the sun, and them, and
+me, and all things.' Another asked me, if he believed in this Creator,
+if he would be more successful in his business? I answered, there was
+no doubt of it, if he was diligent in his employment; but that the
+future life was of infinitely greater importance than the present, and
+_it_, those who believed on him, trusted in him, and lived according
+to his will, should enjoy. Some of them begged me to read again the
+letter that I had read yesterday; and when I wished to take leave, one
+of the chief persons among them, the Angekok Seguliak, took me into
+his tent, and embracing and kissing me, said, 'We are timorous now,
+but when you come back again we shall meet one another without fear,
+dread, or suspicion.' Another came with his drum and began to dance
+and sing, repeating often, 'Our friend is come! this makes us glad!'
+When he concluded, he asked me to answer him. I sung, while my heart
+was touched, this verse in the Greenlandish language, 'Jehovah, Lord
+of hosts--the true God--thou art the Creator of all nature--the
+Preserver of the world--What was ruined thou hast regained by thy
+blood, and by thy blood must sanctify--consecrated to thee we fall at
+thy feet.' When I had finished, they said, we are without words to
+express our admiration. They took their final departure on the 7th,
+but no sooner had they left the harbour than they began to steal. I
+offered, if they would give me a boat with four men, to go again and
+speak seriously to them, but no one would go with me."
+
+Sir H. Palliser was so well satisfied with the missionary's report,
+that he sent him to Britain in the Lark frigate, to concert measures
+for carrying his benevolent design into execution. The Board of Trade,
+who perceived the immense advantages which would arise from a mission
+among these tribes, in promoting peace with the natives, and the
+security of the traders, were anxious to see the brethren established
+in Labrador; and the Directors of the Unity, under their especial
+patronage, in the year 1765, undertook a second voyage of inquiry upon
+the coast.
+
+On this expedition Jans Haven was accompanied by Christian Laurentius
+Drachart, who had been a Danish missionary in Greenland,[B] John Hill
+and Andrew Schlozer (Schliezer.) The British Admiralty accommodated
+them with a passage in a public vessel, and they (7th May) sailed from
+Spithead, in the Lark, Captain Thomson, the same frigate that had
+brought Jans Haven home. He landed them at Cosque, Newfoundland, where
+another government vessel, the Niger, received them, and conveyed them
+to Chateau Bay, at which place they arrived July 17th; but were there
+obliged to separate, the captain, Sir Thomas Adams, having received
+instructions to detain some of them, to keep up the friendly
+intercourse with the Esquimaux. With these directions, they not
+unwillingly complied, their object being to follow the leadings of
+Providence, and pursue the line which promised to lead to the greatest
+good. Haven and Schliezer therefore proceeded forward, and Drachart
+and Hill remained. The two former embarked in a schooner bound for the
+north, in order to prosecute their intended exploratory voyages; but
+after spending from the 25th of July to the 3d of September, and
+reaching the 56th deg. N.L. on the east coast, Labrador, they returned
+without having accomplished any thing of importance, not having met
+with a single native in any place at which they had landed. The other
+two had an opportunity of speaking with hundreds, whom the trade
+attracted to their neighbourhood, of which they gave the following
+account in their journals: "On the 17th August, we heard that
+Esquimaux were coming, and were about twenty English miles off. We
+sailed on the 18th, very early, with Sir Thomas, to meet them, and
+invited them, in the name of the governor, to Pitt's Harbour.[C] After
+some hours we saw the first kaiak. As they approached, the savages
+began to call out, in broken French, 'tous camarades oui hu!' which
+the sailors answered in the same manner. Drachart allowed the first
+shout to pass over; he then took one of them by the hand and said in
+Greenlandish, 'Ikinguitigangut,' _i.e._ 'we are friends;' the native
+understood, and answered, 'Ikinguitsgenpogui,' 'we are also thy
+friends.' We then took some of them into the vessel. A man in a white
+woollen coat, said he got it as a keepsake from Jensingoak, _i.e._
+Jans Haven, and inquired where he was. At their earnest invitation Mr
+Drachart went with them, and found upwards of three hundred assembled,
+crying out incessantly, 'We are your friends--be not afraid--we
+understand your words--where do you come from?' He answered, 'I have
+words to you;' on which the whole adjourned to a green plain without
+the camp, and sat down around him. He then told them, 'I come from the
+Karalit in East Greenland, where at one time I had a wife, children,
+and servants.' When they heard this, they cried out, 'These Karalit
+are bad people,' thinking he meant the North Indians; but he said, 'I
+come not from the north, I came over the great sea from the Karalit in
+the east, of whom you have heard nothing, for it is very long since
+they went away from this place. But they have heard of you, and
+therefore Jensingoak came last year to visit you, to see if you are
+Karalits, and I now see myself that you are; and I am sent to say,
+that the Karalits in the east are your friends, that they know the
+Creator of all things, who is our Saviour, and they wish you also to
+know him.'
+
+"Greatly perplexed at this discourse, the savages made him repeat it
+again and again, saying to each other, 'saog?' what does he say? when
+an old man undertook to interpret. 'He means,' said he, '_Silla_,'[D]
+throwing his hands around his head, and at the same time blowing with
+his mouth. 'Yes!' repeated Drachart immediately, 'Silla!--the great
+Creator of the world, is our Saviour.' A young man, somewhat
+astonished, stepping forward, exclaimed, 'Saviour! what is that? I do
+not understand what that means.' Another asked, 'Where is he?'
+Drachart then moving his hand in circles around his head, as the old
+man had done, said, 'He is every where in Silla, but he became a man,
+as we are.' 'Are you a teacher?' asked one. 'Yes, I was in the east,'
+replied the missionary. 'Are you an Angekok?' was the next question.
+'It may be,' was the cautious response. On which two aged men, with
+long beards, coming up to him, said, 'We are Angekoks.' Drachart took
+them by the hands, and introduced them to Sir Thomas Adams, who, with
+the sailors, had been standing by during the conversation, and told
+them, 'This is our captain, who is sent by a greater captain to invite
+you to visit him to-morrow.' Sir Thomas then hastened back to Pitt's
+harbour, to give an account of this interview to the Commodore, who
+had remained there, and we continued our course a few miles farther
+north in St Louis Bay, where we remained during the night."
+
+Now scarcely a day escaped without the brethren's having some
+intercourse with the Esquimaux, though this was attended with much
+difficulty, and many a sleepless night, as, in passing and repassing
+to their encampment, they often had nothing but the canopy of heaven
+to cover them from the wind and the rain. Sir H. Palliser employed Mr
+Drachart as his interpreter in the negociations which followed, for
+placing the trade with the Esquimaux on such a footing that all
+violence should from that time cease on both sides, and that mutual
+confidence might be restored and maintained. He also learned by his
+means the chief places of their residence, and their actual
+numbers--important points for regulating his future intercourse with
+that nation. In these respects, the missionary was unweariedly
+diligent, and his efforts were so successful, that, during the whole
+time he and his brethren remained, peace and good will was preserved
+among all parties.
+
+But at the same time he neglected no opportunity to exhibit the
+crucified Jesus, and commend him to the heathen as their Saviour. The
+following excerpts from his diary may serve as a specimen:--When he
+spake to them of the corruption and depravity of all men, they thought
+he only meant the Kablunat, or foreigners, not them, they were good
+Karalit. "Have you ever," said he, "any bad thoughts?" "No." "But
+when you think we will kill the Kablunat, and take their boats and
+their goods, are not these bad thoughts?" "Yes." "Would you not then
+wish to be delivered from your bad thoughts, words, and actions?" "We
+do not know,"--concluded their catechism.
+
+When the missionary told them that the Greenlanders had been washed
+from their sins in the blood of Jesus, they were amazed, and said,
+"they must have been very wicked fellows!" and when he spoke to them
+of eternal damnation, they supposed it was only the Kablunat that were
+sent to hell, (because they did wicked things,--as for them they were
+good Karalit.) Having upon one occasion mentioned God to them, they
+said, "Thou speakest of Torngarsuk." He then asked them if Torngarsuk
+created all things; they answered, "We do not know." But an Angekok
+said immediately, "Torngarsuk ajungilak,"--the great spirit is good
+and holy; and another added, "Ajuatangilat,"--nothing is impossible to
+him; and a third subjoined, "Saimavot,"--he is gracious and merciful.
+They, however, could form no idea of what he said to them of a Saviour
+and Redeemer; he was obliged to explain that word to them by
+parables, when they would ask if this mighty Personage would be their
+good friend, for they could conceive of him in no other way than as a
+great lord who was to come and deliver them from the Kablunat, and
+assist them against the northern Kraler. With the fickleness so
+natural to savages, they would listen attentively to the first
+instructions, but when it was often repeated, they would say, as both
+ancient and modern Athenians, "we know all that already, tell us
+something new," or like the Greenlanders, sometimes profess to believe
+it, and the next moment declare they neither understood nor cared
+about it. With those who had patience, and were so disposed, the
+missionary went over every doctrine about which they spoke in a
+catechetical way, and endeavoured by short questions, to see if they
+comprehended it, and tried to allure them to make further inquiry.
+
+During their whole intercourse, the Esquimaux showed themselves very
+friendly, and were particularly glad when they saw Jans Haven again;
+some of them recollected many things he had told them the year before,
+and praised him for keeping his promise of returning, and others
+boasted of the good they had heard of him from their countrymen. The
+brethren could go any where among them with the utmost security; but
+they were under the necessity of submitting to their curiosity, and
+allowing them to handle every thing they saw, even when they perceived
+this liberty to be attended with danger; yet even now, such was the
+influence of their friendly behaviour, that very little damage was
+incurred. In one tent, they searched Drachart's box, and carried every
+thing off, taking also his hat along with them. Without uttering any
+reproachful complaint, the missionary went to some of the older
+people, and said, "Now I have got no hat to skreen me from the sun."
+They instantly called to the young men, and desired them to give him
+back every thing, which they did with the utmost coolness, and only
+requested a knife as a keepsake.
+
+At another time, when they had secretly emptied his box, no sooner did
+the chief elders of the tribe perceive the circumstance, than they
+called every person belonging to the tent to come before them, and
+desired that what had been taken away should be restored; the thief
+immediately came forward, and without betraying any consciousness of
+having done wrong, threw down what he had taken, saying, "Thou needest
+it thyself!"
+
+Though at a great distance, and scattered over a considerable extent
+of country, Haven and Drachart were especially anxious to visit them
+in their own houses: this they seized every opportunity of doing,
+searching them out, and under every difficulty wandering after them.
+But they were gratified by the reception they generally met with; for
+when they informed them that they intended next year to come and live
+among them, the answer uniformly was--"Come and build a house with us,
+and live with us; but do not bring Kablunat with you, bring only
+Innuit--men as we are, and you are; and Jensingoak shall help us to
+build boats, and to repair them; and Drachart shall teach us to read
+and write, and we shall live together as friends: then our flints[E]
+and harpoons shall no more be used against each other, but against the
+seals and rein deer."
+
+A dreadful storm of wind and rain occurred on the 12th September,
+which gave rise to some interesting incidents, and appears materially
+to have furthered the object of the missionaries, by shewing the
+Esquimaux their fearless intrepidity and unsuspecting confidence,
+which strongly affected the savages, and greatly increased the
+affection and respect in which they before held them. The
+missionaries, when attempting to get on board their vessel, were
+prevented by the violence of the tempest. Their shallop was driven on
+shore and grounded on the rocks. In vain they endeavoured, with the
+assistance of the Esquimaux, to get her off: eight of them waded into
+the water breast-deep and toiled for upwards of an hour, but could not
+move her; meanwhile the vessel went away, and they were left alone
+with the natives. Hill and the ship's surgeon endeavoured to follow
+the vessel in a small boat, in order to attempt some arrangement; but
+just as they had reached her, they were dashed by the waves against
+the ship's side and overset, and narrowly escaped with their lives.
+Drachart and Haven now betook themselves to the stranded shallop, but
+they were destitute of provisions, and the rain fell in torrents. The
+Esquimaux, who perceived their wretched situation, came and
+represented to them that the boat could not possibly float before the
+tide returned in the morning, and invited them to lodge for the night
+in their tent, a proposal with which the poor drenched brethren were
+glad to comply. Immediately Segulliak, the Angekok, plunged into the
+water and brought them successively on his back to the shore; he
+afterwards carried them to his tent, caused his wife to procure them
+dry garments, and spread a skin on the floor for them to sit and sleep
+on. The tent was soon crowded with people, who frequently asked them
+if they were not afraid? "We do not know what you intend," answered
+they, "but you are our friends, and friends are not afraid of each
+other." "We are good Karalits," was the universal rejoinder, "and now
+we see you are not Kablunat, but Innuits, and our friends; for you
+come to see us without weapons, we will do you no harm." The Esquimaux
+then gave the brethren fish, water and some bread they had got from
+the sailors, and in about half an hour prepared for rest, Segulliak
+kindly covering them with two other skins. The conjurer himself did
+not, however, appear inclined for repose: falling into an ecstacy he
+first sung with his wives, then muttered some unintelligible jargon,
+made strange gestures, blew and foamed at the mouth, twisted his limbs
+and body together as if convulsed, throwing himself into every
+possible posture; and at intervals emitting the most frightful
+shrieks, then again he held his hand on Drachart's face, who was next
+him, and concluded the first act of his demoniacal pantomime by
+groaning out, "Now is my Torngak come!" Observing Drachart, who was
+awake, appear startled when he came near him, as often as he laid his
+hand on his face he kissed him. He then lay still for a while as if
+dead--after a little began to moan, and at last raised himself up, and
+requested that they would kiss him, as that gave him some relief,
+after which he sat down and began to sing. The brethren told him they
+would sing something better, and accordingly sung some Greenland
+hymns--to these the Esquimaux were very attentive, and repeated every
+word, observing, "We know only a little of what you say."
+
+Wearied and restless, the brethren lay down, but could not sleep; they
+therefore frequently arose and went out of the tent: but Segulliak,
+who appeared to view their motions with suspicion, always took care to
+go out along with them: in the morning, at his desire, they divided
+among his people glass-beads, fish-hooks, sewing needles, &c as
+payment for their night's lodging. At parting, Segulliak addressed
+them, "You may tell your countrymen in the east that you have slept a
+night with me in safety--you are the first foreigners that ever
+remained a night in my tent--yet you are not foreigners but men, our
+friends, with whom all dread is at an end, for we know each other."
+Drachart being taken ill, it was not till the 21st September that the
+brethren were able to take their final departure, on which occasion
+Jans Haven, when bidding the natives farewell, made them promise that
+they would not forget what Drachart had spoken to them. "We shall
+now," said he, "see you no more this year; but remember your Creator
+and Redeemer, and when we come again next year we shall be happy with
+each other--The Saviour be gracious unto you and bless you, Amen!" On
+the 30th September the four brethren returned to Newfoundland, and
+after a friendly interview with the governor, embarked on board the
+Niger, Nov 5th, for England, being again granted a free passage by
+government. On the 25th they landed at Plymouth, and reached London on
+the 3d of the same month.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote A: The difference of aspect between a spot in summer, for a
+few weeks, and during winter, is altogether extreme.]
+
+[Footnote B: Vide "Moravians in Greenland."]
+
+[Footnote C: Pitt's Bay and St. Louis Bay are creeks quite in the
+neighbourhood of Chateau Bay, or York's Harbour.]
+
+[Footnote D: _Silla_ in Greenlandish, signifies sometimes the air,
+sometimes the understanding, and sometimes the world, or the
++pneuma+, the soul of the world.]
+
+[Footnote E: A poetical expression for pistols and muskets.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ Contests between the Colonists and Savages revive--Murderous
+   skirmish.--Mikak.--Karpik, his conversion and death.--The
+   Moravians receive a grant of land on the coast of
+   Labrador--resolve to renew the mission--voyage to explore the
+   land.--Jans Haven, Drachart, &c., arrive at Labrador--their
+   interview with the natives--meet Mikak and Tuglavina--their
+   kindness.--Segulliak the sorcerer.--Anxiety of the Esquimaux for
+   their remaining among them--ground purchased for a
+   settlement--manner of bargaining with the Esquimaux--sail for
+   Esquimaux bay--the natives troublesome--the Captain's method of
+   checking them--conduct of the missionaries--they preach on
+   shore.--Conversation with the Esquimaux--search out a place for
+   a settlement--purchase it of the natives--ceremonies used on the
+   occasion--take formal possession.--Deputation return to England.
+
+
+Various impediments prevented any further negociations with the
+government of Great Britain, in regard to establishing a mission among
+the Esquimaux, for nearly five years. During this period the English
+merchants and the natives on the coast of Labrador were anew involved
+in strife and bloodshed. With the missionaries all confidence had left
+the country; the colonists had no check, and the savages had no
+friend. The mercenary views of the traders were ever leading them to
+cheat and deceive these poor untutored unprotected beings, who in
+return, deemed retaliation no crime; nor in balancing the amount of
+guilt would it be easy to settle which of the parties were most deeply
+implicated; the one who gave trifles, or worse--beads or brandy, for
+articles of real value; or the other, who secretly pilfered some
+useless toys or iron implements, for which in fact they had greatly
+overpaid. Both were rogues in their dealings, only the Europeans had
+the advantage of superior knowledge, which enabled them to rob with
+superior dexterity, and to cloak their knavery under the name of
+barter.
+
+But at this date--1766-9--the Esquimaux, from their intercourse with
+their civilized neighbours, had learned to estimate the value of
+European arms and vessels, and they stuck at no method by which they
+might possess themselves of them, while the murders which the whites
+committed with impunity, led them on every occasion that offered,
+eagerly to gratify their cupidity and revenge. They accordingly
+watched their opportunity; and in 1768, when the Europeans were off
+their guard, killed three men and stole two boats. A battle was the
+consequence, when twenty of the savages were left dead on the field,
+and four women, two boys and three girls were taken prisoners, and
+brought to Newfoundland. Among the women prisoners were MIKAK; one of
+the boys was her son; the other, Karpik, about fifteen years of age,
+had previously lost his mother, and his father fell in the engagement.
+Their own story forms a remarkable episode in the history of the
+mission. These three were sent to England, where they were treated
+with much kindness.
+
+Mikak, who seems to have been a person of very superior understanding,
+was noticed by many of the nobility, and particularly by the Princess
+Dowager of Wales, mother to George III; but nothing could overcome her
+love for her native land, or erase from her mind the deep sense she
+entertained of the sufferings of her kindred. We are not furnished
+with the facts of the case, but it appears sufficiently plain, that
+from all she saw in England, and during the time of her captivity,
+that she discerned and appreciated the immense superiority of the
+Europeans over the Esquimaux, and was extremely anxious to return
+home, and, if possible, carry with her the means of their
+amelioration. Providentially Jans Haven came to England in 1769 for
+the purpose of endeavouring to renew the mission, and meeting with
+Mikak, she immediately recognised him as an old acquaintance, who had
+formerly lodged in her tent, and expressed the most unbounded joy at
+meeting with a friend by whom her language was understood. Her first
+and constant theme was the condition of her countrymen; and she
+incessantly entreated Haven to return to Labrador and endeavour to do
+something for their relief. Besides, now that she had a medium of
+communication, she never ceased to urge her prayer among those
+distinguished personages, by whom she had been patronized, and her
+applications had no small influence in paving the way for a renewal of
+the mission. Soon after she was sent home in a King's ship, and
+rendered essential service to the brethren who followed.
+
+By the especial direction of Sir Hugh Palliser, Karpik was consigned
+to the care of Jans Haven for the purpose of being properly educated,
+that he might afterwards be employed in the important service of
+introducing Christianity, and the peaceful arts of civilized life,
+into the savage and inhospitable coasts of Labrador--the Governor
+being deeply impressed with a sense of the great benefits to be
+derived from a well conducted mission among the wild tribes in the
+neighbourhood of the colony, with whom they meant to carry on a safe
+or a gainful traffic. Naturally ferocious and untractable, Karpik was
+very averse to restraint; and it was not till after the most unwearied
+display of disinterested kindness, that Jans succeeded in gaining the
+affections of this stubborn boy, and persuading him willingly to
+accompany him to his dwelling.
+
+Here, perhaps, the good man's most trying labours began. Karpik
+inherited the prejudices of his nation: he had a high opinion of
+himself, and despised all others; and when told that God the Creator
+of the world desired to make him happy, received the information as a
+matter of course, replying to his teacher with a comfortable
+self-complacency, "That is right, for I am a good _karaler_!" The
+filthiness of his skin had superinduced a cutaneous disorder, which,
+when the care and attention of Haven had got removed, he expressed
+high delight, but he soon became dissatisfied with the clean plain
+clothing in which he was dressed; boys of any rank at that time being
+absurdly decorated with ruffles and lace, and such like trumpery; and
+as if human folly had wished to caricature its own ridiculous
+extravagance, some of the children were even introduced into company
+with cocked hats and swords.
+
+Poor Karpik, it seems, caught the infection, and conceived a violent
+passion for a hat and coat bedizzened with embroidery; and it is
+amusing to remark his wayward ingenuity, when insisting upon being
+gratified. On one occasion Jans had remonstrated with him upon the
+uselessness of finery, and exhorted him to apply himself to useful
+learning; and above all, to seek to know the Lord who dwells in
+heaven--"Poor clothes," retorted he instantly, "will not teach me
+that! my countrymen, who have poor clothes, die and know nothing of
+God. The king has fine clothes, and knows God as well as you, and why
+should not I? give me fine clothes, I can still know God and love
+him!" Haven told him he had no money to buy him fine clothes--"Then go
+to the king," said Karpik, "and get money from him." "Well," replied
+the missionary, "we will go; but if the king asks, what has Karpik
+learned? can he read, or write, or is he acquainted with the God in
+heaven? what shall I say? If I am forced to answer, He has learned
+nothing; the king will say, Take him on board the man of war, let him
+serve my officers and clean their shoes for seven years, till he has
+learned something.--You know how these boys are treated." Karpik
+perceived the force of this simple reasoning, fell on the neck of his
+instructor, and promised all obedience in future. It was not, however,
+till some time after, that eternal things began to make a serious
+impression on his mind.
+
+At length he grew thoughtful, and under the powerful conviction of his
+wretched state as a sinner, would often exclaim, "Woe is me! I am good
+for nothing, I am a miserable creature!" Under these uneasy sensations
+he at first felt exasperated, and he wished he had never heard of a
+God or of a Bible; but as the truth beamed in upon his soul, he became
+calm and peaceful, and manifested a strong desire to be further
+instructed. He was in this interesting state of mind, when Haven,
+being called away, committed him to the charge of Mr Drachart, who was
+then residing at the Brethren's settlement in Yorkshire, under whose
+tutilage he made rapid improvement in knowledge; and evidenced, by the
+change of his disposition, and his mildness of manner, and simplicity
+of conduct, that the gospel had taken powerful hold upon his heart;
+and this he evidenced still more clearly, when early called to
+grapple with the last enemy.
+
+From the encouraging progress he was making, his friends were fondly
+anticipating the time when he should go forth as a zealous missionary
+of the Lord Jesus among his benighted countrymen, but their hopes were
+suddenly overcast. On September the 22d, he was seized with the small
+pox, which, in spite of the best medical assistance, speedily proved
+fatal. He bore his distemper with patience, and some of his last
+expressions were, "O! Jesus, I come to thee, I have no where else to
+go. I am a poor sinner, but thou hast died for me! have mercy upon me!
+I cast myself entirely upon thee." The day before his death he was
+baptized by Mr Drachart, who, at his own request, made use of the
+Greenlandish language in administering the rite. On the 4th October
+1769, he expired, the first fruits of Christ's vintage among the
+Esquimaux; and although not employed to spread the savour of his name
+among his heathen kindred by the living voice, yet he was honoured by
+his death to encourage the exertions, and strengthen the faith of
+those soldiers of the Lord who were buckling on their armour for the
+glorious combat.
+
+Whether the ruinous effects of the state of anarchy, and murderous
+contests which prevailed whenever the natives and the Europeans came
+in contact, or whether the various memorials with which they had been
+for several years annoyed, had most influence, we know not; but the
+Board of Trade made a representation early in 1769 to the king,
+(George III.) and on the 3d May, the same year, a Privy Council was
+summoned to consider of a petition from the Brethren for establishing
+a mission on the coast of Labrador. The result of their deliberations
+was, "That His Majesty in Council gave, and authorised the Brethren's
+Unity, and the Society for the furtherance of the gospel among the
+heathen, to take one hundred thousand acres of land (_belonging to the
+Esquimaux_,) on the coast of Labrador, where, and in whatever place of
+the same was most convenient for their purpose." And the Governor of
+Newfoundland was directed to afford the brethren in their settlement
+every protection, and to furnish them from the royal stores with fifty
+muskets and the necessary ammunition.
+
+Following up this favourable opening, the Moravian Synod, which was
+held at Marienborn, resolved to renew the friendly intercourse with
+the Esquimaux, and to search out a convenient situation for the
+establishment of a mission. In consequence, Jans Haven, Drachart, and
+Stephen Jensen, received this in charge; and some other brethren
+resolved to take a part in it, and go themselves as sailors in a ship
+which a Society of the Brethren in London had fitted out, and which
+they resolved should annually visit the coast of Labrador to carry out
+supplies of the necessaries of life to the missionaries. They first
+made land at a place called Arnitok, an island about six miles from
+the spot where Nain now stands; there they found twenty-nine boats
+full of Esquimaux, but they behaved in a very unruly manner and with
+great insolence, till the report of the great guns, fired over their
+heads, frightened them into order; they then showed themselves
+friendly, and the missionaries, who understood the language, preached
+the gospel to them. After this the two brethren, Haven and Jensen,
+traversed the coast unmolested in search of favourable ground for a
+settlement; but being unable to find such a spot they set sail again,
+and on the 15th July ran into an harbour upon the most eastern point
+of the mainland, near Nain, 55 deg. N.L. Here they found many
+Esquimaux, and the joy on both sides was greatly heightened, when they
+recognised among them several of their old acquaintances, in
+particular Segulliak, who said to Jans Haven, "When I first saw your
+boat I was afraid, but I no sooner heard that little Jans Haven was
+there than all fear departed, and I am very glad to see you again, for
+I have a great love to little Jans." He then bound a strap of leather
+round Drachart's arm, at the same time saying, "We love thee much!"
+and laying his right hand on Drachart's breast, continued, "This band
+on thy arm shall from henceforth be a sign that our love shall never
+cease. I have not forgot what I heard of the Lord in heaven, and I
+long to hear more." Drachart answered, "You may indeed be assured that
+I have a great love for you, when I, an old man--he was then in his
+sixtieth year--have come again to visit you, that you might hear more
+of your Lord in heaven, your Creator, who became a man and died on the
+cross for your sins, for mine, and for the sins of the whole world."
+The Esquimaux replied, "We will hear the word you have for us!"
+Drachart continued, and spoke of the great love of the Creator of all
+things, which moved him to come down from heaven to earth, and by his
+sufferings and death to redeem us from our sins and eternal
+punishment. When the brethren confirmed to the savages what Mikak had
+formerly told them, that they intended to settle among them, they
+rejoiced like little children, and every one of them gave Jans Haven a
+small present.
+
+As Mikak had told them that her relations, who had gone to the south,
+anxiously wished to see them, the missionaries sailed on the 19th July
+back to Byron's Bay, and sent the Esquimaux boats before them. It was
+not long before a kaiak arrived with the father of Mikak, who
+instantly coming on board said, "My daughter and her husband are here
+on the island before you, and they strongly desire to see and speak
+with you." Indeed, scarcely had they cast anchor in the open creek,
+when Mikak with her husband Tuglavina, and their son and daughter,
+came to them. The man had a white woollen coat, but Mikak herself wore
+a finely ornamented dress, trimmed with gold, and embroidered with
+gold spangles, which had been presented to her by the Princess Dowager
+of Wales, when she was in London, and had on her breast a gold medal
+with a likeness of the king. Her father also wore an officer's coat.
+Being invited into the cabin to partake of some refreshments, Jans
+Haven asked her if she would receive the brethren as her own people.
+"You will see," she replied, "how well we will behave, if you will
+only come. We will love you as our countrymen, and trade with you
+justly, and treat you kindly." On account of the tempestuous weather,
+the whole party, amounting to fourteen, were detained during the whole
+night on board the vessel. Early next morning they left them, followed
+by Messrs Haven and Drachart, who, going from tent to tent, preached
+the gospel to them. Mikak acted in the most friendly manner--assuring
+her kindred of the brethren's affection for them, and telling them of
+all the kindness she had experienced in England, where she had lived
+in a great house, and been most liberally treated. The missionaries
+being about to take leave, Segulliak came up to Drachart, and renewed
+his expressions of attachment; the latter replied, "I do not forget
+that five years ago you assured me of your love; and only a few days
+since you bound this thong on my arm as a token of your affection, and
+by this you have declared that you are willing to hear the word of the
+sufferings and death of Jesus." When the others heard this, they all
+cried out, "We also are willing to hear." The missionary then
+mentioned some particulars of the history of the life and sufferings
+of the Saviour, and asked if they would wish, as the Greenlanders
+did, to hear something of Jesus everyday? "Yes! yes!" they all
+replied. "Then," said Drachart, "if that be the case, we will look out
+for a piece of land in Esquimaux Bay, where we may next year build a
+house."
+
+Although these good men had received the extensive grant we have
+mentioned from His Majesty of England of the Esquimaux country, they
+did not consider that that gave them any right to take possession
+without the consent of the inhabitants, or without giving them an
+equivalent, notwithstanding the settlement was intended solely for
+their advantage, and was to communicate to them what was of infinitely
+more value than millions of acres in the finest country of the world,
+instead of a patch of barren ground on the bleak and inhospitable
+coast of Labrador. When they mentioned that they meant to "buy" the
+land, the whole crowd, who perfectly understood the term, cried out,
+"Good! good! pay us, and take as much land as you please!" Drachart
+said, "It is not enough that you be paid for your high rocky mountain;
+you may perhaps say in your hearts, when these people come here, we
+will kill them, and take their boats and all their valuable
+articles." "No! no!" they exclaimed, "we will never kill any more, or
+steal any more; we are brethren!" "That gladdens my heart," said
+Drachart; "but how shall we buy the land? You have no great chief, and
+every one of you will be lord of his land. We will do this: we will
+give each of you what will be more useful to you in your fishing than
+the land you may give us." "Pay us," they repeated, "pay us, and take
+as much land as you please." Drachart and the other brethren then
+going from tent to tent, divided among the men, women, and children,
+all kinds of tools and fishing tackle, which having done, he produced
+a written agreement to which all their names were attached, and
+telling them its import, required each to put a mark before his name
+with his own hand, that it might be a perpetual memorial of their
+having sold the land. When they had done so, he again shewed each his
+name with his mark, adding, "In time to come, when yourselves or your
+children shall learn to read and write, as the Greenlanders have done,
+they will be able to read these names, and they will remember what
+they have just now seen and heard." Drachart next informed them, that
+when they should return to Esquimaux Bay, after the rein-deer hunt,
+they would see four great stones erected with figures on them, which
+were called letters, and these would mark out the boundaries of the
+land which had been bought from them. The Esquimaux, of whom about one
+hundred were present, then gave the brethren their hands, and solemnly
+promised to abide by their agreement "as long as the sun shone."
+
+After this sacred transaction the brethren, along with Mikak and her
+family, returned to the ship, which set sail the same day for
+Esquimaux Bay. On the dangerous passage, Mikak and her husband were of
+essential service in directing their course among rocks and islands,
+and likewise in trading with the Esquimaux they met with on their way,
+and inducing them to receive the brethren favourably, and attend to
+their instructions. Notwithstanding, however, the uniform expressions
+of love with which the savages everywhere hailed them, the
+missionaries found it necessary always to be upon their guard, and use
+the utmost circumspection in their intercourse with their new friends,
+especially on shipboard, where they behaved with a rude intrusion,
+often extremely troublesome, and not always without showing marks of
+their natural propensity to thieving; they therefore prohibited more
+than five from coming on board at one time to trade, and that only
+during the day; and informed them that if any were found in the ship
+during the night, they should be treated as thieves; and, to fix the
+time allowed for trading more exactly, a cannon was fired at six
+o'clock in the morning, and another at the same time in the evening.
+Finding that his regulations, however, were not so strictly observed
+as he could wish, and the natives becoming rather troublesome, Captain
+Mugford, while lying off the Island Amitok, deemed it necessary to
+show them that he possessed the power of punishing their misdeeds if
+he chose to employ it. He fired several shot from his great guns over
+their heads against a high barren rock at no great distance. When the
+broken pieces of the rock rolled down threateningly towards them, they
+raised a mournful howl in their tents, as if they were about to be
+destroyed; but they afterwards behaved more orderly, and not with the
+savage wildness they had done before, yet the missionaries were always
+obliged to act with firmness and decision, in order to prevent all
+approaches to any transgression that it might have been necessary to
+punish, or that might have exposed any of the men to danger.
+
+During the voyage, Drachart held a meeting morning and evening, in the
+cabin, with the young Esquimaux, who seemed to take great pleasure in
+it, and were highly attentive. Some of their expressions were
+remarkable. "They wished they had such a desire for the Saviour as a
+child has for its parents"--"or a man to hunt the rein-deer, and
+obtain his prey."--"They would not cease to think of Jesus' sufferings
+and death, but would remember that merciful and generous Saviour who
+had died from love to them, and learn to know and love him." In the
+evening of the last day of July they cast anchor in the southernmost
+corner of Esquimaux Bay, and on the following day entered the harbour
+of Nanangoak, in which lay fourteen European and two women's boats,
+and on shore fourty-seven tents were pitched. Here Mikak and her
+husband had wished to rejoin their countrymen. Before they left the
+ship Drachart reminded them of what he had taught them, and
+recommended to them every morning when they rose, and every evening
+before they went to sleep, to think on the Saviour and his sufferings;
+and exhorted them, when any wicked thoughts should arise in their
+minds--theft, adultery, or murder, or any other bad thing they had
+heard from their youth up from the Angekoks their teachers--that they
+should pray to him that he would take them away, adding, "if you thus
+turn to Jesus and diligently seek to him, then you will no more
+belong to the heathen, but to the Saviour, who will receive you as his
+own, and write your names among the faithful." Jans Haven accompanied
+them to their friends, who rejoiced to receive them in safety, and
+among them Jans found his old acquaintance Seguilliak. Next day
+Drachart and Jensen went on shore, when they were immediately
+surrounded by a great crowd, who took the missionaries under the arm,
+and shook them by the hands, and then conducted them from tent to
+tent, where they proclaimed to them the unsearchable riches of Christ.
+Mikak invited them into her large tent, and begged they might hold a
+meeting in it. Soon upwards of seven hundred Esquimaux were collected
+within and around it, to whom Drachart, for the first time, preached
+the gospel, and was heard here, as elsewhere, with the utmost apparent
+attention. When he had finished, Mikak and her husband began to
+testify, in their own simple manner, how the Lord in heaven had become
+man, and died for their sins. Supposing that this alluded to their own
+murders, some of their countrymen appeared startled, and cried out,
+"Ah! that is true, we are sinners, and old murderers; but we will
+never more carry concealed knives, either under our arms or under our
+clothes; and we shall never have bows and arrows hid in our kaiaks,
+because the Lord in heaven has said, Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by
+man his blood shall be shed. If we kill Europeans, as we did three
+years ago, then we deserve that they should kill us and our
+countrymen." But they seemed likewise alarmed lest the boats they had
+then taken should be demanded back; but Mikak and her husband
+explained that the Europeans did not come to desire them to give back
+the boats, but that certainly if they did so any more they would be
+punished. "That is good!" they replied "we believe your words, Mikak;
+and shall also love the great and powerful chief you saw in London,
+and his people, and will trade honourably with them;" and renewed
+their protestations of affection for the missionaries, telling them,
+"Now we are brethren." Drachart seized the opportunity of explaining
+what he meant by brethren:--"Ye have heard that many of the
+Greenlanders are our brethren; now you must learn rightly to
+understand why we call one another brethren. Hear what the reason
+is,--our hearts and the Greenlanders are fast bound together by the
+love of Jesus our Saviour, who died on the cross for our sins,
+therefore do we call the Greenlanders, and all who are united in the
+death of Jesus, our brethren. If you will now be converted to Jesus,
+then shall you be such brethren as the Greenlanders are." At a
+subsequent meeting, the missionaries informed them that they were
+desirous of finding a proper place on which to build a house, as it
+was their intention to return next year and settle among them, and
+requested their opinion as to where would be the best spot. They told
+them there were many good places on the continent which they might
+examine and choose for themselves; or if they would prefer an island,
+they were welcome to the best; and the old men added, "You may build
+and dwell in our country, and do what you will, either on land or
+sea--you shall have the same liberty as we have, for you are Innuit,
+as we are, and not such Kablunat as the other wicked Europeans."
+"Well," replied Drachart, "you and we and the Greenlanders are also as
+one family." "Yes," returned the old men, "we are friends and
+brethren." "Then, dear men, when you speak thus, do you in your hearts
+really think so?" "Yes! yes! you may firmly believe that." The
+brethren then proceeded from tent to tent, and distributed gifts, and
+obtained the marks of the old men, to the number of sixty-seven, to an
+agreement similar to that which they had made with the other
+Esquimaux, and the land from Monenguak to Kangerlack being marked out
+with four great stones, was given to the brethren for a possession.
+The ceremony being concluded, Drachart addressed them thus: "These
+signatures will shew to your children, and your children's children,
+that you have received us as friends and countrymen, and have given us
+the piece of land marked out by these stones, and then your children,
+and your children's children, will remember this transaction after
+your death, as if you spoke to them, and said, We, your fathers and
+grandfathers, called the brethren here for our sakes, and your sakes,
+and they have built a good house to meet daily with you, in that you
+may hear of the Lord in heaven. Do not forget that we your parents
+have given this piece of land for an inheritance to our brethren that
+came to us from the east of Greenland; and when you are converted to
+Jesus, you must live near the meeting house, love your teachers, and
+follow them as the Greenlanders do. Will you," continued he, "tell
+your families what you have now heard, as well as what you have now
+said? that your wives and children may know." They answered, "That we
+will,--and we have already begun to spread it through our country,
+and shall continue to do so." The missionary proceeded:--"The Lord,
+your and our Saviour, is over all. He is truly here with us--I feel
+his presence in my heart; he knoweth all things, and hath heard your
+words and mine; he is calling for your hearts--will you now give them
+to him? And will you keep to the words you have now said to me?"
+"Yes!" cried all the men, and gave him their hands, and some kissed
+him.
+
+Having concluded the solemn transactions of the day, the missionaries,
+towards evening, returned to the ship, and the next day the Esquimaux
+began to set out for their hunting stations. But Tuglavina and his
+wife remained some days longer to assist the brethren in seeking out
+an island, and then parted with tears on both sides. The missionaries
+rewarded them liberally for their services; and they were not
+forgetful of the favours they had now and formerly received. Mikak
+begged the brethren would take charge of two white fox skins for the
+Dowager Princess of Wales, of a black one for the Princess of
+Glocester, and two red ones for the Governor Palliser, as
+acknowledgments for their kindness.
+
+The place pitched upon by the brethren for their settlement was 56
+deg. 36 m. N.L., well supplied with good wood for building, and
+numerous rivulets of excellent water, and where ships could
+conveniently find an excellent anchorage. The stones they erected were
+placed, one on King's point, marked G R III. 1770, the other marked U
+F (unitas fratrum,) 1770, and the land was taken possession of in the
+name of King George, for behoof of the United Brethren--a very
+important process, as it secured the protection of the British
+government for the new settlements; the other two stones were marked
+and placed in the interior merely as boundary stones. This first
+sacred spot was consecrated by thanksgiving and prayer. Amid the
+heathen tribes and their rude rocks, the missionaries kneeled down,
+and with the deepest expressions of humility, thanked the Lord that he
+had thus so far prospered them in their undertaking, had guarded them
+through the perils of their journey, and graciously granted them a
+resting place. Having thus accomplished the object of their mission,
+they returned to England, and reached London 16th November 1770,
+blessing and praising the Lord that no evil had befallen them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ Preparations for establishing a settlement in Labrador.--A love
+   feast.--Missionaries leave London--erect a mission-house at
+   Nain--regulations for their intercourse with the
+   natives--visited by great numbers--manner of instruction--they
+   retire in winter, are visited by the Brethren in their
+   houses.--Death of Anauke.--An incantation.--Adventures in search
+   of a dead whale.--P.E. Lauritz deputed by the conference--visits
+   the missions--his excursion along the coast.--A sloop of war
+   arrives to examine the settlement--the Captain's report.--Jans
+   Haven's voyage to the north--interesting occurrences.--Lauritz
+   leaves Nain--his concluding address.--The Brethren propose new
+   settlements--disastrous voyage in search of a
+   situation.--Liebisch appointed Superintendant.--An Angekok
+   baptized--his address to the natives.--Jans Haven commences a
+   new station at Okkak--received joyfully by the natives--six
+   Esquimaux baptized--proceedings at Nain.--Missionary accompanies
+   the Esquimaux to a rein-deer hunt.--Third settlement--Hopedale
+   founded.--Remarkable preservation of the Missionaries.
+
+
+Every thing being now settled for establishing a missionary station
+among the Esquimaux, the Brethren were occupied during the winter in
+making the necessary preparations for carrying their object into
+effect. In this they were essentially aided by the same society who
+had sent out the vessel on the previous year, and who, knowing the
+difficulty Europeans lay under of procuring the necessaries of life
+in that climate, resolved to send out one annually with supplies, and
+to preserve the communication, notwithstanding the previous voyage had
+been but a losing concern. The number of persons destined for this
+arduous undertaking was fourteen, among whom were three married
+brethren, Brazen Schneider and Jans Haven, accompanied by Drachart and
+seven unmarried missionaries. Brazen, who had gone as a surgeon to
+Greenland in 1767, and remained during the winter at one of the
+settlements, was appointed superintendant of this mission. Before
+leaving London, on May 5th, these devoted men had a meeting in the
+Brethren's chapel with the congregation, and a number of other
+Christians who felt interested in the undertaking, and with the most
+delightful feelings they sat down together to a love feast, at which
+the following letter from Mr Drachart to the church was read:
+
+"Dearly beloved Brethren and Sisters,--We are now for the third time
+going among the wild Esquimaux; and in their name we thank you for the
+assistance you have afforded us in the past year to enable us to
+declare among these savages the gospel of the sufferings and death of
+Jesus. We thank the Saviour that he has so illuminated your hearts,
+that you are as willing to give your wealth, as we are to venture our
+lives to promote this cause. We now take our leave, and commend
+ourselves to your love and remembrance before the Saviour. He is
+indeed near to you, and to us, to help in all our difficulties,--that
+our courage may not fail, but that we may look to him. It is his
+cause, and he will support us; on him we hope, and on him we rely; and
+in his name we venture our lives and all that we have, for he ventured
+his life for us. When we think of this our hearts are melted, and we
+fall down at his pierced feet, and exclaim, O! Lord Jesus, the little
+confidence we have in thee thou hast given us; our goods, our lives,
+we have from thee. Thou knowest we venture to go through the great
+deep, through rocks and ice, that thy holy name may be glorified among
+the Esquimaux. We pray that the angel of thy presence may accompany
+the ship out and home again; be with our brethren, give them courage
+to proclaim the tidings of thy love, which was stronger than
+death--Dear brethren and sisters, the Saviour is present, he certainly
+hears us when we join together to call upon him for ourselves and
+others The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God be
+with you all. Amen."
+
+On the 8th of May they left London in the ship Amity, commanded by
+Captain Mugford, and on the 9th August reached the place of their
+destination, after a passage of peril and danger. They had constructed
+a wooden house while in London, and had been kindly furnished by their
+friends with household furniture, and a number of implements for
+enabling them to work in carpentry, in iron, and for gardening.
+
+Immediately upon landing they commenced their operations, by
+surrounding the spot upon which they had fixed, and to which they gave
+the name of Nain, with pallisades, and on the 20th of August laid the
+foundation of their wooden house; they soon found their fortification
+was unnecessary, as the natives, so far from offering any obstruction,
+appeared eager to forward the building, which, on the 22d September,
+was so far finished as to be habitable. As on the former occasion, so
+on this, the Governor of Newfoundland issued a proclamation in their
+favour, declaring the missionaries under the immediate protection of
+the British; and at the same time he conveyed to themselves the
+strongest assurances of his personal regard for their characters and
+wishes for their success, as what would so materially tend to
+tranquillize the country.
+
+Among the excellent regulations adopted by the brethren, one, and not
+the least important, was, in their transactions with the savages,
+while they did them every kind office, to offer them nothing which
+might appear in the shape of a bribe to induce them to embrace their
+religion: they sometimes built boats for them, and sometimes improved
+and repaired those they had, and furnished them with iron pots, and
+arrows and lances for seal hunting, but they always required payment,
+which the Esquimaux could easily render in whale fins, seals' blubber,
+or such other articles as their dexterity could procure. Very soon,
+instruments of European manufacture became so necessary, that the
+natives were rendered industrious by the desire to possess them, while
+they enabled them to render that industry doubly advantageous. In this
+traffic the annual visits of the Society's vessel were important, and
+the greater part of the barter was carried on through the agent or
+supercargo.
+
+More than a hundred Esquimaux, during the summer, planted their tents
+round Nain, to whom the missionaries preached the gospel. Of the
+manner in which they did this, Drachart tells us in his journal, "My
+method," says he, "is first to give a short discourse, and then to ask
+a few plain questions which only require a denial or assent; but they
+do not always content themselves with this--for instance, if I ask if
+they, as poor sinners, would wish to come to the Saviour, some would
+say, Yes! we cannot deny that we are poor sinners, and we begin to
+reflect upon what we have heard from you about this, and to converse
+with one another on the subject. Others will boldly reply, No! we will
+not think of it; and a third sort will confess they do not understand
+any thing about the matter, but would be glad to know if I had any
+knives to sell, for they had whale fins. I then pray to the
+Saviour:--Thou hast in Greenland made many stupid minds to understand,
+and many cold hearts warm; O do the same here, and bless my weak
+discourse that I may not be put to shame, for it is indeed thine own
+cause."
+
+During the winter the natives retired to other places, the nearest of
+which was many miles distant from Nain; individuals, however, came
+from time to time to visit the brethren; among these were Mikak,
+Tuglavina, and Segulliak, and the brethren returned their visits, as
+far as the deep snow and excessive cold would permit. The friendly
+reception they met with upon these occasions, and the willingness with
+which the heathen heard the word, reconciled the missionaries to the
+filth and inconvenience they had to encounter. Of these the following
+specimen will enable the reader to form some idea.
+
+About the end of January 1773, the brethren Schneider and Turner
+visited Mikak in the island Nintok, at the distance of five and a half
+hours from Nain. They found here two houses, each of which contained
+twenty persons, the families only separated from each other by skins
+stretched out between them. Mikak directed the brethren to an
+apartment in one of these houses, to which, when they retired, they
+were followed by great numbers of the Esquimaux, who gathered round
+them, and heard in silence Schneider preach to them the death of the
+Lord, and sing some verses on the same subjects. They here met with a
+circumstance which greatly tended to comfort them amid other scenes
+which weighed heavily on their spirits. In a division of the house
+where they lodged, they found three widows dwelling together, and one
+of them informed them that her husband, Anauke, who had died the year
+before, had said to her, when she was mourning over him in his last
+illness, "Be not grieved for me,--I am going to heaven, to Jesus who
+has loved his people so much!" He was one of those who had remained
+during the summer near Nain, and whose countenance bore strong marks
+of the thief and the murderer, and had appeared at first to have more
+than usual savage ferocity in his whole deportment; but it was
+remarked that, before he left that vicinity, his very countenance had
+changed, and his behaviour had become gentle; but the missionaries had
+no decisive proof of his conversion to the Saviour, till they heard,
+to their joy, this his dying profession of the faith. His countrymen
+called him the man whom the Saviour had taken to himself. This man,
+there is every reason to believe, was the first fruits of the mission.
+
+Night is an appropriate time to call on the prince of darkness; and it
+is observable that among all the heathen, that season has generally
+been devoted to his service in deeds that shunned the light. In the
+evening, when the missionaries had laid themselves down to sleep in
+Mikak's house, they had another confirmation of this remark. There had
+been a dreadful storm during the day, so that the natives had been
+prevented from going to seal-catching, they therefore assembled in
+her house after nightfall, to entreat her, as she was considered a
+powerful sorceress, to make good weather, bring the seals from the
+deep, and show the holes in the ice to which they came for air; also
+where the greatest number of rein-deer were to be found. All the lamps
+were immediately extinguished, and she began with deep sighs, and
+groans, and mutterings, to call up Torngak. Sometimes she raised her
+voice so loud that the whole house rang. At this signal, the people
+began to sing, and to ask one another, what does Torngak say? At
+length there was a tremendous crash, as if the whole place had been
+falling about their ears, produced, as the missionaries supposed, by
+the stroke of a stick on the extended skins. The sorceress then
+proceeded to the door, beating with her feet, and uttering strange
+sounds, at which some of the more sensible among the worshippers could
+not forbear to express their sense of the ridiculous scene by their
+laughter. Schneider, who had hitherto been silent, now cried to the
+enchantress to cease calling upon Torngak, who was an evil spirit, and
+reigned in darkness, and light the lamps again; but some one replied
+it was the custom of the country, and proposed they should conclude
+with a short song, in which all the company joined, after which they
+separated for their resting places before the lamps could be
+relighted.
+
+With a heart greatly touched, and eyes full of tears, the missionaries
+early next morning addressed the inmates of the house upon the true
+light that is come to enlighten men, and to redeem them from the
+spirit of darkness. He entreated them with great earnestness to turn
+to the crucified Jesus, and renounce the evil spirit and his works,
+and commended them in prayer to the compassionate heart of the
+Saviour.
+
+Disinterested exertion, not only to prevent themselves from being
+burdensome to those among whom they labour, but to save as much as
+possible any unnecessary expense to the churches or societies who send
+them out, forms an admirable and a prominent feature in all the
+Moravian missionary brethren. They follow the apostolic example, and
+minister to their necessities by their own hands, and exhibit a
+pattern to their infant establishments, not only of industry to
+procure the means of personal livelihood, but to enable them to assist
+those improvident heathen by whom they are surrounded, even when their
+exertions are attended with danger and repaid by insult; and by these
+means they often acquire an influence over the most savage minds,
+which it were otherwise difficult to obtain. Of this we have a most
+remarkable instance which occurred in the beginning of the present
+year. Having received accounts that a dead whale was found at Comfort
+Harbour, about seven miles south of Nain, the brethren, Jans Haven,
+Lister, Morhardt, and Turner, resolved to go thither, accompanied by
+some Esquimaux, in the hope that, by procuring the blubber and the
+fins, they might be enabled to contribute somewhat to the support of
+the mission, while they would assist the starving natives at this
+season in obtaining a supply of provisions; and at the same time, they
+would have an opportunity of commending the Saviour to these poor
+benighted heathen.
+
+They accordingly set out, under the guidance of an Esquimaux,
+Mannmoima, whose house they reached February 17th about mid-day,
+where, on account of the stormy weather, they were forced to remain.
+"If," says Jans Haven, in his diary, "our European sisters had only
+seen us here they would certainly have pitied us. We were forced to
+creep on all fours through a low passage several fathoms long to get
+into the house, and were glad if we escaped being bitten by the
+hungry dogs, who take refuge there in bad weather, and who, as they
+lie in the dark, are often trodden upon by the entrant; who, if he
+escapes this misfortune, is compelled to undergo the more disgusting
+salutation of being licked in the face by these animals, and of
+crawling through the filth in which they all mingle. Yet this house,
+notwithstanding our senses of seeing and smelling were most woefully
+offended, in such frightful weather, was of equal welcome to us as the
+greatest palace."
+
+When Haven here began to speak of the Saviour, the Angekoks began to
+exercise their enchantments. One man laid himself on his back, and
+allowed his left leg to be fastened to his neck by a string like a
+bow, while a woman who sat by his side, performed upon it with his
+right as if playing on some musical instrument. The lady was then
+asked if they might hope for good weather, and if the whale would be
+driven away? but the company appeared to be divided; and while some
+thought these operations were under the influence of Torngak, others
+thought they might be directed by Jesus Christ, and asked the brethren
+to pray that there might be good weather, and that the whale might not
+be driven away. Haven answered, "We only pray, Lord be gracious to
+us, and open the eyes of poor ignorant people, that they may know how
+necessary it is for them to be washed in thy blood--but we are assured
+that he will do nothing but what is good to us, because he loves us."
+
+Next day, the missionaries, accompanied by eleven Esquimaux, attempted
+to reach the whale; but when they were about an hour's distance from
+the house, they perceived from a mountain near where the whale lay,
+that the ice was broken, and encountered such a violent storm of wind
+and snow that they were forced to return; while the frost was so
+intense, that often their mouth and nose were frozen to their skin
+coats, so that they had to break the ice before they could breathe,
+and their eyes were so closed that they had to force them open with
+their fingers.
+
+As hunger now began to torment the party, the brethren were exposed to
+great anxiety, suffering, and danger, from the perpetual importunity
+of the Esquimaux for provisions, which they had no means of supplying,
+but which they supposed they were the means of their being deprived of
+obtaining. An old man began to cry, "Torngak moves me to say that he
+will tell us the cause of this storm, and the breaking of the ice,
+and the loss of the whale." "Let us hear," said they. "O! the sinews!
+O! the sinews!" replied he.
+
+Rein-deer sinews are what, according to the superstition of the
+country, dare not be brought near a whale. But the brethren that
+morning had plaited some whale sinew, and fastened the haft of the ax
+with which they intended to cut up the whale; and he, supposing that
+they had been the sinews of the rein-deer, raised the cry. Being
+informed of his mistake, he changed his tone and exclaimed, "O! the
+rotten wood! O! the rotten wood!" Rotten wood is expressly forbid to
+be burnt in the preparation of food, but Jans Haven had brought some
+pieces in a sledge along with the rest of the fuel; the Esquimaux, to
+whom the sledge belonged, had carefully picked it out and thrown it
+away, and the conjurer was informed that in this also he was mistaken.
+He was then called upon to say, as he affirmed that Torngak was there,
+how he could be mistaken. With an ingenuity that would have done
+credit to a Jesuit, he answered, "There is one present that keeps us
+back, he cannot go with us." Every person in the company being
+mentioned, he pointed out Jans Haven. Haven immediately rose, and
+looking the sorcerer full in the face, prayed to the Saviour to stop
+the mouth of that wicked one. Struck with the unexpected intrepidity
+of the missionary, and the appeal to a name of which they all had some
+knowledge, the Angekok was utterly confounded; he grumbled and foamed,
+but could not utter a word. Providentially at this very moment two
+persons arrived with intelligence that the whale was lying safe, and
+had not been driven away; and Haven, charging the fellow with his
+imposture and lies, commanded him not to attempt accompanying them, or
+removing from the place where he was. The astonished sorcerer made no
+attempt to disobey.
+
+The weather increasing in severity, the Esquimaux, who were confined
+to their huts, came to their favourite Jans Haven, saying, "Tell us
+about the Saviour." Jans answered and said--"What shall I say? I know
+not what to say; I am grieved because I am constrained to hear and see
+that the wicked spirit yet dwells within you and robs you of your
+senses. He will hold your ears that you may not hear the love the
+Saviour has for you, that after death you may dwell with him in utter
+darkness. Yet listen to our words and follow us to the Saviour, who
+will wash you from your sins in his own blood, that you may live
+eternally happy with him, after you have left a world where sorrow
+and pleasure are mingled together; where we must suffer hunger, and
+thirst, and cold, and wretchedness, and misery, unless we believe in
+Jesus, who will preserve us, and keep us, and bring us to be for ever
+with himself, where there is no pain, but fulness of joy for
+evermore." Still, on the succeeding day, the weather not abating, the
+party were detained at the station, which the increasing scarcity of
+food rendered now doubly uncomfortable; the brethren were obliged to
+be on the watch whenever they eat, lest the Esquimaux should snatch
+the scanty morsel from them, which now consisted of only one meal a
+day. "One can hardly conceive," say they in their journal, "what we
+endured: we had no rest neither night nor day; when we lay down to
+sleep and gat warm, we were almost devoured with vermin; when we sat
+up during the day, we were almost suffocated with stench and smoke."
+
+At length a sledge, which had been sent off to the whale, returned
+laden with fat and flesh, which afforded relief from the pressure of
+hunger, "and made," say the missionaries, "all our hearts leap for
+joy;" and on the succeeding day, the whole party set off for the
+whale. When they reached it they found it of the middling size, about
+sixty-four feet long, but covered with ice and snow almost a fathom
+deep. The Esquimaux, however, crept into the mouth and cut off what
+they wanted from the interior to supply themselves; but the wants of
+the brethren were only increased, they could make little use of such
+flesh, and they were without wood to dress it, had it been even more
+palatable. They had no shelter but a snow-house, which they
+constructed with the help of the Esquimaux. The women, however, had
+forgotten their lamps, and the brethren had no resource for rendering
+their habitation comfortable, but to construct a kind of temporary
+lamp from a piece of whale's flesh, into which they cut a hole and put
+a piece of moss, and then to kindle it, but the smoke and disagreeable
+smell were insupportable; they also suffered greatly from the want of
+water, as they could get nothing to drink but ice or snow melted,
+which was done in a manner that in other circumstances would have
+proved an absolute prohibition against tasting it--the Esquimaux
+filled their gloves with snow, or put it in the intestines of the
+seals which they had wrapped round them, and the natural heat of the
+body reduced into a state of liquifaction--yet even this they were
+happy to procure.
+
+Amid these hardships Haven was seized with a violent pain in his side,
+which the Esquimaux, who greatly loved him, much lamented, as they
+said it was the disease that carried off so many of their countrymen.
+Peaceful, however, in the hour of his suffering, the missionary was
+enabled to testify to the heathen that death for him had no terrors;
+nor was it to be dreaded by those who believed in the Saviour. They
+showed their affection by procuring, with much difficulty, a lamp and
+some skins on which they placed the invalid, and by the blessing of
+God, the heat effected his cure. The brethren now began to try to hew
+down the frozen whale, but the want of food had so enfeebled them that
+they found themselves wholly unequal to the task, and were forced to
+give it up and return home, worn out with the fatigue they had
+endured, and without effecting their object.
+
+In the same year, 1773, Paul Eugenus Laritz, from the Elders'
+Conference of the Unity, visited the missions. He was accompanied by
+John Ludwig Beck, who had spent some years in Greenland with his
+father, and learned the language. They came in the ship Amity to
+Newfoundland, which they left there for the purpose of fishing, and
+proceeded to the coast of Labrador in a shallop or sloop with one
+mast, which had been purchased for the use of the mission. On the 20th
+of July they arrived at Nain, where the missionaries welcomed them
+with tears of joy--the Esquimaux received them with shouting and other
+rude expressions of pleasure. Of these, some hundreds, this summer,
+had set up their tents around the settlements--many of them strangers
+from a distance. In the evening they had a short discourse in the
+mission-house, after which the brethren visited them in their tents,
+and conversed further with them on what they had heard. The same
+evening Laritz gave a short address to the assembled baptized
+Esquimaux, and delivered the salutations of the European congregations
+to them, Drachart being his interpreter. Then one of the Esquimaux
+answered in name of the rest--"We, our wives and children, were
+wonderfully glad when we saw the little ship come in; and we thank the
+brethren that they have come to us, and brought us so many good words
+that we have never heard before. We love all the brethren, and will be
+ever their good friends. We will constantly visit them to hear the
+good word of Jesus' sufferings. We think on the Saviour; we love him,
+and will give up our hearts to him, and renounce all our old
+heathenish customs. We agree with the Innuit who live on the east
+coast opposite us. We, and our wives and our children, in our houses
+and our tents, speak of the Saviour becoming man, of his sufferings
+and death. We cannot deny that we are sinners, but we think the
+Saviour will be gracious to us." As there was not room in the
+mission-house to contain all the Esquimaux, wood was cut down to build
+a large meeting-hall. Some appeared deeply impressed by the word of
+God, particularly Manamina, his sister Alingana, and Akaplack, who
+were received as catechumens.
+
+Soon after Laritz's arrival at Nain, a sloop of war unexpectedly made
+its appearance, dispatched by Commodore Shuldam from Newfoundland,
+commanded by Lieutenant Cartes, to explore the coast, and to see if
+the poor people who had settled there were all still in life. The
+Lieutenant stopped some days with the brethren, and expressed his
+astonishment and happiness to find them so well accommodated, and on
+such good terms with the Esquimaux. He had expected to find dark,
+sour, starving fanatics, living in huts of earth, and his
+disappointment was therefore the more agreeable. Through Drachart he
+told the Esquimaux, that they should go no more to the English
+settlements in the south, nor rob and murder. They answered, We have
+never either robbed or murdered, since the time we heard of the
+Saviour. Robbers and murderers shall be punished as they deserve; and
+when we come to the south to get fir-timber, we will bring with us a
+letter from the brethren to the gentlemen of Cheteau Bay. The officer
+assured them of his love, and said to Drachart, that the great change
+in the behaviour of these people appeared to him a miracle of God, who
+had begun his work among them.
+
+While Laritz remained at Nain, Jans Haven and James Rhodes took the
+vessel which brought him there, and made a voyage on the north coast
+to Nachwach, 59 deg. 30 m. N.L. It lasted from the 7th August to the
+17th September. They landed at different places, and the Esquimaux
+everywhere, who had either before known or heard of Jans Haven,
+received him with shouts! He told them what had moved the brethren to
+settle in the country, and invited them to come to him. They heard him
+with astonishment speak of the great love of the Saviour to men, and
+asked if he was an Angekok, as he spoke of such high things as they
+never had heard, even from their own prophets? Others asked, why the
+Saviour, who made all things, had not before sent some one to tell
+their fathers these good news, and now they were gone where they could
+hear nothing? Havens answered, that "the times of their ignorance God
+had winked at," but that he now shewed mercy to them in sending them
+the gospel, and they ought to improve this the day of their
+visitation. At Napartok, having declared to the natives the counsel of
+God for their salvation, he thus continued: "I hear that there are
+quarrels and backbitings among you, and that some even seek the lives
+of others; all this proceeds from your not knowing the Saviour." He
+then turned to the Angekok, Aweinak, who was a reputed murderer, and
+said, "Hear these my words, 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man his
+blood shall be shed.' Forgive one another, and live as brethren and
+sisters in love and fellowship; make no difference between your own
+countrymen and those of the north and south." The Angekok promised to
+behave better, and begged Haven to repeat his assurance of friendship.
+Haven did so, and turning to the by-standers, said, "You hear his
+words; forgive him and love him, and if he ever again act wickedly,
+let me know." At Arimek, the Esquimaux thanked him for what he had
+spoken, and concluded by saying, "Though thou art not big, thou hast
+a great soul and a brave spirit."
+
+During an abode of two months at Nain, Laritz received every
+information respecting the state of the mission, and having made the
+proper arrangements for their further direction, he assembled the
+brethren in the mission-house at Nain, and read to them a solemn
+farewell address, and left it with them. "From the bottom of my
+heart," he begins, "I praise the gracious counsel of our dear Lord
+towards the poor and blind nations of the Esquimaux, and I return back
+to Europe with a deep impression of it; for though I have as yet only
+seen the springing of the seed, yet I feel in my heart a believing
+confidence, that in the proper time and hour which the Lord himself
+has appointed, a joyful harvest shall appear. Dear brethren and
+sisters, as the Lord of his pure grace has placed you in a land,
+where, since the creation of the world, his name has not been named or
+praised, it seems to me to be more incumbent on you daily to renew the
+deep consideration of your call and appointment to the fulfilling his
+purposes of grace; for you are not called here, either collectively or
+separately, of your own choice, or of the will of men, but of the
+counsel of peace in the heart of Jesus. You must therefore have it as
+a fixed principle in your hearts, and before your eyes, continually,
+that you are sent here to make known among the Esquimaux, the
+character of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his
+marvellous light. If you are not all able to do this in words, you can
+place it before their eyes by a holy walk and conversation, and by
+your earnest prayers and supplications be blessed helpers of their
+joy. And first of all, as their fellow-servant, I pray that all the
+servants of the Lord in this place, who bring the testimony of the
+gospel to the poor heathen, may, as often as they with the mouth
+praise the Saviour, be baptized with the Spirit and with fire, that
+their testimony may appear the power of God, able to make those
+blessed who believe it. And I beseech all the brethren to support and
+help with their prayers, those of them who shall speak and preach to
+the Esquimaux.
+
+"You must not rest satisfied, my dear brethren, with daily meetings,
+but you must carefully visit them in their tents and in their houses,
+and put them in mind of what they have heard; for this end, all our
+dear brethren and sisters must diligently use the gifts and talents
+given them to learn the Esquimaux language. Let the joy of the Lord
+animate you!--When you perceive the heart of any one awakened by the
+Holy Spirit, and in distress fleeing for mercy to the blood of Jesus,
+baptize such an one, as the Lord has directed, into his death, in the
+name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: there shall be
+joy in heaven over such first fruits, and on earth in the church of
+Jesus. With respect to the Esquimaux, either as to gifts or European
+food, do as we agreed on--neither, on the one side, neglect what
+necessity or compassion require; nor, on the other, accustom them to
+what would be injurious. When they labour for you, or go messages, pay
+them according to the custom of the country; and when you work for
+them, and make boats, sails, chests, lamps, arrows and lances, let
+them also pay you, that by degrees they may be accustomed to an
+orderly domestic life.
+
+"To your little church in the house, I call in the name of Jesus, love
+ye with a thorough inward sacred impulse; for God hath from eternity
+chosen you to love. Consider this well, that our dear Lord has said,
+'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
+one to another.' You know from what source the apparent want of this
+can be supplied; and I am sure, if every one would search out his own
+fault, with kindness and benevolence acquitting others, then would you
+feel that you loved one another from the heart fervently. Be of one
+mind; live in peace, then shall your conferences be kept with much
+blessing, and you be subject one to another in the fear of God. No one
+will then tenaciously hold his own opinion as the best, or as
+infallible, but every one will gladly take advantage of the other's
+discernment, and rather follow what is likely to attain the desired
+end, than his own private inclination. In the division of your labour
+consider yourselves as members of one body--that the eye cannot be
+supposed to do what the hand can, and the hand cannot do what the foot
+can; and if ye are each of you conscious that you have, according to
+the words of our Lord, done what thou couldst, let no one even in his
+heart think that one of his brethren has done too little. Whatever the
+congregation sends for your support and clothing, receive with
+thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who has enabled his people to
+minister to you in these things: at the same time you must frugally
+and faithfully improve every opportunity afforded by providence to
+supply your necessary expenses, by working with your own hands, and
+his blessing shall certainly accompany your labours.
+
+"Commend us to the Lord, that his inestimable presence may be near us
+by sea and by land; and, dearest brethren and sisters, I commend you
+to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and
+give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. The God of
+love and peace sanctify you wholly, that your whole spirit, soul and
+body, may be kept unblameable to the coming of the Lord Jesus; that
+then you, with a great number of believing Esquimaux, may appear
+before his presence with exceeding joy--'Faithful is he who hath
+called you, and also will do it.'"
+
+With this excellent address, the labours of Mr Laritz ended. After
+partaking of the communion together, he bid adieu to the brethren on
+the 29th September, and went on board the ship Amity, which had come
+from Newfoundland, according to appointment, and arrived in London on
+the 29th of October.
+
+Circumstances, apparently the most unpropitious, frequently
+contribute, in the course of Providence, to promote the most important
+and most happy issues. While the brethren at Nain continued with
+unwearied diligence to make known the salvation of Christ among the
+Esquimaux, they observed with grief, that their deep-rooted heathenish
+superstitions, and the violent and gross, but natural evil passions
+which they delighted to indulge, and which led to the frequent
+perpetration of adultery and murder, obstructed the entrance of the
+word of God into their hearts, and had as yet rendered almost all
+their labours fruitless. But what particularly distressed them was,
+when they saw that the impressions which had been made on some of the
+natives on hearing the gospel, while residing in the neighbourhood of
+the mission-settlement, were wholly effaced when they removed to a
+distance, and associated with their heathen countrymen.
+
+Anxious, therefore, to retain them around their station, the brethren
+proposed a method for rendering them comfortable during the winter, by
+building a store-house where their provisions might be laid up, so
+that the superfluities of summer should supply the wants of winter.
+But the savages could not understand the use of refusing to gratify
+their present appetites in order to provide for any distant
+emergency--they preferred to revel in the plenty of summer, and to
+rove to other places in winter in search of food, by which propensity
+they were scattered above one hundred and twenty miles along the
+coast. Yet, even these wanderers were the means of exciting the
+attention of their kindred to the gospel, by telling them of the
+strange things they had heard at Nain. It was therefore resolved to
+follow the leadings of Providence, and, as soon as possible, to
+establish two other missionary settlements, the one towards the north,
+the other south of the present.
+
+For this purpose, application was made to the Society of the Brethren
+in London, who, entering fully into their views, obtained from the
+Privy Council an order granting them liberty to search out and take
+possession of land sufficient for their object. A commission was
+accordingly sent for the brethren to explore the coast, and Brazen,
+Lister, Lehman, and Jans Haven, offered themselves for this service.
+On the 5th of August they set out for the north. "But just as we were
+setting out," says Jans Haven, "an uncommon horror and trembling
+seized me, so that, contrary to my former experience, I was
+exceedingly intimidated, and wished rather to stay at home." They
+proceeded however, and were every where received in a friendly manner
+by the Esquimaux, and invited to settle among them. Their return
+justified the presentiment of Jans Haven. Not far from Cape Keglapeit
+they had the misfortune to encounter a dreadful storm, and when only
+three miles from Nain, their vessel struck on a sunk rock where she
+was wrecked.
+
+After a fearful night, about 2 o'clock next morning they attempted to
+get at the boat that belonged to their shallop, but through the
+violence of the waves it was driven on a rock and almost dashed to
+pieces. Brazen and Lehman were drowned, but Haven and Lister, together
+with the sailors, succeeded in reaching a barren rock, where they
+suffered much from cold and hunger--where they must have perished
+miserably had they not providentially got their boat, which was in
+tatters, drawn on shore, and with all the woollen clothes and seal
+skins they could spare, patched it together. Still it was a wretched
+barque, but they had no other resource, and were obliged to venture to
+sea in it such as it was. The wind was favourable, and at length they
+happily met Manamina in his kaiak, who towed them safely to Nain,
+where they arrived on the evening of the 18th of September, truly
+thankful to the Lord for his wonderful assistance. "After our return,"
+Haven says in the account of his life, "I was overwhelmed with
+sorrow--spent days and nights in sighs and tears--thought much of my
+whole past life--cried to the Lord for help and forgiveness of all my
+many failings, and renewed my vows to devote myself entirely to his
+service." The bodies of both the brethren who were drowned were driven
+on shore, and afterwards brought to the settlement, where they were
+decently interred.
+
+Sad as this catastrophe was, it did not prevent the brethren, in the
+year 1775, from undertaking new journies to explore the south and
+north coast; nor deter others from offering themselves to supply the
+place of those who had perished in the cause. When the accounts of
+Brazen's departure reached the Unity Elders' Conference, they
+appointed Samuel Liebisch superintendant of the mission, who, on the
+16th August, the same year, arrived at Nain with some new assistants
+to the mission.
+
+As usual, about the month of November, all the Esquimaux left the
+neighbourhood of Nain for their winter places, but towards Christmas
+great numbers came on their sledges over the frozen sea to visit the
+brethren. Among their visitors was Kingminguse, who had formerly been
+an Angekok, but who, by the preaching of the word of God, had
+experienced such an apparent change of mind as to give hopes of his
+conversion; and, indeed, early next year, on the 19th of February, the
+day on which the meeting-hall at Nain was consecrated, he was
+baptized as the first fruits of that mission, and received the name of
+Peter. Some days before his baptism he told the brethren, "that he had
+been an Angekok, and believed what his forefathers said, but now he
+believed it no more; that he would give up all his former evil customs
+and follow the Lord Jesus, though he should be persecuted by his
+countrymen; that he was ignorant, but what the brethren who had come
+thither had told him of the Lord who made heaven and earth, who had
+become a man, and shed his blood from love to us, had taken fast hold
+of his heart--he had rejoiced in it, and would forsake all for it. He
+knew but little of the Saviour, but was willing to learn, and placed
+his confidence alone on him, because he truly believed he only was
+good; and that when the body died the soul went to the place of rest
+to be with him, and happy for ever." Shaking hands with every brother,
+individually, he promised that he would remain with the congregation
+of the believers, to be constantly obedient to his teachers, and walk
+worthy of the gospel. In the administration of the ordinance he was
+quite overcome, as were also several of the other Esquimaux, who
+expressed their wishes likewise to be baptized, which afforded the
+missionaries an opportunity of speaking earnestly and affectionately
+to them.
+
+Peter, likewise, every where testified to his people his great joy
+that he now belonged to the faithful; they viewed him with particular
+respect, and listened attentively to his discourse about the Saviour,
+which was remarkably urgent and affectionate. For instance, upon one
+occasion he expressed himself in the following manner to them: "You
+must turn wholly to the Saviour and place your confidence on him
+alone, so shall he by his precious blood purify and fill your hearts.
+You know that I am baptized, for this I am very thankful; and it would
+be well with you would you but learn to know Jesus in time, for we
+have no other Saviour either in this world or in the future. If we are
+washed in his blood we need no more fear death or darkness, we shall
+then come where it is ever light, and where we shall ever see the
+Saviour. When we are sick or in pain, we must turn to him, for he hath
+born all our sicknesses. He still calls us to come to him; this call
+we have never hitherto understood, therefore he has sent the brethren
+who know him, to shew our souls the way to him. You know they have
+built a house, and ask nothing but to make the Saviour known to our
+hearts. We cannot be grateful enough to him who sent them thither,
+for it is of the greatest importance to us; and, even those among them
+who do not know our language sufficiently to speak to us, pray to him
+that we may feel the power of his blood on our hearts. I have learned
+sorcery, and I have practised it, but that is the road to the greatest
+darkness, and can give no peace to the heart; but he who looks to the
+Saviour, and to his wounds, receives peace and joy in his heart, and
+that is the only thing of any value in this world." In the following
+summer there were above two hundred Esquimaux in thirty-seven tents
+near Nain, and they were so assiduous in their attendance on the
+meetings, that the new hall could not contain the crowd that anxiously
+pressed to hear, and some were entered among the candidates for
+baptism.
+
+Liebisch brought with him a commission for Jans Haven to commence a
+new settlement. "I felt," said Haven, "not a little anxiety on this
+occasion, knowing the difficulties attending such a commission, but
+accepted it in reliance on our Saviour's help." He accordingly,
+accompanied by Stephen Jensen, proceeded in an Esquimaux boat to a
+little creek, afterwards Okkak, which had been formerly fixed on as a
+most eligible spot for a settlement, and purchased from the Esquimaux
+a hundred thousand acres, or three German square miles, of land; they
+expressing great joy at the prospect of the brethren coming to reside
+among them. Stones were placed to mark the boundaries, and the place
+taken possession of with the usual formalities. The following was the
+mode of expression used by the brethren upon the occasion: "In the
+name of our God and Saviour, and under the protection of our gracious
+monarch, George III King of England, we take possession of this land
+for the purpose of a missionary settlement for the Brethren's Unity,
+and the Society for propagating the gospel."
+
+During the following year, [1776,] the brethren were busily employed
+in cutting down wood in the forest near Nain, and preparing it for a
+dwelling-house at the new station; and so diligent were they in their
+work, that in August, when the ship Good Intent arrived from England
+with the other necessary articles for building the house, the timber
+was all ready to be shipped for Okkak. On the 13th September, Jans
+Haven, with his family and three other missionaries who had been
+appointed for the new settlement, arrived there, and immediately went
+to work and erected their house. "I had," says the devoted Haven,
+"the peace in all trying circumstances to cleave to my Saviour, of
+whose gracious assistance I had manifold experience. He was with us,
+and gave us success in our present enterprise. Having finished the
+building of our house, we moved into it; and in our first conference,
+were so united by the power of Jesus' grace in brotherly love and
+harmony, that we made a covenant with each other to offer soul and
+body to the Lord, to serve him without fear, and bear each others'
+burdens with a cheerful heart. Nor did we meet with the least
+interruption during the whole year, so that I justly count it the
+happiest of my life."
+
+This station lies thirty German miles north from Nain, in 58 deg. 20
+m. N.L., and is of great consequence both to the European settlers and
+the Esquimaux, of whom above three hundred always live near it. There
+is a good harbour for ships and boats--a supply of wood and of fresh
+water in summer and winter--great quantities of fish, particularly
+haddocks--also some whales, but few seals, so that the Esquimaux are
+obliged to go to various places at a considerable distance for this
+valuable animal, whose skins are among their absolute necessaries for
+their tents and clothing. The mission-house is built at the side of a
+high mountain, which serves as a protection from the north-west wind.
+
+The natives received the brethren with great joy, and evinced a
+pleasing desire to hear the gospel; but it was not till the 29th of
+August 1778, that any baptism took place. On this occasion, however,
+six adults were received into the church by this holy ordinance, and
+several others soon followed. The baptized lived for the greater part
+of the winter in the mission-house, where daily meetings were held,
+and where they received farther instruction, for which purpose a
+larger meeting-hall was built in 1779.
+
+At length at Nain, also, the brethren had the pleasure in the winter
+of 1779-80, to see five Esquimaux families, consisting of thirty-seven
+souls, come to the resolution of remaining during that season in their
+neighbourhood, and the year after their number increased from seventy
+to eighty; by this means the brethren were enabled to collect small
+congregations at each station, and in the winter at least carefully to
+observe their conduct, and to give them regular employment. Meanwhile
+the mission work proceeded; they held daily meetings, where the gospel
+was preached to the resident Esquimaux and numerous visitors. A school
+was opened for children, besides which, the baptized were twice
+a-week instructed in writing. A weekly meeting was likewise kept with
+the latter for furthering their knowledge on doctrinal points,
+particularly on the meaning of the Lord's supper. During the season
+when the baptized were necessarily called away from the settlement,
+one of the missionaries generally attended them. In the year 1780,
+William Turner made two visits of twenty miles each into the interior
+of the country from Nain in their company when they went to hunt the
+rein-deer, along with a number of the Esquimaux; the first in
+February, and then from the 8th of August to the 25th of September.
+They travelled over wild mountains between lakes and pools. The
+rein-deer, which sometimes passed in large herds, were driven into the
+water by the Esquimaux and there killed. In the winter journey, Turner
+suffered much from the cold and the want of warm food, and was also
+frequently in imminent danger from the snow storms, when the great
+drift-heaps collected upon the mountains rolled down in tremendous and
+threatening masses like Alpine avalanches. Nor was the summer
+expedition free from its dangers and difficulties. The party consisted
+of fifty men, who travelled on foot; about a hundred dogs followed,
+laden with the baggage that was to be transported over barren
+mountains and through morasses; and often, after all their exertions
+and deprivations, they got very few rein-deer. The main design of his
+journeys too, was but imperfectly obtained, as his people were so very
+much occupied in the hunt that they could pay but little attention to
+the preaching of the word; and their heathen companions disliked the
+presence of a missionary, as it caused those to keep back who believed
+in their superstitious customs and practices, and who practised them,
+and on whom, according to their notions, the success of the hunt
+depended.
+
+From the promising appearances of the two settlements, the brethren
+now began to think of a third, to be situated south from Nain; and in
+July 1779, Schneider, Lister and Jensen went to Arvertok, which Jans
+Haven, Lister and Beck had formerly visited, and pitched upon a spot
+deemed the most proper for a missionary station. Having purchased the
+land from the Esquimaux, and fixed the boundaries, placing stones as
+on the former occasion; they then returned to Nain, where the wood was
+prepared as for the missionary house at Okkak, and brought to its
+destination by the Good Intent, on her arrival from England. In the
+meantime, Jans Haven, who had been on a visit to Europe, arrived with
+his wife, after having experienced a wonderful escape on their voyage.
+When approaching near the coast of Labrador, they discovered an
+ice-berg of prodigious extent and height approaching them, and had
+scarcely passed it in safety ere it fell to pieces with a tremendous
+crash, putting the surrounding sea into the most dreadful agitation
+and foam. Had it happened but a few minutes before, they must every
+soul have perished in the immense ruin.--All the preparations being
+finished, the building was begun in 1782 at the new station, and Jans
+Haven was employed as first architect. On the 21st September of that
+year it was finished so as to be habitable.
+
+This settlement, which is thirty German miles south of Nain, and lies
+in 55 deg. 40 m. N.L., was called Hopedale, in remembrance of those
+brethren, who, in 1752, had erected their dwelling a little farther to
+the south, at Nisbet's Harbour, and given it this name; the ruins of
+which had been discovered in the exploratory voyage, 1775.
+
+The appearance of the ships, which were now annually sent from England
+to Labrador, was hailed with joy. They visited all the three
+stations, supplied them with necessaries, and made considerable profit
+by what they got in exchange. In the interim, the brethren held as
+much intercourse as possible together, during summer, by the Esquimaux
+boats that sail along the coast, and in winter, by travelling from one
+station to another, in sledges drawn by dogs. The land-road was
+extremely difficult on account of the steep rocky mountains. The way
+over the frozen sea was much more easy and pleasant, but often
+extremely dangerous, as, where it is not inclosed and fixed by the
+islands, in changeable and stormy weather it is liable to be broken
+up, and exposes the travellers to almost inevitable destruction. A
+most remarkable interposition of providence in behalf of two of the
+brethren, which occurred this year, will illustrate both the danger of
+that mode of travelling, and the peculiar protection afforded by God
+to those who have devoted their lives to his service. We shall relate
+it in the words of the Rev. C.J. Latrobe, Secretary to the mission,
+who compiled the narrative from the private journal of one of the
+party:
+
+"Brother Samuel Liebisch being at that time entrusted with the general
+care of the brethren's missions on the coast of Labrador; the duties
+of his office required a visit to Okkak, the most northern of our
+settlements, and about one hundred and fifty English miles distant
+from Nain, the place where he resided. Brother William Turner being
+appointed to accompany him, they left Nain on March the 11th, early in
+the morning, with very clear weather, the stars shining with uncommon
+lustre. The sledge was driven by the baptized Esquimaux Mark, and
+another sledge with Esquimaux joined company. The two sledges
+contained five men, one woman, and a child. All were in good spirits,
+and appearances being much in their favour, they hoped to reach Okkak
+in safety, in two or three days. The track over the frozen sea was in
+the best possible order, and they went with ease at the rate of six or
+seven miles an hour. After they had passed the islands in the bay of
+Nain, they kept at a considerable distance from the coast, both to
+gain the smoothest part of the ice, and to weather the high rocky
+promontory of Kiglapeit. About eight o'clock they met a sledge with
+Esquimaux turning in from the sea. After the usual salutations, the
+Esquimaux alighting, held some conversation, as is their general
+practice, the result of which was, that some hints were thrown out by
+the strange Esquimaux that it might be as well to return. However, as
+the missionaries saw no reason whatever for it, and only suspected
+that the Esquimaux wished to enjoy the company of their friends a
+little longer, they proceeded. After some time their own Esquimaux
+hinted that there was a ground-swell under the ice. It was then hardly
+perceptible, except on lying down and applying the ear close to the
+ice, when a hollow disagreeable grating and roaring noise was heard,
+as if ascending from the abyss. The weather remained clear except
+toward the east, where a bank of light clouds appeared, interspersed
+with some dark streaks; but the wind being strong from the north west,
+nothing less than a sudden change of weather was expected.
+
+"The sun had now reached his height, and there was as yet little or no
+alteration in the appearance of the sky; but the motion of the sea
+under the ice had grown more perceptible, so as rather to alarm the
+travellers, and they began to think it prudent to keep closer to the
+shore. The ice had cracks and large fissures in many places, some of
+which formed chasms of one or two feet wide; but as they are not
+uncommon even in its best state, and the dogs easily leap over them,
+the sledge following without danger, they are only terrible to new
+comers.
+
+"As soon as the sun declined towards the west, the wind increased and
+rose to a storm, the bank of clouds from the east began to ascend, and
+the dark streaks to put themselves in motion against the wind. The
+snow was violently driven about by partial whirlwinds, both on the ice
+and from off the peaks of the high mountains, and filled the air. At
+the same time, the ground-swell had increased so much, that its
+effects upon the ice became very extraordinary and alarming. The
+sledges, instead of gliding along smoothly upon an even surface,
+sometimes ran with violence after the dogs, and shortly after seemed
+with difficulty to ascend the rising hill; for the elasticity of so
+vast a body of ice of many leagues square, supported by a troubled
+sea, though in some places three or four yards in thickness, would in
+some degree occasion an undulatory motion, not unlike that of a sheet
+of paper accommodating itself to the surface of a rippling stream.
+Noises were likewise now distinctly heard in many directions like the
+report of cannon, owing to the bursting of the ice at some distance.
+
+"The Esquimaux therefore drove with all haste towards the shore,
+intending to take up their night's quarters on the south side of the
+Uivak. But as it plainly appeared that the ice would break and
+disperse in the open sea, Mark advised to push forward to the north of
+Uivak, from whence he hoped the track to Okkak might still remain
+entire. To this proposal the company agreed; but when the sledges
+approached the coast, the prospect before them was truly terrific--the
+ice having broken loose from the rocks, was forced up and down,
+grinding and breaking into a thousand pieces against the precipices
+with a tremendous noise, which, added to the raging of the wind, and
+the snow driving about in the air, deprived the travellers almost of
+the power of hearing and seeing any thing distinctly. To make the land
+at any risk, was now the only hope left, but it was with the utmost
+difficulty, that the frightened dogs could be forced forward--the
+whole body of ice sinking frequently below the surface of the rocks,
+then rising above it. As the only moment to land was that when it
+gained the level of the coast, the attempt was extremely nice and
+hazardous. However, by God's mercy, it succeeded; both sledges gained
+the shore, and were drawn up the beach with much difficulty.
+
+"The travellers had hardly time to reflect with gratitude to God on
+their safety, when that part of the ice from which they had just made
+good their landing, burst asunder, and the water, forcing itself from
+below, covered and precipitated it into the sea. In an instant, as if
+by a signal given, the whole mass of ice, extending for several miles
+from the coast, and as far as the eye could reach, began to burst and
+to be overwhelmed by the immense waves. The sight was tremendous, and
+awfully grand--the large fields of ice, raising themselves out of the
+water, striking against each other, and plunging into the deep with a
+violence not to be described, and a noise like the discharge of
+innumerable batteries of heavy guns. The darkness of the night, the
+roaring of the wind and sea, and the dashing of the waves and ice
+against the rocks, filled the travellers with sensations of awe and
+horror, as almost to deprive them of the power of utterance. They
+stood overwhelmed with astonishment at their miraculous escape, and
+even the heathen Esquimaux expressed gratitude to God for their
+deliverance.
+
+"The Esquimaux now began to build a snow-house, about thirty paces
+from the beach; but before they had finished their work, the waves
+reached the place where the sledges were secured, and they were with
+difficulty saved from being washed into the sea.
+
+"About 9 o'clock all of them crept into the snow-house, thanking God
+for this place of refuge; for the wind was piercingly cold, and so
+violent, that it required great strength to be able to stand against
+it.
+
+"Before they entered their habitation, they could not help once more
+turning to the sea, which was now free from ice, and beheld with
+horror, mingled with gratitude for their safety, the enormous waves
+driving furiously before the wind, like huge castles, and approaching
+the shore, where, with dreadful noise, they dashed against the rocks,
+foaming, and filling the air with the spray. The whole company now got
+their supper; and having sung an evening hymn in the Esquimaux
+language, lay down to rest about ten o'clock. They lay so close, that
+if any one stirred, his neighbour was roused by it. The Esquimaux were
+soon fast asleep, but brother Liebisch could not get any rest, partly
+on account of the dreadful roaring of the wind and sea, and partly
+owing to a sore throat which gave him great pain. Both missionaries
+were also much engaged in their minds in contemplating the dangerous
+situation into which they had been brought, and amidst all
+thankfulness for their great deliverance from immediate death, could
+not but cry unto the Lord for his help in this time of need."
+
+The wakefulness of the missionaries proved the deliverance of the
+whole party from sudden destruction. About two o'clock in the morning,
+brother Liebisch perceived some salt water to drop from the roof of
+the snow-house upon his lips. Though rather alarmed on tasting the
+salt, which could not proceed from a common spray, he kept quiet till
+the same dropping became more frequently repeated. Just as he was
+about to give the alarm, on a sudden a tremendous surf broke close to
+the house, discharging a quantity of water into it; a second soon
+followed, and earned away the slab of snow placed as a door before the
+entrance. The missionaries immediately called aloud to the sleeping
+Esquimaux to rise and quit the place. They jumped up in an instant.
+One of them with a large knife cut a passage through the side of the
+house; and each seizing some part of the baggage, it was thrown out
+upon a higher part of the beach, brother Turner assisting the
+Esquimaux. Brother Liebisch, and the woman and child, fled to a
+neighbouring eminence. The latter was wrapped up by the Esquimaux in a
+large skin, and the former took shelter behind a rock, for it was
+impossible to stand against the wind, snow and sleet. Scarcely had the
+company retreated to the eminence, when an enormous wave carried away
+the whole house, but nothing of consequence was lost.
+
+They now found themselves a second time delivered from the most
+imminent danger of death; but the remaining part of the night, before
+the Esquimaux could seek and find another more safe place for a snow
+house, were hours of great trial to mind and body, and filled every
+one with painful reflections. Before the day dawned, the Esquimaux cut
+a hole into a large drift of snow, to screen the woman and child, and
+the two missionaries. Brother Liebisch, however, could not bear the
+closeness of the air, and was obliged to sit down at the entrance,
+when the Esquimaux covered him with skins to keep him warm, as the
+pain in his throat was very great.
+
+As soon as it was light, they built another snow house; and miserable
+as such an accommodation is at all times, they were glad and thankful
+to creep into it. It was about eight feet square, and six or seven
+feet high. They now congratulated each other on their deliverance, but
+found themselves in very bad plight. The missionaries had taken but a
+small stock of provisions with them, merely sufficient for the short
+journey to Okkak. Joel, his wife and child, and Kassigiak the
+sorcerer, had nothing at all. They were therefore obliged to divide
+the small stock into daily portions, especially as there appeared no
+hopes of soon quitting this place, and reaching any dwellings. Only
+two ways were left for this purpose--either to attempt the land
+passage across the wild and unfrequented mountain Kiglapeit, or to
+wait for a new ice-track over the sea, which it might require much
+time to form. They therefore resolved to serve out no more than a
+biscuit and a half per man per day. But as this would not by any means
+satisfy an Esquimaux's stomach, the missionaries offered to give one
+of their dogs to be killed for them, on condition that in case
+distress obliged them to resort again to that expedient, the next dog
+killed should be one of the Esquimaux's team. They replied they should
+be glad of it, if they had a kettle to boil the flesh in; but as that
+was not the case, they must suffer hunger, for they could not even yet
+eat dogs' flesh in its raw state. The missionaries now remained in the
+snow-house, and every day endeavoured to boil so much water over their
+lamp as might serve them for two dishes of coffee a piece. Through
+mercy, they were preserved in good health, and brother Liebisch quite
+unexpectedly recovered on the first day of his sore throat. The
+Esquimaux also kept up their spirits, and even the rough heathen
+Kassigiak declared that it was proper to be thankful that they were
+still alive, adding, that if they had remained a very little longer
+upon the ice yesterday, all their bones would have been broken to
+pieces in a short time. He had however his heels frozen, and suffered
+considerable pain. In the evening the missionaries sung an hymn with
+the Esquimaux, and continued to do it every morning and evening. The
+Lord was present with them, and comforted their hearts by his peace.
+
+Towards noon of the thirteenth, the weather cleared up, and the sea
+was soon, as far as the eye could reach, quite freed from ice. Mark
+and Joel went up the hills to reconnoitre, and returned with the
+disagreeable news that not a morsel of ice was to be seen even from
+thence in any direction, and that it had been forced away from the
+coast at Naasornak. They were therefore of opinion that nothing could
+be done, but force their way across the mountain Kiglapeit. This day
+Kassigiak complained much of hunger, probably to obtain from the
+missionaries a larger proportion than the common allowance. They
+represented to him that they had no more themselves, and reproved him
+for his impatience. Whenever the victuals were distributed, he always
+swallowed his portion very greedily, and put out his hand for what he
+saw the missionaries had left, but was easily kept from any further
+attempt by serious reproof. The Esquimaux eat to-day an old sack made
+of fish skin, which proved indeed a dry and miserable dish. While they
+were at this singular meal, they kept repeating in a low humming tone,
+"You was a sack but a little while ago, and now you are food for us."
+Towards evening, some flakes of ice were discovered driving towards
+the coast, and on the 14th, in the morning, the sea was covered with
+them. But the weather was again very stormy, and the Esquimaux could
+not quit the snow-house, which made them very low-spirited and
+melancholy. Kassigiak suggested that it would be well "to attempt to
+make good weather," by which he meant to practise his art as a
+sorcerer to make the weather good. The missionaries opposed it, and
+told him that his heathenish practices were of no use, but that the
+weather would become favourable as soon as it should please God.
+Kassigiak then asked, "Whether Jesus could make good weather?" He was
+told that to Jesus was given all power in heaven and in earth, upon
+which he demanded that he should be applied to. Another time he said,
+I shall tell my countrymen at Seglek enough about you, how well you
+bear this misfortune. The missionaries replied, "Tell them that in the
+midst of this affliction, we placed our only hope and trust in Jesus
+Christ, our Saviour, who loves all mankind, and has shed his blood to
+redeem them from eternal misery." To-day the Esquimaux began to eat an
+old filthy and worn out skin, which had served them for a mattress.
+
+On the 15th the weather continued extremely boisterous, and the
+Esquimaux appeared every now and then to sink under disappointment.
+But they possess a good quality, namely, a power of going to sleep
+when they please, and if need be they will sleep for days and nights
+together.
+
+In the evening, the sky became clear and their hope revived. Mark and
+Joel went out to reconnoitre, and brought word that the ice had
+acquired a considerable degree of solidity, and might soon be fit for
+use. The poor dogs had meanwhile fasted for near four days, but now,
+in the prospect of a speedy release, the missionaries allowed to each
+a few morsels of food. The temperature of the air having been rather
+mild, it occasioned a new source of distress; for by the warm
+exhalations of the inhabitants, the roof of the snow-house got to be
+in a melting state, which occasioned a continual dropping, and by
+degrees made every thing soaking wet. The missionaries report, that
+they considered this the greatest hardship they had to endure, for
+they had not a dry thread about them, nor a dry place to lie down in.
+
+On the 16th the sky cleared, but the fine particles of snow were
+driven about like clouds. Joel and Kassigiak resolved to pursue their
+journey to Okkak by the way of Nuasornak, and set out with the wind
+and snow full in their faces. Mark could not resolve to proceed
+farther north, because, in his opinion, the violence of the wind had
+driven the ice off the coast at Tikkerarsuk, so as to render it
+impossible to land; but he thought he might proceed to the south with
+safety, and get round Kiglapeit. The missionaries endeavoured to
+persuade him to follow the above mentioned company to Okkak; but it
+was in vain, and they did not feel at liberty to insist upon it, not
+being sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. Their present
+distress dictated the necessity of venturing something to reach the
+habitations of men, and yet they were rather afraid of passing over
+the newly frozen sea under Kiglapiet, and could not immediately
+determine what to do. Brother Turner, therefore, went again with Mark
+to examine the ice, and both seemed satisfied that it would hold. They
+therefore came at last to a resolution to return to Nain, and commit
+themselves to the protection of the Lord. On the 17th, the wind had
+considerably increased with heavy showers of snow and sleet, but they
+set off at half-past ten o'clock in the forenoon. Mark ran all the way
+round Kiglapiet before the sledge to find a good track, and about one
+o'clock, through God's mercy, they were out of danger and reached the
+bay. Here they found a good track, upon smooth ice, made a meal of the
+remnant of their provisions and got some warm coffee. Thus refreshed,
+they resolved to proceed without stopping till they reached Nain,
+where they arrived at twelve o'clock at night. The brethren at Nain
+rejoiced exceedingly to see them return, for by several hints of the
+Esquimaux, who first met them going out to sea, and who then, in their
+own obscure way, had endeavoured to warn them of the ground swell, but
+had not been attended to, their fellow missionaries, and especially
+their wives, had been much terrified. One of these Esquimaux, whose
+wife had made some article of dress for brother Liebisch, whom they
+called Samuel, addressed sister Liebisch in the following manner:
+
+"I should be glad of the payment for my wife's work." "Wait a little,"
+answered she, "and, when my husband returns, he will settle with you,
+for I am unacquainted with the bargain made between you." "Samuel and
+William," replied the Esquimaux, "will not return any more to Nain."
+"How, not return, what makes you say so?" After some pause, the
+Esquimaux returned in a low tone, "Samuel and William are no more! all
+their bones are broken and in the stomachs of the sharks." Terrified
+at this alarming account, sister Liebisch called in the rest of the
+family, and the Esquimaux was examined as to his meaning; but his
+answer was little less obscure. He seemed so certain of the
+destruction of the missionaries, that he was with difficulty prevailed
+on to wait some time for their return. He could not believe that they
+could have escaped the effects of so furious a tempest, considering
+the course they were taking.
+
+It may easily be conceived with what gratitude to God the whole family
+at Nain bid them welcome. During the storm, they had considered with
+some dread what might be the fate of those brethren, though at Nain
+its violence was not felt so much as on a coast unprotected by any
+islands. Added to this, the hints of the Esquimaux had considerably
+increased their apprehensions for their safety, and their fears began
+to get the better of their hopes. All therefore joined most fervently
+in praise and thanksgiving to God for their signal deliverance.
+
+In August 1783, Liebisch returned to Europe, and took his place in the
+Unity's Elders Conference as a member, and Lister, with some
+assistants, exercised the office of superintendant until 1786, when
+John Christian Ludwig Rose was appointed to this office.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ Esquimaux visit the English settlements--pernicious
+   consequences--dreadful accident--famine--unexpected supply of
+   food and skins.--Emigration from Okkak--missionaries' care of the
+   wanderers, who return disappointed.--Terrible tales from the
+   south.--Inquirers separated from the heathen.--Popish priest
+   attempts to seduce the converts.--Brother Rose inspects
+   Hopedale.--Karpik the sorcerer.--Peter's fall.--Visits to the
+   south renewed.--Parting address of the
+   brethren.--Epidemic.--Death of Daniel--of Esther.--Conversion and
+   peaceful end of Tuglavina.--Last days of Mikak.--Indians come to
+   Hopedale.--Rose's remarks on the internal state of the
+   missions.--Instances of the power of grace among the
+   Esquimaux--striking observation of one of the
+   baptized.--Jonathan's letter to the Greenlanders.--Affecting
+   confession of Solomon.--Conduct of a young woman sought in
+   marriage by a heathen.--State of the settlements at the close of
+   the century.--Prospects begin to brighten.--Remarkable
+   phenomenon.--Avocations of the missionaries--their
+   trials--preservation of their vessels--of their
+   settlements--their brotherly love.
+
+
+Eleven years had the brethren now laboured for the conversion of the
+Esquimaux amidst many difficulties and dangers, when circumstances
+occurred which threatened to blast these fair hopes of success. In the
+summer of 1782, the Esquimaux, for the first time since missionaries
+had settled in the country, visited the English settlements in the
+south. Tuglavina had persuaded Abraham, one of the baptized of Nain,
+to go with him to Chateau Bay; and when they returned in October, they
+reported that the Commander-in-chief had been quite overjoyed to see
+baptized Esquimaux, and wished that more of them might come to visit
+him, for he also had been baptized, and hoped that his soul after
+death would go to heaven. He had reproved Mikak for not being
+baptized, and warned then all against murders and adultery. Abraham
+had bought a boat and still owed half of the price, yet he and
+Tuglavina had each received a present of a musket and powder and ball,
+nor had the women been sent empty away; also, while they were there,
+they had had plenty to eat, a gratification of no minor importance.
+
+By these splendid accounts of their kind reception, a general desire
+was excited among their countrymen to go likewise to the south; and
+the next consequence was, insolence and opposition to the missionaries
+and teachers. If they were reminded to be sparing of their winter
+provisions, they sarcastically replied, by reminding the brethren of
+the manner in which Tuglavina and Abraham had been treated by the
+"good" Europeans in the south; or if they came into the mission-house
+and got nothing to eat, they immediately exclaimed, with the
+Europeans in the south we can have plenty to eat. And when one was
+turned out from the palasadoes, he angrily remarked, the Europeans
+have no palasadoes. By these representations the greater part of the
+baptized were seduced and deceived; the brethren with meekness
+endeavoured to put them right, reminded them that at their baptism
+they had promised to love Jesus only, and to follow him, not to leave
+the congregation of the faithful, and to obey their teachers. They
+also particularly described the dangers to which they would be exposed
+in their journey to the south, and desired them to consider the
+impressive warnings the Commander-in-chief had so lately given
+them--but all was in vain.
+
+In the following winter, a famine broke out among the Esquimaux in
+Nain; their number amounted to eighty-two souls, whereof thirty-five
+were baptized and candidates for baptism. All these looked to the
+brethren when in want of the necessaries of life, who afforded them
+assistance to the utmost of their ability; but received little thanks
+for their kindness, for if they did not give them what they thought
+enough, they upbraided them with the conduct of the good Europeans in
+the south.
+
+On the 4th December a dreadful accident happened at Ankpalluktak,
+about six hours distant from Nain. A large mass of snow was
+precipitated from a mountain and overwhelmed an Esquimaux winter
+house, wherein were thirty persons, young and old. No one could escape
+to tell the tale of their disaster or procure assistance; but it
+happened, by the merciful providence of God, that Nathaniel, with
+another Esquimaux, went to Ankpalluktak to bring Sirmek to Nain; to
+their astonishment they found him lying half-frozen, unable either to
+stand or walk, yet still alive. They then heard a voice from the midst
+of the ruins, by which they perceived there were still some persons
+alive beneath the snow; and hastening back to Nain with Sirmek, they
+returned with additional hands, and the necessary tools from the
+brethren. They soon found that there were more Esquimaux within, and
+by great exertion and labour succeeded in extricating nine persons
+from the rubbish, but one of them was so much bruised that she died
+very soon after. By this visitation twenty-one persons lost their
+lives. The Esquimaux were greatly alarmed by it for a little, but the
+impression soon wore off, and all was forgotten.
+
+In January and February 1783, the famine increased among the natives,
+and the brethren redoubled their endeavours to supply their
+necessities, which however appears only to have had the effect of
+encouraging their indolence, for so long as they could get food in
+this way they would not stir abroad, or make the least exertion to
+supply their own wants. If urged to go in search of food, they alleged
+that hunger prevented them; "for," said they, "when we go out and
+catch nothing it makes us the more hungry." If advised to go and hunt,
+they replied, "We have no gun." Yet did not this waywardness tire the
+patient benevolence of the missionaries; but, like children of their
+Father in heaven, who causeth his sun to rise on the evil and the
+good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust, when the famine had
+reached its height, brother Lister sent to Okkak to fetch a sledge
+load of dried fish.
+
+Ere they arrived, news was brought that the Esquimaux in the island of
+Kerniteksut, two hours distant from Nain, had been so fortunate as to
+find a dead whale. On hearing this, the whole inhabitants of the
+country hastened to the place to satisfy their hunger; an immense
+number of foxes came for the same purpose; these they killed, and thus
+the starving natives were supplied both with food and riches, the
+skins of these animals forming a principal article of exchange with
+the Europeans. But this last occurrence proved that wealth among
+savages, as well as in more civilized countries, is not always a
+blessing; it renewed anew the desire to go to the south, as the
+greater part were now in circumstances to carry merchandize thither,
+to barter with the good and kind Europeans. Nothing then was spoken of
+but trade in the south, and they could hardly wait for the season to
+undertake the journey. When the brethren visited them in the spring,
+they treated them with the greatest indifference and even insolence;
+the gospel of Jesus found no access to them; and though, through a
+certain dread of the missionaries, which they could not cast off, they
+were not so outrageously brutal as formerly; yet in secret they
+returned to the indulgence of many of their vile practices.
+
+Early in the approaching summer, more than eighty Esquimaux went from
+the country round Nain to the south, among whom were nineteen of the
+baptized, and even Peter, the first fruits of the mission, accompanied
+them. The majority had determined to spend the winter there, and get
+plenty to eat, and tobacco, and guns, and powder, and ball, and other
+articles which they could not purchase so advantageously from the
+brethren. From the country round Okkak too, above an hundred of the
+natives went south in four boats, among whom were Luke and his family,
+who were baptized.
+
+When the brethren saw that the baptized would not be prevented from
+going to the south, though sorely grieved, yet anxious for their
+welfare in their ill advised expedition, they gave them a written
+certificate, stating that they, the missionaries, had been sent there
+by an agreement with the governor of Newfoundland, in the years 1771
+and --2; that they had lived in love and concord with the Esquimaux,
+and had no cause of complaint against them; that there was no other
+reason for their present journey than the invitation of Europeans in
+the south; then recommended them to the care and friendly treatment of
+the colonists, and concluded by giving a short account of the progress
+of the mission since its commencement.
+
+At the new mission station, Hopedale, some beginnings of a stirring
+among the heathen were perceived, but the same giddy infatuation which
+had seized their countrymen laid hold on them also, and blasted this
+pleasing prospect. A boatful of them undertook the voyage to the
+south, while the others who remained, had their minds wholly
+dissipated.
+
+From this propensity of the Esquimaux to go to the colony, the outward
+circumstances of the mission appeared to be in great danger. For as
+the wanderers carried considerable quantities of merchandize to the
+southern settlements, the home freight of the Society's ship, the
+Amity, which consisted of the same articles, was much less this, than
+it had been in any former year.
+
+On the 5th of October five families of Arcktok came from Chateau Bay
+back to Nain; they now spoke in a very different tone respecting the
+"good and kind" Europeans; they had quarrelled with their friends, who
+had seized their wives, and afterwards maltreated and threatened to
+shoot themselves; while they, probably, had not altogether refrained
+from their old thievish practices. The year before, they said, the
+people in the south are better than you, they give us plenty to
+eat;--now they said, "You are the _Innuit_, our true friends, we will
+never leave you more."
+
+The following year, 1784, Tuglavina arrived at Nain on the 6th of
+September with three boats, on his return from Chateau Bay--the
+accounts which he and others gave of their residence there pierced the
+missionaries to their inmost souls. Of the nineteen baptized who went
+south five had perished, David, Abraham, Moses, Timothy, and Deborah;
+the latter, there was ground to hope, had a blessed departure. David
+was drowned in a kaiak on the sea, and on this account, by the counsel
+of old Nerkingoak, his sister Killatsiak was ordered to be burnt to
+death. Abraham, while striking fire for this purpose, slightly wounded
+his finger; but trifling as the hurt appeared, it brought him to his
+miserable end. Moses was shot by Tuglavina. Timothy was likewise
+assassinated. When Tuglavina touched at Hopedale, being asked, "Where
+is Moses?" he coolly answered, "He is lost." "Where is he lost? is he
+gone over the sea?" was next asked. "No! I have killed him," answered
+the savage. "And wherefore did you kill him?" said they. "Because he
+was good for nothing," was the careless reply. It was apparent,
+however, that they had been murdered for the sake of their women.
+Moses had three baptized wives, who were given or sold to three
+northern men; Kathmina was purchased by her brother, Kekluana of
+Pitteklaluk, for a great coat, a hatchet, a folding knife, and a
+spoon. These conjugal bargains Tuglavina related to brother Lister,
+quite unasked and without emotion; indeed his whole appearance was as
+if he had been possessed by an evil spirit. The brethren slept none
+that night for grief.
+
+By such horrible occurrences the desire of the baptized to travel to
+the south was somewhat checked, and the following year only a single
+boat went thither. But the colony possessed particular attractions for
+the natives; as there they could be supplied with muskets, powder, and
+ball, which having learned the use of, had now become absolutely
+necessary for them in hunting. The missionaries had, hitherto, doubted
+the propriety of arming them with such dangerous weapons; but as they
+could no longer be kept from them, they got themselves supplied with
+them from England as articles of trade, to prevent, if possible, the
+Esquimaux from making this a pretext for emigrating.
+
+Daily observation more and more convinced the brethren of the injury
+the baptized and the inquirers had sustained while they continued to
+live among their heathen countrymen; the constant incitements to their
+superstitious sinful customs, and to their heathenish juggling and
+games, they were frequently little able to resist, especially when
+their old inclinations were seconded by the calls of affection or
+friendship. When, for example, some spell was to be tried on a sick
+relative, and any of those who had been taught something of
+Christianity opposed it, they were reproached with hating the invalid,
+and wishing him dead. Another source of seduction to the half-informed
+heathen, was the use which the Angekoks made of the little knowledge
+of Christianity which they had obtained. These sorcerers, who are held
+in great veneration and dread by the people, and whose atrocities, as
+well as their pretended inspirations, render them objects of terror;
+when they saw the influence of the missionaries, and felt their own
+importance begin to shake, introduced into their incantations the name
+of Jesus, whom they acknowledged to be a powerful supernatural being,
+inferior only to Torngak--and the believers themselves were apt to
+retain and to mix some of their old opinions with their new creed.
+
+To preserve these tender plants from the contagious breath of a
+heathen atmosphere, the brethren determined that in future, they
+should have fixed habitations adjacent to their own dwelling, and they
+erected houses in a substantial fashion not far from the missionary
+station, into which they received no Esquimaux except such as
+expressed their sincere resolution to renounce heathenism. In Hopedale
+they had often experienced the baleful consequences of being in the
+neighbourhood of the heathen at Avertok. This was peculiarly evident
+from a declaration of some of the baptized who had spent the winter
+among them. A meeting was called on the 12th April 1786, to consult
+about the subject, when all the men inhabiting the station attended;
+it was held in the open air, and as the weather was exceedingly fine,
+continued for upwards of three hours. Here the brethren were informed
+of the transactions which had taken place the winter before, and one
+professed believer thought himself bound to make a confession of the
+superstitious and sinful practices in which he had formerly engaged.
+As these were among the actions and deeds which ought not so much as
+to be named among Christians, the brethren strictly forbade any such
+confessions in future, but particularly in public, and before the
+heathen; who being strongly addicted to the same abominations, and
+unable to distinguish between a penitent confession and an actual
+approval, might be hardened in their sins by hearing such narratives,
+which they would naturally conclude proceeded from the pleasure the
+persons still took in practices they delighted to talk of.
+
+A new trial, of perhaps a more distressing kind, afflicted the
+brethren, from an attempt made by a Roman catholic priest to seduce
+the baptized and the inquirers, by presenting them with a form of
+Christianity which had some appearance to that they saw among the
+Moravians, while it permitted an indulgence in those vices which the
+doctrines of the latter could not tolerate. A warm and a flattering
+invitation sent by a Frenchman named Macko, from Canada, who had an
+establishment in the south at Avertok, awakened with redoubled force
+the propensity of the Esquimaux to go to the south, though they now
+could get shooting materials at the settlements, better, and on more
+advantageous terms, than they could there. This Frenchman, who acted
+not only as a merchant, but as a Roman catholic priest, made them the
+most extravagant promises; and besides, he said he would pray daily
+with them to Jesus, and that he had the most beautiful writings--_i.e_.
+pictures--of the Saviour. In consequence, a company of thirty-two
+persons, and among them fourteen of the baptized, went thither in the
+summer of 1787, so that the number of inhabitants in Hopedale was
+reduced from fifty-nine to thirty. Macko invited the Esquimaux to
+worship God with him; this seemed more pleasant and convenient than to
+remain under restraint with the brethren, for there they saw
+"Christian" sailors who allowed themselves to follow every species of
+sinful dissolute conduct. On their return they said, the Europeans have
+meetings yonder as you have, and they have Jesus as you have here.
+
+The repeated distressing accounts from the brethren of the apparently
+insurmountable obstacles with which they had to struggle in attempting
+the conversion of the heathen, gave occasion to the venerable Bishop
+Spangenberg to write an impressive letter to the believing Esquimaux.
+This letter was translated into their language, and read to the
+baptized and the candidates for baptism at all the stations.
+
+Particularly anxious to root out these heathenish weeds which were
+chocking the growth of the good seed, Superintendant Rose, in 1787,
+inspected Hopedale, where they appeared most thickly scattered, and
+producing the most baneful effects. He spoke to every member of the
+congregation separately; and when they had given their assent to the
+contents of the letter, he made them, in a fellowship meeting,
+solemnly promise to give up their feasts with their heathen
+neighbours, and withdraw from the government of Kapik, a powerful
+Angekok in Avertok. This sorcerer, whenever he chose, seduced the
+Esquimaux to commit the greatest enormities, by threatening to kill
+them through the power of Torngak, if they did not obey his commands.
+But coming soon after to Hopedale, the missionary spoke seriously with
+him, and extorted a reluctant promise from him to renounce his usurped
+authority over the believers.
+
+Although the journies to the south were a great hindrance to the
+collecting of congregations, yet in all the three settlements some
+were almost yearly added to the Christian church by baptism; and the
+number of baptized, and candidates for baptism, in the year 1789,
+amounted to about eighty. Yet, alas! even with the baptized little
+fortitude and growth in grace could be observed--many deviated
+grievously from the right path. In Nain, Nathaniel, a baptized
+Esquimaux, had taken a baptized woman for a second wife and had gone
+with her to the heathen, with whom a plurality of wives is very
+common, and is considered as a mark of superiority; he being
+considered a great man who possesses two or three wives, and as soon
+as any one possesses a European boat he is, according to the opinion
+of the country, in circumstances to have at least four helpmates. Even
+Peter had so far again sunk into heathenism, that he had taken
+several, and among others, a mother and her daughter. Bishop
+Spangenberg was so touched with the case of this poor wanderer that he
+wrote him, representing the nature of his conduct in the most
+affectionate manner, and earnestly exhorting him to return. When the
+letter was read to him at Nain, 1779, he said Joseph has spoken pure
+truth, and I love him for it; his words are right, but I require the
+women for my boat and I cannot send them away. He was again put in
+remembrance of the letter in the following year, when he assured the
+brethren it had made such an impression on him that he could not sleep
+for three nights; but he continued in his evil course of conduct, and
+still kept the mother and the daughter among his wives. He went
+afterwards to the south, where he remained two or three winters, but
+whether he ever obtained repentance must remain a secret till "that
+day."
+
+Reports of many horrible murders committed in the north in the year
+1790 having reached the brethren, they were not a little comforted by
+the remark of an Esquimaux living at one of the settlements, "As many
+murders," said he, "would have been committed here if you had not come
+and brought us the good word of our Creator becoming our Redeemer, of
+his great love to us, and of our duty to love him and our neighbour."
+
+A strong desire to travel to the south became again prevalent among
+the Esquimaux in the summer of 1791; they said one could get a large
+boat there for a small price, and plenty to eat, as the Europeans
+caught the seals in nets and gave away the flesh for nothing, and they
+gave them also bread and rum at a low rate, and all this was good for
+the _Innuit_. A hundred persons, of whom fifteen were baptized, and
+three candidates for baptism, went from Nain and Okkak in eleven
+boats. The sad experience of former years had shewn the brethren the
+destructive effects that the frequent dispersion, and the constant
+intercourse with their heathen countrymen and careless Europeans, had
+in bewildering the Esquimaux, and erasing all their religion; they
+therefore determined at parting to give them a serious and
+affectionate admonition. In this they reminded them that the members
+of the congregation, in going away, were departing from what they had
+heard of the Saviour, and what they had promised at their baptism, and
+from what the ordinance of the holy supper required them to be. That
+they--the missionaries--ever since the time of their backsliding, had
+never ceased to cry to the Saviour, as they well knew that he was
+merciful and gracious, and would again receive repenting sinners; that
+though they would not now follow the counsel of their teachers, and
+would separate from them, yet it might be, that when they were in
+necessity or affliction, they might think on what they had heard of
+Jesus, and take refuge in him; and then, though their bodies should
+return to the dust, their souls, purchased by his precious blood,
+would be saved. One of the baptized replied that he knew all that, and
+understood it quite well, but he must be allowed to follow his own
+discretion. He promised, however, at parting, that he would continue
+to love his teachers--would think on their words, and if he should die
+in the south, he would order that his baptized children should be sent
+back to the congregation and put under their care.
+
+During the winters 1796 and 1797, an infectious disease visited all
+the settlements, a violent cough, accompanied with fever and pleurisy;
+it attacked both Europeans and Esquimaux, but proved fatal chiefly to
+the latter, and lasted for about two months; at Nain it was so
+universal, that when they met together they could not proceed, as the
+coughing rendered the service altogether unintelligible. When an
+Esquimaux is taken ill, he expects, from any medicine that may be
+prescribed, an immediate cure, and if this does not take place grows
+dejected; and now, fears at the thoughts of death, which are deeply
+rivetted, shewed themselves even in believers. The missionaries were
+assiduous in their attendance, and in using every means they possessed
+for their cure; but learned, to their inexpressible grief, that the
+impatience of some also who had received the gospel, led them to
+follow the old superstitious ways of the sorcerers to procure relief,
+and this at the very time when they were professing to follow
+implicitly the prescriptions of the brethren. They were very cautious,
+however, lest it should reach the missionaries' ears; nor do the
+latter seem to have been aware of it, till one of the communicants at
+Okkak, constrained by uneasiness of mind, confessed the whole with
+many tears, saving that he had grievously sinned against the Lord. The
+hypocrisy and equivocation which many, of whom they had hoped better
+things, evinced, added greatly to the anguish of the missionaries; but
+they had great consolation in the death of others, who departed happy
+in the faith to their Saviour. Among these was Daniel, a communicant;
+he said in his last illness, "All the things I had confidence in are
+now in the depths of the sea, my only refuge is the Saviour; all my
+thoughts rest on him." The widow Esther, however, deserves particular
+notice; she was bred at Kilanok north from Okkak, and when a child
+came on a visit to Nain in 1773, where she and her countrymen heard
+for the first time the missionaries speak of the Creator and Redeemer
+of men; this made a great impression upon her, and though a child, and
+surrounded only by the heathen, it constantly occurred to her mind,
+"It is he who made all things and knows all things; he, therefore,
+knows me and can help me." Often she told the missionaries, that when
+she was at Kilanok, she would go out to a mountain and weep and pray
+to Jesus, particularly when any thing painful happened to her. After
+her father's death a man took her for his third wife, which placed her
+in the most painful circumstances, as he was a rude wicked wretch, a
+sorcerer, and a murderer. In the year 1787 he died, and she was left
+with two children completely destitute, for every one hated them on
+his account. Her children were so dreadfully beaten that they both
+died in consequence; but though they were thus cruelly treated in her
+presence she durst not interfere, as the savages in ridicule
+pretended it was the Torngak that bid them, and threatened her also
+with death. At last Rebecca, one of the baptized, had compassion on
+her in this disconsolate situation, and brought her to Okkak. Here the
+missionaries soon perceived such an earnest desire after salvation as
+they say they had never before seen in any Esquimaux, though she at
+first spoke but little. In 1789, she was baptized, and soon after was
+a partaker of the holy supper. She lived in constant communion with
+her Saviour, for she had learned to know him as her comforter, her
+counsellor and help, and often said, "He is indeed my Father; wherever
+I go, and wherever I am, he is with me, and I can tell him every
+thing." Esther was the first converted person among the Esquimaux who
+continued faithful unto the end, without allowing herself in any thing
+sinful, and though often asked in marriage by unbelievers, so far was
+she from listening to such proposals, that her reply was, "I would not
+disturb my present enjoyment even to marry a believer." For had she
+married, she must have gone in summer with the other Esquimaux to the
+distant places where they procured their furs and skins, while in her
+present state she could always remain at the settlement, and enjoy
+the privileges of a Christian church. She learned to read and write,
+so that she wrote letters with her own hand to the sisters at Nain. In
+June 1792, when she was taken ill, she sweetly repeated, "Whether I
+live I am the Saviour's, whether I die I am the Saviour's--living or
+dying I am the Saviour's! Yes! he hath bought me with his blood, and
+he will take me to himself!" She died after three days illness, aged
+thirty years.
+
+About this time the hearts of the missionaries were revived by the
+joyful news, that Tuglavina had begun to think about his soul, and
+seemed in earnest. This furious savage, by strength, courage, and
+activity, had procured a commanding influence among his countrymen;
+who so highly dreaded him as a chief, and trembled at his supernatural
+powers as an Angekok, that his word was a law; and he had only to
+signify to them his pleasure as a revelation from Torngak, when it was
+instantly executed. Whoever he pointed out as a victim, his deluded
+followers were ready to sacrifice. Besides the numerous murders thus
+perpetrated, he committed many with his own hands; nor was there any
+method of controlling or bringing him to an account. He had, however,
+at first, and upon many occasions, been of essential service to the
+mission; and entertained a peculiar respect for the missionaries,
+particularly "little Jans," of which a striking instance is narrated
+in the journals. At one time, when he returned from the south from
+Chateau Bay, where he had purchased a two masted shallop, arms and
+ammunition, &c. he presented himself before Haven dressed in an
+English officer's old uniform, swaggering with a cocked hat, and sword
+by his side. Haven, with a grave aspect looking him in the face,
+asked, "What do you want here, Kablunat?" "Do you not know me?"
+replied the other, "I am Tuglavina." "Art thou Tuglavina?" retorted
+Jans, "then set off this moment, I have nothing to say to you in that
+attire; but put on thy own dress, and come again and act like a
+rational Esquimaux, and I will speak to you." Tuglavina, confounded,
+made no reply, but left the room; and without regarding the pitiful
+figure he was about to cut before his countrymen, laid aside his
+splendid apparel, resumed his seal skin clothes, and returned to the
+missionaries. These holy men, who neglected no opportunity of
+representing to him the guilt of his crimes, now pointed out the
+atrocity of the murders he had committed, or occasioned, and sharply
+reproved him for seducing the baptized to participate with him in his
+heathenish abominations. Tuglavina trembled, grew pale, and confessed
+he was an horrible sinner; but, like some men who call themselves
+Christians, excused himself on the ground of necessity. "I must sin,"
+said he, "for Torngak drives me to it." He frequently repeated this
+confession of his sins; but dazzled by the respect in which he was
+held by his countrymen, it was extremely difficult for him to think of
+relinquishing this flattering distinction, and humble himself under
+the mighty hand of God. But at length the time came when this once
+dreaded chieftain must lose his influence. His bodily vigour began to
+decline, and he saw and feared an enemy in every one of those whose
+relations he had murdered. He began to grow poor, and his numerous
+wives either deserted him or were carried away by force; of the whole
+number one only clave to him in his adversity. Amid this extraordinary
+change of circumstances conscience awoke, and in his desolate state he
+had nothing with which to still its voice--his sins and his evil deeds
+stood in array before him, and he resorted to the brethren for
+consolation. He declared his resolution now cordially to renounce
+heathenism; and in October 1793, was permitted, with his wife and
+children, to reside at Nain.
+
+Though he experienced many changes, yet at last the grace of God
+triumphed over this great sinner, and he remained firmly opposed to
+all the importunities of his friends, who, upon his returning
+prosperity, used every artifice to decoy him to another southern
+journey. Formerly, when living in the south, he had a dangerous
+illness; and, at the request of the governor of Chateau Bay, he had
+been baptized by an English minister and got the name of William. On
+Christmas-day he was received into the brethren's congregation; and on
+the 2d of April 1795, admitted as a communicant to the Lord's table.
+His conduct after this, and his expressions of gratitude for the mercy
+bestowed on him by the Lord, who had forgiven him his sins and
+received him graciously, proved very pleasing and encouraging to the
+brethren. But afterwards they perceived, with grief, that he began to
+entertain high thoughts of himself, which made them apprehend some
+lurking deviation. And so it proved; for being led into temptation, he
+conducted himself in such a manner as obliged them to exclude him from
+the holy communion. But he soon acknowledged it with deep contrition,
+and sought and found forgiveness with the Saviour, and was then
+re-admitted to the Lord's supper. He now took every opportunity of
+telling his countrymen what Jesus had done for him; "because," said
+he, "I am anxious that many more should he converted to him."
+
+On the 29th September 1799, he returned home from a rein-deer hunt
+sick of a pleurisy; and the disorder increased on the following day so
+much, that all the remedies applied were in vain. From the very first
+the brethren suspected that his illness would end in his dissolution,
+and mentioned to him their fears without reserve; on which he declared
+that he was ready to go to Jesus, and hoped his Saviour would not
+despise him. One of the brethren was constantly with him; and, at his
+request, sung verses expressive of the change in view, in which he
+joined as long as he was able. He frequently testified that he was
+happy, and put all his confidence in our Saviour alone; "and we," say
+the missionaries, "felt the peace of God attending his sick-bed." He
+breathed his last, October 4th, in the most gentle manner, while the
+waiting brother was engaged in prayer. "A singular object," says the
+missionary diary, "of the mercy of our Saviour, who followed him
+through all his perverse and wicked ways with infinite patience and
+long-suffering, until at last he drew him to himself. He was sixty
+years of age."
+
+Before this Mikak died. She had resided chiefly in the south since the
+year 1783, and thus lost the advantage of hearing the gospel, which
+she seemed latterly to view with indifference. But on the approach of
+death her impressions revived. The last two days of her life she spent
+at Nain. Immediately on her arrival, being very ill, she sent to
+Brother Burghardt, to request assistance and advice. He found her
+extremely weak, and apparently without hopes of recovery. However,
+after giving her some medicine, he took occasion to speak seriously
+with her concerning the state of her soul, advising her to return to
+Jesus Christ as a repentant sinner, who will surely receive all poor
+prodigals, if with their hearts they confess their deviations; and he
+also reminded her of the promises she had formerly made to devote her
+whole heart to him. She assented to the truth of all he said, and
+exclaimed, "Ah! I have behaved very bad, and am grieved on that
+account; but what shall I do? I cannot find Jesus again!" Brother
+Burghardt exhorted her not to desist from crying to him for mercy,
+for he came to seek and save the lost, and would not cast her out. In
+the following days she seemed to receive these admonitions with
+eagerness, and declared that she had not forgotten what she had heard
+of her Saviour in former days, nor what she had promised when she
+became a candidate for baptism. She departed this life Oct 1; and was
+buried in the brethren's burying ground; and they were willing to
+entertain the hope that this straying sheep had found mercy at last.
+
+Ever since the brethren had been in Labrador, they had heard the
+Esquimaux speak of Indians in the interior, of whom they seemed
+greatly afraid; frequently a sudden terror would be diffused among
+their tribes, if they discovered any trace of that formidable people
+near them. But in the summer of 1798, they were alarmed with the
+certain intelligence that five or six of their families had arrived at
+a European settlement, at Kippakak, about five or six miles distant
+from Hopedale; and in April 1799, some of them for the first time paid
+the mission-station a visit. They were a father and son, who came with
+the design of buying tobacco from the brethren. They lived with some
+Christians of French extraction in the southern settlements, and had
+been baptized by a French priest. All the Esquimaux immediately
+gathered round the strangers, and eyed them as objects of jealous
+curiosity. The old man appeared exceedingly alarmed at this, and was
+extremely glad when the brethren invited him and his son into the
+mission-house. The latter understood the Esquimaux language and
+English; but the father, when any one wished to speak with him,
+pointed to his ears, giving them to understand that he could hear
+nothing. When food was placed before them they took off their caps and
+crossed themselves; and before they went to bed they kneeled down and
+repeated a long prayer.
+
+An Esquimaux wished them to lodge in his house, but when they came to
+the door they would not enter; the old man began to tremble, and made
+signs that they would rather sleep in the bushes. As the brethren
+tried to quiet them, the son cried out in the Esquimaux language,
+"They are so filthy," and added in English, "We cannot sleep with the
+Esquimaux, nor eat out of their dirty vessels. We have been accustomed
+to live as cleanly as the Europeans." The brethren, who saw that they
+were afraid of the great number of the Esquimaux, but wished to
+conceal their terror under the pretence of disgust at their
+filthiness, showed them into one of their own workshops, where beds
+were quickly prepared.
+
+The following morning they asked them if they knew any thing of the
+crucified Jesus, in whose name they had been baptized; and showing
+them a picture of the Saviour's crucifixion, told them that he had
+suffered thus, and died that they might not everlastingly perish. The
+history of Jesus seemed not unknown to them; and they said, that they
+would not go down into the fire, but up into glory. As they saw a book
+lying on the table, they said, their priests, morning and evening,
+read kneeling, from such a book, that all the people listened to them,
+and in their meetings they made the sign of the cross. They also said
+that a great many Indians lived not far from thence, who, for fear of
+the Europeans, never ventured near the coast; that they had no
+fire-arms, but used bows and arrows in hunting. They wore a thin
+dress, evidently not calculated for a cold climate; their skin was
+brown, their hair black, and their features bore a greater resemblance
+to the Europeans than the Esquimaux. The morning after, they prepared
+to return; and on taking leave, reached over their hands to the
+brethren, and said, "You shall in future see more Indians." Since then
+the terror of the Esquimaux for the Indians, and their enmity towards
+them, have been greatly diminished.
+
+Frederick Burghardt being appointed superintendant of the mission in
+room of Rose, who, after twelve years' service, returned to Europe,
+the latter, before leaving, transmitted home the following remarks on
+the internal state of the mission at the close of the year 1799. "It
+is the cause of great pain and grief to me and my sister, and my
+spirit often sinks within me, when I see those on whom the greatest
+care and faithful labour has been bestowed, so easily fall back to
+their heathenish practices; and who, if they are not treated with the
+greatest patience and tenderness, would be wholly carried away. In
+these cases it always occurs to me, how would the Saviour have acted
+with such persons? The hypocrisy that appears in many is abominable,
+and could we have received them upon a mere verbal profession of love
+to the doctrine of Jesus, we might in a short time have baptized the
+whole nation, as far as we could reach. Many would have come here to
+live, but we were obliged to prevent them, and many expressed a desire
+to be converted, though they felt little interest in the subject, and
+did not so much as know what conversion meant. Others, who had
+obtained rather more knowledge, and whose relations lived here, would
+pretend to be converted, and these we would receive in hope, but they
+only proved sources of affliction and sorrow. When I read the reports
+of other missions, and reflect on the little fruit of our many years'
+labour, how my heart is grieved, and I say, 'Ah! why is the hour of
+visitation to the Esquimaux so long delayed!' I expect not this for
+any faithful labours of ours--for when I think on them, I can only
+pray and entreat the Lord Jesus to forgive our great guilt, our many
+errors and mistakes in His service--but HE shall see of the travail of
+his soul and shall be satisfied; this makes me many times think, and
+why not among the Esquimaux? With all this, however, I am constrained
+to render thanks to the Saviour for what he has done in winning souls
+for himself even here, for there are a few who have received
+forgiveness of sins, who know the Saviour, and live in the enjoyment
+of communion with him. O! that this were the case with all the
+baptized; it is, however, with the greater part; although, alas! there
+are others who do not yet feel heathenish customs to be a burden, and
+many that, having tasted the good word of God, have been deceived and
+involved in the commission of sin."
+
+Of those who appeared truly converted there are some delightful
+examples in the diary of 1799, who evince the power of the grace of
+God; though the missionary, under a sense of his own unworthiness,
+cried out, "My leanness! my leanness!" It is a practice with the
+missionaries, occasionally, to read to the Esquimaux extracts from the
+accounts of other missions, particularly those of Greenland, that
+nation having so great a resemblance to themselves, in their language,
+manners, and way of procuring their livelihood; these generally give
+rise to interesting conversations, and draw from the natives some
+striking remarks. At Nain, upon an occasion of this kind, one of the
+baptized observed, "If we had so far advanced in grace, that our walk
+and conversation shone as a light among our heathen countrymen; and if
+some who are baptized had not, after their baptism, behaved again as
+bad as the heathen themselves, we should soon see an increase of our
+number; for the heathen would soon perceive the difference between a
+believer and an infidel, and seek to obtain the same happiness, but we
+ourselves are in fault." Upon a similar occasion Jonathan--of whom the
+missionaries write, "He is, without a particular commission, a
+faithful assistant among his nation, and proves useful in averting
+much mischief, and in exhorting them to obedience to the
+Saviour,"--dictated the following remarkable letter to the believing
+Greenlanders:
+
+"My brethren and sisters, you who live on the other side of the water,
+and are baptized, I salute you by these lines, and send my words to
+you in the name of Jesus. When I hear your words come forth out of the
+written accounts, I ardently desire to be a partaker of your faith;
+for whenever these writings are read to us, my heart begins to burn
+within me. Of that long period since my baptism, (fifteen years) I can
+reckon but about three years during which I have had solid and
+constant thoughts towards Jesus; and have begun to enjoy my Saviour's
+peace in my heart. I reflect also, that the time of my life in this
+world may possibly be soon past, since I begin to grow old. At the
+time when I was baptized I was still very ignorant, and for some time
+after walked in error and darkness. But now, I cleave with my whole
+heart to Jesus, my Lord and God, and weep for desire after him. I
+search my heart frequently, and examine my conduct on account of my
+sinfulness; for I find myself exceedingly depraved and sinful,
+therefore it is my concern that I may never lose sight of him again.
+Of myself I am not able to abide faithful; but Jesus my lover will
+help and protect me.
+
+"I will relate to you something of my chief wanderings and perverse
+ways in which I have lived:--I was not clever enough to have to do
+with Satan, and to use sorceries; but I have lived in the sins of the
+flesh--from these I have now ceased, for I perceive I should be worse
+than a beast if I were to go to the holy communion, to partake of the
+body and blood of Jesus, with a heart defiled with such impurities.
+Henceforth I could not bear to be separated from my teachers, for I
+think thus--Why was Jesus crucified and put to death? Surely for this
+cause, because he would atone for me, an exceeding sinful creature.
+When I was a poor orphan child, for I have seen neither father nor
+mother, then Jesus became my father. As long as I live I will not
+forget him, and even in eternity I shall be with Him.
+
+"I sometimes think, if I were with you and beheld your faith, I should
+be much more happy and cheerful than I am now; however, though I be
+ever so needy--be it so--yet, like Thomas, I will call him my Lord and
+my God! This, 'tis true, I cannot do of myself; but when I continue
+asking it as a favour he grants it me, and I experience it.
+
+"With respect to my countrymen, I must tell you, that they often
+grieve me when they will not follow my advice. I do not say this as if
+I fancied myself to be a man of importance, for I will gladly be the
+meanest of these before the eyes of Jesus. When I think on my former
+resistance and stiff-necked behaviour in the work of conversion, I
+could strike myself. It causes deep sorrow and repentance within me,
+when I consider that I have been most faithfully instructed by my
+teachers for so many years, and yet have been like one that had no
+ears to hear. But now, not my ears only are unstopped to hear and
+understand the doctrine of Jesus and the hymns we sing, but I feel
+that what I hear and learn penetrates into my heart, and since I am
+thus inwardly affected, warmed, and enlivened, I am the more
+astonished and amazed at the change, when recollecting, that I have
+been so hard and callous, that whenever any of my nearest relations
+departed this life, being taken from my side by death, I was not able
+to weep a tear for them; but now I can shed a flood of tears, both
+from a fervent desire of living intimately attached to Jesus, and for
+delight and pleasure to think what happiness I should enjoy if
+incessantly thus disposed. However, since I am so poor and defective,
+I find that I cannot procure it by my own efforts; but I am taught
+that I may yet enjoy this constant happiness, by entreating our
+Saviour for it to-day, to-morrow, and every day. As long as I am on
+this earth, I shall remain like a sick one, and be always apt to
+stray; for my heart is naturally untoward and hard as a stone, but
+when Jesus softens it, then it becomes truly soft and tender. Ah! that
+I had not such corrupted senses! yet, being conscious that I am
+constantly in danger on account of my depravity, I am determined
+faithfully to attend to the gospel, and to my teachers, to be guided
+and advised by them and to follow after righteousness. When I search
+my own heart, I still find many things condemnable in the sight of
+Jesus, of which I had never thought before. Hear these my poor words
+to you in love. JONATHAN."
+
+At Okkak, Solomon, a baptized man, thus complained to the brethren: "I
+will now utter words of truth only. I am unhappy because I cannot
+regain that state of mind I enjoyed when I was baptized. There is as
+it were a dark shadow between me and our Saviour; this is the only
+thing that gives me pain at present. I feel, 'tis true, some desire
+after Jesus, but I cannot always pray to him. This is, alas, my case,
+for whole days together, and yet I cannot live without him. I know,
+also, that it was he alone who first saved me from my evil ways, for
+neither you nor I could do it!" Here he was so much affected, that he
+burst into tears. The missionaries encouraged him, and bid him not
+cast away his confidence in Jesus; for since he, according to his own
+confession, had bestowed such mercy upon him, he might believe and be
+sure, that he would not suffer him to weep in vain for a new
+manifestation of his love towards him.
+
+There is not, perhaps, any surer test of a young woman's Christianity
+than the choice she makes of an husband; and the missionaries were
+highly gratified in this respect, with the conduct of a young girl, a
+candidate for baptism. When the winter meetings were resumed, she
+expressed her joy, for she was desirous of learning the doctrine of
+Jesus, and wished to know and love him more; and she said she was
+resolved never again to leave the fellowship of believers. Her
+resolution was almost immediately tried; a heathen, from Kivalek,
+proposed marriage to her, but she at once declared she would never
+take a husband who would lead her astray from God and his people.
+Some time after, her parents, Joseph and Justina, came from Okkak to
+Nain, to inquire whether Anauke, who seems to have been a rich
+Esquimaux, was a candidate for baptism, or had ever spoken to the
+missionaries on the subject of conversion; and when informed that he
+had not, they said that since their daughter had declared her
+attachment to the believers, and her purpose to live with Jesus, they
+would never bestow her upon a stranger. On which the missionaries
+observe, "Whoever knows the natural dispositions and habits of the
+Esquimaux, will, from this instance, see that there is a manifest
+influence of the Spirit of God in their hearts, to cause them to act
+with such willing conformity to the doctrine of the Scriptures, and
+such attention to their souls' welfare."
+
+As the century closed, the prospects of the missionaries brightened,
+and they therefore with greater earnestness entreated the prayers of
+their brethren. "The more we perceive," say they, "our own
+insufficiency, the more we perceive how much we stand in need of the
+support and prayers of God's children, in this our important calling,
+to win to Christ, souls, harder than the rocks on which they dwell,
+and to be melted only by the fire of his love unto death." "We find
+every year," was the report from Okkak, "when we receive the various
+accounts from our congregations, abundant cause to rejoice over all
+the manifold proofs of His grace and faithfulness towards them; and as
+to ourselves, we may confidently assert, that his goodness towards us
+has been daily new. He has granted us the grace to preach him to the
+Esquimaux, both living in our land and elsewhere, as the Saviour of
+men, who will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of
+the truth, with courage and with joyful hearts, though under a sense
+of our own poverty and weakness;" and many heathen, who came hither
+from a great distance from the north for the sake of trade, heard it
+with attention. There was also a particular awakening among the
+baptized, who expressed an ardent desire to be admitted to partake of
+the Lord's supper, and they in general acknowledged to the praise of
+the Lord, that he had owned their small Esquimaux flock, and blessed
+them with his presence. The state of the settlement at Nain was
+equally pleasing. "We have had much joy," the missionaries write, "in
+observing the course of our small Esquimaux congregation; having
+perceived that they are more and more desirous to live in a manner
+acceptable to God, and to be cleansed from all those things which
+might grieve the Holy Spirit, and be a disgrace to the cause of our
+Saviour. In our meetings we frequently experience his gracious
+presence, and, more than ever before, felt the true spirit of a
+congregation of Jesus, especially during two baptismal transactions we
+have had. It proves a great encouragement to us, when we see that
+people, who, only a short time ago, hardly knew that there exists a
+divine Being, and lived in all manner of sin and abomination, now that
+they have learned to know the Saviour, shed tears from a sense of God
+in their hearts, and of their fellowship with him as their Redeemer."
+Nor was Hopedale less favoured. "We can declare to you with joy," was
+the language of missionaries in their letters to England, "that there
+has been a manifest work of God and his Spirit upon the souls of the
+Esquimaux in the year past. Most of them are in a hopeful state, and
+intent upon cleaving to the Lord, that they may partake of the
+blessings he has purchased for us by his bitter sufferings and death."
+
+Of four families at Arvertok, not far from Hopedale, consisting of
+thirty persons, the greater part were awakened to a concern for their
+soul's conversion, by a remarkable appearance in the sky, which was
+repeated three times, particularly on the night of January 14th. It
+consisted of a vast quantity of inflammable matter in the air, which
+seemed to ascend from all parts of the horizon, and then to pour
+itself towards the earth, in immense fiery rays and balls. Karpik and
+his people, who first saw the phenomenon, ran to Hopedale in the
+greatest agitation and amazement, and awakened the Esquimaux there,
+with the awful intelligence that the world was at an end. They, upon
+suddenly rising from bed, struck with the spectacle, imagined that the
+stars were falling from heaven, and that they were the signs which
+announced the near approach of the Lord, as he had foretold. Karpik
+cried out in agony, "Let us turn with our whole hearts to our
+Saviour--this is the hour;" and began to pray aloud to Jesus, to sing
+hymns, and to entreat, with the greatest concern, all his household to
+unite with him.
+
+These Esquimaux now attended the meetings daily, and evinced by their
+conduct a change in their minds; for they were not only anxious
+themselves about their eternal concerns, but were desirous that their
+children should also regard them. Instead of preventing them as
+formerly, they now intreated that they might be allowed to send them
+to school, which from this time was well attended by both old and
+young. Among the primary objects of the brethren is the instruction of
+the youth. Old trees are ill to bend, but the tender sapling is more
+easily impressed, and there are peculiar promises to bless the
+instruction of children, and to encourage to a patient and proper
+performance of a very trying, and not unfrequently a very irksome
+task. But while the brethren communicate to their interesting charge
+the elements of knowledge, they employ as the grand instrument for
+shaping their characters, the word of the gospel of Christ, and
+subject their pupils to a moral training, without which, the mere
+communication of knowledge, whether sacred or profane, is often a
+curse rather than a blessing. So soon as they had attained a
+sufficient knowledge of the language, the missionaries composed
+elementary books, and for those who were farther advanced they
+translated a history of the sufferings of Jesus, which was gratefully
+received by those who could read and eagerly listened to by those who
+could not.
+
+About three months after this occurrence, Karpik declared that he was
+now in his heart convinced that the blood of Jesus could blot out his
+exceeding great sins--that he wept daily before him, entreating him to
+wipe away his iniquities, and declared that the ardent desire of his
+soul was to cleave more closely to the Saviour; that he was resolved
+to follow him only, and to give up all connection with the
+unbelievers. And he was diligent in speaking to all the strangers who
+passed that way, beseeching and exhorting them to turn to the Lord.
+
+When the century closed, after thirty years' labour, the missionaries
+at the three different stations had the pleasure of numbering two
+hundred and twenty-eight resident Esquimaux under their care, of whom
+one hundred and ten were baptized. This involved them in various other
+avocations. They had not only to instruct them in matters of religion,
+but to teach them habits of industry and of economy and to show them
+the example; they induced them to build, and assisted them in
+building, substantial houses; they made them tools for working and
+implements for fishing[F] and gardening, which last process they had
+to superintend and to direct. Besides, they erected and kept in repair
+their own dwellings, cultivated their own gardens, fabricated tools
+for themselves, and used every exertion to lessen the demand for, or
+supply the deficiency of their European food. They had also to collect
+and bring home firewood for their domestic purposes--no small labour;
+and to fell timber and build boats for the purposes of barter, as they
+took nothing gratuitous from the natives, heathen or Christian.
+
+Since the mission commenced, they had, in the mysterious ways of
+providence, lost two missionaries by shipwreck; and in 1800, they were
+tried with the loss of another, in a yet more distressing manner. One
+of their new assistants, Rieman, on the 2d December, had gone out to
+hunt alone, and had wandered, but whither was never known, as he never
+returned; nor, though diligent search was made for him five successive
+days, could any traces be found.
+
+During the period that had elapsed since the foundation of the
+mission, they had been repeatedly tried both by pestilence and famine,
+but they now found their heavenly Father a ready help in every time of
+need. In one season, when the seal-catching had entirely failed, and
+the Esquimaux were deprived of the means of subsistence for the
+winter, the brethren joined with them in crying aloud to God for help,
+and he so directed it, that in a short time two dead whales were
+found, which preserved them from starving. The missionary families
+depended chiefly upon the supplies from Europe for their healthful
+subsistence, and it is an instance of the superintending providence of
+a gracious God which these missionaries acknowledged with humble
+thankfulness, that the voyages of the vessels which carried their
+stores, were never interrupted by storms or enemies. The Amity was
+preserved so long as employed in the service, but the very year when
+about to quit it on her return home, she was taken by the French, yet
+was restored without much detriment. And the Harmony, which had been
+purchased to supply her place, had now for more than twenty-six years
+traversed the wild and icy ocean, amid sunken rocks and in the sight
+of enemies, without accident.[G] The missionary settlements during
+this period, had been threatened with an attack from the French. Two
+of their ships of war arrived on the coast in 1796, but having landed
+at Chateau Bay, after plundering and burning that town and blowing up
+the fort, they were mercifully restrained from harming the more
+peaceful habitations of the brethren.
+
+In concluding the account of this past century, it is impossible not
+to notice the extraordinary spirit of love and of Christian affection
+which pervaded the missionaries in Labrador and their brethren in
+Europe; they loved each other with pure hearts fervently; and it is
+remarkable, and worthy of peculiar observation, that before these
+servants of God were honoured to carry the tidings of the gospel to
+the heathen, a spirit of love for the brethren, and for all the
+members of the body of Christ, was poured out largely upon the
+churches at home.
+
+Twenty-six missionaries were employed in Labrador in the year 1800.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote F: This refers to them making their nets for catching
+salmon-trout, of which there are immense numbers. In 1798, in six
+nights, 5000 were taken, and in 1799 they got 1800 at one haul.]
+
+[Footnote G: The Brethren's Society in London, now undertook to supply
+the missions, and relieved the merchants from a losing concern; they
+built the brig Harmony of 133 tons, which made her first voyage, 1787,
+under Captain James Fraser, and continued to sail in safety till 1802,
+when she was laid aside, and the Resolution was employed.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ Variable appearances of the mission at Nain and Okkak--more
+   favourable at Hopedale.--Death of Benjamin.--Spirit of love
+   among the converted.--Happy communion and close of the
+   year.--Providential escape of the Resolution.--New epoch in
+   Labrador.--A remarkable awakening commences at
+   Hopedale--meetings--schools.--Letter from a converted Esquimaux
+   to his teacher.--Industry of the awakened.--Declension of
+   religion at Nain, and Okkak.--State of the children at
+   Hopedale.--Progress of the adults in knowledge, love, and
+   zeal--instances.--Striking conversion of two young Esquimaux,
+   its effects upon their countrymen.--Awakening spreads to Nain
+   and to Okkak.--Zeal of the converts towards the heathen--rouses
+   backsliders.--Behaviour of the awakened in sickness, and the
+   prospect of death.--Remarkable accessions from the heathen.--The
+   son of a sorcerer.
+
+
+Chequered as life is with joy and grief, there is perhaps no section
+of it so much so as that of the missionary. Those in Labrador had, for
+thirty years, been going forth weeping and bearing the precious seed;
+they were now to perceive it beginning to spring, and to rejoice in
+the prospect of bringing back their sheaves. The concern about eternal
+things which had been observed the former year at Hopedale, continued
+to increase, and appeared evidently a work of Divine grace. At first
+only a few individuals found their minds stirred up to seek their
+salvation; but in the beginning of the year 1801, a fresh and general
+awakening took place. Those who had shewn the greatest enmity to the
+gospel now began to form the serious resolution of being converted to
+Jesus. In February 1802, a noted sorcerer, Siksigak, and two women,
+were admitted candidates for baptism at Nain; and on March 4th, a man
+was baptized, and named Isaac.--"This transaction," say the
+missionaries, "was distinguished by a most encouraging perception of
+the presence of God among us." At Okkak they believed that the Saviour
+had granted a particular blessing to their feeble testimony of his
+love to sinners, in preaching the word of his cross.
+
+They had at these two last stations, however, much cause for mingling
+grief with their joy; for several of those of whom they hoped well
+drew back, and some of the baptized even forsook them and returned to
+the heathen. "We compare," say they in one of their letters, "our
+Esquimaux congregations to an infirmary, in which patients of all
+descriptions are to be met with. However, we can plainly discover the
+power of God manifested among our people, and upon the whole we have
+had more cause for joy than grief. Whoever is acquainted with this
+people in their natural and unconverted state, and sees them met
+together at the church, attentively listening to the word of God,
+tears flowing down the cheeks of many, or beholds a company of
+converted Esquimaux surrounding the table of the Lord, and favoured to
+enjoy his body and blood sacramentally, under a deep and comfortable
+sense of his gracious presence, must stand astonished at the power of
+Jesus' love, which is able to melt the hardest heart, and make them
+partake of heavenly blessings." 1803 was a year of trial at Okkak;
+several of their members were seduced to go south among the heathen,
+and the arrival of some Europeans who came to hunt, and took up their
+habitation within the bounds of the settlement, caused the brethren
+many a heavy hour. An epidemic distemper visited them; but although
+many in the time of sickness promised to love the Saviour and seek to
+know him, no permanent effect followed; yet they attended the daily
+meetings during the passion-week to hear of his sufferings, and seemed
+attentive to what they heard, which somewhat encouraged their
+teachers, who thus wrote to England, "We do not despair. We believe
+that the agonies of Jesus are not in vain, and that the Esquimaux
+shall share in the merits of his passion." Nain was similarly
+situated--their wine also was mixed with water.
+
+But at Hopedale the work of the Lord went steadily forward; several
+were added to the church, and those who departed gave good evidence
+that they went to the Saviour, particularly Benjamin, who died of an
+inflammatory fever in the month of February. From the first he was
+convinced that his dissolution was at hand. Being asked whether he
+thought he should go to Jesus, he cheerfully answered in the
+affirmative. After some conversation on the subject, the missionary
+present sung that verse:--
+
+    "The Saviour's blood and righteousness
+    My beauty are--my glorious dress;"
+
+and others of the same import, in which he joined with great fervency
+of devotion. He then, of his own accord, began to sing other hymns,
+"Christ my rock, my sure defence" "Jesus my Redeemer liveth" "No, my
+soul he cannot leave" "Thy blood, thy blood, the deed hath wrought."
+Before his departure he was frequently delirious; but even during
+this period of his illness, we, and the Esquimaux who visited him,
+were delighted and greatly affected by the subjects his spirit seemed
+always engaged in. His thoughts were occupied with nothing but Jesus
+Christ his Saviour; and he kept repeating the most beautiful and
+appropriate texts of Scripture: "This is a true and faithful saying,
+and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world
+to save sinners." "The blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
+cleanseth us from all sin;" never failing to add, "Yes! on account of
+_my_ sins he shed his blood." He often pronounced with great
+earnestness, "Little children abide in Him, that when he shall appear
+we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His
+appearing." 1 John ii 28. Nor did he cease, in the midst of his
+greatest sufferings, to speak of the love of the Saviour, till he drew
+his last breath. He was 40 years of age, and left a widow and two
+young children. He had sometimes fallen into deviations, which
+occasioned the missionaries many fears and much anxiety about his
+perseverance in the faith; but his last illness fully satisfied and
+comforted them respecting the state of his soul. And it made a deep
+and salutary impression upon the Esquimaux at the station, who
+expressed themselves, when speaking of his happy departure, in a
+manner which proved it had been sanctified for their real spiritual
+benefit and instruction.
+
+When the people returned from their summer occupations, 1803, --4, the
+missionaries spoke with each of them, both baptized and unbaptized,
+and had the pleasure to find that during their absence, they had been
+preserved from falling a prey to the seductions and wicked practices
+of the heathen, with whom they had been forced to associate. The
+communicants they conversed with, previous to their partaking of the
+Lord's supper, afforded them much satisfaction; while they, on the
+other hand, expressed their thankfulness for their exhortations, by
+which they had been led to forgive and forget old injuries and
+quarrels, and to speak freely with each other in love. On this point
+their tenderness of conscience was strikingly in contrast with that of
+the promiscuous multitudes who rush to the table of the Lord, in the
+professing congregations of more civilized lands. Peter observed, that
+his mind was not quite at ease respecting the subjects in dispute
+between him and others, and that he had better not go to the table of
+the Lord with an unreconciled heart. He at the same time spoke humbly
+of himself; and added, that he did not wish to grieve the Spirit of
+God by indulging anger. One of the women, Brigitta, said, that she was
+not quite sure whether she dared approach the Lord's table, feeling
+still much uneasiness and displeasure in her mind; but that she would
+once more in prayer cry unto our Saviour to help her, and take away
+those evil things that separated her from Him. On the day following
+she came again to the missionaries, and, with many tears, declared her
+thanks to the Lord, that he had delivered her from her perplexing
+thoughts, and granted to her his peace in her soul, and therefore
+begged to be admitted to the holy communion. On the 3d of December
+they partook of this heavenly feast; and it proved a time of
+refreshing to them all. The season of Christmas was celebrated with
+much blessing, and they rejoiced with thanksgiving in the incarnation
+of God our Saviour, this amazing proof of his infinite love to the
+lost human race! Again, on the 31st, they were strengthened anew by
+participating in the sacred ordinance together, and closed the year
+with praise and prayer, thankful to the Lord for the numberless
+favours they had experienced, and particularly for his mercy to the
+Esquimaux congregation.
+
+This year the brethren had another proof of the kind and watchful
+providence of God--their vessel which, on her return home, usually
+took advantage of the Hudson Bay ships' convoy from the Orknies to
+London, left Hopedale on the 11th of October, and in sixteen days was
+within three days' sail of these islands, when strong easterly gales
+drove her back and kept her three weeks longer at sea. But these
+apparently adverse storms proved, by God's great mercy, the very means
+of the hallowed barque's deliverance from the enemy. On the 18th
+November she was chased by a French frigate, brought to, and forced to
+keep her company; but the sea ran so high that it was impossible for
+the frigate to get out a boat to board the Resolution, and continued
+so during that night and the following day. The second night proving
+extremely dark and boisterous, the Captain set as much sail as the
+ship could carry, and before morning was out of sight of the frigate.
+But two days after he had the mortification to meet her again, and to
+be brought to a second time. Again the Lord interposed in his behalf,
+the wind was so violent that the Frenchman could not put out a boat,
+and during the following night, the Captain, crowding all sail,
+escaped, and saw no more of the enemy.
+
+A new epoch in the Labrador mission commenced in 1804. Amid all the
+cheering realities and promising appearances which had hitherto
+sustained the spirits of the missionaries, there had been much
+hypocrisy, cold-heartedness, self-deceit, backsliding, and apostasy,
+among those who formed their congregations; and what was painful
+almost beyond conception, even in their church. But now the Lord
+appeared in their behalf, and in his adorable procedure, the most
+unlikely were the first objects of his awakening grace; and that
+station, which for many years had been so barren, that the brethren at
+one time had contemplated giving it up as hopeless, was that to which,
+in his inscrutable sovereignty, he chose to give the precedence in his
+gracious visitation. The beginning of the year had proved very
+unfavourable, and the Esquimaux at Hopedale had experienced
+considerable distress for want of provisions; but amid all their
+difficulties they attended church with cheerful countenances, and some
+of them would say, "If we only feel in our hearts the presence of our
+Saviour, who has loved us so much, and died and shed his blood that
+our sins might be forgiven, we may well be cheerful and contented,
+though our outward circumstances are difficult, and we have not much
+to eat, for we trust he will care for us in that respect, and we look
+to him for help." The behaviour of the people during this time of
+trial gave the missionaries much pleasure and encouragement. There was
+a general and powerful awakening among them, which first began to be
+perceived among some women who were baptized the winter before, but
+who appeared to have become cold and lifeless. These were led by the
+Spirit of truth, in a particular manner, to a knowledge of their
+sinful and depraved hearts. An earnest desire was at the same time
+created within them, not only to experience the forgiveness of all
+their sins, but to know the crucified Saviour, so often described to
+them as their reconciler; and by the testimony of their own hearts and
+consciences, to be assured of their interest in Him and his atonement.
+Their declarations on this occasion were such, that the missionaries
+were quite surprised at the knowledge they had already gained by the
+Spirit's light, and not by the instruction of man; and with fervent
+thanksgivings to the Saviour they joined frequent prayer, that he
+would grant them grace and wisdom to lead these souls, awakened from
+death unto life, according to their measure, and in the best manner,
+so as to farther their progress on the way to everlasting life.
+
+The first person with whom this delightful and amazing work of grace
+began, was a female, and such an atrocious sinner, that she was
+abhorred even of the heathen. Hearing a discourse from these words,
+"The son of man came to seek and save that which was lost," she was
+much struck with it, and asked herself, "Can this be true, that the
+Saviour came to save such sinners as me? ah! there are none so wicked
+as I!" Wholly absorbed in these thoughts, she remained in the
+meeting-hall when the others had left it, unconscious that she was
+alone. Then suddenly starting up, she ran to a solitary mountain to
+give vent to her full heart, where, falling down upon her knees, she
+cried, "O! Jesus, I have heard that thou camest to save the wicked--is
+that true? make me also to know it. See I am the most wicked of all,
+let me also be delivered and saved--O! forgive me all my sins!" While
+she continued fervently praying, she experienced a peace in her heart
+she had never felt before, and returned from this exercise so
+completely altered that it was evident to every one; her mouth now
+overflowed with praises for what her Saviour had done for her soul.
+
+Her change made a deep impression on a moral, intelligent, but
+self-righteous unbaptized woman. She could not comprehend how one so
+wicked and debased could speak of Jesus with so much joy and praise,
+when she, who was so very superior a character, felt nothing of the
+kind. On this she became unhappy; she began to perceive her hitherto
+supposed righteousness was only a filthy garment, and in an agony, ran
+to her she had formerly despised as a sinner, to ask how she could
+obtain forgiveness of sin, and love to Jesus. The latter took her by
+the hand, and both went to a solitary place, where she prayed that the
+Saviour might also shew mercy to her; and now these women got rest to
+their souls, and with one mouth declared what great things the Lord
+had done for them. Shortly after, two other women joined them, and
+these four were of one heart and one mind. Their uncommon spirituality
+attracted the notice of the congregation, and they were honoured by
+the formalists among them, with the epithet of "enthusiasts," but soon
+the Spirit of God was shed abroad on them also, and new life was
+infused into the members of the church, and throughout the
+settlement.
+
+In the meetings an extraordinary degree of eagerness and devotion was
+perceived--they no longer went to church merely for form's sake, but
+from the impulse of their hearts, and to find comfort and enjoyment;
+and after the meetings, many came into the house to express their
+thankfulness that they now experienced the truth of what was spoken,
+and could bear witness of its power; or to request an explanation of
+what they yet but partly understood. The schools were diligently
+attended, and many of them, especially the men, showed a great desire
+to learn to write. Some proceeded so far, though with but little
+instruction, as to be able to write a pretty legible hand; a few
+copied out the collection of hymns, and several seemed to take a
+particular delight in letter writing, of which the following, from
+Jonathan to William Turner, formerly a missionary in Labrador, but
+then residing at the brethren's settlement at Fulneck in Yorkshire,
+may serve as a specimen--Jonathan and his wife Sibylla were the first
+Esquimaux baptized at Hopedale. It was dated October 1804----"My
+beloved William, First I will tell you, that since we two travelled
+together in a boat, and you then spake so much to me about the state
+of my soul, I have never forgot your words of instruction. I was a
+very bad man at that time, and also when you lived here I walked in
+darkness, and continually did that which was bad. After I was baptized
+I was not much better, and when I went with you to the holy communion
+while you lived here, I had many bad thoughts, of which I very much
+repent. But since you left us, I have turned with my whole heart to
+Jesus, and all my thoughts and desires are drawn towards him.--Now
+that I begin to be old, the feeling of his forgiveness is my only
+comfort, and I have nothing which I so much desire after as Him, and
+to enjoy His peace in my heart. I will never more leave my teachers. I
+can be satisfied no longer with anything but my loved Jesus, therefore
+I wish I loved my Saviour more than I do. He loves me much, that I
+feel and know, but I am a poor human creature, and know by experience,
+that I can do nothing of myself, no, not even love him as I would. I
+pray constantly that he would keep me and instruct me, and my heart
+feels that when I go daily to him and crave his help, he hears me, and
+lets me experience that he is a loving Saviour, ready and willing to
+help. I do not forget him when I am in my usual occupations, but my
+mind is always craving after Jesus; when I go about with my boat, and
+am absent from my brethren, still my soul is taken up with Him. My
+wish is, also, that I may have a pleasant grave for my body when I
+die," meaning that he might be with believers in their burying ground.
+"I love my wife as I ought. When you was here, I was always leading
+her into bad things, but now we often speak together, that we will fix
+our minds only upon Jesus, and both live only for him, loving and
+following him. I am your poor JONATHAN. William! I salute you and your
+wife."
+
+The awakened Esquimaux were also examples of industry to their
+countrymen, and in the years of scarcity, the brethren remarked with
+pleasure, that they had a sufficiency, while the heathen were
+starving; for with their Christianity, they had not only learned
+diligence, but economy and foresight. Nor did they now, as formerly,
+depend upon the stores of the missionaries, or tease them for food
+after they had wasted their own; but rather suffered hunger, or were
+contented with a very scanty meal, while they showed a readiness to
+assist them in all their undertakings, in cutting wood, building
+houses, or making roads which were found necessary for the convenience
+of the station.
+
+While the missionaries in Hopedale were rejoicing in the great mercy
+shown to their beloved Esquimaux, the brethren at Nain were mourning
+over the sore backslidings of many of their congregation. "We are
+sorry to say," are the lamentations of their letter, "that most of our
+Esquimaux flock seem to fall very far short of what we might expect,
+and the craft and power of Satan is but too often visibly exerted to
+pluck up and to destroy the good seed sown into their hearts. We
+discovered grievous deviations into which some had fallen last summer,
+during their absence from us; and we perceived with pain, that in
+difficult occurrences, or in sickness, they are too hasty to listen to
+the sorcerers, and take refuge to their legerdemain tricks for help,
+rather than call upon our Saviour, and trust to him. Some, however,
+are of a different description, and give us good hopes of their being
+faithful."
+
+The brethren at Okkak likewise hung their harps upon the willows. "Our
+baptized brethren have not," say they sorrowfully, "been as steady as
+they ought. When we spoke with individuals after their return to us,
+concerning their spiritual condition, we discovered, to our great
+grief, among some of them, offences and wicked practices which had
+long been kept secret. We were obliged to advise several rather to
+leave us quietly than serve sin in secret, and attempt to deceive us
+by their untruths and hypocrisy. With some this produced repentance
+and reflection, and they begged to be forgiven and borne with; but two
+persons were dismissed, and two excluded from the communion. In
+general there was great lukewarmness of heart observed among the
+people, and we had but few instances of genuine conversion." They were
+also invited by their heathen friends in the north to come and eat
+whale-flesh, and all our remonstrances were in vain, for they
+answered, "that if they stayed at Okkak they must suffer hunger." An
+epidemic disease again visited this settlement, and carried off seven
+individuals very suddenly, which struck such terror among the people,
+that the greater part of them fled from the place to escape the
+contagion; but the missionaries remarked, that neither upon the sick
+or the dying, nor upon the healthy, was any salutary effect produced.
+The dogs too were attacked with a similar disorder, and many died
+along the coast--a serious loss to the Esquimaux.
+
+Meanwhile the awakening at Hopedale continued to go forward, and early
+in the summer extended itself to the children. The young, as well as
+the old, had been addicted to a gross and loathsome sensuality,
+which, although both they and their parents considered as trivial, yet
+they kept it carefully concealed from the missionaries. It happened
+now, however, that a grandmother, who herself perceived the iniquity
+of these depraved practices, caught her grand-daughter repeating some
+of the acts for which she had formerly chastised her; but instead of
+beating her, she carried her to the missionary to whom she was ordered
+to confess every thing. Surprised and horror-struck at the disclosure,
+the missionaries immediately spoke to the parents and children, and
+with great earnestness and plainness represented to them the
+criminality of such doings. To their inexpressible grief they found
+that the corruption had extended even to the youngest, and that some
+of the parents had concealed, and even now excused their conduct; they
+therefore held a special meeting with the parents and children, and
+addressing them according to their capacities, warned them in the most
+forcible manner of the frightful consequences of these secret sins,
+and exhorted all earnestly and affectionately to flee to the
+Saviour--throw themselves at his feet--implore his mercy and
+forgiveness, and pray to be delivered from the slavery of sin and
+Satan. Then kneeling down with the whole company, they entreated the
+Saviour to heal the deep wounds they had inflicted on their souls, and
+the injury they had done to his cause. Their prayers were heard. A
+pungent sorrow for their former sinful lives, was felt and expressed
+by old and young; this was followed by a general awakening among the
+children, which again had a powerful effect in stirring up the more
+advanced to seek a closer union with Christ, and to strive more
+earnestly after holiness. Children were now observed to retire to
+mountains and to vallies, where, on their knees alone, and in groupes,
+they besought the Saviour with tears to have mercy on them, forgive
+their sins, and receive them into the number of his children: and many
+of the unbaptized little ones showed a great anxiety to be favoured
+with that ordinance.--It was a blessed time--all hearts were opened to
+attend to the instructions and exhortations brought from the word of
+God--all were inflamed with the love of Jesus, and the eagerness to
+hear more and more of Him who was the friend of sinners, was
+indescribable.
+
+When the Esquimaux returned from their summer places, and settled at
+Hopedale for the winter 1804-5, their teachers found, to their great
+comfort, that they had not only been preserved from sinful practices,
+but that the work of the Holy Ghost, so manifest during the foregoing
+winter, especially in the hearts of some of the women, had made
+farther progress. They had become better acquainted with the natural
+depravity of their own hearts, and the wretched state of a soul
+without Christ, which made them cry to him for mercy; and they had
+truly experienced grace and the forgiveness of sin in his precious
+blood, by which their hearts were filled with joy and comfort in
+believing. Out of the abundance of their hearts, therefore, their
+mouths spake of the love and power of Jesus, by which a very serious
+impression was made on the whole inhabitants of the settlement, and
+all longed to be partakers of the same grace. This spark of the Lord's
+own kindling spread rapidly; and the missionaries had daily visits,
+either from inquirers crying out, what shall we do to be saved? or
+from those who had obtained peace, to tell them what the Lord had done
+for them. A widow, in reference to a conversation she had with one of
+the missionaries the day before, expressed herself thus: "Now I
+rejoice that I can again visit the meetings, where I hear of Him who,
+notwithstanding all my worthlessness, has _so_ loved me! When we are
+assembled, I will ever pray to Jesus that he would put such words in
+your mouth as will speak to my heart." Another said, "I am often moved
+to tears when I consider what God my Saviour has done for me. I start
+back with terror when I reflect upon my former wicked life. I have
+been an abominable sinner; and that Jesus should have received me in
+mercy, and granted me to believe that his blood can wash away all my
+sins, and deliver me from the power of evil, is a favour so great that
+I am amazed at it, and sink down with shame and gratitude. I can do
+nothing but look to him. I am as one walking upon a smooth sheet of
+ice, and obliged at every step to guard against falling. He must
+uphold me, and for this my heart is constantly lifted up in prayer to
+him." The observation of a third was, "I am convinced that I have
+hitherto failed in truly hungering and thirsting after the love of the
+Saviour; since my baptism I have been as one standing where the road
+is divided." Several others made similar declarations.
+
+While this heavenly flame was in full blaze at Hopedale, two young
+Esquimaux, Siksigak and Kapik, arrived there from Nain, February 1805.
+Their parents were both baptized; they were as wild as the wildest of
+the heathen. The former had separated from his wife, who was
+baptized, for some time and meant to convey her back to her mother, to
+get rid of an incumbrance, intending to marry another at Nain, who
+promised to second him better in his heathenish abominations--to leave
+the believers altogether, and along with his companion, to enjoy his
+freedom, and live with him in the gratification of every evil lust.
+But they were both arrested by the power of the Lord. Siksigak, as
+soon as they reached Hopedale, took his wife, Benigna, to her mother,
+the widow Rachel's, and pushing her in said, "Never come more in my
+sight." He then went to his own mother's house, on entering which he
+found the Esquimaux engaged in prayer, as was their custom before they
+went to rest; for she had been converted, joined the church, and was
+married to a second husband. The family did not allow themselves to be
+disturbed by his arrival, and he sat down quite astonished at what he
+saw and heard, till prayer was ended, when he informed them for what
+purpose he had come. The whole company then began to entreat him most
+earnestly not to part from his wife, but rather to turn with his whole
+heart to Jesus. The missionaries likewise added their exhortations,
+but without avail; he still persisted in his determination. His
+relations perceiving that he was immoveably fixed, resorted to prayer;
+and, on the following day, they all assembled around him in his
+mother's house, kneeled down, and cried unto our Saviour that he would
+convert him. The mother expressed herself thus, "O! my Lord Jesus!
+behold this is my child, I now give him up to thee! O accept of him,
+and suffer him not to be lost forever!"
+
+Such a scene, so unprecedented and so unexpected, had an immediate
+effect on the young man; he was filled with concern for his soul's
+salvation. He burst from them, and in the greatest distress ran to
+brother Kohlmeister's, where Kapik was waiting for him with the
+greatest impatience.
+
+Provisions being placed before them, Kohlmeister sat down to write at
+a table with his back turned to them. While attempting to eat,
+Siksigak repeatedly sighed deeply, and at length began bitterly to
+lament his wretched state in disjointed exclamations: "O! how
+agonizing the thought! I am so wicked! I am lost!" "What is it? what
+do you want?" asked his companion in a rude and angry tone. "O! I am
+so wicked! I am lost!" replied the tortured Siksigak. Kohlmeister, who
+thought some accident had befallen him, turned round in an
+indifferent manner and asked him what is your name? Kapik, supposing
+the question addressed to him, answered, "Kapik." "And will you always
+continue to be Kapik?" said Kohlmeister. "I will always be Kapik,"
+returned the other.[H] "Wilt thou go away then and be quiet?" said the
+missionary, sharply. Meanwhile, he was observing Siksigak, who, in his
+agony and confusion, was turning the spoon in his hand, and bringing
+it to his mouth empty, apparently without knowing what he was about.
+Kapik, still more distracted than his companion, threw his spoon from
+him and rushed out of the house. He was met at the door by another
+missionary who, seeing his wild appearance, asked him, "Will you never
+change your life--never be converted?" "I know nothing about
+conversion," replied Kapik, and went off in a rage. Coming to his
+cousin's where he was to sleep, he found the whole family engaged in
+their evening worship, and at the instant he entered, he heard his
+relative praying for his conversion. That night he retired silently to
+bed.
+
+Siksigak, so soon as his companion was gone, broke out, and like one
+in despair, paced the room with quick and hurried steps, tearing his
+clothes and his hair, and crying aloud, "O! unhappy man! I am so
+wicked! I am lost! I am lost!" Kohlmeister now asked him
+affectionately who told him that he was so wicked and must be lost?
+Siksigak related what had taken place at his mother's, and how her
+words had pierced him; and with much compunction ingenuously confessed
+the abominations of which he had been guilty, and the sins in which he
+had still intended to indulge. The missionary then asked him, whether
+he sincerely resolved to amend his life? and being answered in the
+affirmative, told him, he had put away his wife, that was a great sin,
+wholly contrary to the will of God; and if he would be delivered from
+his present agony, he must, in the first place, openly take her back.
+"That," cried out Siksigak, "I will gladly do; my wife is good, but I
+am bad! very bad!" Immediately he ran to his mother and told her all;
+and with such humility, that his countenance indicated the change that
+had taken place in his mind, and the begun answer to her prayer. They
+then proceeded together to his wife, of whom he begged forgiveness for
+all the ill usage she had received from him, and promised, by the
+assistance of God, never more to give her cause to complain, if she
+would consent to come and live again with him. Agreeably surprised at
+so sudden and unlooked for a change, she cheerfully and readily agreed
+to return. Siksigak having given this proof of his sincerity, went to
+the missionary--for still he had got no rest to his soul; and he
+preached to him the Saviour who receiveth sinners, and called upon him
+to turn to Jesus and pray to him, though he could say nothing else
+but, "Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy upon me!" He followed this
+counsel, and that same night was delivered from all his distress, and
+could believe that his sins were forgiven.
+
+Kapik had spent the same night restless and almost hopeless--convinced
+that he deserved, and afraid that he would be everlastingly lost. Ere
+the morning had scarcely broken he came to Kohlmeister, who presented
+to him the same Saviour and Redeemer, who would not reject him, and in
+whom he shortly found peace to his soul.
+
+These two now joyfully thanked and praised God their Saviour, who had
+redeemed them; and, filled with life and spirit, set out on their
+return to Nain, where they testified with boldness of what they had
+heard, seen, and experienced at Hopedale. They related to the
+missionaries with an ingenuousness and sincerity, which the latter say
+they had never before known among Esquimaux, how the Almighty power of
+Jesus had awakened them, by giving them a proper sense of the
+wickedness of their ways, and caused them to resolve to turn to Him in
+truth as their Saviour. Now they began earnestly to declare to their
+countrymen the necessity of a thorough conversion of heart,
+representing how they ought to believe and acknowledge themselves
+sinners, confess and repent of their sins, and flee to Jesus for
+pardon and deliverance from the power of sin; for without this, all,
+so called conversion, was ineffectual, and no fruits of righteousness
+would appear. Some of the baptized received their exhortations in the
+true spirit of the Pharisees of old, and in a rage upbraided them,
+saying, "Ye wicked and abandoned fellows, will ye speak to us?" "That
+we are wicked we well know," was the meek reply; "but yonder, in
+Hopedale, we learned that there is a Jesus who came to die for
+sinners, who receives such even as we, and saves them."
+
+Their old acquaintance heard them with astonishment--some mocked, and
+others hated them for it; but several, who had been admitted members
+of the congregation, became gradually convinced, and began to doubt
+whether their cold formal Christianity were of the right kind, and
+whether they had not been deceiving themselves and others. They came
+spontaneously to their teachers, and with tears, and in a manner the
+latter had never before witnessed, confessed their sins, wept on
+account of the deceit they had so often practised; and declared that
+the more they were led to consider their former life, the more deeply
+they were convinced of the treachery of their own hearts. The
+sensations of the missionaries are thus described by themselves.
+"Though we could not but feel pain on account of their former
+hypocrisy, our grief was counterbalanced by the joy we felt at the
+amazing power of our Saviour's grace, by which their hearts were thus
+broken and melted. Our faith and courage, which in some of us was
+indeed very weak, revived; and we saw clearly, that with God, nothing
+is impossible. Thus the many prayers offered up, and tears shed by
+our brethren and sisters in Labrador, on account of the conversion of
+the Esquimaux nation, began, after _thirty-four_ years, to shew their
+fruit. And we now often encourage each other to pray our Saviour to
+give us the needful grace, strength, and gifts to declare the gospel
+unto them; and so to fill our hearts with his love, that we may lead
+and serve those, his sheep, so as to promote their growth in grace,
+and in his love and knowledge." The awakening here, as at Hopedale,
+extended to the children. The frequent visits of the Hopedale
+Esquimaux were made very useful to the congregation at Nain; many of
+whom moved to Hopedale, among whom were Siksigak and Kapik, who wished
+to reside where they had been so powerfully laid hold of by the grace
+of Jesus; "and," to use their own expressions, "be there thoroughly
+converted to Him"--hoping to receive much advice and assistance from
+the believers at Hopedale; and being afraid that their old heathen
+associates might hinder their progress at Nain; nor could they bear
+the thought of remaining longer at a place where they had spent their
+former lives in sin, and might again be led into temptation.
+
+By means of these two converts the report of the awakening among the
+Hopedale Esquimaux spread to Okkak, and even farther north, creating
+a very considerable sensation among the heathen, three families of
+whom arrived at that settlement with the avowed determination of
+becoming obedient to the gospel, and turning to Jesus with their whole
+heart. The schools were also attended with the blessing of God, and
+both children and adults made good progress in their learning; and the
+missionaries remark, "That it was very edifying to hear them
+exercising themselves in their own dwellings, in reading and singing
+hymns." Morning and evening prayer, ere the close of the year, had
+been set up in every family; and while the melody of praise ascended
+from every dwelling, tears of holy gratitude mingled with the
+brethren's prayers for the stability and increase of the Redeemer's
+kingdom among the Esquimaux. The intercourse between the settlements
+became now more frequent, interesting, and profitable; the converted
+natives, particularly the sisters, when on these visits, showed such
+an ardent desire to describe to their countrymen the love and mercy of
+God, which they themselves had so savingly experienced, that they went
+about from tent to tent, and particularly to their own sex spoke so
+powerfully and movingly of the compassion of Jesus, and his desire to
+save them from sin and perdition, that many were convinced of their
+dangerous state, and earnestly inquired what they should do to be
+saved? The zeal of the newly baptized had often likewise a powerful
+effect on the old, in rekindling the dying embers of their profession.
+Several of these expressed their surprise at their former
+indifference, and seemed to doubt if they had ever truly given
+themselves to Jesus; and old and young now declared, weeping, that
+their only desire was to obtain peace and rest in their souls, and to
+be enabled to live in the undisturbed enjoyment of the Saviour. With
+their emotions of love were mixed deep shame and abasement, that they
+had not before perceived their true happiness; but by their lifeless
+profession, and inconsistent conduct, had crucified the Saviour
+afresh, and put him to open shame.
+
+Nor were they less assiduous with the heathen who visited the
+settlements, and their love for the truth was manifested in the
+gladness they expressed at every new accession to the congregation
+from among them, the kindness they showed, and the eagerness with
+which they endeavoured to retain them. Some of these new comers, at
+Hopedale, having expressed their desire to receive the gospel, and to
+submit to the rules of the place, young and old instantly ran to help
+them with their baggage, to arrange their little affairs, and
+cheerfully built new winter houses for their reception. Another party,
+however, refusing to stop, left a man with his wife and child, who
+were disinclined to go, wishing, as he said, to be converted. He had
+pitched his tent at some distance, but no sooner did the baptized
+Esquimaux learn his determination, than they immediately went, took it
+down, and set it up in the midst of their own dwellings, with such
+demonstrations of welcome, that he exclaimed, he had never met with
+any thing like it before; nor could he understand why they should shew
+such disinterested love to him, a stranger. In visiting the sick, the
+missionaries had much satisfaction; there was now no horror at the
+thought of death--no disposition to return to their sorcerers; but
+calm, peaceful resignation to the Divine will, or holy joy in the
+prospect of soon seeing their Redeemer, face to face. Magdalene, in
+the view of departure, said, "I weep not over the pain I feel, though
+that is very great, but for joy that my Saviour is near my heart. O
+would but Jesus come and take me to himself! I long to go to him, as a
+child longs for its parent, to behold him, and to embrace his feet. I
+feel no gloom; my heart is filled with joy in believing on him."
+Benigna, upon her recovery from a dangerous illness, thus expressed
+herself: "I think that it pleased the Lord to afflict so many in our
+house with illness, and to restore them again, that he might prove us,
+to know whether we could place all our hopes in him, even in
+perplexity and pain; and I have now found that he is able, not only to
+bring us safe through the most distressing circumstances, but to
+establish us more and more in full reliance upon his help alone.
+During this illness, the Lord has given me to feel his presence so
+sweetly, that if it had been his will, I should have rejoiced to go
+and be with him for ever; but since it has pleased him to restore me
+to health, my heart is filled with gratitude towards him." Among the
+strangers, the power of God was no less wonderfully displayed in
+awakening them from the deep sleep of sin and death: they came and
+confessed their sins and their crimes, which, though formerly deemed
+light matters, now heavily burdened their consciences. "Human nature
+shudders and starts back," says the missionary diary, "on hearing the
+horrid detail of the abominations practised among the heathen;" and
+they themselves would often exclaim, "O! how shocking the way in
+which we lived in sin; but we were quite blind, and chained down by
+the fetters of Satan; we will serve him no longer, but belong only to
+Jesus."
+
+One instance deserves more particular notice, that of a young man
+named Angukualak, the son of a most noted sorcerer, Uiverunna. His
+parents had instructed him in all the secrets of their art, and his
+confession gives at least plausibility to the opinion, that the
+influence of Satan is permitted to be sometimes visibly exercised, in
+the dark places of the earth, though, while the effects of that
+influence are palpable in the perpetration of the grossest vices and
+most barbarous cruelty, it is very immaterial whether it assumes a
+perceptible form, or merely acts upon the imagination. His own account
+to the missionaries, was as follows: "My parents told me, that their
+familiar spirit, or Torngak, lived in the water; if I wished to
+consult him, I must call upon him, as the spirit of my parents, to
+come forth out of the water, and remember this token, that I should
+observe, in some part of the house, a vapour ascending, soon after
+which, the spirit would appear, and grant what I asked. Some years
+ago, when my little brother was very ill, I tried this method for the
+first time, and called upon the Torngak, when I really thought I saw
+a small vapour arising, and shortly after, the appearance of a man in
+a watery habit stood before me. I was filled with horror, my whole
+frame shook with fear, and I covered my face with my hands."
+
+His brother recovered, and the impression of this strange occurrence
+appears to have been forgotten, when a terrible dream overwhelmed his
+mind with anguish and terror. "I thought," to resume his own language,
+"I thought I saw a very deep, dark cavern, the descent to which was a
+narrow, steep chasm. In this horrible place, I discovered my mother,
+my relations, and many others whom I had known, and who had led a very
+wicked life upon earth, sitting in great torments, and exhibiting a
+dreadful appearance. I was already with my feet slipping down the
+chasm; and it seemed as if somebody said to me, 'Unto that dark place
+thou must likewise depart!' From that moment I found no rest anywhere,
+but having heard that true believers lived at Hopedale, I resolved to
+come hither, and with my whole family to be converted to Jesus, that I
+may not likewise descend into the place of torment, and be lost for
+ever. But alas! I know not how to get released from evil, for I still
+feel as if I was bound with the chains of sin."
+
+To this account, the brethren added the following pertinent remark:
+"We often hear the Esquimaux relate dreams; and certain it is, that
+several of our Esquimaux have been led to very serious reflections, by
+occasion of a remarkable, and, perhaps, terrifying dream, and been
+convinced of their lost and wretched state. We do not encourage a
+belief in the fulfilment of dreams, nor pay any regard to them in
+general; but yet we find the words of Scripture true, Job xxxiii.
+14-17. 'God speaketh once, yea, twice, but man perceiveth it not. In a
+dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men; in
+slumberings upon the bed: then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth
+their instruction, that he may withdraw them from their purpose.'"
+
+Towards the end of this remarkable year, the missionaries, in their
+diary, thus exultingly break forth: "O! that we were able, by words,
+to convey to our dear brethren and sisters, some faint idea of our
+sensations, and of the joy and gratitude we feel in beholding this
+work of the Lord among our dear Esquimaux. Could they but see the
+marvellous change wrought in the minds and conduct of some of these
+people, who were lately such avowed enemies of the truth, led captive
+by Satan at his will, and delighting in the most filthy and
+outrageous practices, they would mingle their tears of joy with us. We
+now hear backsliders as well as heathen, those who have long heard,
+but never believed in the gospel, speaking the same language as those
+who have never, till now, heard of a Saviour; all confess themselves
+most vile and unworthy, weep over their sins, and cry for mercy
+through the atonement of Jesus. Thus, in Labrador also, the word of
+the cross is the power of God unto salvation. We regard this gracious
+work of the Saviour, as the blossoming of a precious plant, which has
+been long germinating in the earth, and on whose growth we have been
+waiting with the utmost anxiety;--now that it has at last sprung up,
+and is bearing beautiful flowers, may He cause it to prosper and bring
+forth fruit unto eternal life!"
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote H: The Esquimaux always receive a new name at baptism, and
+most of them have such an abhorrence at the recollection of their
+early life as heathens, that it sickens them when any one calls them
+by their old Esquimaux names. They regard the days past, in which they
+fulfilled the lusts of the flesh, as almost literally a state of
+death.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ Mutual affection of the Christian Esquimaux and
+   Greenlanders--their correspondence--letter from Timothy, a
+   baptized Greenlander.--Delight of the Esquimaux in religious
+   exercises.--Order of the congregations--distressing events,
+   apostasy of Kapik--awful end of Jacob--peaceful death of
+   believers--Judith, Joanna.--Revival among the communicants.--A
+   feast by a Christian brother, to the Esquimaux.--Winter
+   arrangements.--Childrens' meetings--schools.--The brethren's
+   settlements contrasted with the heathen.--Progress of religion
+   at the different stations.--Books printed in the Esquimaux
+   language.--Number of the settled Esquimaux.--Epidemic at
+   Nain--its consequences.--General view of the mission.
+
+
+Love to all the members of the body of Christ, is the visible token of
+the vitality and truth of a Christian profession; and as it rises or
+falls, the progress of an individual or a community waxes or wanes. At
+this period, the converted Esquimaux felt a lively interest, not only
+in their countrymen, but likewise in their fellow-Christians in
+Greenland; the affection was reciprocal, and though they had never
+seen each other in the flesh, they rejoiced over each other's welfare,
+and communicated their feelings in affectionate letters. Jonathan had
+dictated an epistle to the baptized Greenlanders, in 1799; the annexed
+was from the Christian Greenlander, Timothy, an assistant at
+Lichtenfels, in return. "My beloved, ye who live just opposite us, on
+the other side of the great water!--You have the same mode of living
+that we have; you go out in your kaiaks as we do; you have the same
+method of procuring your livelihood as we have; our Saviour has given
+you teachers, as he has given us: be thankful to him that they make
+known to you his precious words, and all his deeds, which are full of
+life and happiness. I have, from my earliest infancy, been instructed
+in this blessed doctrine, for I have grown up in the congregation.
+When you read this, you may very likely think that I have always lived
+to the joy of our Saviour; but, alas, I have been, particularly in my
+youth, very often ungrateful towards him who died for me. But when
+this was the case, I was never happy, and I found no rest for my soul,
+until I cast myself at the feet of Jesus, and implored his
+forgiveness; and even now I can do nothing else, when I am distressed
+about myself and my great sinfulness. When I am in my kaiak procuring
+provisions, or on other occasions alone, and I call to mind that my
+Saviour was for my sake nailed to the cross, and suffered for my sins,
+which are numberless, I acknowledge myself the chief of sinners; I
+then pray to our Saviour with deep abasement, and often with loud
+weeping. At such times I feel that he draws nigh, and fills my heart
+with such comfort that I am quite melted by his love. This is also the
+reason why I make our Saviour my most important object; I cleave to
+him as a child does to its mother, and I will never turn away from
+Him. Nothing is more profitable to me than the contemplation of his
+sufferings. Of this alone I speak to my fellow-men.
+
+"My dear brethren and sisters, I must still tell you that I have been
+four times in danger of my life when running in my kaiak, for so often
+have I been overset when I was quite alone. When almost suffocated in
+the water, I prayed to our Saviour for deliverance. Each time I raised
+myself up by means of the bladder, but it was God my Saviour who saved
+me from these dangers. In him alone I trust, and provide for myself,
+my wife and children with pleasure. Although, as long as I am upon
+earth I shall feel my weakness and corruption, yet I go with it all to
+our Saviour, as a child does for help to its parent. I pray thus: 'O!
+my Jesus! thou lover of my soul, let me feel thy nearness, impress thy
+sufferings and death upon my heart, melt it and make it tender through
+the power of thy blood, and according to thy good pleasure, make me
+well-pleasing unto thee. Thou hast bought me with thy blood, that I
+might be saved; throughout my whole life will I rely upon thee, my God
+and Redeemer! I will place thee before my heart, as thou for my sake
+in agony and sore distress in the garden of Gethsemane wast weighed
+down to the ground with my guilt, until sweat mixed with blood, forced
+itself through thy body, and fell in great drops to the ground.' At
+such times my heart grows warm, and my eyes overflow. This alone is
+able to soften our hard hearts--this I experience, and your hearts
+cannot be subdued and softened by any thing else. You must go to
+Jesus' cross, for there is no other way to happiness.--Take these my
+imperfect words to heart, which I write out of love to you, as a
+people related to us. Your Jonathan's words which he caused to be
+written to us, we have received to our joy; we have not forgotten
+them. It is very pleasing to hear such accounts. O that we all, as
+one people, might put in practice what our Saviour has commanded in
+his word, love him above all things, give him joy by our conduct, and
+never again cause him grief. I write to encourage the heathen in your
+country, of whom there are still many, to be converted to the Creator.
+Let them hear much of his incarnation, sufferings, and death, and
+relate it to them when you are with them. Remember us also, and pray
+for us to our Saviour. We will also pray for you, and when we do this
+we shall also reap those blessings which our Saviour has promised to
+those who pray to Him.--I am your brother, TIMOTHY."
+
+Diligence in the improvement of the means of grace, particularly in
+not forsaking the assembling of themselves together, is another
+evidence of the reality and health of the Christian life in any
+community: this awakening bore that stamp also of the genuineness of
+its nature; and from the frequency of their meetings, which were
+punctually and cheerfully attended by the people, some idea may be
+formed of the hungering and thirsting after divine things which marked
+the Esquimaux congregations. The order of the different meetings of
+the congregation at Hopedale during winter--and in the other
+settlements it was pretty much the same--was as follows:--Sunday.
+Public service in the fore and afternoon. In the morning the Litany
+was read. The children then met. After the afternoon's service the
+communicants sung a liturgical hymn, or the candidates for the Lord's
+supper held a meeting for instruction.--Monday Evening. All the
+baptized had a meeting, when a suitable discourse was delivered to
+them. After a short pause, a singing-meeting was held.--This is a
+service peculiar to the brethren's church, in which some doctrinal
+subject, commonly that contained in the Scripture-text appointed for
+the day, is contemplated by singing verses or hymns relating to it, so
+as in their connection to form, as it were, a homily on the text,
+according to the words of the Apostle, "Speaking to yourselves in
+psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs."--Tuesday Evening: A public
+meeting, with a discourse.--Wednesday Morning. The children had a
+meeting, the one Wednesday for all the children, and the next, for the
+baptized only. On the evening, there was a public service, when a
+portion of the harmony of the four Evangelists was read and
+explained.--Thursday Evening: The same.--Friday. Both the baptized and
+the candidates for baptism met, where, after a discourse on the text,
+a hymn treating of the Saviour's passion was sung.--On Saturday there
+was no service in the church. Besides these meetings, the believing
+Esquimaux had the worship of God regularly morning and evening in
+their own houses. But the crowning sheaf in this harvest of mercy, was
+the permanence of the awakening; the impressions were lasting, not
+like a momentary blaze occasioned by some temporary excitement, but a
+pure and steady flame, which in a majority increased in brightness,
+till it was lost in glory.
+
+Lovely however, and heart-cheering as this delightful period was, it
+is not to be imagined that it was a period of unmingled joy; there
+were several instances in which strong and violent emotions were
+succeeded by coldness, formality, and hypocrisy, and in some cases by
+open apostasy, or by unequivocal marks of reprobation. The most
+remarkable were Kapik and Jacob; the former had been baptized by the
+name of Thomas, and his declarations breathed, or seemed to breathe,
+the very essence of a more than ordinary spirituality. "I have no
+other desire," said he upon one occasion to the missionaries, "but
+Jesus my Saviour, who has had mercy even upon me, the very worst of
+men; and I pray, that I may now give him joy, and cleave to him to the
+end. Alas! alas! that I have known him so late! Formerly I could not
+believe one word of what your predecessors and yourselves told us of
+Jesus, and of the necessity of believing on him, and becoming his
+property. I only laughed, and mocked, and gave pain and trouble to my
+teachers. But how is this? I now believe it all, and our Saviour has
+so powerfully drawn my heart towards himself, that I can find no words
+to describe what I feel." By this and similar speeches he so far
+imposed upon the brethren, that they believed him a humble follower of
+the good Shepherd, and a true child of God.
+
+But being attacked, autumn 1806, by a malignant disorder somewhat
+resembling the smallpox and measles, which raged in the settlement,
+the severe pain he suffered from the virulence of the disorder, as the
+irruption in his face struck inward, and assuming a cancerous form
+destroyed his upper jaw bone, he became impatient, forsook his
+professions of confidence in the Saviour, and sought for help in
+heathenish practices, and if he had had opportunity would have
+proceeded to greater lengths in these abominations, than ever before.
+His behaviour in his family too, had become very oppressive, and all
+the kind exhortations, as well as the serious remonstrances of the
+missionaries, produced no effect; even after he recovered, he remained
+quite hardened. He some years afterwards professed sincere repentance,
+but his artifice had been so deep before, that the missionaries could
+only say, that nothing was impossible to God.
+
+Jacob came first to the brethren at Nain. He was in the beginning
+apparently very earnest in seeking his soul's salvation and was
+baptized in 1801. But he afterwards fell into temptation, and again
+took refuge in his old practices, playing at the same time the part of
+a most consummate hypocrite: being discovered, he was excluded; yet
+when his health began to decline, the missionaries waited upon him,
+and as they saw him drawing apparently near his end, were the more
+earnest in exhorting him to turn to Jesus, who alone could deliver him
+from the bondage of sin and Satan. For some time he seemed to attend
+to their advice, but his last days and final exit out of the world,
+gave sufficient proof that his heart was untouched. As his pains
+increased, his impatience increased with them. He demanded with
+violent cries that a knife might be given him to stab himself, which
+being refused, he called for a rope, and persisted with such
+vehemence that his wife and son, wearied out by his constant
+shrieking, gave him one, with which he put an end to his own
+existence. Lamentable as these awful examples of the deceitfulness and
+depravity of the human heart were, yet they operated more powerfully
+than many exhortations, in inculcating upon the baptized the solemn
+warning, "Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall."
+
+At the same time there wanted not instances of an opposite
+description, to prove the reality of God's work, and the power of
+divine grace, to recall and establish the deluded wanderer, and to
+preserve the humble believer amid the strongest temptations and the
+sorest trials; to enable him to maintain a consistent conduct through
+life, and to seal the sincerity of his faith by a peaceful, if not a
+triumphant death. Early in the year, Judith, a full communicant, died.
+She had come to Hopedale with her husband, Tuglavina, and always
+conducted herself with great propriety. After his death she married
+Abel in 1801, and with him came to live at Hopedale, 1804. When the
+awakening took place she was greatly enlivened; but like many of the
+old baptized people, who thought themselves converted because they
+had some knowledge, and a fluent way of expressing themselves on
+religious subjects, she did not at first shew much of the Divine life
+in her soul; till by the powerful work of the Holy Ghost she was
+brought to see and acknowledge herself an unworthy sinner, and no
+better than those who were just then alarmed and brought from darkness
+unto light, and from the power of Satan to the living God. Before
+partaking for the last time of the Lord's supper, she was much
+affected. "I perceive now," said she, "that I am a great sinner, and
+am so ashamed that I dare hardly open my lips, for it is clear to me
+that I am far behind others in love to our Saviour. It appears as if
+he and I were yet strangers to each other, and I can do nothing but
+weep for him." Afterwards she became composed, and earnestly longed
+after communion with God. In her last illness, however, she showed
+much uneasiness of mind, as if something disturbed her peaceful
+expectation of dismissal. Brother Kohlmeister, who visited her very
+faithfully, encouraged her to look up to Jesus, the author and
+finisher of our faith; and on one occasion, particularly, offered up a
+most fervent prayer to the Lord that he would remove all her doubts by
+a full assurance that her sins were forgiven through the merits of
+his precious blood, during which the poor patient and all present
+melted into tears, and felt that their prayer was heard and answered.
+Then she unbosomed herself to her teachers, and confessed that she had
+hitherto concealed some deviations which burdened her conscience, and
+which she must make known before she departed. Having done so, she
+declared her firm trust that God her Saviour would wash away all her
+sins and remember them no more; after which she exclaimed, "Now I am
+ready, and will go to Jesus. He will receive me in mercy just as I am,
+for he has died for me." She now lay still in the joyful hope of being
+soon released. Both the missionaries' wives and Esquimaux sisters
+visited her frequently, to whom she declared the happiness of her
+soul; and on the night previous to her departure, conversed in a most
+edifying manner with those that watched with her of the near prospect
+she had of seeing her Saviour face to face. She requested her husband
+to bring her clean white dress, which she always wore at the Lord's
+supper, and to dress her in it after her decease. Her two youngest
+children she earnestly recommended to his care, and that they might be
+instructed in the ways of the Lord; and sent a message as her last
+will, to the two eldest who live at Nain, that they should remain with
+the congregation, and devote their whole hearts to Jesus. When the
+sisters took leave of her with a kiss, she exclaimed with joy in her
+countenance, "I shall now go to Jesus and kiss his feet, adoring him
+for all his love to me, and that he has redeemed me also, a vile
+sinner, and called me to eternal life."
+
+Joanna, who died in child-bed, was another example of the faithfulness
+and rich mercy of the Redeemer; in the autumn, a wild ignorant savage,
+she came to the settlement with her husband Aulak, and when asked what
+was her intention in coming--if she wished to be converted? answered,
+"That's more than I know. I follow my husband, and as he chooses to
+live here, I will live here too!" But soon after she learned to know
+what true conversion of heart means, and would not be satisfied with
+any thing of a superficial nature. "She cried to the Lord for mercy,
+and obtained," says the diary, "real saving faith; it was surprising
+to observe how well she comprehended the meaning of the gospel, and in
+how clear a light the mystery of the cross of Christ was revealed to
+her soul, insomuch that she could apply to herself the sufferings of
+Jesus, as meritorious and allsufficient for the remission of sin, and
+the sanctification of soul and body. She adored the crucified Jesus in
+truth, as her Redeemer, and nothing was so delightful to her, as to
+hear of him, and all he had done and suffered, to save her from sin
+and destruction. She sought him with earnestness, and found rest for
+her soul in his sufferings and death. Her whole walk and conversation,
+from the time she joined the church, testified of the new birth which
+had taken place within her, and of a total change of heart and
+sentiment. Immediately after her delivery, there appeared symptoms of
+inward inflammation. She lay still and resigned to the will of the
+Lord, and seemed to take no more notice of any thing that was said;
+but towards morning, raising herself up in the bed, she exclaimed,
+'Jesus is coming, and I am ready to meet him; a very short time will
+bring me to him. Jesus' bleeding love is not cold toward those who are
+longing for him.' So composed was she, that, observing the place dark,
+she desired them to 'trim the lamps, and make the room light and
+pleasant,' and when the company present proposed to join in a hymn,
+but could not immediately remember a suitable one, she herself pointed
+out that hymn of praise, 'Unto the Lamb of God,' at page 92. of the
+Hymn book. After it was ended, she fainted, and sunk down upon the
+bed; her sight and hearing failed, and she fell gently asleep in
+Jesus." During her short Christian career, she had become universally
+beloved; and the happy manner in which she left the world, made a deep
+impression upon the minds of the Esquimaux, "stronger," say the
+missionaries, "than all our words could do."
+
+Previously to the administration of the Lord's Supper, the
+missionaries usually have some conversation with the communicants, and
+at this time they were greatly refreshed by their simple, artless
+declarations. One said, "I am struck with astonishment when I reflect
+that Jesus can, and does receive such abominable creatures as I am.
+Indeed I am one of the worst, but his love is infinite. He bled and
+died for me, that I might be saved. Oh! how often have I crucified him
+afresh by my sins, and bid defiance to his mercy. But now he has
+forgiven me, and granted me to hunger and thirst after him. I pray to
+him continually that he would not forsake me, for I can do nothing of
+myself as I ought. The holy communion is, every time that I enjoy it,
+more valuable to me, because I feel the power of my Saviour's death,
+more than I can express in words." Another: "I have now only one
+object, and that is Jesus; may I never more part with him. Since I
+have had the favour to partake of his holy body and blood in the
+Sacrament, I continually cry to him to keep me under his direction,
+and to preserve me from the evil one, for I am indeed weak. He alone
+is my strength and refuge."
+
+A peculiar blessing also attended the administration of the ordinance,
+not only to those who partook, but to those, likewise, who were
+permitted to be spectators. At Nain, in the month of February, when
+that holy feast was celebrated, three Esquimaux, Joseph, Lydia, and
+Kitura, were present as candidates, and Sarah with a view to
+confirmation; the three women were so much affected that they cried
+and sobbed aloud, and after the service was concluded were so
+overpowered that they could hardly stand, and still continued weeping.
+Being brought into the mission-house, when they recovered themselves
+they said they were so overcome by a sense of the presence of the Lord
+Jesus, that they knew not where they were nor what they did. They wept
+on account of their unworthiness, and would now give their whole
+hearts to him who died for them. On the following day Sarah came, and
+brought all the metal rings with which she had decorated her fingers
+after the Esquimaux fashion, and wished to part with them, and
+assigned as her reason, that she wished to delight herself in nothing
+now but Jesus. Lydia, Louisa, and others followed, and brought their
+pearl ornaments to dispose of, as they thought it improper for
+Christian women to be gaudily decked out in costly pearls; and this
+they did spontaneously, without being spoken to by the missionaries,
+who never begin with finding fault with the dress or ornaments of
+inquirers.
+
+Before the Esquimaux set out for their fishing or hunting stations,
+the members of the church usually partook of a love feast together,
+and united in thanksgiving and prayer for the mercies they had
+received, and for the continuance of the Divine blessing. Siksigak,
+now named Mark, and Joseph, at their return, having been remarkably
+successful, treated all the inhabitants of Nain with a meal of seals'
+flesh. The entertainment was given in the open air, and Mark opened it
+in an edifying manner by singing some verses of a hymn expressive of
+thanks to their heavenly Father, for providing for their bodily wants,
+in which all the Esquimaux joined most devoutly, exhibiting a very
+different scene from the riotous gluttony of the heathen.
+
+After the people reassembled at the end of the season, the winter
+arrangements were made. The communicants were divided into classes,
+male and female, the former under the care of the missionaries, and
+the latter under that of their wives. In their meetings the
+conversation was unrestrained and profitable, many little grievances
+were done away, and brotherly love promoted. "That of the communicant
+sisters," the diary of Dec 11 remarks, "was remarkably lively; their
+conversation treated of the great love of the Saviour in dying on the
+cross to save them from death, and their own unworthiness to be so
+highly favoured as to be permitted to approach unto his table, and
+there to feed on him by faith, and to experience the power of his
+sufferings and death in the quickening of their souls." They added,
+that upon that occasion they sometimes felt a desire to depart out of
+the world, to see him face to face, and thank him for his mercy
+revealed to them. Mark thus addressed his countrymen: "If we who
+belong to this class are with our whole hearts converted to Jesus, and
+determine, by his help, to put aside all the old deceitful and evil
+ways, and give ourselves up entirely to him, then we shall feel his
+power within us. It has been a very painful thing for me to leave my
+brethren at Hopedale, but I shall live here with pleasure if I
+perceive that we are come together with a view to belong to our
+Saviour, and in truth to believe on him, and to become his faithful
+followers. I am indeed not fit to teach you, but yet I wished to say
+what I hope from your love, and our being bound together in one mind,
+to live unto the praise of God. You all know that formerly I led a
+very wicked life, but at Hopedale Jesus Christ called me by his
+powerful voice, saved me from death, and forgave my sins. As my
+conversion to him began at that place, I feel a peculiar attachment to
+it." He was heard with great attention, and all exclaimed, "Yes! we
+all desire to become such people, over whom Jesus may rejoice, and
+pray him to grant us all true conversion."
+
+The children likewise had their meetings, in which they sung hymns and
+prayed, during which they were frequently so sensibly affected that
+they would burst out into weeping. A boy who gave evidence of being
+truly awakened, called upon the missionaries and told them, "We boys
+have been sitting together by ourselves and speaking, both of our own
+sinfulness and of the mercy we have experienced from our Saviour. At
+the close of our conversation we kneeled down and prayed to him in
+fellowship, that he would deliver us from all power of sin, during
+which my heart grew so warm that I felt it penetrate to my feet"--a
+phrase used by the Esquimaux to express great inward joy. "Jesus,"
+continued he, "was very near us. I will give him my whole heart as his
+property." The schools were diligently attended, both by young and
+old, whose improvement in Christian knowledge, and in the facility of
+reading, advanced steadily, while several among the scholars evinced a
+strong desire to know Jesus, and live to him. But at Okkak in the
+following year an unusual emotion appeared among the scholars. One
+day, while the teachers were closing the schools as usual by singing a
+verse, there arose such an affection of heart, that all melted into
+tears, and at last without any direction they all fell on their knees.
+The missionary, therefore, who was keeping the school knelt down also,
+and was powerfully excited to fervent prayer for these dear little
+ones, commending them to the grace of the Saviour, that he would
+preserve them from the many snares of Satan, and sanctify and build
+them up in the faith. Some of the more advanced youths gave the
+missionaries much pleasure by their simplicity and frankness in
+speaking of their hearts; two of them--companions--conversing with one
+of the brethren, said, "When we are out together hunting we speak of
+Jesus and pray to him, and often feel such power and happiness in
+thinking of him that we weep for joy. But how is it that we have so
+long heard of him, and he is but just now become precious to us?" They
+could not explain the phenomenon; but they felt that a long train of
+historical proof, or of external evidence, was unnecessary to
+establish the authenticity of the gospel-message. "How is it," added
+one of them, "that formerly I used to think--It is all fiction! There
+is no Jesus! And now I know in truth that Jesus lives and loves me,
+and sometimes draws so near to me that I weep for gratitude and
+delight. To him I will give myself both soul and body."
+
+In the back ground, at the distance, stand out in horrible and
+melancholy contrast the effects of satanic influence on the conduct of
+his votaries. The wife of the old sorcerer, Uiverunna, having died,
+the old monster seized a poor orphan child, whom they had formerly
+adopted, and murdered him; then cut him across all the joints of his
+fingers and toes, ripped open his belly, and threw the body naked
+into the sea, an offering to appease the wrath of the water-devil he
+worshipped, and by whose aid he pretended to work great wonders, but
+who now required a greater sacrifice than usual, as he had not saved
+his wife's life. But his day of retribution did not long linger.
+Having boasted that his Torngak had killed a man, Kullugak's two
+wives, who died suddenly within a few hours of each other at Okkak,
+where the family had obtained leave to settle, Kullugak, in company
+with another Esquimaux, assassinated the poor wretch within eight days
+after he had sacrificed the unfortunate infant.
+
+For several succeeding years the progress of the awakening continued
+to advance at all the three settlements, both among the heathen by
+whom they were visited, and among the residents, while the believers
+grew in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord their Saviour; and the
+decided nature of the change which had taken place was evidenced by
+the professing Esquimaux declining their pernicious intercourse with
+the Europeans, while their heathen countrymen, who were determined to
+retain the abominations of their forefathers, were as unwilling to
+reside among them; so much so, indeed, that the missionaries at
+Hopedale, writing to Europe in 1807, remarked, "No heathen families
+have lived near us, and it appears as if that old den of Satan at
+Avertok would remain unoccupied. Three Europeans lived about half a
+day's journey from hence, but as none of our Esquimaux went to them
+they did not call here." The report of the brethren in 1809 was:
+"Concerning our dear Esquimaux congregation, we may truly and
+thankfully declare that we have perceived a continued work of the Holy
+Spirit within their souls, leading them to a better acquaintance with
+themselves as depraved creatures, who stand in daily need of the
+saving grace of our Almighty Saviour. They are earnest in prayer to
+him that he would preserve them from falling back into their former
+wicked and superstitious courses." The accounts from Nain were to the
+same effect: "Our communicants," say they, "have made a perceptible
+advance both in the knowledge of themselves as sinners, and of Jesus
+as their Saviour. They have been taught to know how needful constant
+dependance on, and communion with him is, if they would walk worthy of
+their heavenly calling." It is a melancholy and stumbling remark, that
+as the converted Esquimaux advanced in knowledge and in decency of
+conduct, so in proportion those who formed an intimate connexion with
+the Europeans in the south increased in enmity to the word of God, and
+to the Saviour's name in particular, declaring they would hear or
+listen to nothing about him.
+
+Oral instruction has, from the beginning, been the principal, and most
+efficient means, which God has employed in propagating the gospel; but
+the written word has been always necessary for establishing and
+building up the churches in their most holy faith. Never did Satan
+employ a more effectual method for covering the earth with thick
+darkness, than by instigating his servants, under pretence of a high
+reverence for the holy word, to shut it up from the people; and when
+God wills mercy to a nation, he removes all the hindrances which
+obstruct its diffusion. As the Esquimaux advanced in their course,
+they were furnished, by means of the press, with portions of the
+Scriptures as they could be got translated. The brethren, however,
+wisely prepared the way for this important work, by translating hymns
+and tracts, and a harmony of the Gospels, where any deficiency in the
+language could be more easily rectified than in a book, destined to be
+left as a permanent legacy to future generations. The joy of the
+Esquimaux on receiving the hymn books in 1809, was inexpressibly
+great. "We wish," the missionaries write, "our dear brethren had been
+present at the distribution, to see the fervent gratitude with which
+they were received. They entreated us, with tears, to express their
+thankfulness to their fathers and brethren in the east, for this
+present." In 1810, they received the Harmony of the Gospels, also
+printed by the Brethren's Society in London for the furtherance of the
+Gospel, and the Gospel of John and part of Luke, printed at the
+expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who undertook to
+print the other parts as they could be got ready. Meanwhile the
+superintendant, Burghardt, finished the translation of the Acts, and
+the epistles to the Romans and Ephesians, which were read from the MS
+to the Esquimaux congregation, who were highly delighted to hear the
+words and exhortations of our Saviour's apostles, and particularly
+struck with the character and writings of the apostle Paul. Along with
+their activity in the Christian life, the activity of the converted
+Esquimaux, in their temporal concerns, increased. The missionaries in
+the different settlements had erected saw mills; the Esquimaux, under
+their direction, kept them frequently in employment, and built
+substantial store-houses for themselves, for preserving their winter's
+stores; and when the scarcity of food in their own neighbourhood
+obliged them to go to a distance in search of seals or whales, or to
+the cod-fishing, their anxiety to return, to enjoy the benefits of
+instruction from their teachers, and of communion with their
+fellow-Christians, quickened their diligence in their necessary
+avocations. At the close of 1810, the number of the inhabitants at the
+three settlements amounted to 457, of whom 265 belonged to the
+different classes of communicants, baptized and candidates for
+baptism.
+
+Hitherto the settlements, though occasionally visited by the
+contagious diseases that periodically afflicted the country, had never
+known more than a partial sickness; but in 1811, the small society at
+Hopedale suffered severely from an epidemic, which, so far as we are
+able to judge from the symptoms mentioned in the diary, quoted below,
+bore some distant resemblance to the spasmodic cholera. "On the
+evening of the 24th of July, we were all suddenly thrown into the
+greatest confusion, by the arrival of a boat, with our people, from
+Tikkerarsuk, one of their provision-places in the south:
+Mark--formerly Siksigak--was dead, and several others dangerously
+ill. When they went out in the morning, they were all in good health,
+but were suddenly seized with a nervous affection, which, in a very
+short time, terminated fatally; notwithstanding every assistance,
+Samuel died in the night. Next morning another boat arrived, and
+brought Adam and Isaac, both dead, though they had yesterday been both
+fishing in their kaiaks; the four dead bodies were obliged to be
+immediately buried, as they quickly showed signs of corruption. The
+same evening, Daniel brought in his boat four dying persons; at five
+o'clock the younger, Mark, died. On the 26th, early in the morning,
+the widow Rebecca, and in the forenoon, young Philip departed; before
+twelve o'clock, the bodies became so offensive, that it was necessary
+to inter them. All were filled with alarm and terror, but to our
+comfort we also remarked submission to the will of the Lord. The sick,
+in general, declared they were willing to go to the Saviour when he
+should call them; some said they felt their unworthiness to appear
+before him, and yet expressed their reliance upon his sufferings as
+their only refuge; but from total debility and oppression they could
+speak very little: they complained of great weakness, lameness,
+blindness, and a feeling of suffocation. At four in the afternoon
+little Abel, and in the same tent, the widow Salome, and at six
+o'clock old Thomas, (Kapik,) died. 27th, There was little improvement;
+besides those who remained ill many more began to complain, and cried
+out to us for assistance, so that we knew not where to go or who to
+help first. At eleven o'clock the four dead were buried, which made
+ten. On the 29th a great many were taken ill; at four in the
+afternoon, Magdalene departed comfortable and happy. Father Abel, who
+had willingly assisted in burying the dead, followed the same evening.
+His wife, Benigna, who had faithfully attended the sick, was prevented
+from nursing him, being herself laid up. The dead bodies were laid in
+their place of rest next day. We now felt that all of us were more or
+less worn out by this great affliction, some of us actually sick, and
+none certain but he might be seized the next moment. To add to our
+distress, many children were rendered orphans by the loss of both
+father and mother, which called forth our sighs to our gracious and
+merciful God and Lord for his compassion and assistance, and felt
+revived with the hope that he would hear and help us. Some of the sick
+began to recover: but on the evening of the 31st the Saviour took
+Abel's wife, Benigna, home to her blessed rest, and on the following
+morning, August 1, she was laid in her grave; at seven o'clock in the
+evening we held a meeting with the Esquimaux, especially with regard
+to improve the solemn warning given in that harvest the Lord had
+gathered from this church. From conversations held with several of the
+sisters on the 12th, we clearly perceived that the removal of so many
+of our number had made a deep impression on them, and had brought them
+to reflect on the necessity of constantly depending on the Saviour,
+and being ever ready to meet him when he shall come to gather them
+also into his garner."
+
+But to their great grief the missionaries discovered that this was not
+the happy state of all. When the disease abated they learned with the
+utmost pain, that some, even of their communicants, in their agony and
+terror, had had recourse to their old heathenish practices; and what
+was worse, had endeavoured to appease their consciences by attempting
+to assimilate them to Old Testament rites imperfectly understood. They
+had killed a dog, and cut the ears off many others, that by sprinkling
+themselves with the blood of the dog they might prevent death from
+approaching them. Under the influence of a fanatical delusion, they
+compared this with the offerings of the Jews, and particularly with
+the slaying of the Paschal Lamb, and sprinkling the blood on the
+lintel and posts of the door. "Our situation we feel very difficult,"
+complained the anxious missionaries, "as the enemy uses all his
+ingenuity to blind the poor people, and knows how to employ their fear
+and distress to harden their hearts, and to prevent them from
+discerning their sins and repenting. It appears as if he exerted every
+power to destroy this little congregation, but we hope that God will
+shortly bruise Satan under our feet, and not allow his attempts to
+prosper."
+
+They found it necessary to exclude several from partaking of the holy
+supper, and this severity was the blessed mean of soon bringing them
+to repentance and sorrow for their sins. Others who had fainted, but
+not fallen in the day of trial, expressed themselves now convinced of
+the necessity of watching over their hearts, that they might not be
+seduced to seek false comfort or unlawful assistance: they had, during
+the time of this awful visitation, as well as they could, kept close
+to Jesus and prayed to him; but they were nevertheless troubled with
+fearful thoughts--as that they might all perish, and how sad it would
+be if their teachers should turn away from them, when there was no one
+to come to their assistance, and when they could not help themselves.
+But they now saw that they had greatly erred in indulging these hard
+thoughts, for Jesus had delivered them in their necessity. They felt
+that they ought to be thankful, but they came far short of that
+gratitude they owed to him.
+
+Nain and Okkak were mercifully spared this year, and in the grand
+object of their labours the brethren had still occasion to bless the
+Lord that he graciously owned the preaching of the glad tidings of
+salvation, and accompanied it with power and the demonstration of his
+Spirit: often was his presence powerfully felt, particularly when,
+from time to time, individuals were added to the church by baptism, or
+when they partook of the holy sacrament of our Lord's body and blood,
+in fellowship together.
+
+The outward circumstances of the missions in Labrador this year were
+uncommonly prosperous--they sent to England upwards of 100 tons of
+blubber, 2000 seals' skins, and 2750 fox skins.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ Desire of the heathen to hear the Gospel.--Brethren meditate a new
+   settlement--voyage to explore the country.--Quiet course of the
+   mission--advantages of their church discipline.--Death of
+   Burghardt.--Exertions of the aged survivors.--Schreiber,
+   superintendant, arrives.--Anxiety of the native Christians to
+   attend the ordinances of religion.--Advantages of the Bible as a
+   school-book.--Four missionaries unexpectedly carried to
+   England.--Baptized Esquimaux seduced by traders.--Perilous
+   voyage of the returning missionaries.--striking
+   accident.--Schreiber retires from the
+   superintendance--Kohlmeister succeeds--his journeyings to Okkak,
+   to Nain.--Stability of the work of God at Nain--hopeful
+   deaths--conversion and recovery of a young native.--Remarkable
+   preservation of an Esquimaux youth.
+
+
+Ever since the settlement of the brethren on the east coast of
+Labrador, scarcely a year had passed, without their being visited by
+great numbers of Esquimaux from the north, either for the purposes of
+traffic or curiosity; and latterly, to visit their friends and
+acquaintances who had become residents. From these strangers, the
+missionaries obtained much interesting information respecting the
+inhabitants along the coast; they were told that the most considerable
+part of the nation dwelt beyond Cape Chudleigh, lat. 60 deg. 17 m.,
+called by them Killineck; that accounts of the settlement had reached
+them, and that they were desirous of teachers to instruct them in the
+good words. When some of these natives were asked by the brethren to
+remain and settle with them, they expressed a great inclination to
+have done so, but urged as an objection, the difficulty of procuring
+food for their families, and requested the missionaries rather to come
+to them, where they could be easily able to obtain a comfortable
+supply. The brethren, in consequence, had long meditated a new
+settlement, and the Society for the furtherance of the Gospel had
+repeatedly consulted with them about the best plan for carrying their
+wishes into execution. Various obstacles had, however, always
+prevented any effectual steps being taken, till, in consequence of
+repeated invitations, it became a subject of serious consideration, by
+what means a more correct idea of the extent and dwelling places of
+the Esquimaux nation might be obtained, and a general wish was
+expressed, that one or more of the missionaries would undertake the
+perilous task of visiting such places as were reported to contain
+more inhabitants than the southern coast, but remained unknown to
+European navigators.
+
+When brother Kohlmeister was in Europe, it was arranged with the
+Synodal Committee for the management of the missions of the United
+Brethren, that an exploratory voyage should be undertaken, for which
+Kohlmeister made preparation on his return to Labrador, and on the
+17th of June, he and brother Kmoch set out from Okkak. The vessel
+engaged for the arduous undertaking, was a two masted shallop, 45 feet
+long, 12 broad, and 5 deep, belonging to Jonathan, (vide p. 213) who
+also accompanied them as their captain. Jonathan was a man of superior
+understanding and skill, possessed of uncommon intrepidity, and looked
+up to, at Hopedale, as the chief of his nation. It was therefore no
+small sacrifice on his part, to agree to leave, for an indefinite
+time, the place where he was so much respected; but he was ready to
+forsake all, and enter on an expedition of unknown length and peril,
+in the hope that it would be a means of introducing the gospel among
+his countrymen. The greater part of the other Esquimaux thought the
+voyage impracticable, and an old Angekok predicted that if the
+adventurers did not perish in the violent currents that set in round
+Cape Chudleigh, they most certainly would never return.
+
+But none of these dark forebodings made any impression on the mind of
+Jonathan. When told that the wild heathen would kill him, he generally
+answered, "Well we will try, we shall know better when we get there;"
+and once, when conversing with the missionaries, who were not
+altogether without apprehension, remarked, "When I hear people talking
+about the danger of being killed, I think--Jesus went to death out of
+love to us; what great matter would it be, if we were to be put to
+death in his service, should that be his good pleasure concerning us."
+Nor did his conduct belie his profession: under all circumstances,
+during the voyage, his firm, cheerful faithfulness, proved honourable
+to his character as a true convert. Besides the missionaries, the
+expedition consisted of four Esquimaux families from Hopedale, and one
+from Okkak, who attended with a skin, or woman's boat, in case of any
+accident befalling the shallop, and to be used in landing, as the
+larger vessel could never safely be brought close to the shore--in all
+eighteen persons.
+
+As they coasted along, they met several Christian Esquimaux, who were
+scattered at different summer provision places. At Kangerlualuksoak,
+sixty miles north of Okkak, a fishing station, with a fine strand and
+excellent harbour, where they rested on the 30th, [Lord's day,] the
+missionaries went on shore, and visited the Christian families, whom
+they assembled together for public worship. The congregation amounted
+to about fifty, including the boat's company. Brother Kohlmeister
+addressed them, and expressed his hope that they were all walking
+worthy of their Christian profession--presenting a good example to
+their heathen neighbours. A number of strangers sat as listeners, and
+the missionaries felt their hearts dilate with joy, to hear the
+cheerful voices of converted heathen melodiously sounding forth the
+praises of God, and giving glory to the name of Jesus their Redeemer,
+in a place which had but lately been a den of murderers, and dedicated
+by sorcerers to the service of the devil. Proceeding northward, they
+soon found their progress obstructed by drift ice, which forced them,
+after two days of incessant labour, to seek shelter in the estuary of
+a river, Nullatartok, where being blocked up, they went on shore, and
+pitched their tents on a beautiful valley, enamelled with potentilla
+aurea in full bloom, resembling a European meadow covered with
+butter-cups. The river abounded with salmon-trout; and their hunters
+killed two rein-deer, a seasonable supply, as they were detained here
+twelve days. On the 16th July, they reached Nachvak, where the high
+rocky mountains, glowing in the splendour of the morning sun,
+presented a most magnificent prospect. About fifty heathen Esquimaux,
+who had encamped here, received them with loud shouts and the firing
+of muskets, and while they remained, behaved with great modesty,
+neither annoying them by impertinent curiosity, nor harassing them by
+importunate begging; they also attended their morning and evening
+prayers with great silence, and apparent devotion. They heard the
+discourses of the missionaries with respectful stillness, but they
+listened with much greater eagerness to the exhortations of their own
+countrymen. Jonas, a son of Jonathan, addressed them thus: "We were
+but lately as ignorant as you are now; we were long unable to
+understand the comfortable words of the gospel; we had neither ears to
+hear, nor hearts to receive them, till Jesus by his power, opened our
+hearts and ears. Now we know what Jesus did for us, and how great the
+happiness of those is, who come unto him--love him as their Saviour,
+and know that they shall not be lost, when this life is past. Without
+this, we live in constant fear of death. You will enjoy the same
+happiness, if you turn and believe on Jesus. We are not surprised that
+you do not yet understand us. We were once like you, but now we thank
+Jesus our Redeemer with tears of joy, that He has revealed himself
+unto us." This address, delivered with great energy, produced, at
+least, a temporary effect, for one of the leading men of the party,
+Onalik, exclaimed, "I am determined to be converted to Jesus;" and
+another, Tallagaksoak, made the same declaration, adding, "He would no
+longer live among the heathen."
+
+Having spent two days with these people, the expedition proceeded on
+their voyage, and passing Nennoktok, were constrained by tempestuous
+weather to anchor in Kummaktorvik-bay. Here they met with four
+Esquimaux families, of whom John, and Mary his mother, had once been
+residents at Okkak, but had left the brethren, and retired to the
+heathen; with them Kohlmeister spoke very seriously, representing the
+danger of their state as apostates from the faith, but they showed no
+symptoms of compunction, and seemed determined to persist in their
+ways. When the storm ceased, they resumed their course, and after a
+providential escape from shipwreck on a sunken rock, they arrived it
+Oppernavik, where they found Uttakyak, a chief of superior
+understanding, and of great influence among his countrymen, with his
+two wives and youngest brother, waiting to receive them. He had, while
+on a voyage to Okkak in 1800, given the brethren particular accounts
+of these regions, and as he had learned that the missionaries intended
+to take a voyage to Ungava-bay, he had waited during the whole spring
+for them, and put up signals on all heights surrounding his tent, that
+they might not miss him. Successive storms, and accumulating ice,
+prevented the progress of our adventurers till the 1st of August, when
+they left their harbour, and entered Ikkerasak, a narrow channel
+between Cape Chudleigh Islands, and the continent; it is ten miles in
+length, and dangerous from the currents and whirlpools occasioned by
+the flowing and ebbing of the tide, but the missionaries passed
+through in safety at low water with a fair wind. On quitting the
+channel, the coast ran S.S.W. low, with gently sloping hills, and the
+sea [Hudson's straits] appeared studded with small islands. Here they
+saw the Ungava country at a distance, stretching to the south before
+them.
+
+Three skin boats, filled with Esquimaux, came to bid them welcome, and
+followed them to Omanek, a small island, where they pitched their
+tents; brother Kohlmeister visited them on shore, and explained to
+them the design of their voyage: they listened, but could not
+comprehend the scope of his discourse; they shouted, however, with
+joy, when he told them that he would come and see them in their own
+country. Many among them had never seen a European before, and not
+content with accurately inspecting them on every side, came close up
+to the travellers, and "pawed" them all over.
+
+Dismissing them highly grateful with some trifling presents, the
+voyagers proceeded, and on the 7th reached the entering of the great
+river Kangerlualuksoak, 140 miles S.S.W. of Cape Chudleigh, lat. 58
+deg. 57 m. Sailing up the bay, they found a fine slope or terrace
+facing the south, covered with shrubs, from whence a wooded valley
+extended to the left, which they fixed upon as the most suitable place
+for a settlement. Uttakisk, who had spent more than one winter in the
+Ingura country, assured them that there was an ample supply of native
+provisions both summer and winter, and that many of the Esquimaux
+would resort to them from every quarter, if they were once fairly
+settled. And the missionaries were satisfied that Europeans might find
+the means of existence, as the place was accessible to ships, and had
+wood and water in plenty. Before departing therefore, they set up high
+marks of stones on two opposite hills at the entrance of the bay, and
+placed a board on the declivity of a hill to the right, on one side of
+which they cut G. III. R. and S.U.F.--Georgius III Rex, Societas
+Unitatis Fratrum; and on the other, the initials of the missionaries,
+with the date of their arrival. This tablet was raised with some
+solemnity in presence of Uttakisk and his family, as representatives
+of the people of Ungava; and the missionaries informed them, that they
+had taken possession of the place, in case they or their brethren
+should think proper to settle there, and called all present to bear
+witness; they then proclaimed that the name of the river should
+henceforth be called George River, after which three vollies were
+fired by those on shore, and answered from the boat.--The texts of
+Scripture for the day, were very encouraging:--"From the rising of the
+sun, even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among
+the Gentiles, saith the Lord of hosts," Mal. ii 1. "At the name of
+Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
+and things under the earth; and every tongue shall confess that Jesus
+Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," Phil. ii 10, 11.
+After the ceremony, pease and bread and beer were distributed among
+the Esquimaux, which enabled them to make a splendid feast, and the
+day was spent in the most agreeable manner.
+
+Next day [Aug. 13th] they left George River, and after beating about
+till the 17th, they cast anchor near a point of land, Kernertut, where
+they expected to lie in safety [the whole of the crew, except Jonas
+and his children and two boys, had gone on shore in the skin boat;]
+but during the night, the wind blew a gale, which increased in
+violence till daybreak; the sea rose to a tremendous height, and the
+rain fell in torrents. Notwithstanding the shallop had three anchors
+out, she was tossed about dreadfully, the sea frequently breaking
+quite over her, insomuch that they expected every moment to be
+swallowed up in the abyss. Jonathan, and the rest of their company,
+were obliged to be passive spectators from the beach, where they
+waited the event in silent anguish, looking every moment when the
+vessel should break from her moorings, and be driven on the rocks.
+About noon, the rope by which the small boat was fastened brake; she
+was immediately carried up the bay, and thrown, by the violence of
+the surf, on the top of a rock, where she stuck fast, keel upwards.
+When the tide turned, the raging of the sea and the wind began to
+abate, and Jonathan and the other men, as soon as it was practicable,
+came to the assistance of the distressed and worn-out brethren. He was
+quite overcome with joy, unable to utter a word; he held out his hand,
+and shed tears of gratitude at meeting with them alive, for he had
+given them up as irremediably lost. The little boat was brought down
+from her pinnacle, to the great surprise of all, without material
+injury.
+
+Since leaving George's river, the expedition had made little more than
+fourteen or fifteen miles, and were at least seventy or eighty, as far
+as they could judge, from the river Koksoak, the western boundary of
+the Ungava country, which they had fixed upon as the final object of
+their voyage. The season was far advanced, and the Esquimaux
+represented to them, that if they proceeded farther, it would be
+impossible to return to Okkak before winter. In this dilemma, the
+missionaries, unable to decide, retired to their hut, and after
+weighing all the circumstances maturely, determined to commit their
+case to Him in whose name they had entered upon this voyage, and
+kneeling down entreated him to hear their prayers in their
+embarrassing situation, and to make known to them his will concerning
+their future proceedings, whether they should persevere in fulfilling
+the whole aim of their voyage, or give up a part and return
+home.--"The peace of God," add the missionaries, "which filled our
+hearts on this memorable occasion, and the strong conviction wrought
+in us both, that we should persevere in his name to fulfil the whole
+of our commission, relying without fear on his help and preservation,
+no words can describe; but those who believe in the fulfilment of the
+gracious promises of Jesus given to his poor followers and disciples,
+will understand us when we declare, that we were assured that it was
+the will of God our Saviour, that we should not now return and leave
+our work unfinished, but proceed to the end of our proposed voyage.
+Each of us communicated to his brother the conviction of his
+heart--all fears and doubts vanished--and we were filled anew with
+courage and willingness to act in obedience to it in the strength of
+the Lord." When they made known their determination to Jonathan, and
+the reasons which swayed them, he without hesitation replied, "Yes!
+that is also my conviction! We will go whither Jesus directs us. He
+will bring us safe to our journey's end, and safe home again." With
+renewed strength and spirits, the missionaries set forward, and their
+companions, who had been wonderfully refreshed and invigorated by
+their success among the seals and the rein-deer, willingly followed.
+They encountered a severe storm, and escaped many hidden dangers, as
+they coasted along a dangerous and unknown shore; but, guided by His
+hand in whom they trusted, they had the pleasure of reaching the mouth
+of the Koksoak, August 25th, 58 deg. 36 m. N.L. about 700 miles from
+Okkak--Cape Chudleigh half way. To the west the country is called by
+the natives Assokak, the coast turning again W.N.W. The Koksoak here
+is about the breadth of the Thames at Gravesend, and with its various
+windings, much resembles that river for twenty-four miles inland. As
+they sailed upwards, they were hailed by the natives in their kaiaks,
+with "_Innuit, Innuit!_ man, man;" and when they hoisted their colours
+there was a general cry of "Kablunat, Kablunat! Europeans! Europeans!"
+About one P.M. they cast anchor close to an encampment, containing
+fourteen families, some from a distant district called Rivektok. At
+first they appeared shy, but upon receiving a few trifling presents
+became quite familiar; and as many of them had never seen a European,
+walked round them, and inspected them narrowly to see what manner of
+animals they were, having previously received some account of them
+from Uttakiyok's brother, who had joined them. Proceeding farther up
+the river, accompanied by most of the men and some women, they arrived
+at a bay, which by the winding of the stream appears like a lake
+surrounded on all sides with gently rising grounds, well planted with
+woods of moderate size, chiefly birch. Behind the woods are some low
+hills. This place they named Unity's Bay.
+
+Here they found another good situation for a missionary settlement--a
+fine slope, extending for about half an English mile, bounded on each
+extremity by a hill, on both of which they erected high signals.
+Juniper, currants, and other berries, were growing in abundance--and
+some rivulets of water at no great distance. This spot they named
+Pilgerruh, Pilgrim's rest. The view of the interior was in general
+flat, with a few low hills and ponds in some places full of wild
+geese; the largest trees were not more than eight inches in diameter,
+and fifteen or twenty feet high. The Esquimaux informed them that
+farther up the trees were larger. The inhabitants were poor, and
+miserably equipped in comparison of the Esquimaux near the brethren's
+settlement; as those who accompanied the expedition, and who, from
+their intercourse with the Europeans, had obtained many conveniences
+by barter, and from the teaching of the missionaries had acquired a
+knowledge of the gospel. These advantages the latter did not fail to
+expatiate upon to their heathen countrymen; and once the brethren met
+with Sybilla, Jonathan's wife, surrounded by a company of women under
+the shadow of a skin boat, set on edge, exhorting them with great
+simplicity and fervour to hear and believe the gospel. Even Uttakiyok
+occasionally engaged in advocating the same cause, explained as well
+as he could the reason of the Brethren's living in Labrador, and
+exclaimed, "My friends, let us all be converted to Jesus." Having
+finished their observations on this quarter, the missionaries resolved
+to return, as, from the account given by their able and faithful
+conductor, Uttakiyok, whose information they had hitherto found
+correct, the western coast on the opposite side of the bay was bare
+and without any proper landing place, and at this season of the year
+uninhabited, the Esquimaux being generally employed in the interior
+in hunting the rein-deer; they, therefore, Sept. 1., left the river
+and shaped their course homeward. The natives shewed the greatest
+reluctance to part with them, and called after them, "Come soon again;
+we shall always be wishing to see you." Several of them, and among
+these their disinterested friend, Uttakiyok, followed them for some
+miles, repeating their entreaties for their speedy return, and
+promising to settle beside them when they came. At parting, they
+presented Uttakiyok with their skin boat and several useful articles,
+as a recompense for the important, essential, and affectionate
+services he had rendered them. On the 4th October they reached Okkak
+in safety, after an absence of three months and ten days, having
+performed a voyage of from twelve to thirteen hundred miles. An
+account of their expedition was transmitted home,[I] but circumstances
+prevented the mission from being undertaken for several years.
+
+No very remarkable alteration took place at any of the different
+stations, during the two succeeding years. The increase of their
+number was gradual, and their advance in the Christian course quiet
+but perceptible; and at Okkak they had the pleasure of readmitting,
+upon their repentance and acknowledgment of their sin, the members
+they had been forced to exclude for their misconduct during the past
+season; and it is not the least among the mercies of God towards the
+brethren, nor one which ought to be passed over in silence, the
+benefit which their congregations derive from the kind and judicious,
+yet firm administration of church discipline; in a majority of
+instances it answers the ends for which it was instituted--the brother
+is gained instead of being driven away to associate with the world,
+and to nourish a spirit of dislike, if not of hatred, towards those
+with whom he was formerly in fellowship--a melancholy consequence when
+this ordinance of the Saviour is not attended to in the spirit of
+love.
+
+In 1812, the superintendant, Burghardt, was called to his reward; he
+had been able to fulfil the duties of his office till within three
+days of his departure. He was obliged to take to his bed on the 24th
+of July, and had appointed the 28th to confer with his brethren on
+various subjects, but when that day came, he was so much exhausted,
+that this was found impracticable. He had done with active service
+upon earth. He now lay quiet, in peaceful expectation of the happy
+moment when his Lord and Master would call him to rest. About three
+o'clock in the afternoon, he breathed his last in a most gentle and
+peaceful manner, in presence of the family gathered around his bed.
+"During this transaction," the missionaries add, in their letter
+announcing the event, "a powerful feeling of divine peace prevailed
+among us, and many tears were shed by us who are left behind, to
+follow the example of this devoted servant of Jesus. He had attained
+to the age of seventy nine years."
+
+His removal brought forward, in a very prominent point of view, the
+unwearied diligence of the Moravian missionaries, who unite so much
+active exertion in temporal affairs, with such devotedness to
+spiritual exercises, and, in a pre-eminently apostolic conduct,
+exhibit the import of the injunctions, "not slothful in
+business,"--"fervent in spirit,"--"serving the Lord." "In consequence
+of this vacancy," they continue, "and the age of two others of us, who
+are fast approaching their seventieth year, we are not able to do any
+great things by manual labour; however, we contrive to perform what is
+absolutely requisite, and intend, with the Lord's blessing, to
+prepare for the building of a new church, as the present is much too
+small, and gone to decay, We thank you for your readiness to assist us
+with the necessary help."
+
+Next year, 1813, brother Schreiber arrived to succeed the late
+lamented Burghardt as superintendant, and brought with him two
+efficient missionaries. The general course of the mission for some
+time continued pretty uniform, the meetings were always well attended,
+and so great was the desire of the people to be present, that some
+came at the hazard of their lives; especially the sisters, who, when
+they had no boat of their own, would venture across bays some miles in
+breadth, sitting behind their husbands on their narrow kaiaks. The
+number of printed books circulated in the congregations, and now
+constantly increasing, kept alive the desire to learn to read and
+understand the holy Scriptures. The schools were thronged by young and
+old.
+
+It has sometimes been asserted that the sacred writings are ill
+adapted for school books; that they are above the capacity of
+children, and do not possess those attractions which little stories,
+extracts from entertaining writers, histories of our own and other
+countries present.[J] Without entering upon any argument, it may be
+sufficient to remark, that at no time did our native Scotland produce
+a more intelligent, acute, and moral race, than that generation which
+was educated in schools where the Bible and the Shorter Catechism were
+the chief, if not the sole, medium of their instruction. At the
+Moravian settlements the same effects flow from a similar mode of
+tuition, and the mind that has been early exercised in searching out
+the meaning of the Divine Oracles of truth, comes well prepared to
+estimate the realities of life, and form a true and correct judgment
+upon common topics and matters of daily occurrence: they have been
+taught that the present ought to be improved with a reference to the
+future, not only in spiritual but in temporal matters, and the natural
+consequence is, that the converted Esquimaux and their children become
+at once an intelligent and a provident race. So long as they continued
+heathen their intellect in general appeared incapable of comprehending
+any thing beyond the immediate and grosser cravings of nature, but
+now they understood and could converse upon more rational subjects;
+then no arguments could induce them, not even their own necessities,
+to build store houses, but now they willingly assisted the
+missionaries in erecting these buildings for public use, while in some
+of the settlements they erected new ones for themselves. Along with
+reading, the natives were taught writing and arithmetic, in which many
+of them made no inconsiderable proficiency. Yet, notwithstanding all
+their care and watchfulness, the brethren were not without their
+trials from the members of their congregations, and they, commonly sum
+up their accounts of the prosperous state of their people with some
+such conclusion as this:--"We must after all confess that much
+imperfection is yet seen, and some of those living here are not what
+they ought to be. The enemy is not idle, but endeavours to sift those
+who believe on Jesus; and we grieve to be obliged to mention, that
+even of our communicants there are who have fallen into temptation and
+sin. This shall not damp our courage, but we will continue to direct
+them to Jesus."
+
+Hitherto little interruption had taken place in the communication
+between Labrador and England; the vessel had sailed in safety amid
+enemies and storms, and although in some voyages had been in jeopardy,
+and in others detained, had always made it out to visit all the
+stations; but in 1806 the Jemima was not only prevented from reaching
+Hopedale, but carried four of the missionaries on an involuntary trip
+to England. The ship arrived at the drift ice on the Labrador coast on
+the 16th of July, which Captain Fraser found extending about two
+hundred miles from the land, and after attempting to get in first to
+Hopedale, then to Nain, and last of all to Okkak, he was at length
+completely surrounded by it and in the most imminent danger during six
+days and nights, expecting every moment that the ship would be crushed
+to pieces, till after very great exertions he got towards the outer
+part of the ice. Nevertheless he was still beset with it, and did not
+reach Okkak before August 29. The very next day the whole coast, as
+far as the eye could reach, was entirely choked up by ice, and after
+laying at Okkak nearly three weeks, he was twice forced back by it on
+his passage to Nain, which place he did not reach till Sept 22. After
+staying the usual time the captain proceeded, Oct 3., from Nain for
+Hopedale with fine weather; yet, on account of the lateness of the
+season, and a great deal of drift ice, with but little prospect of
+reaching that settlement. This circumstance he mentioned to the
+brethren at Nain, notwithstanding which, however, Brother Kmoch and
+his wife, and two single brethren, Korner and Christensan, who were
+going to Hopedale, went on board and they set sail; but the same
+evening it came on to blow exceedingly hard, with an immense fall of
+snow and very thick weather, so that they could not see the length of
+the ship, and being within half a mile of a dangerous reef of rocks,
+the captain was obliged to carry a press of sail to clear them, which
+he did but just accomplish, for after that the gale increased to such
+a degree, the wind being right on shore, that he could not carry sail
+any longer, and was obliged to lay the ship to, when the sea broke
+often over her, and he was at last forced, seeing every attempt to
+reach Hopedale vain, to bear away for England. He again experienced a
+gale equal to a hurricane, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of October,
+which, during the evening between the 9th and 10th, was so violent
+that the captain expected the vessel would have foundered. She was at
+one time struck by a sea that twisted her in such a manner that the
+seams on her larboard side opened, and the water gushed into the
+cabin and into the mate's birth as if it came from a pump, and every
+body at first thought her side was stove in; however the Lord was
+pleased to protect every one from harm, nor was the ship very
+materially damaged, neither was any thing lost.
+
+Winter set in severely on the Labrador coast, but this proved an
+advantage to the missions, as those at Nain were enabled to forward
+supplies by sledges to their brethren at Hopedale, who, although
+curtailed of some of their comforts, acknowledged with cheerful
+thankfulness that they had suffered no essential deprivation. The
+Esquimaux were also deprived of their usual supply of food by the
+early winter, which prevented them from taking many seals, either by
+the net or in kaiaks; but, as not unfrequently happened in their times
+of extremity, they were successful in killing a whale, which preserved
+from suffering much from famine, and for which they joined their
+teachers in returning thanks to their heavenly Father. Their number
+was reduced by the death of a venerable brother, Sueb Andersen, who
+had served the mission forty years, as well as Christensan, who had
+been carried to England; but nevertheless, besides their usual daily
+labour, they were able to erect for their own use a building
+containing rooms for holding provisions and fuel, and a bakehouse.
+
+Easily contented, however, as they were with their stinted fare, and
+pleasantly as they could undergo both privation and manual labour;
+they could not see, without the most poignant sorrow, those who had
+begun to run well, hindered in their progress, and the greatest
+affliction they felt, and the only one which extorted from them a
+complaint in this trying season, was the seduction of several of their
+congregation. Four traders from the south, with an Esquimaux family in
+company, spent that winter in their neighbourhood. They sent European
+provisions to the native inhabitants, and invited them to come and
+traffic, which proved a great snare, and disturbed the peaceful course
+of the congregation; for many of the baptized had lived formerly in
+the south, and contracted a taste for European indulgences,
+particularly for strong liquors, from which they had been weaned since
+their settling at Hopedale; but these propensities revived when
+temptation was presented. The brethren spared no pains, by friendly
+exhortations and affectionate remonstrances, to avert the calamity,
+yet they had the grief to see three families of eighteen persons
+desert the station; among whom were six communicants and several
+hopeful young people. The women and children wept bitterly at parting,
+and even the men seemed affected, but the latter, led captive by the
+wiles of the seducer, forced their families to follow. "We cannot
+describe," say the missionaries, "the pain we felt in seeing these
+poor deluded people running headlong into danger, and we cried to our
+Saviour to keep his hand over them in mercy, and not to suffer them to
+become a prey to the enemy of their souls."
+
+Kmoch and his wife, and the single brother Korner, who had so
+unexpectedly visited England, returned to Labrador in the brig Jemima
+in 1817, accompanied by single brother Beck, a descendant of the
+Greenland missionary, who in the third generation inherited the same
+spirit. Their voyage was perilous, and their preservation afforded a
+new display of the mercy of God towards his devoted servants, engaged
+to proclaim salvation to the utmost ends of the earth. On the 2d of
+June the Jemima left London, and after stopping at the Orkneys, they
+reached within 200 miles of the Labrador coast before the 4th of July;
+the weather had been remarkably fine, and they were pleasing
+themselves with speedily arriving at their destination, when the
+ice-birds gave notice of their approaching the ice.[K] Now the wind
+shifted, and on the 7th the drift was seen in every direction: for six
+days they made several attempts to penetrate through different
+openings, but in vain; fields of ice beset the ship on all sides, and
+towards the evening of the 13th they discovered an immense ice-berg
+approaching. They were sailing before the wind, and just when they
+neared it, became enveloped in so thick a fog that they could not see
+a yard from the ship, nor use any means to avoid a concussion which
+threatened instant ruin. After an hour of helpless anxiety the fog
+dispersed, and they perceived that they had providentially passed at a
+very short distance. Next morning land was discovered a-head, which
+the captain endeavoured to reach, but was forced to seek shelter by
+fastening the vessel to a large field of ice three hundred feet in
+diameter, elevated about six above the water, and between fifty and
+sixty in thickness below. Here they lay with little variation from the
+14th to the 20th; when they attempted with a fine breeze to get clear
+out. In the evening, the sky lowered, and it grew very dark. At
+midnight the passengers were roused by a noise on deck, and hastening
+to learn the cause, found they were driving fast towards a huge
+ice-mountain, on which they expected every moment to suffer shipwreck.
+The night was excessively cold with rain, and the sailors suffered
+much before they could again bring the vessel to her moorings. But
+this was only the prelude to greater terrors: shortly after mid-day on
+the 21st, the wind having risen to a tempest, the missionaries were
+alarmed by a tremendous outcry; they instantly ran upon deck, and saw
+the ship with the field to which she was fastened, rapidly driving
+towards another immense mountain, nor did there appear the smallest
+hope of escaping being crushed to pieces between it and the field.
+They all cried fervently to the Lord for speedy help in this most
+perilous situation--for if they had but touched the mountain they must
+have been instantly destroyed. And he heard them: the ship got to such
+a distance that the mountain passed between them and the field, but
+one of their cables was broken and they lost an anchor; and were left
+to the mercy of the storm and the current, in the midst of large
+masses of ice from ten to twenty feet thick. The following night was
+dreadfully dark and tempestuous, and the howling of the wind, and the
+roaring of the ice, as the fields were dashed against each other by
+its fury, rendered it truly terrific; while the fragments, as they
+were dispersing by the storm, struck violently against the vessel, and
+each blow sounded like the harbinger of instant fate. Such shocks were
+repeated every five or ten minutes and sometimes oftener; nor was
+there any possibility of avoiding them. In this awful situation they
+offered up earnest prayers to Him who alone is able to save, and about
+six in the morning they were carried into open water not far from the
+coast, after having spent ten long hours in a state more easily to be
+conceived than described. During the remainder of their voyage they
+encountered several heavy gales, and were threatened occasionally with
+the gathering ice, and their vessel was leaky, but they happily
+arrived at their desired haven in safety. On the 9th of August they
+cast anchor at Hopedale.
+
+Amid the trials which the brethren had to encounter, they acknowledge,
+with gratitude, the mercies that intervened: they witnessed many
+instances of the faithful leading of the Holy Spirit among the
+Esquimaux, particularly in the return of many to the good Shepherd,
+from whom they had strayed--and during the winter, the station of
+Hopedale was preserved from moral contagion by a striking providence.
+Some heathen who had set out to seduce their countrymen to go to the
+south, were overtaken at sea by a violent storm, which dashed their
+large boat in pieces, and being thrown on an unknown desert region,
+where no assistance could be obtained, perished miserably by cold and
+hunger.
+
+At the close of 1819, brother Schreiber returned to Europe, and
+brother Kohlmeister succeeded him as superintendant of the Labrador
+missions, for which he was well adapted, both by his knowledge of the
+country and the language. In the former year he had performed a voyage
+from Okkak to Nain, very different from that remarkable journey in
+1804. The weather was fine and warm, with a gentle favourable breeze,
+and the varied scenery was delightful. He doubled the promontory of
+the Kiglapeit mountains with the greatest ease, and was wafted through
+the narrow channel to Nain, charmed with the verdure that decked the
+shores, the woods in foliage, the hills covered with grass, and the
+vallies spangled with innumerable flowers. Early next year he visited
+Hopedale, and the weather being again fine, he accomplished the
+journey in two days. The dogs drew the sledge over the frozen snow
+with great rapidity; no English post-horses could have done better. He
+had formerly ministered in this settlement, and the inhabitants came
+out to some distance to meet, and bid him welcome. "I was deeply
+affected," says he, in a letter to Mr Latrobe, "on again entering this
+place, in which I had spent so many happy days in the year 1804, when
+it pleased the Lord to send forth his Spirit, and awaken in the hearts
+of the Esquimaux, that hunger and thirst after righteousness and
+salvation, the fruits of which have been so manifest and encouraging
+ever since. I was then eye-witness of astonishing proofs of His power
+and love, and my heart and spirit revived in the recollection of the
+all-conquering and superabounding grace which then prevailed, and by
+which he drew all hearts unto himself."
+
+To the continuance and advancement of this blessed work, the brethren
+were able to bear joyful testimony in the succeeding year. July 31,
+1820, they thus write: "The Lord is graciously pleased to cause his
+power to be made manifest in the conversion of sinners, and in the
+building up our dear Esquimaux flock in the faith by which we are
+saved. This we may truly testify to his praise. The Father draws them
+to the Son, and the Holy Spirit leads them in the way of life
+everlasting. We find open ears and hearts when we declare to them the
+love of Jesus as their Saviour, and his blessing rests upon our feeble
+testimony of his atoning death and passion. Many a heart, by nature
+hard as the surrounding rocks, has been broken by the divine power of
+the word of the cross."
+
+They had, however, to mourn over the loss of three of their most
+approved native Esquimaux brethren, in the prime of life; they were
+suddenly seized with a mortal illness, which, after a short suffering
+of twelve hours, brought them to the grave; but the joyful hope of
+seeing their Saviour face to face, and celebrating the praises of his
+redeeming love, supported them in their dying moments, and comforted
+the hearts of their teachers. Their widows, also, distinguished
+themselves by their resignation to the Lord under this severe
+dispensation, which rendered them desolate, placing their whole trust
+in Him who is the faithful friend of the widow and the fatherless. A
+young married man, a candidate for baptism, was seized with the same
+complaint, and brought to the brink of the grave. In his extremity, he
+complained to one of the missionaries that he had never been truly
+converted to Jesus. "O!" exclaimed he, "if but one drop of the
+precious atoning blood of Jesus would flow upon my soul to cleanse me
+from guilt, that I might be assured in my inward parts, of the
+forgiveness of my many sins!" He was baptized on his sickbed--it was
+an affecting scene--a sense of the presence of the Lord was felt on
+the occasion by all present, by the peace and grace that accompanied
+the administration of the ordinance. The answer to the sick penitent's
+fervent prayer, seemed like that given to the poor repenting thief on
+the cross when he cried, "Lord remember me"--it was immediate. To the
+surprise of all, he recovered, and remained an instance of the love of
+Jesus, even to the chief of sinners.
+
+A remarkable preservation of another Esquimaux youth, was likewise the
+cause of much joy at Hopedale. On the 10th of June, 1819, this lad had
+been carried out to sea upon a flake of ice, which separated from the
+main mass in a terrible storm, and was given up for lost. He, however,
+after having, for some time, been driven about, gained the larger body
+of drift ice, and was carried towards an island, on which he landed.
+Here he staid about two months. He had only a gun, a small knife, and
+a few pieces of cord with him, but neither powder nor shot. Of the
+cord he made nooses and caught eider-ducks, by which, and their eggs,
+he kept himself alive; in the night, he crept under an overhanging
+rock to sleep. At length he discovered a piece of wood floating to the
+shore; of this he made an oar, and, getting on a flake of ice, rowed
+himself to an island nearer the main land, whence he reached two more
+islands nearer still. About the beginning of August, he observed two
+boats steering towards the south, and made signals: these were not
+noticed by the first, which passed on; but the second approached and
+took him in. They were southlanders from Kippolak, with whom he was
+obliged to go on to the south, and remain there till the ice was
+strong enough to admit of his travelling to Hopedale. He removed
+thence to Okkak, where he most unexpectedly arrived, to the
+astonishment of all his relations, who received him as one from the
+dead. He declared that in his banishment from human society, Jesus had
+been his hope and refuge, though the prospect before him was indeed
+terrific. While he gave this account of his escape, his eyes
+overflowed with tears of joy and gratitude; and at the conclusion of
+his narrative, he said to brother Kohlmeister--"Benjamin! I declare to
+you that I was never alone; Jesus was always with me, and I will ever
+follow Jesus, and belong to him in time and eternity."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote I: The Journal of the Voyage, illustrated with a map, was
+published in a separate form. London, 1814.]
+
+[Footnote J: "The children and young people have given us much
+pleasure; they have made good progress in reading, and often speak to
+us of the pleasure it affords them to be able to read the Scriptures
+at home."--Periodical Accounts, vol. 6 p. 241.]
+
+[Footnote K: This bird is about the size of a starling, black, with
+white and yellow spots, flies about a ship chiefly in the night, and
+is known by its singular notes, which resemble a loud laugh.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ Fiftieth anniversary of the missionary vessel's first arrival in
+   Labrador--jubilee of the mission celebrated at Nain.--Summary
+   view of the success of the gospel in Labrador during that
+   period.--Instance of maternal affection.--Esquimaux contribute
+   to the Bible Society.--British sloop of war, Clinker, visits
+   Hopedale.--Captain Martin's testimony to the good effect of the
+   brethren's labours--visits Nain and Okkak--consequences of his
+   favourable report.
+
+
+Fifty years had now elapsed since the first ship arrived at Nain, 9th
+August 1771, with missionaries on board for the service of the
+Esquimaux, and in the morning of the same day of the same month,
+August the 9th, 1820, at eight o'clock, the Harmony cast anchor in the
+same bay, bringing stores and provisions for a Christian settlement
+containing one hundred and sixty-eight inhabitants, chiefly gathered
+from among the heathen, and exercising the habits of civilized life,
+instead of roaming the wilds as rude savages, or infesting the seas
+as ruthless pirates. The day of the vessel's arrival was always a day
+of gladness, as she brought tidings from their Christian friends in
+Europe to the missionaries; and good tidings from a far country,
+especially when brought to such a secluded spot, were doubly welcome.
+That this communication should, notwithstanding all risks, have been
+uninterrupted, afforded much subject for thanksgiving, which the
+brethren expressed by hymns, and likewise endeavoured to show by some
+little external tokens. They hoisted two old small flags and a white
+one, on which the sisters had marked, in large figures, the number 50,
+surrounded by a wreath of green laurel; their small cannon fired
+several shot, which were answered by the ship, and the Esquimaux fired
+their pieces as long as their powder lasted. Meanwhile, some tunes of
+hymns, expressing thanksgiving to God for his mercies, were played on
+wind instruments, which altogether made a good impression on the
+Esquimaux, and gave them an idea of a jubilee rejoicing. Brother
+Kohlmeister explained to them the meaning of the number 50 on the
+flag, and made them understand that it was the fifteenth time that a
+ship had come safely to Nain for their sakes, and how it had been
+preserved, by the wonder-working hand of God, from all harm in these
+dangerous seas, and that this was the cause of these extraordinary
+demonstrations of a joyful gratitude; they listened with great
+attention, and then exclaimed, "Yes! Jesus is worthy of thanks!" nor
+were the sailors unmoved.
+
+Next year, 1821, completed half a century which the brethren had spent
+in Labrador, and was celebrated as the jubilee year at the three
+settlements. At Nain the commemoration day was the 9th of August, in
+all the services of which a spirit of joy and thanksgiving prevailed
+throughout the whole congregation. The baptism of two adults tended
+much to solemnize the festival. "We praised the Lord," say the
+missionaries, "with heart and voice, for all the wonders he has
+wrought in behalf of the mission in Labrador during half a century, in
+which he has led, preserved, and blessed us abundantly. His mighty arm
+has protected us in many dangers, and the preaching of his cross has
+been attended with power and the demonstration of his Spirit in many
+hearts; and many heathen have been brought in as a reward for the
+travail of his soul." An account of the beginning of the mission, and
+of all the remarkable incidents and proofs of the mercy and grace of
+our Saviour during that period, was read to all the congregations in
+their native tongue, and heard with the greatest attention and
+surprise. Since the commencement, 48 brethren and 28 sisters had been
+employed, and at this time there were 15 brethren and 10 sisters at
+the three mission stations of Nain, Okkak and Hopedale. Of the
+Esquimaux nation, there had been baptized 392 adults and 388 children;
+and at the end of this year, there were residing in the different
+settlements, 471 baptized, 45 candidates for baptism, and 68 new
+people, making a total of 584 persons. Truly it might be said of the
+Esquimaux nation, that for them who sat in the shadow of death, under
+the cruel bondage of Satan, God our Saviour wrought deliverance, and
+brought many of them into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
+
+Many had, during that period, departed full of hope, and in the
+preceding summer, among others, a sister of much worth, Joanna, had
+been taken away at Hopedale, under very interesting circumstances.
+While on the ice with her daughter, it gave way, and they both fell
+in. The mother made great exertions to save her child, and with much
+difficulty succeeded, but, her strength failing, she was unable to
+extricate herself, and was drowned. She had led a humble, consistent,
+and exemplary life, and her last words, when in the act of sinking,
+was to commend her departing spirit to the mercy of her Saviour. This
+happy year was likewise marked as that on which the Esquimaux received
+complete copies of the New Testament in their own language, printed at
+the expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and also for the
+proof they gave of the value they set upon the Holy Scriptures, by the
+desire they express that other nations should enjoy similar advantage.
+Having been informed of the nature and aim of the Bible Society, and
+of its labours in the distribution of the Scriptures, the Esquimaux of
+their own accord, began to collect seals' blubber, as a contribution
+towards the expenses of the Society. Some brought whole seals, or half
+seals, or pieces, as they could afford it. Others brought portions of
+blubber in the name of their children, requesting that their poor
+gifts might be accepted. And when they heard that other converted
+heathen, even poorer than they, had contributed to spread the word of
+God, they exclaimed: "How long have not _we_ heard the pleasant and
+comfortable words concerning Jesus Christ our Saviour, and how many
+books have _we_ not received, treating of Him, and yet we have never
+known and considered whence they come. We have indeed sometimes spoken
+together, and observed that these many books given to us without pay,
+must cost a great deal somewhere; but we never have before now known,
+that even poor people bring their money out of pure love, that we may
+get these comfortable words of God. We are indeed poor, but yet might
+now and then bring some blubber, that others who are as ignorant as we
+were formerly, may receive the same gospel which has been so sweet to
+our souls, and thereby be taught to find the way to Jesus and believe
+on him." The donations of these poor Esquimaux were accompanied with
+expressions of thanks for the favours they had received, and earnest
+requests to the Society, that more heathen might be presented with
+"that Book, so far more precious than any thing else in the world."
+
+Various hindrances had prevented the formation of a fourth settlement,
+and during this interval, the tongue of slander had not been silent.
+Mercenary traders had represented to the British authorities, the
+brethren's conduct as hostile to the interest of the colony and their
+traffic with the natives: but fortunately the authorities were not
+disposed to receive implicitly these reports, and the governor of
+Newfoundland, Sir Charles Hamilton, dispatched a sloop of war, the
+Clinker, Captain William Martin, to examine the coast of Labrador, and
+with an express direction to visit the different Moravian stations. He
+arrived a few days after the celebration of the jubilee, and the
+missionaries, in their diary, give the following account of his visit:
+
+"August 15th, in the afternoon, we received a letter from William
+Martin, Esq., commander of a British ship of war, which lay at anchor
+four hours from this, informing us that the governor of Newfoundland
+had ordered him to take a survey of that part of the coast of Labrador
+where the brethren's settlements were situated, and to visit the
+settlements. On hearing this, the Captain (Fraser) of the mission
+vessel, at present lying at anchor here, sent the pilot in a boat, to
+bring the Clinker into the harbour, and at three o'clock P.M. a ship
+of war, with three masts and fourteen cannon, anchored in our harbour,
+not far from us. Immediately two of us, with Captain Fraser, went on
+board to welcome the commander, who repeated his commission, and
+conversed with us in the most friendly manner. We expressed our
+happiness at his arrival, and invited him on shore to examine
+minutely into every thing of which he wished to obtain information. He
+accordingly landed in the evening, and came to the mission-house.
+
+"Soon after his arrival, our usual meeting was held with the
+Esquimaux, whose good conduct, quietness, and piety, seemed to strike
+him; and he afterwards confessed his expectation in this respect had
+been greatly exceeded. He asked us several questions--First, What
+means we had used to civilize such rude and savage men? We answered
+that whatever good he observed in the Esquimaux, was entirely to be
+ascribed to the power of the gospel, the preaching of which was the
+only purpose of our being here; besides this, we possessed no other
+power, nor did we believe any other could deliver savage men,
+accustomed to murder, and given up to every vice, from their
+detestable habits, and introduce them into the circle of social order.
+Nothing but the operation of the Spirit of God on their hearts,
+convincing them of the truth of the gospel, and the happiness of true
+Christians, could induce them to deny their evil propensities, and
+incline them to receive instruction, and walk according to the
+commandments of Jesus; it is this, we said, that causes them to live
+in peaceful and happy society together.
+
+"He next wished to be informed of the reason of our conduct with
+regard to merchandize, as he had heard that we did not wish our
+Esquimaux to trade with the Europeans in the south; and when they did
+so, if we did not drive them away from our settlements? To this we
+replied as follows: 'Nothing is so painful to us, as when any of the
+members of our congregation fall back into heathenism, which easily
+happens when they go to the south to trade with the Europeans, where
+they are exposed to many temptations. On this account we find it
+necessary to warn them against such journeys, and if they pay no
+attention to these admonitions, intended chiefly for their own
+advantage, we cannot regard them as any longer belonging to us. And
+our conduct is the same towards those who reside among us, who have
+not received the gospel, when we find all our affectionate and serious
+exhortations in vain, and they persist in returning thither to trade.
+But no Esquimaux is driven away from our settlements on this account,
+for he does not sell his merchandize to us alone, but to any person
+with whom he chooses to trade. It must, however, be remarked, that
+many Esquimaux when pressed by hunger in winter, take refuge with us,
+to whom we give every possible assistance; there are also some, who,
+during their harvest, save a portion against a time of need, which we
+lay up for them, and they receive the full value, when their
+necessities require it. Now, when these, regardless of their
+obligations to us, take their articles elsewhere to barter, we frankly
+tell them our opinion of their conduct, and endeavour to impress their
+minds with a sense of their ingratitude, not only to us, but to the
+Society in England, who from love to them, sends every year a ship
+with the necessary supplies. If any one take offence at our reproofs,
+and leave us in anger for the south, we cannot help it, but we are
+certain he dare not affirm any such falsehood to the Europeans, as to
+say, that he was driven from our settlement because he treated with
+them.' Captain Martin replied that he had not the least doubt of what
+we said, and was perfectly satisfied, by what he had seen and heard,
+that we laboured to promote the best interests of the Esquimaux."
+
+On Sunday, 19th, "All the officers and forty of the crew of the ship
+of war, assembled with us in our meeting for public worship, when we
+recommended them to the gracious protection of our almighty Lord and
+God; and we have much pleasure in being able to say, that, during the
+whole time they remained here, their behaviour was as orderly and
+friendly as we could have wished. The Captain having lodged a night
+with us, at taking leave together with the surgeon, shook us heartily
+by the hand, and thanked us for our kind attention, and expressed his
+delight at the happy results of our endeavours to improve the
+Esquimaux. All the officers likewise bade us farewell in the most
+friendly manner, and said they would always reflect with pleasure on
+their visit to us. After they went on board Captain Martin sent us a
+letter, in which he thus expressed himself: 'My Dear Friends--I cannot
+leave this place without expressing my thanks in a few lines to the
+worthy brethren who received me in so friendly a manner, and by their
+attention rendered my stay here so pleasant. I regret that it has been
+so short, but it has been sufficiently long, to convince me that your
+labours have been crowned by a blessed success; this must animate you
+under many difficulties, to continue to devote yourselves with zeal to
+the service of our Lord, your great example. One must be an
+eye-witness to judge of the mighty change that has already taken place
+in these Esquimaux, both in regard to body and mind. It will give me
+the most heart-felt joy, to communicate this to his Excellency, the
+governor of St John's, and also to bear testimony in England, to the
+happy progress of your labours.' Next day, at 6 A.M. the ship of war
+set sail, when we, with our Esquimaux, ascended the height nearest the
+shore, and by signs took our last farewell of the crew.
+
+"Continuing her course, the Clinker reached Nain on the 21st, where
+Captain Martin behaved in the same friendly manner. He was frequently
+on shore at the mission-house, and likewise attended worship in the
+church. On the 23d he invited the missionaries aboard, and shewed them
+the arrangement in a sloop of war. His vessel was decorated with fifty
+flags of different nations, in honour of the commemoration of the
+jubilee. The day after, he furnished a feast of boiled pease and
+biscuit, for all the Esquimaux living on the missionaries' land, and
+was himself present at the entertainment. The Esquimaux sat on pieces
+of timber, placed in a square. Before they began their meal, they sang
+a hymn, 'Now let us praise the Lord, &c.' and at the close, 'Praise
+God for ever.' All of them expressed great thankfulness for this
+condescending mark of the Captain's good will; and each of them had a
+goodly portion of biscuit left to carry home."
+
+From Nain the Clinker sailed for Hopedale in company with the Harmony,
+on board of which were the superintendant Kohlmeister and his wife.
+The latter thus speaks of the excursion, which she appears to have
+highly enjoyed: "We had the pleasure to sail in company with his sloop
+[Captain Martin's] to Hopedale, and had a most agreeable voyage. He
+came twice on board the Harmony to pay us a visit. As we approached
+Hopedale, the brethren and the Esquimaux not having received any
+account of the arrival of the sloop of war, were rather alarmed at its
+appearance, but we found means before we cast anchor, to send them
+word that all was peace and friendship, upon which the music began to
+play a hymn of praise, and the Esquimaux afterwards fired a salute
+with their pieces. The sloop answered with the great guns, but the
+Esquimaux were determined to have the last word, and went on firing
+after the cannon had ceased to roar. It was a calm night without moon,
+but the brilliant display of numberless stars, and a glorious Aurora
+Borealis, increased the enjoyment. The brethren, Stock and Haller,
+coming on board, we could not quit the deck till midnight; sleep was
+not thought of. Captain Martin also displayed a number of blue
+lights, to the great astonishment and gratification of the Esquimaux."
+The Captain having here also given a feast of bread and pease, she
+adds, "We were present, and were pleased to hear how the Esquimaux
+expressed their thankfulness, and afterwards sung the anthem, 'Glory
+to God in the highest,' and 'Hosanna.'" When he had accomplished the
+object of his cruise, Captain Martin returned to St John's.
+
+By this extraordinary and friendly visit, the brethren remarked, "the
+celebration of the jubilee of the mission acquired a peculiar and new
+feature, as we were at the same time assured of the favour of those,
+whom God has appointed to rule over us, and may hope in future also to
+experience a continuance of that protection we have hitherto enjoyed.
+The Lord has also caused his work to be glorified in the sight of
+men." But this visit was still further important, as it tended to
+accelerate the formation of a fourth settlement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ The Brethren obtain a further grant of land on the east coast of
+   Labrador.--projected fourth settlement delayed.--Progress of the
+   three settlements in the interval.--Instances of wonderful
+   preservation--Ephraim--of Conrad, Peter, and Titus.--Report of
+   the Superintendant, Kohlmeister, on the general state of the
+   Mission.--Commencement and progress of Hebron, the fourth
+   station.
+
+
+Much as the brethren desired to establish a settlement on the Ungava
+country, and anxious as the Esquimaux there were, that they should
+reside among them, providential difficulties, as above alluded to,
+prevented what appeared so urgent a call from being complied with,
+and, in a manner, forced upon the brethren's consideration the
+propriety of forming a fourth station on the east coast. They had,
+therefore, applied to the British Government for a further grant of
+land; and the report of Captain Martin having been so highly
+favourable, all obstructions were removed, and next year the order
+which had been granted by the Prince Regent in Council, 13th May
+1818, securing to them the possession of the coast from Okkak to the
+56th deg N.L., including the bays of Napartok, Kangertluksoak, and
+Saeglak, was transmitted to Nain through Governor Hamilton,
+accompanied by a letter written under his own hand, wishing them every
+success in their Christian undertaking. From the great increase of the
+population at Okkak, the attention of the missionaries was principally
+directed to Kangertluksoak as the fittest place for a new station; as,
+in the spring, a great many of their own Esquimaux went thither to
+obtain a livelihood, the distance being about sixty miles yet several
+years elapsed before they were able to carry their plan into
+execution. During this interval, the missionaries had the pleasure of
+seeing the work of the Lord continue to prosper in the three
+settlements, and a spirit of love spread abroad among their flocks.
+"Our Saviour's grace and power," say they, July 1822, "have been made
+manifest in young and old, and the word of his cross, sufferings, and
+death, performs the same miracles, as in the earliest periods of
+Christianity. When we met to celebrate the holy communion, as well as
+on the different festival and memorial days of the church, the grace
+and presence of our Lord and Saviour revived our hearts and filled us
+with joy, and with praise and thanksgiving to him for all the good
+which he has done unto this people."--Procuring their food almost
+always at the hazard of their lives, instances of wonderful
+preservations were not uncommon among the Esquimaux, and their
+observations on their deliverances had generally a pious simplicity,
+which rendered them extremely pleasant. This year, Ephraim, a
+communicant, went with five others to catch seals at the edge of the
+ice, about sixty miles from Nain. Being at some distance from his
+party, the ice broke under him, and he had only time to grasp the rim
+of the hole made in the ice to prevent his sinking under it. In this
+situation, hanging over the sea, the cold being intense, his fingers
+froze fast to the ice, which helped to support him; for his immediate
+cries for assistance were not heard, and he remained for a quarter of
+an hour in dreadful suspense. At length, just when his voice failed
+him, he was perceived by his companions and his life saved. Though his
+fright and anxiety were in the beginning very great, he said, that he
+committed himself to our Saviour, and felt resigned to his will; and
+when the danger seemed most imminent, help was afforded, for which he
+gave thanks to Him who alone could deliver in such distress.
+
+But an interposition of providence, which rescued two Christian
+Esquimaux, belonging to the congregation at Hopedale, who were carried
+out to sea on a field of ice, and were nine days driven about at the
+mercy of the waves, is not the least extraordinary among the many
+which occurred. A party of three, Conrad, Peter, and Titus, being
+engaged in fishing on the ice, that part on which they were standing
+broke loose from the shore, and was driven by a strong south-west wind
+out to sea. Conrad having a sledge with him, fastened some seal-skins
+and bladders to it to keep him buoyant, and turning it upside down
+used it as a raft; in this he paddled a full English mile back to the
+firm ice, being commissioned by his companions to procure a boat, and
+send it to their assistance. The sea, by God's mercy, being calm, he
+reached the shore in safety, but before he could procure the boat, the
+field of ice with his two companions on it had drifted nearly out of
+sight, and there was no possibility of overtaking it. The size and
+strength of the ice was such that it afforded them the means of
+building a snow-house upon it, in which they took shelter during the
+night, and in rainy weather. They had caught eight seals on the day of
+their departure, which afforded them nourishment, though for want of
+fuel they could make no fire, but ate the meat raw and drank the
+blood. Of their feelings during nine dreadful days of anxiety and
+suspense, they wrote the following affecting account. Peter for
+himself says, "When on the 4th of June (1824,) we were driven off the
+coast upon the field of ice, I was not much alarmed, for I did not
+apprehend much danger. At night when we lay down to rest we commended
+ourselves in prayer to God our Saviour, and gave up our lives into his
+hands, which we always continued to do. On the 5th, as we were
+floating pretty near to the point of Tikkerarsuk, I hoped that our
+brother Conrad, who had been with us, would come to help us with
+kaiaks. We repeatedly thought we heard the report of fire-arms, and
+therefore fired off our pieces, but towards evening, we perceived that
+we had been mistaken. Now I began to feel great fears about the
+preservation of my life, and thinking of my poor family, I wept much.
+With many tears I cried fervently to Jesus to save me. I could speak
+with him as if he stood by me, and said; 'I pray that I may not be
+carried to the other side of the water, nor to the south, nor too far
+to the north among the unbelievers, but that my body may have a decent
+burial in the earth. O! shew mercy to me, and do thou, the only helper
+in need, take care of my poor family!' Then these words occurred to my
+mind, 'Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown,'
+which made me shed tears of gratitude and love to our Saviour, like a
+child, though at so great a distance from home. I entered our
+snow-house weeping, and we both joined in calling upon Jesus for help
+and comfort. This we did every morning and evening. On the 6th, in the
+morning, finding ourselves carried far away from the land into the
+ocean, we again looked for comfort to Jesus, and prayed to him with
+many tears to help us, and direct our course. We sung that verse
+together, 'O lift up thy countenance upon us,' and these words were
+impressed upon my mind, 'I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep,
+and am known of mine.' I felt my unworthiness deeply, and nothing but
+the words of Jesus could give me joy. I prayed fervently to him, that
+he would give his angels charge over me. I spent the whole day in
+prayer, and as I walked about alone, several parts of Scripture
+occurred to my recollection, especially the account of my Saviour's
+being taken captive. The prayer he offered up for his disciples, John
+XVII. was peculiarly precious to me, and gave me great comfort.
+Frequently I felt joy in my heart on remembering our Saviour's words,
+and that he said to his disciples, 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost.' On the
+7th, the fog was so dense that we could not see whither we were
+driven. I cried to Jesus, 'O! help,' and his words came sweetly into
+my mind, 'Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give
+you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and
+lowly in heart.' Then I felt comforted. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th, we
+could see nothing on account of the fog. I wept, and longed only to
+enjoy the inexpressible love of Jesus. I remembered how the apostle
+Peter was frightened in the storm, and was comforted by our Saviour.
+Thus also he comforted us in our dreadful situation. I cried
+continually to him to bring us again to the shore, for the thought of
+my poor bereaved family caused many tears to flow from my eyes." At
+length, on the 12th, the field of ice on which they were, was driven
+nearer the shore, and on the 13th, they reached home by travelling
+over the drift.
+
+This year the superintendant, Kohlmeister, who had served the Labrador
+mission thirty-four years, was constrained, by his increased
+infirmities, and by the severe indisposition both of himself and his
+wife, to return to Europe. His last report respecting the state of the
+settlements, is therefore too important to be abridged or omitted--it
+is as follows: "The work of God in the hearts of our dear Esquimaux,
+proceeds in the power of the Spirit, and with rich blessing; and I may
+with truth assert, that they grow in grace, and in the love and
+knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Their number is
+likewise on the increase. The congregation at Okkak, in particular,
+obtains a great increase from year to year, by the arrival of heathen
+from the coast to the north of the settlement; the number of heathen
+Esquimaux in their neighbourhood is indeed decreasing, but Okkak may
+yet be called a mission among the heathen. Nain and Hopedale are now
+Christian settlements, all the inhabitants being initiated into the
+Christian church by holy baptism, except a few children, and no
+heathen live in their neighbourhood. Their increase, therefore,
+depends upon the rising generation, and upon the accession of persons
+coming from a distance to reside among them. On this account the
+endeavours of the missionaries, in these two settlements, are
+particularly directed to instil into the minds of the youth the
+principles and precepts of vital Christianity; and to see to it, that
+by the grace of our Saviour, all the souls committed to their care
+become more firmly grounded and established in faith and love, and
+walk worthy of their high and heavenly calling. This is done by
+faithful admonition, accompanied with watchfulness and prayer. The
+most efficacious means of promoting their growth in grace, is the
+reading of the New Testament, which they have now in their hands
+through the generosity of the venerable British and Foreign Bible
+Society. They read therein daily in their houses and tents with the
+greatest earnestness, delight, and edification. We have, indeed, ever
+since the arrival of this most precious gift, observed a great change.
+Their understanding of the word of God, and the doctrines which it
+contains, has greatly increased; and the influence upon their moral
+conduct is manifest, for they now more than ever desire to regulate
+their walk and conversation in conformity to truly Christian
+principles.
+
+"The schools, which are held, with both children and adults, from
+November to April, are a most powerful means of forwarding their
+improvement in every thing good and profitable for them. Most of the
+people attend them with great diligence, and with an earnest desire to
+be soon able to read the New Testament for themselves. There are among
+the children some of five, and even of four years of age, who read
+well. The severest punishment than can be inflicted on a child is to
+keep him from school. The new Hymn Book is a truly valuable present.
+The whole number of Christian Esquimaux under the care of the
+brethren, at present, is 705, old and young."
+
+Excepting that their numbers continued gradually to increase, the
+above report may be considered as a correct view of the state of the
+Moravian settlements in Labrador for several succeeding years.
+
+Some Ladies in Scotland, who had admired the exertions of the
+Moravians in Labrador, had about this time sent as a token of their
+Christian affection a small present to the beloved labourers in that
+distant inhospitable clime; they were gratified, nearly under the
+above date [at the close of 1831,] by the following letter from two
+aged servants of the Lord, the venerable missionary Kmoch and his
+wife, who, after nearly half a century of active exertion, reluctantly
+retired from the heat of the day--it was addressed to a friend in
+Edinburgh, and shortly but sweetly corroborates the account of
+Kohlmeister.
+
+"The Saviour continues," say they, "to bless his own work in Labrador.
+In Okkak, during the last winter, eight adults and thirteen children
+were baptized, and six persons are longing for the enjoyment of the
+holy supper for the first time. In the harvest of 1830 a malignant
+cold and cough raged in Okkak, of which eighteen persons died, but
+last winter the weather was very mild. I have been 34 and my wife 19
+years in Labrador. I would willingly have remained among our dear
+Esquimaux much longer, but old age and sickness are the cause of our
+return. The parting with our Esquimaux, and our dear fellow-labourers,
+was very affecting."
+
+At length the obstacles in the way of a new settlement began to
+dissipate; and in the mean time, to secure possession of the bounds
+allotted to them by the British Government, the missionaries, Kmoch
+and Sturman, in 1828, erected a block-house twelve feet long and
+eight broad, which the summer before had been prepared at Okkak, and
+sent to Kangertluksoak by some Esquimaux returning to the north. They
+completed the journey on sledges in fifteen hours, of which they
+transmitted the following notes--"May 19th, at eight in the evening we
+arrived at Apparnaviarsak, in the neighbourhood of Kangertluksoak;
+here we found four tents of our Esquimaux, and in three, others of the
+Nain people who had resolved the next summer to go to Okkak: all
+expressed the greatest joy at our coming, and all frankly reached out
+their hands to welcome us. Immediately a tent was erected for us, and
+the floor covered with bears' skins. As we had not tasted any thing
+warm the whole day, we got some coffee, after which we put our beds in
+order--these consist of a sack of rein-deers' skin with the hair
+inmost, and a sack of seals' skin drawn over it--it is just large
+enough to admit one person, who first slips in his feet, and gradually
+inserts the whole body, which, when fairly in, soon gets comfortably
+warm. The day after, we invited the Esquimaux to a meeting, when,
+after singing a hymn, brother Sturman saluted them in the most
+affectionate manner; assured them of our constant remembrance and
+prayers; then begged them to consider their present happy
+circumstances, and reminded them that but a few years since they were
+heathens, living in deplorable ignorance of their Creator and
+Redeemer, and without hope of that eternal happiness which he hath
+purchased for us. The tears of many shewed the joy of their hearts in
+believing. We intimated to them that, during our stay, we would have
+prayers morning and evening."
+
+The promontory of Apparnaviarsak, where our Esquimaux were, is joined
+to the continent of Kangertluksoak, on which their winter houses were
+built. Between the rocks, the ground is everywhere covered with grass,
+the snow was already melted, and the young grass began most
+beautifully to shoot up. The spring appeared to be much earlier here
+than at Okkak, where, at present, every thing was covered with deep
+snow; the mountains are not so steep, the land lies lower and nearer
+the open sea: but the flat where the houses of the Esquimaux are, is
+surrounded by numerous small islands. From the declivity behind, in
+many places the open sea can be seen, with the promontory of Saeglak,
+the distance to which is only about 5 or 6 hours, with a good sledge
+path; consequently, it appeared admirably adapted for a mission
+station. Saeglak would afford excellent fishing ground for our
+people, should the heathen leave it, which must very soon happen, as
+within these last few years, the inhabitants of these parts have
+greatly diminished, many of them coming to reside among us. Upon the
+whole, from all that we have heard or seen, Kangertluksoak is one of
+the best fishing places, and as some remain here the whole year, we
+can have the Esquimaux more with us than at any of the other
+settlements. There are, however, many other advantages we must give up
+here; the nearest forest lies to the south of Nappartok, and is about
+eighteen or twenty miles distant, the nearest road by land; by water
+it is greater. While we sent the Esquimaux for the frame of our little
+house, which lay about half an hour's journey from this, we went to
+take a view of the place, near the winter houses of the Esquimaux.
+Adjoining these, at a little distance from the beach, we found a plain
+sufficiently large for buildings, gardens, &c.; and after we had
+examined all the country round the river, we resolved to erect our
+little dwelling here, and our Esquimaux having brought the wood, it
+was soon erected. All the natives who were present willingly assisted
+in laying the foundation with stones, and filling it up with
+sand--part of the boards were nailed on the same day. The house stands
+on an eminence, in the neighbourhood of a small lake, which the
+Esquimaux assured us had water in it during the greater part of the
+summer, and probably, by a little labour, it may be formed into a good
+reservoir. We continued our building, without intermission, till the
+21st, when we finished. On the 22nd we floored the house, prepared the
+bed-rooms, fixed a table and bench between two windows, and set up a
+little oven. In the evening, brother Kmoch held a meeting to take
+leave, and affectionately exhorted our Esquimaux to approve themselves
+the children of God under every circumstance, to give themselves up at
+all times to be led by the Spirit of the Lord, and faithfully to
+follow his admonitions. On the 25th inst. at 3 o'clock, A.M., we set
+out on our return, but the newly fallen snow mixing with the water on
+the ice, so obstructed our path, that we were nine hours longer on the
+way than we were before, but we reached Okkak on the 26th, at three in
+the morning, full of gratitude to the Saviour, whose presence had so
+comforted us on this visit, and filled us with the joyful conviction,
+that he also had left a blessed impression on the Esquimaux.
+
+Preparations were now commenced at the different stations for
+forwarding the erection of the new settlement, and early in the year
+1829, rafters, boards, and shingles, were transported to
+Kangertluksoak from Okkak by sledges, which performed no less than one
+hundred and five journies, and seldom spent more than a day upon the
+road, the tract having been extraordinarily fine, beyond what the
+oldest inhabitant remembered to have seen, and which the brethren
+considered as the mark of a kind providence smiling on their new
+undertaking. When the frame work of the mission-house was finished, on
+the 13th of April brother Mentzel and Beck, with six young Esquimaux,
+set out for the spot. On the 8th of July the frame was set up, and on
+the 21st it was covered with weather boarding on three sides.
+
+The Society in London in the meantime had not been idle; they had, in
+addition to the ordinary vessel, hired a consort, the Oliver, which
+they sent out with materials, to enable the missionaries to go on with
+their new settlement, named _Hebron_, and which opportunely arrived,
+just when the house was made ready to receive, and place the stores
+under cover. Another missionary, Ferdinand, arrived with the Harmony
+to assist brother Beck. Immediately they commenced unloading the
+Oliver, in which they were stoutly assisted by about thirty Esquimaux,
+with their wives and children. In less than a week, the whole was
+landed, and after consulting with the brethren at Okkak, the resident
+missionaries proceeded with their labour: notwithstanding several
+interruptions, first by the loss of their assistants for a time, who
+went to the rein-deer hunt, and afterwards by a violent storm, which
+carried away the scaffolding, and part of their materials, they got so
+far finished, that on the 18th of September, one room was habitable,
+and they could quit the small and uncomfortable hut, in which they had
+hitherto lived. During the winter months their work was suspended, but
+in spring, 1831, they recommenced with fresh diligence, and on the 7th
+of May, the second story of their house was floored, and likewise
+habitable. They had constructed besides some outhouses as cellars and
+store houses; and when the vessels from Europe again visited the
+settlement in July, bringing a further supply of building materials,
+brother Mentzel, who had gone to England and returned in her, was much
+surprised to see the premises so far advanced, and thus reported: "Our
+dear brethren," says he, "must have laboured diligently to effect what
+they have done. It is true every thing is in a rude and unfinished
+state; chairs, tables, bedsteads, and the like, have still to be made.
+Our fellow traveller, brother Freytag has his bed at present upon a
+heap of shavings. The reading table in the temporary church, is a box
+set on end, upon which a flat board has been nailed, and the whole is
+covered with a piece of coarse cloth, but in due time we hope all will
+be in order."
+
+In the course of the winter, nine persons came to reside at the
+settlement, professing to enquire for rest to their souls; the
+missionaries gladly received them, and directed their attention to our
+Saviour's invitation to the weary and heavy laden. Among them an
+Esquimaux woman came from Saeglak, and requested leave to reside at
+the station; the missionaries informed her that she was welcome to do
+so, but that she must give up all heathenish practices. She replied
+that for some time past, both her husband and herself had discontinued
+these things, and had been long thinking about their conversion, and
+therefore they had come to them. About a week after, the husband
+himself came, and confirmed what his wife had said. On the 12th of
+July three boats' companies arrived from the north, and several of the
+Esquimaux paid the brethren a visit, but seemed little disposed to
+listen to the gospel. Only one young man remained with his mother.
+Many Esquimaux arrived in the following year [1832] for the sake of
+trade; but when the brethren advised them to make the salvation of
+their soul their chief concern, they all began to offer excuses, yet
+on being spoken to about the consequences of death, they did not, as
+formerly, treat it with levity; some even appeared thoughtful after
+such conversations, and five persons removed from the heathen to the
+settlement. Of those who had resided with them for some time, they had
+the pleasure, on Easter Sunday, to baptize four adults and one child,
+being the first accession to the church at Hebron from among the
+heathen. The number of their congregation in August, the date of their
+latest accounts, amounted in all, to 162 persons, of whom 72 had
+joined from Okkak, and 10 from Nain.
+
+
+
+
+Printed by J. Ritchie, 3. East Adam Street.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+  +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+  | Typographical errors corrected in text:                      |
+  |                                                              |
+  | Page iii: Draehart corrected to Drachart                     |
+  | Page iii: Quinport corrected to Quirpont                     |
+  | Page iv: diastrous corrected to disastrous                   |
+  | Page iv: Anake corrected to Anauke                           |
+  | Page iv: Leisbisch corrected to Liebisch                     |
+  | Page vi: Schrieber corrected to Schreiber (two cases)        |
+  | Page vii: connnection corrected to connection                |
+  | Page vii: Belisle corrected to Bellisle                      |
+  | Page ix: Farnheit corrected to Fahrenheit                    |
+  | Page xx: sowing corrected to sewing                          |
+  | Page xxiv: Belisle corrected to Bellisle                     |
+  | Page 41: Zinzendorf corrected to Zinzendorff                 |
+  | Page 63: Lous corrected to Louis                             |
+  | Page 71: demonaical corrected to demoniacal                  |
+  | Page 97: Liesbisch corrected to Liebisch                     |
+  | Page 120: sppear corrected to appear                         |
+  | Page 145: Leibisch corrected to Liebisch                     |
+  | Page 150: Tikkeronsuk corrected to Tikkerarsuk               |
+  | Page 226: surprized corrected to surprised                   |
+  | Page 229: Esquimanx corrected to Esquimaux                   |
+  | Page 239: Lichtenfells corrected to Lichtenfels              |
+  | Page 247: recal corrected to recall                          |
+  | Page 258: Uverunna corrected to Uiverunna                    |
+  | Page 263: Tikkerarsuck corrected to Tikkerarsuk              |
+  | Page 269: Schrieber corrected to Schreiber (two cases)       |
+  | Page 270: Chudliegh corrected to Chudleigh                   |
+  | Page 277: Kangertlualuksoak corrected to Kangerlualuksoak    |
+  | Page 280: Koksock corrected to Koksoak                       |
+  | Page 288: Screiber corrected to Schreiber                    |
+  | Page 288: Burghart corrected to Burghardt                    |
+  | Page 319: Saeglek corrected to Saeglak                       |
+  | Page 322: Tikkerarsoak corrected to Tikkerarsuk              |
+  | Page 330: Kangerluksoak corrected to Kangertluksoak          |
+  | Page 331: Kangerluksoak corrected to Kangertluksoak          |
+  | Page 335: Saeglek corrected to Saeglak                       |
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+
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