CHAPTER XI.

State of the Esquimaux congregations in 1830-Numbers of the Heathen under instruction-Declarations of the Baptized-An Esquimaux letter— Conversion of an obstinate Offender-Dreadful sickness-Triumph over death-Gratitude of the believing Esquimaux-Increasing providence-Manual labour of the Missionaries-Travelling in Labrador-Brotherly love of the Missionaries-Establishment of a new Settlement contemplated.

We have now arrived at that period of the history of the Labrador Mission, which commences with the year 1825, and ends August, 1830, when the latest accounts were received from the Missionaries.

The course of the Esquimaux congregations during this latter period, was not marked by any circumstances of variety, and in general, their state may be described in the words with which the Brethren at Okkak, in their latest communication, describe the state of

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things there. "During the past winter, we have spent a blessed time with our Esquimaux congregation; and the presence of our Lord was felt in all our meetings, but particularly at baptismal transactions, confirmations, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The schools were punctually held, and diligently attended, and we experienced much satisfaction in the progress made by the scholars, yet there are several of the adults who cause us uneasiness, by their apparent indifference to the concerns of their soul, and some have been diverted from the right way. Their number however, is comparatively small, and even such declare that they yet hope to be truly converted."

By the latest accounts, the number of Esquimaux under the instruction of the Missionaries at the several Stations, was as follows: Nain, 245; Okkak, 388; Hopedale, 181.* It has been our object throughout the whole of this history, to shew that the Missionaries

* This census was taken at the conclusion of 1828, that of the other two Settlements at the conclusion of 1829.

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did not labour to collect a number of Esquimaux together at the different Stations, distinguished from their savage countrymen by the name of Christians, by the use of forms of worship, and the knowledge of some useful arts of civilized life, but that these devoted servants of Christ, were the instruments in the hands of their divine Master, of calling from among the heathen, a little flock; who, being regenerated by the Holy Spirit, worshipped God in the Spirit, and rejoiced in Christ Jesus, and had no confidence in the flesh. As we must not lose sight of this leading object of our history, we subjoin the following spontaneous expression of the feelings of some of the Esquimaux converts, as evidences of the blessing which continued to rest upon the labours of the Missionaries.

One of the communicants wrote thus to a Missionary: "I feel truly displeased with myself, on account of my many defects. But I also remember, that Jesus has not been weary in forgiving my frequent failings and transgressions. I ought, therefore, continually to thank and praise Him. But I am so

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much ashamed of myself, that I sometimes hardly dare lift up my eyes towards Him. His grace is my only consolation, and I often think of His words: 'I will not leave you comfortless; and,Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' I wish to be more enlightened by His word, and to forsake all my own ways. I will therefore, thus cry unto Jesus, 'O have mercy upon me, for I am a great sinner; heal thou me, for I am sick! I have often sought a place of rest for my soul in vain, but now I will have no other place, but at the right source, with Jesus, though I am so weak. I wish to be like one of the wise virgins on that day, but grieve to find so much to obstruct my path."

Another expressed himself thus, "When I examine my own heart, I feel repentance, on account of my sins, but also that Jesus has power to deliver me from all danger, and from sin. Without Him I should be a slave of sin, and lead a wretched life. But He took all my misery upon Himself, when he died on the cross for me, that I might live

happy for ever. I cast all my burden upon Him, for he has blotted out my transgressions. He sees me wherever I am. He knows all my failings and mistakes, and every circumstance of my life, my whole heart, and

all my thoughts, all my fears and anxieties, and He takes them all for his mercy

never ceases."

away,

The following letter written by an Esquimaux at Hopedale, and literally translated by one of the Missionaries, will also be read with deep interest.

"To the dear congregation of the United Brethren in London, do I presume to write, to tell them of my course on earth, and what I am doing now. This I will tell them just as it is.

"From my childhood I have been in this congregation, but for almost a great many years, whether I should love Jesus as my Saviour, or not, darkness would not let me have any thoughts. The desire of my eyes was to the things of this world. In this state I was, when my dear Saviour looked upon me in mercy, and drew me out of my perishing