PREFACE. THE following history of the Missions of the United Brethren on the coast of Labrador, has been principally compiled from the "Periodical accounts" published by the Brethren's Society in London. The Editor, however, being unable to procure the earlier Numbers of that Publication, is chiefly indebted to "Holmes' Historical Sketches," for the facts which are recorded in the commencement of the narrative. He has also to acknowledge his obligation to a recent Publication, for some of the descriptions of the characteristic features of the polar regions, contained in the introductory chapter. The history of the Labrador Mission, may be considered as an illustration of the truth contained in those words of Scripture-" As many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God; even to them that believe on His name. Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." In the perusal of the following narrative, the reader will observe the utter inefficacy of humán means to convert a soul. It will be seen, that, although the savage people, among whom the Missionaries laboured, were convinced of the disinterested love of their teachers, and although they felt their superiority in intelligence and knowledge, still their assent to the truths which they taught, was hypocritical, cold, and uninfluential. But, when it pleased the Lord, in his sovereign wisdom and goodness, to pour out His Spirit upon the Esquimaux congregation, at a time, and under circumstances, when it was least expected, then indeed, the once ignorant savages believed "with the heart unto righteousness," and the marvellous change produced in their principles, affections, and conduct, manifested that they had indeed received power to become the sons of God. PREFACE. May the great Head of the Church be pleased to vouchsafe His blessing to this little Volume! May it be the means of exciting in careless souls, a desire after a name, and a place in that eternal kingdom of light and purity, of which it treats! And may it excite in the breasts of those, who have already been delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into that kingdom, fervent desires to extend its conquests, until all the ends of this dark and sinful world, "Shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Him.” OCTOBER, 1831. CONTENTS. Situation of Labrador-General appearance of the country Severity of the cold during winter-Ap- proach of summer-Thawing of the ice-Mountains and fields of ice-Fogs-Esquimaux-Their stature -Countenance-Dress-Mode of subsistence-Dogs Earliest labours of the Moravians in the Northern Regions-First attempt to establish a Mission on the coast of Labrador-A ship sent out by the Bre- thren-Murder of Erhard-Return of the Mission- aries-A second Missionary Enterprise undertaken -Mr. Havens intercourse with the Esquimaux→→ |