INTERCHANGE OF VISITS WITH THE ESKIMOES.


"Good luck to you, sir!" That was meant for "Good-bye," and is the
sort of English the Eskimoes to the south of Hopedale have learnt.
Both at that station and here at Nain I have had curious visits from
such as prided themselves on their knowledge of my mother-tongue. Some
spoke it very fairly, but my conversation with the natives was, of
course, mostly through an interpreter. These visits are quite a
feature of mission-house life. One afternoon at Hopedale Jonas and his
wife Lydia came to see me. The good man said: "As there are so many
souls here, I would ask our angayokaks (elders or superiors) in London
and Berthelsdorf for God's sake to let us have teachers, as long as
there are people here. We cannot do without them. We have undying
souls, and must be cared for." With tears he added, "When I cannot
sleep, I ask God for this. We thank the angayokaks very much. I hope
God will grant those who are leaving us a good passage. We may never
meet again on earth, but I hope we shall in heaven."

I had specially interesting visits from some of the native-helpers at
different stations. They expressed their humble sense of unworthiness,
and their gratitude for the benefits which come to them and their
countrymen through the mission. They also promised faithfully to stand
by their missionaries. My conviction is that the spiritual life of
each congregation very much depends on the Christian character,
stability, and influence of its native leaders.