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