The Moravians in Labrador by Anonymous
page 112 of 220 (50%)
page 112 of 220 (50%)
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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 |
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