The Moravians in Labrador by Anonymous
page 39 of 220 (17%)
page 39 of 220 (17%)
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violence should from that time cease on both sides, and that mutual
confidence might be restored and maintained. He also learned by his means the chief places of their residence, and their actual numbers--important points for regulating his future intercourse with that nation. In these respects, the missionary was unweariedly diligent, and his efforts were so successful, that, during the whole time he and his brethren remained, peace and good will was preserved among all parties. But at the same time he neglected no opportunity to exhibit the crucified Jesus, and commend him to the heathen as their Saviour. The following excerpts from his diary may serve as a specimen:--When he spake to them of the corruption and depravity of all men, they thought he only meant the Kablunat, or foreigners, not them, they were good Karalit. "Have you ever," said he, "any bad thoughts?" "No." "But when you think we will kill the Kablunat, and take their boats and their goods, are not these bad thoughts?" "Yes." "Would you not then wish to be delivered from your bad thoughts, words, and actions?" "We do not know,"--concluded their catechism. When the missionary told them that the Greenlanders had been washed from their sins in the blood of Jesus, they were amazed, and said, "they must have been very wicked fellows!" and when he spoke to them of eternal damnation, they supposed it was only the Kablunat that were sent to hell, (because they did wicked things,--as for them they were good Karalit.) Having upon one occasion mentioned God to them, they said, "Thou speakest of Torngarsuk." He then asked them if Torngarsuk created all things; they answered, "We do not know." But an Angekok said immediately, "Torngarsuk ajungilak,"--the great spirit is good and holy; and another added, "Ajuatangilat,"--nothing is impossible to |
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