smooth ice, made a meal of the remnant of their provisions, and got some warm coffee. Thus refreshed, they resolved to proceed, without stopping, till they reached Nain, where they arrived at twelve o'clock at night. The Brethren at Nain rejoiced exceedingly to see them return, for by several hints of the Esquimaux, who first met them going out to sea, and who then, in their own obscure way, had ineffectually endeavoured to warn them of the danger of the ground-swell, their fellow-missionaries, and especially their wives, had been much terrified. One of these Esquimaux, whose wife had made some article of dress for Brother Liebisch, whom they called Samuel, addressed her in the following manner: "I should be glad of the payment for my wife's work." "Wait a little," answered Sister Liebisch; "and, when my husband returns, he will settle with you, for I am unacquainted with the bargain made between you." "Samuel and William," replied the Esquimaux, "will not return any more to Nain." "How, not return! What makes you say so!" After

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some pause, the Esquimaux replied, in a low tone," Samuel and William are no more! all their bones are broken, and in the stomachs of the sharks." Terrified at this alarming account, Sister Liebisch called in the rest of the family, and the Esquimaux was examined as to his meaning; but his answers were little less obscure.* He seemed so certain of the destruction of the Missionaries, that he was with difficulty prevailed on to wait some time for their return. He could not believe that they could have escaped the effects of so furious a tempest, considering the course they were taking.

It may easily be conceived, with what gratitude to God the whole family at Nain bid them welcome. During the storm, they had considered with some dread, what might be the fate of their Brethren, though at Nain, its violence was not felt as much as on a coast unprotected by any islands. Added to this,

The Esquimaux do not like to speak plainly upon disagreeable subjects, nor ever fairly contradict the person they are addressing: and, in general, are very reserved.

the hints of the Esquimaux had considerably increased their apprehensions for their safety, and their fears began to get the better of their hopes. All therefore joined most fervently in praise and thanksgiving to God, for this signal deliverance.

In the amazing preservation of the Missionary Brethren, in the midst of such dangers, we are reminded, that, although the waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horri. bly, "The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." And, indeed, his power in sending forth the stormy wind to disturb the unstable waters of the great ocean, is not so admirable, as the manifestation of the same power, in tranquilizing and composing into a settled confidence, the naturally timorous hearts of his poor servants, amidst such external commotions. Had all who name the name of Christ, the same trust in his power and love, as was enjoyed by the Missionary brethren, were all like them, willing to sacrifice their accustomed comforts and accommodations, where the prospect of promoting

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their master's interests, called for such a sacrifice did all exhibit the same patient endurance of suffering, the ignorance of foolish men would at once be put to silence, and the name of the Lord would be greatly glorified. The patient, unmurmuring, and devout deportment of the Missionary brethren, under their painful trial, attracted the notice, even of the Esquimaux sorcerer, who travelled with them. Let each Christian recollect, that he is called upon to make a like palpable exhibition of the excellent fruits of the faith which he professes to have received-" Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven."

H

CHAPTER V.

Lukewarmness of many of the baptized EsquimauxUnpromising appearance of the settlement at Hopedale-Wise reflections of Esquimaux-Death of Mikak-Conversion and death of a noted Angekok and murderer-Death of Esther.

AMIDST all the external hardships to which the Missionaries were exposed, they were called to still severer trials by observing the deadness and lukewarmness which prevailed among many members of their flock, and the open deviations of several who had been already baptized.

The unpromising appearance of things at the new Settlement of Hopedale, was another cause of uneasiness to the Brethren. The heathen in that neighbourhood, had at first, manifested much eagerness to hear the Gospel, and the Missionaries had also indulg