them." In proportion as we know and believe the Gospel for ourselves, the word most aptly describing the state of our souls, will be peace. In proportion as this blessed knowledge is diffused throughout a family, or community, peace will accompany it, and did the leaven of the Gospel extend its operation throughout the whole mass of mankind, then the glorious descriptions of prophecy would be realized in the prevalence of universal harmony and love: Men would "beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation would not lift up sword against nation, neither would they learn war any more; they would sit, every man under his vine, and under his figtree, and none should make them afraid." Let none, therefore, who neglect opportunities of imparting the knowledge of the Gospel to their families, their acquaintances, and mankind in general, suppose that they have any interest in the blessing pronounced in the words of our Redeemer; "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God."

CHAPTER X.

General state of the Congregations in 1824- Consecration of a new Church-Famine among the Heathen-Conversion of a murderer-Power of example-Benefit of Bible reading-Declarations of Believing Esquimaux-Wonderful preservations of the lives of some Esquimaux.

IN proceeding with the history of the Labrador Mission, we shall here lay before the reader, a regular view of the state of the congregations in 1824, and then return to notice some interesting particulars which occurred since the year 1821, the date to which the narrative has been carried in the preceding chapter.

The general view of the state of the Esquimaux congregations, which we are now about to lay before the reader, is taken from a statement submitted to the Brethren's Society for

the propagation of the Gospel, by the Missionary Kohlmeister; and we shall be prepared to appreciate his testimony, when informed that he had laboured for thirty-four years in the service of the Labrador Mission.

1. "The work of God in the hearts of our

dear Esquimaux, proceeds in the power of the Spirit, and with rich blessing, and I may with truth assert, that they grow in grace, and in the love and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Their number is likewise on the increase.

2. The congregation at Okkak in particular, obtains a great increase from year to year, by the arrival of heathen from the coast to the north of the Settlement, as you will see by their reports.

"The number of heathen Esquimaux in their neighbourhood is indeed decreasing, but Okkak may yet be called a Mission among

the heathen.'

3. "Nain and Hopedale are now Christian Settlements, all the inhabitants being initiated into the Christian church by holy baptism, except a few children, and no heathen live in

EFFECTS OF BIBLE READING. 249

their neighbourhood. Their increase, therefore, depends upon the rising generation, and upon the accession of persons coming from a distance to reside among them. On this account, the endeavours of the Missionaries, in these two Settlements, are particularly directed to instil into the minds of the youth, the principles and precepts of vital Christianity, and to see to it, that, by the grace of our Saviour, all the souls committed to their care, become more firmly grounded and established in faith and love, and walk worthy of their high and heavenly calling. This is done by faithful instruction, accompanied with watchfulness and prayer.

4. “The most efficacious means of promoting their growth in grace, is the reading of the New Testament, which they have now in their hands, through the generosity of the venerable British and Foreign Bible Society, They read therein daily in their houses and tents, with the greatest earnestness, delight, and edification. We have, indeed, ever since the arrival of this most precious gift, observed a great change. Their understanding of the

word of God, and the doctrines which it contains, has greatly increased, and the influence upon their moral conduct is manifest; for they now, more than ever, desire to regulate their walk and conversation in conformity to truly Christian principles.

5. " Again, the schools which are held with both children and adults, from November to April, are a most powerful means of forwarding their improvement in every thing good and profitable for them. Most of our people attend them with great diligence, and with an earnest desire to be soon able to read the New Testament for themselves. There are among the children, some of five, and even four years of age, who read well. The severest punishment that can be inflicted on a child, is to keep him from school. The whole number of Christian Esquimaux under the care of the Brethren, is at present 705, old and young: since the Jubilee of the Mission in 1821, upwards of one hundred heathen have been added to the Christian church.”

Besides the general information contained in the foregoing extracts, the Missionary