Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian: A Memoir — John Shaqi
Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian: A MemoirMurray, T. B. (Thomas Boyles)
Religion
Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian: A Memoir
Murray, T. B. (Thomas Boyles)
Eskimos; Kallihirua, approximately 1834-1856
In a full communication, made to the Warden, the Bishop said, "The
almost suddenness of our good gentle Kalli's removal makes it
difficult to realize the fact that 'he is gone.' I still look for his
familiar strange face among the students, wondering at his unwonted
absence. He seemed quite identified with our little company. We all
miss him greatly, but he has now entered on that perfect rest which he
seemed made for, and is delivered from a troublesome, naughty world
for which he was certainly not made."
The Bishop also spoke of Kalli's _submission to those set over him;
his kindness to all around him, and his attention to all his religious
duties_.
Many young persons, born and bred in our own country, and brought up
from the cradle in the very midst of Christian instruction, may glean
a valuable lesson from the character of this lamented Esquimaux
Christian. They may ask themselves, with some feeling of self-reproof,
whether they should have merited such praise from one so revered, and
so well qualified to judge. "Perhaps," added Bishop Feild, "I was a
little proud at being able to exhibit a far-off Esquimaux brought
near, and among my own scholars."
During Kalli's last illness, which, though short, was not without
considerable suffering, the same spirit of resignation and
thankfulness, which he had always shown, was evinced. "Mr. D---- very
kind," "K---- very kind," "Mrs.---- very kind," "Sorry to give so much
trouble," were expressions continually on his lips, as he was visited
and assisted by his fellow-students, and other friends in succession.
His gentle spirit departed in the presence of the Rev. Thomas Wood,
the Rev. Principal of the College, and all his fellow-students.
The Rev. J. F. Phelps, Vice-Principal of St. John's College,
Newfoundland, who had been a fellow-student of Kalli's, at St.
Augustine's, wrote thus, June 25, 1856, respecting him.
"I have every reason to believe and hope that he has been translated
to a better state, and that he now rests in his Saviour: for though
he had not much knowledge, yet few indeed act up to their knowledge so
well and consistently as he did to his. It must be a comfort to you,
Sir, to be assured that in his last moments he was cared for, and
attended by all members of the College here, the students constantly
being with him, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Mountain and myself. He showed
himself very grateful for all that was being done for him, and
expressed great sorrow at giving so much trouble. He always spoke of
his friends in England with great affection, and was delighted
whenever he received letters from them, which he was always eager to
answer. Altogether, his was a very amiable character, and we all felt
his loss very much."
In another letter from Mr. Phelps is the following passage:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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