Missionary Work Among the Ojebway IndiansWilson, Edward Francis
History
Missionary Work Among the Ojebway Indians
Wilson, Edward Francis
Indians of North America -- Missions; Ojibwa Indians
Our route lay through the middle of the lake, which is about ten miles
long. As we again entered the bush at its north end, to our great
astonishment we met the very pagan Indian whom we were so anxious to
see. He had a small tebaugan drawn by one dog--was on his way to the
'Neepigon Post' for pork and flour. His wife and children were very
hungry, rabbits and fish this winter being so scarce that several of
the Indians are obliged to abandon their usual hunting grounds.
'Kebuk,' for this is the pagan's name, was very glad to see us, a
large fire was quickly made, snow melted, pork fried, and soon the
Missionary, guide, and pagan were enjoying a hearty meal.
About two years ago, and upon two different occasions, I had visited
this pagan family. I tried to preach Christ to them the Saviour of all
men. I must confess that after twice travelling a distance of eighty
miles through the dense bush, that I was a little discouraged and
depressed in spirits to find that the invitation was refused, and full
and free salvation through the precious blood of Jesus rejected.
And now for the third time the Missionary and pagan meet face to face.
He knows full well the errand on which I have come. As we sat for a few
minutes in silence around the blazing fire I prayed to my Father in
secret to enlighten his understanding, and give him grace to receive
the Gospel message and enter the fold of the Good Shepherd.
'Owh suh kadabwayandung kuhya kabaptizooind tahbemahjeah, owh
duhyabwendusig tahnahneboomah.' ('He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be condemned.') The
once proud pagan now kneels in prayer; he receives Christ rejoicingly;
accepts, this time, the Gospel invitation. 'Proceed on your journey,'
said he, 'go to my wigwam, baptize all my children, and next spring,
when navigation opens, I will go to the Mission and myself and wife
will be baptized in the church at Ningwinnenang. This is my wish, I
will build a house on the Mission ground and am very anxious that my
children should be properly instructed.' After bidding us a friendly
'boozhoo,' he proceeded on his journey to the Neepigon Post, and we
hastened toward the wigwam from which we were still ten miles distant.
At about 3 p.m. we reached Muskrat Lake, which is four miles long. On
the opposite shore we saw the pagan's daughter fishing for pike with
hook and line under the ice. When she first noticed us approaching, she
quickly disappeared in the bush, entered the wigwam and apprized them
of our coming.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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