Her change made a deep impression on a moral, intelligent, but
self-righteous unbaptized woman. She could not comprehend how one so
wicked and debased could speak of Jesus with so much joy and praise,
when she, who was so very superior a character, felt nothing of the
kind. On this she became unhappy; she began to perceive her hitherto
supposed righteousness was only a filthy garment, and in an agony, ran
to her she had formerly despised as a sinner, to ask how she could
obtain forgiveness of sin, and love to Jesus. The latter took her by
the hand, and both went to a solitary place, where she prayed that the
Saviour might also shew mercy to her; and now these women got rest to
their souls, and with one mouth declared what great things the Lord
had done for them. Shortly after, two other women joined them, and
these four were of one heart and one mind. Their uncommon spirituality
attracted the notice of the congregation, and they were honoured by
the formalists among them, with the epithet of "enthusiasts," but soon
the Spirit of God was shed abroad on them also, and new life was
infused into the members of the church, and throughout the
settlement.
In the meetings an extraordinary degree of eagerness and devotion was
perceived--they no longer went to church merely for form's sake, but
from the impulse of their hearts, and to find comfort and enjoyment;
and after the meetings, many came into the house to express their
thankfulness that they now experienced the truth of what was spoken,
and could bear witness of its power; or to request an explanation of
what they yet but partly understood. The schools were diligently
attended, and many of them, especially the men, showed a great desire
to learn to write. Some proceeded so far, though with but little
instruction, as to be able to write a pretty legible hand; a few
copied out the collection of hymns, and several seemed to take a
particular delight in letter writing, of which the following, from
Jonathan to William Turner, formerly a missionary in Labrador, but
then residing at the brethren's settlement at Fulneck in Yorkshire,
may serve as a specimen--Jonathan and his wife Sibylla were the first
Esquimaux baptized at Hopedale. It was dated October 1804----"My
beloved William, First I will tell you, that since we two travelled
together in a boat, and you then spake so much to me about the state
of my soul, I have never forgot your words of instruction. I was a
very bad man at that time, and also when you lived here I walked in
darkness, and continually did that which was bad. After I was baptized
I was not much better, and when I went with you to the holy communion
while you lived here, I had many bad thoughts, of which I very much
repent. But since you left us, I have turned with my whole heart to
Jesus, and all my thoughts and desires are drawn towards him.--Now
that I begin to be old, the feeling of his forgiveness is my only
comfort, and I have nothing which I so much desire after as Him, and
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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