To this account, the brethren added the following pertinent remark: "We often hear the Esquimaux relate dreams; and certain it is, that several of our Esquimaux have been led to very serious reflections, by occasion of a remarkable, and, perhaps, terrifying dream, and been convinced of their lost and wretched state. We do not encourage a belief in the fulfilment of dreams, nor pay any regard to them in general; but yet we find the words of Scripture true, Job xxxiii. 14-17. 'God speaketh once, yea, twice, but man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men; in slumberings upon the bed: then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that he may withdraw them from their purpose.'" Towards the end of this remarkable year, the missionaries, in their diary, thus exultingly break forth: "O! that we were able, by words, to convey to our dear brethren and sisters, some faint idea of our sensations, and of the joy and gratitude we feel in beholding this work of the Lord among our dear Esquimaux. Could they but see the marvellous change wrought in the minds and conduct of some of these people, who were lately such avowed enemies of the truth, led captive by Satan at his will, and delighting in the most filthy and outrageous practices, they would mingle their tears of joy with us. We now hear backsliders as well as heathen, those who have long heard, but never believed in the gospel, speaking the same language as those who have never, till now, heard of a Saviour; all confess themselves most vile and unworthy, weep over their sins, and cry for mercy through the atonement of Jesus. Thus, in Labrador also, the word of the cross is the power of God unto salvation. We regard this gracious work of the Saviour, as the blossoming of a precious plant, which has been long germinating in the earth, and on whose growth we have been waiting with the utmost anxiety;--now that it has at last sprung up, and is bearing beautiful flowers, may He cause it to prosper and bring forth fruit unto eternal life!" FOOTNOTES: [Footnote H: The Esquimaux always receive a new name at baptism, and most of them have such an abhorrence at the recollection of their early life as heathens, that it sickens them when any one calls them by their old Esquimaux names. They regard the days past, in which they fulfilled the lusts of the flesh, as almost literally a state of death.] CHAPTER VI.