An issue so disastrous to an expedition so well planned, which
apparently carried within itself every rational promise of prosperity,
was calculated to throw a damp upon any renewal of missionary
enterprize in that quarter; and it did so with those who imagined that
they themselves could command success, if their projects were
judiciously concerted, and the means sufficiently supplied. It had no
such effect on that eminent servant of God, Count Zinzendorff. When
the mournful accounts of the uncertain fate of Erhardt and his
companions reached that nobleman, he was grieved, yet not
distressed--perplexed, yet not in despair; for he saw much mercy
mingled in the dispensation, and was thankful to God that four
brethren had returned safe. Next year the vessel Hope re-visited the
coast of Labrador, under the command of Captain Goff. He heard that
some dead bodies had been found and buried, and that the missionary
station had been burned, but no further particulars were ever learned.
In this manner ended the first commercial adventure and first mission
to Labrador--enforcing, in a salutary and impressive manner, the
fundamental maxim of the brethren, that worldly speculation ought
never to be joined with Christian enterprize.
Notwithstanding this failure, the brethren did not relinquish the hope
that God would, in some way or other, direct them how to reach these
savages, and there were not wanting men who showed a strong desire to
carry the gospel among them. In particular, Jans Haven, a carpenter,
from the moment he heard that Erhardt had been killed by the
Esquimaux, could never get rid of the powerful impulse, and in his
retirement constantly employed himself with charts and books relating
to the subject, and by every means endeavoured to make himself
acquainted with the inhabitants, customs, climate and situation of
Labrador.
In the year 1758, Haven received a call to assist the Greenland
missionaries in founding the new settlement of Lichtenfels. He then
for the first time told Count Zinzendorff, that during six years he
had cherished the idea of going to Labrador to make known to the
heathen their Creator and Saviour. At first the Count hesitated
whether he should allow him to go to Greenland, but upon
consideration, he thought it would be better for him to proceed
thither; and on taking leave, and giving him his blessing, he said,
"Go first to Greenland and learn the language, and the Saviour will do
the rest." He accordingly went thither, and was honoured, along with
M. Stach, to promote the second settlement in that country.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account