Fortified by this proclamation, which secured to the missionary the
protection of the British Government, a protection which the Brethren
have to this day enjoyed, he embarked on board a ship bound for the
north, from which he was transferred to a French shallop engaged in
fishing on the shores of Labrador. When they arrived on the coast,
Haven for the first time saw the Esquimaux rowing about in their
kaiaks, but none were permitted to approach without being fired upon,
so great was the dread these savages had inspired. He landed, however,
24th Aug., near Chateau Bay, 52 degrees N.L.; but the inhabitants
fled at his approach, at least none made their appearance till he left
the shore, when they came in numbers to the beach, which was the
subject of much merriment to the sailors, who made both him and his
object the frequent subjects of their coarse ridicule--the few who
sympathized in his disappointment advised him to return, and refused
further assistance in what they considered so hopeless a cause. At the
same time he was informed that a murderous project was in
contemplation against the natives.
All these things filled his heart with the most pungent sorrow, preyed
upon his mind, and wasted his body--and he cried to the Lord for
relief and help in this distressing situation. Once, when writing down
his heavy mournful cogitations in his journal, the master of the
shallop entered his cabin, and seeing him in tears, inquired whether
he was going to make a complaint to the owners? "No," replied he, "but
I mean to complain of you to God, that he may notice your wicked
conduct on the present occasion, for ye have taken his name in vain,
and ye have mocked his word!" Struck with this address, the captain
entreated his forgiveness, and promised that from henceforth he would
do every thing to promote his design, which he faithfully performed,
and landed him next day at Quirpont or Quiverant, a harbour in an
island, off the north-east extremity of Newfoundland.
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