ties and promising appearances which had hitherto
sustained the spirits of the missionaries, there had been much
hypocrisy, cold-heartedness, self-deceit, backsliding, and apostasy,
among those who formed their congregations; and what was painful
almost beyond conception, even in their church. But now the Lord
appeared in their behalf, and in his adorable procedure, the most
unlikely were the first objects of his awakening grace; and that
station, which for many years had been so barren, that the brethren at
one time had contemplated giving it up as hopeless, was that to which,
in his inscrutable sovereignty, he chose to give the precedence in his
gracious visitation. The beginning of the year had proved very
unfavourable, and the Esquimaux at Hopedale had experienced
considerable distress for want of provisions; but amid all their
difficulties they attended church with cheerful countenances, and some
of them would say, "If we only feel in our hearts the presence of our
Saviour, who has loved us so much, and died and shed his blood that
our sins might be forgiven, we may well be cheerful and contented,
though our outward circumstances are difficult, and we have not much
to eat, for we trust he will care for us in that respect, and we look
to him for help." The behaviour of the people during this time of
trial gave the missionaries much pleasure and encouragement. There was
a general and powerful awakening among them, which first began to be
perceived among some women who were baptized the winter before, but
who appeared to have become cold and lifeless. These were led by the
Spirit of truth, in a particular manner, to a knowledge of their
sinful and depraved hearts. An earnest desire was at the same time
created within them, not only to experience the forgiveness of all
their sins, but to know the crucified Saviour, so often described to
them as their reconciler; and by the testimony of their own hearts and
consciences, to be assured of their interest in Him and his atonement.
Their declarations on this occasion were such, that the missionaries
were quite surprised at the knowledge they had already gained by the
Spirit's light, and not by the instruction of man; and with fervent
thanksgivings to the Saviour they joined frequent prayer, that he
would grant them grace and wisdom to lead these souls, awakened from
death unto life, according to their measure, and in the best manner,
so as to farther their progress on the way