I saw
a small vapour arising, and shortly after, the appearance of a man in
a watery habit stood before me. I was filled with horror, my whole
frame shook with fear, and I covered my face with my hands."
His brother recovered, and the impression of this strange occurrence
appears to have been forgotten, when a terrible dream overwhelmed his
mind with anguish and terror. "I thought," to resume his own language,
"I thought I saw a very deep, dark cavern, the descent to which was a
narrow, steep chasm. In this horrible place, I discovered my mother,
my relations, and many others whom I had known, and who had led a very
wicked life upon earth, sitting in great torments, and exhibiting a
dreadful appearance. I was already with my feet slipping down the
chasm; and it seemed as if somebody said to me, 'Unto that dark place
thou must likewise depart!' From that moment I found no rest anywhere,
but having heard that true believers lived at Hopedale, I resolved to
come hither, and with my whole family to be converted to Jesus, that I
may not likewise descend into the place of torment, and be lost for
ever. But alas! I know not how to get released from evil, for I still
feel as if I was bound with the chains of sin."
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 Sa
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